2019–2020 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 Recall: Clamp for the steering gear return hose may have been improperly…

The defect

Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Thomas Built C2 Saf-T-Liner school buses built on an FCCC chassis. The clamp for the steering gear return hose may have been improperly installed, allowing the hose to separate from the steering gear.

The risk

If the hose separates from the steering gear, there may be a loss of steering assist which could result in a potentially disabled school bus. If the school bus is occupied when the steering assist is lost, the occupants would need to exit the vehicle and be transferred to another vehicle, increasing the risk of injury.

The fix — what to do

DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and install power steering hose clamps as needed, free of charge. The recall began May 10, 2019. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-813.

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.