If your VIN is in recall 26V087, Thomas Built Buses will inspect Saf-T-Liner heater hose clamps free at any franchised Thomas Built Buses dealer.
Thomas Built Buses is recalling 52 2023-2026 Saf-T-Liner Hdx and Saf-T-Liner Efx buses because loose heater hose clamps can let the hose disconnect and leak heating coolant into the passenger compartment. Hot coolant can burn occupants and raise the risk of injury; 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 Hdx and Saf-T-Liner Efx buses holds a coolant hose tight at its fitting. When the bus heater is operating, engine coolant moves through hoses to carry heat into the bus body. The clamp keeps the hose sealed so coolant stays inside the heating system.
On affected buses, one or more clamps in the bus body were not tightened according to Thomas Built Buses manufacturing procedure. The issue traces to installation work at a manufacturing station, including improper use of torque control tools. A loose clamp lets the heater hose slip off its fitting. If that happens, hot heating coolant leaks inside the passenger compartment and can contact occupants.
There is no warning sign before failure. After the hose disconnects, the visible sign is coolant leaking inside the bus body, and the heater system no longer has a sealed hose connection.
Who's affected?
Covers both Saf-T-Liner Hdx and Saf-T-Liner Efx buses across the 2023-2026 model years, all tied to the same heater hose clamp.
| 2026 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner Hdx | Hoses/lines/piping/fittings |
|---|---|
| 2025 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner Hdx | Hoses/lines/piping/fittings |
| 2023 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner Efx | 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 |
| 2025 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner Efx | Hoses/lines/piping/fittings |
| 2024 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner Efx | Hoses/lines/piping/fittings |
| Units affected | 52 |
| 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. If your VIN is included, arrange the dealer inspection promptly so the heater hose clamps can be replaced if needed. 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 Hdx or Saf-T-Liner Efx 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 have it, and reference recall number 26V087 when scheduling.
- Keep passengers out of the bus if heating coolant leaks inside the passenger compartment; contact the dealer before moving it.
- Call Thomas Built Buses customer service at 1-800-547-0712 with questions about scheduling.
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 repair is free, including parts and labor. If you've already paid out of pocket for a heater hose clamp repair tied to this recall, DTNA handles reimbursement under its general reimbursement plan on file. Bring receipts or repair documents to the service desk, or contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712 and reference recall F1030.
| 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 26V087?
Recall 26V087 covers 52 2023-2026 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner Hdx and Saf-T-Liner Efx buses with heater hose clamps that were not tightened properly. The hose can disconnect and leak hot heating coolant inside the passenger compartment. Dealers will inspect and replace the clamps for free.
What should I do if my 2023-2026 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner Hdx or Saf-T-Liner Efx is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific bus is included in recall 26V087. If it is, contact a franchised Thomas Built Buses dealer to schedule the heater hose clamp inspection and replacement. Reference recall number 26V087000 or DTNA recall F1030 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. For recall 26V087, dealers will inspect the heater hose clamps and replace them when needed free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is burn injury inside the passenger compartment. If a heater hose disconnects, hot heating coolant can leak where occupants are seated. DTNA's recall remedy is to inspect the heater hose clamps and replace them when needed before that hose connection fails.
When were owner notices mailed for recall 26V087?
DTNA mailed owner notification letters on April 10, 2026. If you operate or own one of these buses and did not receive a letter, check your VIN and contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712 or a franchised Thomas Built Buses dealer.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/26V087000 |
|---|---|
| Thomas Built Buses customer service | 1-800-547-0712 |
| NHTSA recall # | 26V087 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 26V087000 |
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 →