Recall 25V850 covers 2 2026-2027 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 buses for wheelchair restraint retractors that do not lock. Dealer repair is free.
Thomas Built Buses is recalling 2 2026-2027 Saf-T-Liner C2 and Saf-T-Liner C2 Jouley buses under recall 25V850 because a QRT-Deluxe or QRT-Max wheelchair restraint retractor can fail to lock. An unsecured wheelchair can move during transit and raise the risk of injury, and Thomas Built Buses dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The wheelchair restraint system in the 2026-2027 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 and Saf-T-Liner C2 Jouley buses is designed to hold a wheelchair in place during travel. Its retractor manages the restraint webbing and is supposed to lock so the chair stays secured to the bus.
On these buses, the QRT-Deluxe or QRT-Max restraint retractor can fail to lock. The problem comes from friction between internal parts that makes the auto-release function stick. If the retractor stays unlocked, the restraint does not hold the wheelchair as intended, and the chair can move during normal vehicle motion.
Drivers, attendants, or service staff can catch this during a standard functional inspection or pre-trip inspection. Abnormal wheelchair movement is also a warning sign that the restraint is not locking as it should.
Who's affected?
Covers the Saf-T-Liner C2 and Saf-T-Liner C2 Jouley across the 2026-2027 model years; both use the same mobility-aid restraint latch/anchor component.
| 2027 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 | Latch/anchor |
|---|---|
| 2026 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 Jouley | Latch/anchor |
| Units affected | 2 |
| 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 unsecured wheelchair can move during transit, increasing injury risk. Inspect the wheelchair tiedown retractors during the pre-trip check and watch for abnormal wheelchair movement. If a retractor is unlocked or the chair shifts, keep that wheelchair position out of service and arrange the recall inspection. Repair is free at any franchised Thomas Built Buses dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2026-2027 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 or Saf-T-Liner C2 Jouley bus is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Thomas Built Buses dealer to schedule the free wheelchair-restraint retractor inspection and replacement that fixes the retractor lock problem.
- Bring the recall notice if you have it. If not, reference recall number 25V850 when you call.
- Avoid using the affected wheelchair restraint until the dealer confirms it locks and secures the wheelchair properly.
- Call Thomas Built Buses customer service at 1-800-547-0712 with questions about scheduling or parts.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Thomas Built Buses technician inspects the wheelchair restraint retractor and replaces the retractor if it does not lock as required. Parts and labor are free under the recall. Because DTNA used the manufacturer's standard reimbursement plan on file, owners who already paid for this retractor repair can ask Thomas Built Buses or DTNA customer service how to submit documentation for reimbursement. Bring receipts or repair invoices to the service desk.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| December 9, 2025 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| December 29, 2025 | Dealer notification began |
| December 29, 2025 | Dealer notification ended |
| February 5, 2026 | Owner notification mailed |
| February 7, 2026 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 25V850?
Recall 25V850 covers 2 2026-2027 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 and Saf-T-Liner C2 Jouley buses equipped with QRT-Deluxe or QRT-Max wheelchair restraints. The retractor defect can prevent proper wheelchair securement. A dealer will inspect and replace the retractor for free.
What should I do if my 2026-2027 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 or Saf-T-Liner C2 Jouley is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific bus is included in recall 25V850. If it is, contact a Thomas Built Buses dealer to schedule the wheelchair restraint retractor inspection. The dealer will replace the retractor as needed for free. Reference DTNA recall number F1028 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 a dealer will inspect and replace the wheelchair restraint retractor as needed free of charge. Owners can call DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712.
What is the safety risk?
An unsecured wheelchair can move during transit, increasing the risk of injury. This recall is about the wheelchair restraint retractor, not the bus driveline. If the VIN is included, arrange the free dealer inspection and retractor replacement before using the affected wheelchair securement position.
When were owners notified about recall 25V850?
Owner notification letters were mailed on February 5, 2026. If you operate or recently acquired one of these buses and did not receive a letter, check your VIN and contact a Thomas Built Buses dealer with recall number 25V850 or DTNA number F1028.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/25V850000 |
|---|---|
| Thomas Built Buses customer service | 1-800-547-0712 |
| NHTSA recall # | 25V850 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 25V850000 |
Source documents
-
Download Quarterly Report (PDF) - Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (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 19, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →