2020–2023 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner HDX Recall: Rear exterior side-body panel was manufactured with insufficient joint…
NHTSA campaign 22V688000 · Structure · filed Sep 14, 2022 · verified Jul 30, 2026
The defect
Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Thomas Built Saf-T-Liner HDX school buses. The rear exterior side-body panel was manufactured with insufficient joint strength. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 221, "School Bus Body Joint Strength."
The risk
A school bus panel with insufficient joint strength may separate during a crash, 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
Dealers will add additional mechanical fasteners to secure the joints, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 11, 2022. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall FL953.
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.nhtsa.gov.
Affected vehicles
| Make | Model | Model years |
|---|---|---|
| Thomas Built Buses | Saf-T-Liner HDX | 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 |
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 22V688000 (manufacturer number FL953). Data last verified Jul 30, 2026.