2015–2017 Thomas Built Buses Minotour, 2015–2017 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2, 2015–2017 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner Efx and 1 other model Recall: Affected lifts are equipped with folding link arms that may have pivot…

The defect

Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain model year 2015-2017 Thomas Built Buses Safe-T-Liner C2, Saf-T-Liner HDX, Saf-T-Liner EFX, and Minotour DRW school buses manufactured July 15, 2014, to July 21, 2016, and equipped with certain model S2005, S2010, S5005, S5010, S5505, and S5510 wheelchair lifts by Ricon. The affected lifts are equipped with folding link arms that may have pivot holes that are too big, allowing the bearings to move out of position.

The risk

If the bearings move out of position, the stowed platform may have excessive movement resulting in failure of the platform mounting. This failure could cause the wheel chair lift platform to fall out of the vehicle when the doors are opened, increasing the risk of injury for the lift operator.

The fix — what to do

DTNA will notify owners, and Ricon dealers will inspect the link arms for damage or for displaced bearings. The platform will be inspected for cracks. Any damaged parts will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began on October 10, 2016. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712, or Ricon customer service at 1-800-322-2884 or by email at [email protected]. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-716.

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.