Thomas Built Buses is recalling 138 2019-2023 Saf-T-Liner Hdx buses for improper battery cable routing. Repair is free at franchised Thomas Built Buses dealers.
Thomas Built Buses is recalling 138 2019-2023 Saf-T-Liner Hdx buses because the positive battery cable can rub against transmission oil cooler hoses and chafe through. That contact can cause an electrical short circuit and increase the risk of a fire, and Thomas Built Buses dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The positive battery cable on 2019-2023 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner Hdx buses carries electrical power from the battery into the vehicle's electrical system. It needs to stay secured in its proper path so it does not rub against nearby parts while the bus moves and vibrates.
On affected buses, the cable routing lets the battery cable contact the transmission oil cooler hoses. That contact can wear through the cable insulation over time. If the cable wears far enough, it can create an electrical fault and, in the extreme, a heat event.
The warning sign is visible chafing on the battery cables during inspection. Thomas Built Buses' maintenance manual calls for checking the battery cables for chafing every 4,000 miles (6,400 km) or 60 days, giving operators repeated chances to find the rubbing before it reaches the safety risk.
Who's affected?
Spans the 2019 through 2023 Saf-T-Liner Hdx model years, all tied to the same battery cable clamp.
| 2022 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner Hdx | battery |
|---|---|
| 2021 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner Hdx | battery |
| 2023 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner Hdx | battery |
| 2020 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner Hdx | battery |
| 2019 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner Hdx | battery |
| Units affected | 138 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific bus is included.
What's the safety risk?
An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire. Visible battery cable chafing during maintenance is the warning sign. If maintenance shows chafing, schedule the recall inspection before the cable wears farther. Repair is free at any franchised Thomas Built Buses dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2019-2023 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner Hdx is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Thomas Built Buses dealer to schedule the free battery-cable routing inspection and repair, which fixes the chafing risk near the transmission oil cooler hoses.
- Bring the owner letter if you have it, and reference recall number 22V272 when you call.
- Limit use until the battery cable routing is inspected and repaired.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Thomas Built Buses technician inspects the positive battery cable routing and repairs it if the cable is routed close enough to chafe against the transmission oil cooler hoses. The recall repair is free, with parts and labor covered. The service visit focuses on moving, securing, or repairing the cable routing so it no longer rubs in that area. Owner letters were mailed January 20, 2023, and DTNA lists recall FL929 for dealer and customer service reference.
Timeline
| April 22, 2022 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| June 20, 2022 | Dealer notification began |
| June 20, 2022 | Dealer notification ended |
| June 20, 2022 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| January 20, 2023 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 22V272?
Recall 22V272 covers 138 2019-2023 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner Hdx commercial buses with a positive battery cable routed incorrectly. The cable can chafe against transmission oil cooler hoses, cause an electrical short circuit, and increase fire risk. Dealers will inspect and repair the cable routing for free.
What should I do if my 2019-2023 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner Hdx is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific bus is included in recall 22V272. If it is, contact a franchised Thomas Built Buses dealer to schedule the battery-cable routing inspection and repair. Reference recall number 22V272 or DTNA recall FL929 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and DTNA says dealers will inspect and repair the cable routing as needed free of charge. The free repair is handled through franchised Thomas Built Buses dealers.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is fire. If the positive battery cable chafes against the transmission oil cooler hoses, it can create an electrical short circuit. That short circuit can increase the risk of a fire, so confirmed buses need the dealer inspection and cable-routing repair.
When were owners notified about recall 22V272?
Owner notification letters were mailed January 20, 2023. If you bought the bus used or never received a letter, check your VIN to confirm whether your specific Saf-T-Liner Hdx is included, then call a franchised Thomas Built Buses dealer or DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/22V272000 |
|---|---|
| Thomas Built Buses customer service | 1-800-547-0712 |
| NHTSA recall # | 22V272 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 22V272000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Misc. Document (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 20, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →