2010–2020 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner HDX Recall: Lettering on the instruction label for the rear emergency exit window may…
NHTSA campaign 20V252000 · Structure · filed May 5, 2020 · verified Jul 30, 2026
The defect
Daimler Trucks North America, LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2010-2020 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner HDX school buses. The lettering on the instruction label for the rear emergency exit window may be too small. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 217, "Bus Emergency Exits and Window Retention and Release."
The risk
Small lettering may be difficult for occupants to read, delaying the reaction time to open the exit, increasing the risk of 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
DTNA will notify owners and mail a new label to attach to the exit window by first class mail, free of charge. DTNA issued owners an interim notification on June 17, 2020. The recall began September 10, 2020. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-849.
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.
Affected vehicles
Related recalls
More Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner HDX recalls
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- 2025–2027 Thomas Built Buses Minotour DRW and 4 other models — Wheel chair restraint retractor may not lock, preventing…
- 2025–2026 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 and 4 other models — Tie rod castle nut and cotter pin may not be installed…
- 2019–2022 Thomas Built Buses Minotour DRW and 5 other models — Emergency Exit Label lettering is too small and may be…
Other campaigns involving Thomas Built Buses vehicles
- 2026–2027 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner EFX2 and 1 other model — Entrance door may fail to open or close when the switch is…
- 2026–2027 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner HDX2 — Entrance door may fail to open or close when the switch is…
- 2027 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner HDX2 — Front and mid-body interior joints may have been…
All Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner HDX recalls → · All Thomas Built Buses recalls →
Source: NHTSA recall database, campaign 20V252000 (manufacturer number FL-849). Data last verified Jul 30, 2026.