Recall 26V086 affects 2,843 2023-2026 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner Efx and Saf-T-Liner Hdx school buses for loose heater hose clamps. Repair is free at any franchised Thomas Built Buses dealer.
Thomas Built Buses is recalling 2,843 2023-2026 Saf-T-Liner Efx and Saf-T-Liner Hdx school buses because heater hose clamps were not tightened properly. A loose hose can disconnect and leak hot heating coolant into the passenger compartment, creating a burn risk for occupants; Thomas Built Buses dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The heater hose clamp on 2023-2026 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner Efx and Saf-T-Liner Hdx school buses holds a heater hose tight against its fitting. That hose carries hot engine coolant through the bus body so the heater can warm the passenger compartment. The clamp has to stay tight because the coolant is under pressure while the heating system is working.
On affected buses, the clamps were not installed according to Thomas Built Buses' process, including the proper use of torque-control tools. If a clamp is loose, the heater hose can work free from its fitting. Once the hose disconnects, heating coolant can leak inside the passenger compartment and reach occupants.
There is no warning sign before failure. After the hose comes loose, a driver or passenger can notice coolant inside the bus, wet flooring near the heater hose area, heat or steam, or a coolant smell.
Who's affected?
Covers Saf-T-Liner Efx and Saf-T-Liner Hdx buses across the 2023-2026 model years, all tied to the same heater hose clamp.
| 2024 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner Efx | Hoses/lines/piping/fittings |
|---|---|
| 2026 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner Efx | Hoses/lines/piping/fittings |
| 2025 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner Efx | Hoses/lines/piping/fittings |
| 2023 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner Efx | Hoses/lines/piping/fittings |
| 2026 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner Hdx | Hoses/lines/piping/fittings |
| 2025 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner Hdx | Hoses/lines/piping/fittings |
| 2024 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner Hdx | Hoses/lines/piping/fittings |
| 2023 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner Hdx | Hoses/lines/piping/fittings |
| Units affected | 2,843 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 57 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?
Hot heating coolant can burn occupants and increase the risk of injury. For NHTSA campaign 26V086, schedule the heater hose clamp inspection and repair soon, especially if the bus carries passengers. Repair is free at any franchised Thomas Built Buses dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2023-2026 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner Efx or Saf-T-Liner Hdx school bus is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Thomas Built Buses dealer to schedule the free heater-hose-clamp inspection and replacement that prevents hot coolant from leaking into the passenger compartment.
- Bring the owner letter if you received one. If not, reference recall number 26V086 when you call.
- Call Thomas Built Buses customer service at 1-800-547-0712 with questions about scheduling or dealer instructions.
- Avoid carrying passengers if heating coolant leaks inside the bus, and contact the dealer before the next trip.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Thomas Built Buses technician inspects the heater hose clamps and replaces any clamps that need replacement. The recall covers the inspection, replacement parts, and labor at no cost. DTNA uses its general reimbursement plan for this campaign. If you already paid out of pocket for a related heater hose clamp or coolant leak repair before the recall notice, ask the service desk how to submit repair documentation under that plan.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| February 13, 2026 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| March 4, 2026 | Dealer notification began |
| March 4, 2026 | Dealer notification ended |
| April 10, 2026 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 26V086?
Recall 26V086 covers 2,843 2023-2026 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner Efx and Saf-T-Liner Hdx school buses. Heater hose clamps were not tightened properly, which can let a hose disconnect and leak hot heating coolant inside the passenger compartment. Dealers will inspect and replace clamps for free.
What should I do if my 2023-2026 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner Efx or Saf-T-Liner Hdx is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific bus is included in recall 26V086. If it is, contact a franchised Thomas Built Buses dealer to schedule the heater hose clamp inspection and replacement if needed. Reference DTNA recall number F1030 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 replace the heater hose clamps, if needed, free of charge at a franchised Thomas Built Buses dealer.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is burn injury from hot heating coolant. In recall 26V086, a disconnected heater hose can leak coolant into the passenger compartment, where contact with hot coolant can burn occupants. The free dealer inspection and clamp replacement addresses that risk.
When were owner letters mailed for this recall?
DTNA mailed owner notification letters on April 10, 2026. If you manage or own one of these buses and did not receive a letter, check your VIN and call a franchised Thomas Built Buses dealer with recall number 26V086 or DTNA recall number F1030.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/26V086000 |
|---|---|
| Thomas Built Buses customer service | 1-800-547-0712 |
| NHTSA recall # | 26V086 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 26V086000 |
Source documents
-
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 →