What Thomas Built Buses SAF-T-Liner HDX owners have reported to NHTSA, the service bulletins the manufacturer sent dealers, and any federal defect investigations, by model year. See Thomas Built Buses SAF-T-Liner HDX safety recalls or check your VIN.
Complaints owners filed with NHTSA, by the model year of the vehicle. A high count can also mean a popular year, so compare it with how many were sold.
| Year | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Injured | Deaths | TSBs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| 2025 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 15 |
| 2024 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 20 |
| 2023 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 26 |
| 2022 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 62 |
| 2021 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 61 |
| 2020 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 72 |
| 2019 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 80 |
| 2018 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 165 |
| 2017 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 165 |
| 2016 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 160 |
| 2015 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 157 |
| 2014 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 140 |
| 2013 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 123 |
| 2012 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 120 |
| 2011 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 114 |
| 2010 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 111 |
The vehicle systems named most often in Thomas Built Buses SAF-T-Liner HDX complaints (one complaint can name several).
In the owners’ own words, as filed with NHTSA. Unverified reports; NHTSA removes personal details before publishing.
It appears the battery cables were rubbing the transmission cooler lines and after an extended period caused a thermal event. it burned wiring harnesses, the DEF pump and lines and a good portion of battery cable. Had there been children on the bus at the time of the thermal event it could have been catastrophic. This vehicle has been inspected by the Manufacturer and they are covering repairs. There has been an interim/info only recall issued. FL928-A.
Repair instructions and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about known issues. A TSB is not a recall, and the repair is usually free only while the car is under warranty; ask your dealer for the bulletin number.
Technical Service Bulletin for Electrical Wiring Modifications for Type DFootwell Heater
Service Solution for HDX DEF Header Service Replacement Additional Parts
Service Solution for Timer relay TBB 202400 replacement
My communications for DTNA Announces Extended Coverage Policy Updates
Service Solution for HDX DEF Header Service Replacement Additional Parts
Service Solution for Floor Covering Bubbles
Service Solution for HDX / EFX front lighting replacement
Emission Recall for DD8 EGR Monitor Software Reprogramming
Emission Recall for DD8 EGR Monitor Software Reprogramming
Emission Recall for DD8 EGR Monitor Software Reprogramming
Service Solution for Wiper Module TBB 61201552 replacement
Warranty Information letter for Detroit Line or Line Seal, High Pressure Fuel Injector Standard Repair Time Updates
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opens these when complaints point to a possible safety defect. Many end in a recall.
On August 29, 2011 ODI received a Vehicle Owner's Questionnaire (VOQ) from a Los Angeles school district indicating a 2003 Thomas Built Saf-T-Liner HDX compressed natural gas (CNG) school bus in their fleet had insufficient clearance between the CNG tank and mounting bracket resulting in damage to the outer tank wrapping. The Mathematical Analysis Division of NHTSA calculated that a sample size of thirty (30) buses would give a high confidence (90%) estimation of whether similar buses were experi
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation public data (complaints, manufacturer communications, investigations), model years 2010 and later. Had a safety problem? Report it to NHTSA.
In complaints filed with NHTSA for model years 2010–2026, owners most often name: electrical system, power train. 1 complaints are on record.
No. A complaint is an unverified report from an owner. A technical service bulletin (TSB) is the manufacturer telling dealers how to fix a known issue; it is not a safety recall and is usually covered only under warranty. A recall is a formal safety action, and its repair is free.
File a vehicle safety complaint at NHTSA.gov. NHTSA reads every report, and patterns of complaints are what open defect investigations and, eventually, recalls.