Recall 23V259 covers 48 2023-2024 Thomas Built Buses school buses for a missing tie-rod fastener. Repair will be free at a Thomas Built Buses dealer once available.
Thomas Built Buses is recalling 48 2023-2024 Saf-T-Liner C2 Jouley, Saf-T-Liner C2, and other school buses because a tie rod fastener can be missing, letting the steer arm detach. A detached steering arm can cause a sudden loss of steering control and increase crash risk; the dealer repair will be free once Thomas Built Buses makes it available.
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What's wrong?
The front steer axle on these 2023-2024 Thomas Built Buses school buses uses a tie rod assembly to connect the steering linkage to the steer arm at the wheel end. When the driver turns the wheel, the tie rod transfers that movement so the front wheels turn together and hold alignment.
On affected Saf-T-Liner C2 Jouley, Saf-T-Liner C2, Saf-T-Liner Mvp-Ef, Hdx, and Saf-T-Liner Efx buses, the tie rod castle nut lacks the required cotter pin. That small pin locks the nut in place after assembly. Without it, vibration and steering loads let the nut loosen, and the tie rod can disengage from the steering arm. DTNA traced the issue to rework operations outside the standard process with multiple inspection points.
A driver can notice extra free play in the steering wheel or feel that the bus is not tracking in proper alignment. Those are warning signs that the steering linkage needs inspection before the bus stays in service.
Who's affected?
The scope spans five bus lines from the 2023 and 2024 model years, tied to the same front steer axle tie rod cotter-pin.
| 2024 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 Jouley | tie rod (steering linkage) |
|---|---|
| 2023 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 Jouley | tie rod (steering linkage) |
| 2024 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 | tie rod (steering linkage) |
| 2023 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 | tie rod (steering linkage) |
| 2023 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner Mvp-Ef | tie rod (steering linkage) |
| 2023 Thomas Built Buses Hdx | tie rod (steering linkage) |
| 2023 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner Efx | tie rod (steering linkage) |
| Units affected | 48 |
| 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?
A detached steering arm can cause a sudden loss of steering control and increase the risk of a crash. Extra free play in the steering wheel or poor alignment are warning signs. If you notice either one, pull over safely and call the dealer. Repair will be free at any franchised Thomas Built Buses dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2023-2024 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 Jouley, Saf-T-Liner C2, Saf-T-Liner Mvp-Ef, Hdx, or Saf-T-Liner Efx is included in this recall.
- Watch for the owner letter Daimler mailed on August 11, 2023, or contact a franchised Thomas Built Buses dealer if you bought the bus used and never received it.
- Ask the dealer about the free tie-rod inspection and repair that secures the steering linkage and steer arm.
- Reference recall number 23V259 and Thomas Built Buses recall FL970 when you call.
- Limit driving until the bus is inspected and repaired, because a detached steer arm can cause a sudden loss of steering control.
What happens at the repair
The final remedy is still under development, so do not assume the full dealer repair can be scheduled yet. Once it opens, a Thomas Built Buses technician will inspect the tie rod assembly and repair or replace it as needed. Parts and labor are covered under the recall. DTNA's general reimbursement plan covers documented, eligible out-of-pocket repairs paid before the recall notice. Keep repair invoices and ask DTNA customer service or the dealer how to submit them.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| April 7, 2023 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| June 4, 2023 | Dealer notification began |
| June 4, 2023 | Dealer notification ended |
| June 4, 2023 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| August 11, 2023 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 23V259?
Recall 23V259 covers 48 2023-2024 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 Jouley, Saf-T-Liner C2, Saf-T-Liner Mvp-Ef, Hdx, and Saf-T-Liner Efx buses. The tie rod assembly lacks a fastener, which can let the steer arm detach. DTNA will inspect and repair or replace the tie rod assembly for free.
What should I do if my 2023-2024 Thomas Built Buses school bus is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm the bus is included in recall 23V259. If it is, contact a franchised Thomas Built Buses dealer or DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712 and reference recall FL970. The dealer inspection and tie rod repair or replacement are free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. DTNA will inspect the tie rod assembly and repair or replace it as needed free of charge through the dealer repair process.
What is the safety risk in recall 23V259?
The risk is sudden loss of steering control. A missing tie rod fastener can allow the steer arm to detach, increasing the risk of a crash. Confirm the VIN, then arrange the free dealer inspection and repair before returning the bus to regular service.
When were owners notified about recall 23V259?
DTNA mailed owner notification letters on August 11, 2023. If the bus changed hands or the letter never reached the current operator, the VIN still decides whether the recall applies. Use recall FL970 when contacting DTNA or the dealer.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/23V259000 |
|---|---|
| Thomas Built Buses customer service | 1-800-547-0712 |
| NHTSA recall # | 23V259 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 23V259000 |
Source documents
-
Download Quarterly Report (PDF) - Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Misc. Document (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (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 →