Daimler recalls school buses over separating roofs

Portland, OR – October 29, 2022 – Daimler (OTCMKTS:DMLRY), which owns Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA), is issuing a recall for 17,613 school buses with weak roof joints, which could lead to these roofs separating in the event of a crash. 

The recall covers the following models: 

  • 2011 – 2023 DTNA Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner EFX 
  • 2011 – 2023 DTNA Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner HDX 

Recall summary

On the affected school buses, the exterior roof panel may not have been attached securely enough during manufacturing, due to improperly applied adhesive.

The component involved in this recall is the roof sheet panel with part numbers 140599, 56000857, 56000896 and 56001211.

Recall risks

A roof panel that is insufficiently secured to the bus is more likely to come off in a crash, increasing the risk of injury to occupants.

Other school bus recalls

In October 2022, Daimler recalled 7,601 2011 – 2021 DTNA Thomas Built Buses Saf-T Liner HDX school buses over front seat barriers that did not pass crash tests, which could present an increased risk of injury in a crash. 

In June 2022, Navistar issued a recall and do-not-drive notice for 5,173 IC buses whose steering wheels could loosen or detach, increasing the risk of a crash and injury.

The 2023 DTNA Thomas Built EFX Saf-T-Liner was included in a March 2022 recall over improperly bolted seats. The 2023 DTNA Thomas Built HDX Saf-T-Liner was subject to four additional recalls in 2022, with risks including fire and stalling.

The repair

Daimler Truck North America–authorized service facilities will secure the roof panel with additional mechanical fasteners. This will be done free of charge. DTNA will reimburse owners who paid for these repairs before the recall was announced.   

 Affected owners will be notified on or around December 10, 2022.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 17,000 vehicles are affected by this DTNA roof panel recall. To see if your vehicle is included, run a DTNA recall check using MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool

Joseph EstabilloDaimler recalls school buses over separating roofs