2003–2006 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner HDX Recall: Power Train
NHTSA campaign 09V011000 · Power Train · filed Jan 13, 2009 · verified Jul 30, 2026
The defect
DAIMLER TRUCKS IS RECALLING 2,426 THOMAS BUILT BUSES MY 2003 THROUGH 2006 SAF-T-LINER HDX SCHOOL AND NON SCHOOL BUSES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN APRIL 1, 2002 THROUGH AUGUST 30, 2005. THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE (VIM) LOCATED BETWEEN THE FRAME RAILS NEAR THE FRONT AXLE AND OUTSIDE THE TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE COVER MAY BECOME CORRODED DUE TO WATER AND ROAD SPRAY INTRUSION. VIM CORROSION MAY CAUSE THE STARTER MOTOR TO ENGAGE UNEXPECTEDLY OR THE BACKUP LIGHTS TO OPERATE INTERMITTENTLY.
The risk
UNEXPECTED STARTER ENGAGEMENT OR INTERMITTENT BACKUP LIGHT OPERATION MAY LEAD TO A VEHICLE CRASH OR PERSONAL INJURY.
Check whether your specific vehicle is affected
Recall campaigns often cover only certain VIN ranges. Enter your VIN on the official NHTSA site to confirm whether your vehicle is included and whether the repair is still open.
Check VIN on NHTSA →The fix — what to do
DAIMLER TRUCKS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPAIRS WILL BE PERFORMED BY THOMAS BUILT BUSES DEALERSHIPS AND DIRECT WARRANTY CUSTOMERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 19, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DAIMLER TRUCKS TOLL-FREE AT 1-800-547-0712.
DAIMLER TRUCKS' RECALL NO. FL-544.CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A> .
Affected vehicles
| Make | Model | Model years |
|---|---|---|
| Thomas Built Buses | Saf-T-Liner HDX | 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 |
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All Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner HDX recalls → · All Thomas Built Buses recalls →
Source: NHTSA recall database, campaign 09V011000 (manufacturer number FL-544). Data last verified Jul 30, 2026.