Recall 26V228 covers 3,285 2024-2027 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 school buses for warning-light and stop-arm software deactivation. Repair will be free once available.
Thomas Built Buses is recalling 3,285 2024-2027 Saf-T-Liner C2 school buses because software can misread a bumped door switch and turn off the amber lights, red lights, and stop sign arm. Without those warnings, other drivers are not alerted that the bus is slowing, increasing crash or injury risk; Thomas Built Buses dealers will update the software free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The 3-position door latching switch on the 2024-2027 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 tells the bus software what position the service door is in. That signal helps control the amber and red warning lights and the stop sign arm, the equipment that alerts traffic when students are loading or unloading. The system depends on the switch signal being read correctly.
On affected buses, the software can misread contact when the door switch is bumped. That wrong reading deactivates the amber and red warning lights and the stop sign arm, even though the driver still needs those warning devices during a stop. The issue is tied to buses built with the specific electrical setup, 3-position door switch, and 8-way warning lights described in the recall.
The warning sign is inside the driver's area. When the warning lights and stop arm shut off, the pilot light in the driver's console also shuts off at the same time.
Who's affected?
Covers one bus model across the 2024-2027 model years, with the same 3-position latching switch tied to the hazard flashing warning lights.
| 2024 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 | Hazard flashing warning lights |
|---|---|
| 2025 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 | Hazard flashing warning lights |
| 2026 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 | Hazard flashing warning lights |
| 2027 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 | Hazard flashing warning lights |
| Units affected | 3,285 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 6 field incidents to date. |
Not every 2024-2027 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?
When the warning lights and stop sign arm fail to activate, other drivers are not warned that the school bus is slowing down, increasing the risk of a crash or injury. The driver console pilot light shuts off at the same time, so take that signal seriously and schedule service. Repair is free at any franchised Thomas Built Buses dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2024-2027 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 is included in this recall.
- Contact your nearest franchised Thomas Built Buses dealer to schedule the software update that keeps bumped door-switch contact from turning off the warning lights and stop sign arm.
- Reference recall number 26V228 when you call, and ask whether DTNA recall F1032 appears on the bus service record.
- Bring the recall notice if DTNA has mailed one after June 8, 2026.
- Check the amber and red warning lights and stop sign arm during route inspections until the software update is complete.
What happens at the repair
Thomas Built Buses lists the remedy as a software update, but the repair details are still under development. Once the remedy opens, a Thomas Built Buses technician will update the vehicle software so the door switch signal does not shut off the amber and red warning lights or stop sign arm. Parts and labor are covered under the recall. Owner letters are expected to be mailed June 8, 2026. If you already paid for a related repair, DTNA's standard reimbursement plan on file covers documented expenses. Keep your receipts and repair paperwork for the service desk.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| April 9, 2026 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| April 29, 2026 | Dealer notification began |
| April 29, 2026 | Dealer notification ended |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 26V228?
Recall 26V228 covers 3,285 2024-2027 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 school buses. Software in the door-switch system can misread a bump at the switch and deactivate the amber and red warning lights and stop sign arm.
What should I do if my 2024-2027 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm the bus is included in recall 26V228. If it is, contact a franchised Thomas Built Buses dealer or DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712 and reference DTNA recall F1032. The recall repair is free once the remedy is ready.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. DTNA says the remedy is still under development, so ask the dealer when the free repair will open and what interim guidance applies to your bus.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is that the bus warning lights and stop sign arm fail to alert other drivers that the school bus is slowing down or loading passengers. That increases the risk of a crash or injury, especially around stopped school-bus traffic.
When will owners be notified about recall 26V228?
DTNA expects to mail owner notification letters on June 8, 2026. A used-bus owner or fleet that never receives a letter should still check the VIN, because the VIN decides whether this specific Saf-T-Liner C2 is included.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/26V228000 |
|---|---|
| Thomas Built Buses customer service | 1-800-547-0712 |
| NHTSA recall # | 26V228 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 26V228000 |
Source documents
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 →