United StatesCertain 2027 Thomas Built SAF‑T‑LINER HDX2 and SAF‑T‑LINER EFX2 school buses are affected; the recall concerns missing connector plates for the driver’s seat belt anchor and an interior body joint seam. The missing plates result in insufficient structural reinforcement and noncompliance with FMVSS 210 and 221, which can increase the risk of injury in a crash. Dealers will inspect and replace the header connectors as needed free of charge; owner letters are expected to be mailed October 23, 2026, and owners may contact DTNA at 1-800-574-0712 (DTNA recall F1038).
What's being recalled
Daimler Trucks North America, LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2027 Thomas Built SAF-T-LINER HDX2 and Thomas Built SAF-T-LINER EFX2 school buses. The connector plates for the driver's seat belt anchor and an interior body joint seam may be missing, resulting in insufficient structural reinforcements. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers 210, "Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages," and 221, "School Bus Body Joint Strength."
How to identify it
NHTSA campaign 26V546000; Manufacturer campaign F1038
The hazard
A seat belt anchor with a missing connector plate may fail to properly restrain the driver and insufficient joint strength may not adequately protect passengers, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
What to do
Dealers will inspect and replace the header connectors, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed October 23, 2026. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-574-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is F1038.
The official notice
This page is a summary of the notice published by U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, collected from U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Check the original before you act on it.
Read the official notice (opens in a new tab)