2016–2017 Thomas Built Buses Minotour, 2016–2017 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2, 2016–2017 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner Efx and 1 other model Recall: Under load, the seat belt buckle mount rod can fracture

The defect

Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2, Saf-T-Liner EFX, Saf-T-Liner HDX, and Minotour SRW school buses, equipped with IMMI-brand 3-point lap and shoulder belts. Under load, the seat belt buckle mount rod can fracture. As such, these seats fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 210, "Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages."

The risk

In the event of a crash, if the buckle mount rod fractures, the seat occupant may not be restrained, increasing their risk of injury.

The fix — what to do

DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the seat belt buckle rods, free of charge. DTNA issues owners an interim notification on December 11, 2017. The recall began on May 23, 2018. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-753.

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.