If your VIN is in recall 26V109, Thomas Built Buses will inspect and replace the leaking heater hose free at a franchised dealer.
Thomas Built Buses is recalling 70 2027 Saf-T-Liner C2 school buses because a heater hose can rupture and leak hot coolant into the passenger compartment. Contact with hot coolant can burn occupants and increase injury risk; Thomas Built Buses dealers will complete the free repair.
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What's wrong?
The heater hose on the 2027 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 is part of the heating system. It carries hot engine coolant through the bus so the system can provide cabin heat, then routes coolant back through the engine cooling circuit. The hose has to hold pressure and temperature without splitting.
On affected buses, the heater hose came from a supplier batch tied to one date code and was not made to specification. That leaves the hose more vulnerable to rupture during normal heating system operation. If it ruptures, hot coolant can leak inside the passenger compartment instead of staying sealed inside the hose.
There is no warning sign before failure. An owner, driver, or technician learns something is wrong only after coolant appears where it should not be, such as inside the bus. The repair uses heater hoses produced to specification.
Who's affected?
| 2027 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 | Engine |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 70 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
Not every 2027 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 bus is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific bus is included.
What's the safety risk?
Hot coolant contact can burn occupants and increase the risk of injury. If your VIN is included, limit use until the heater hose has been inspected, and keep passengers clear of any coolant leak or heat warning. Repair is free at any franchised Thomas Built Buses dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2027 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Thomas Built Buses dealer to schedule the free heater-hose inspection and replacement that addresses hot coolant leaking into the passenger compartment.
- Bring the owner letter if you have it. If not, reference recall number 26V109 when you call.
- Stop using the bus for passenger service if coolant leaks inside the passenger compartment, then call the dealer before moving it.
- Call Thomas Built Buses customer service at 1-800-547-0712 with questions and reference DTNA recall F1031.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Thomas Built Buses technician inspects the heater hose and replaces it if the inspection shows it is affected by the recall. Parts and labor are covered under the recall, so the dealer repair is free. If you already paid out of pocket for a heater hose repair tied to this issue, DTNA's standard reimbursement plan covers documented expenses. Bring the repair invoice and payment proof to the service desk, or contact DTNA customer service for claim instructions.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| February 24, 2026 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| March 16, 2026 | Dealer notification began |
| March 16, 2026 | Dealer notification ended |
| April 24, 2026 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 26V109?
Recall 26V109 covers 70 2027 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 school buses. The heater hose can rupture and let hot coolant leak inside the passenger compartment. Contact with hot coolant can burn occupants, increasing injury risk. Dealers will inspect and replace the hose for free.
What should I do if my 2027 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific bus is included in recall 26V109. If it is, contact a franchised Thomas Built Buses dealer to schedule the heater-hose inspection and replacement as needed. Reference recall 26V109 or DTNA recall F1031 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Dealers will inspect and replace the heater hose, as necessary, free of charge. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to provide the recall remedy at no cost through a franchised dealer.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is burn injury inside the passenger compartment. If the heater hose ruptures, hot coolant can leak where occupants sit. Contact with that coolant can burn riders or staff, so confirm the VIN and arrange the free dealer inspection.
When were owner letters mailed?
Owner notification letters were mailed April 24, 2026. If you manage or own a 2027 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 and did not receive a letter, check your VIN and call the dealer with recall 26V109.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/26V109000 |
|---|---|
| Thomas Built Buses customer service | 1-800-547-0712 |
| NHTSA recall # | 26V109 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 26V109000 |
Source documents
-
Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (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 →