2018–2020 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner HDX Recall: Flex-Plate/Torque Converter fasteners may have been insufficiently…
NHTSA campaign 19V831000 · Power Train · filed Nov 19, 2019 · verified Jul 30, 2026
The defect
Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Thomas Built Saf-T-Liner HDX school buses equipped with Detroit DD8 Engines and Allison Transmissions. The Flex-Plate/Torque Converter fasteners may have been insufficiently tightened.
The risk
The loose bolts can become lodged in the starter, disabling the bus, resulting in an evacuation in an uncontrolled traffic situation, increasing the risk of an 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
DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and tighten the fasteners, as necessary, free of charge. DTNA issued owners an interim notification on December 13, 2019. The recall began August 7, 2020. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-839.
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.
Affected vehicles
| Make | Model | Model years |
|---|---|---|
| Thomas Built Buses | Saf-T-Liner HDX | 2018, 2019, 2020 |
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Other campaigns involving Thomas Built Buses vehicles
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All Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner HDX recalls → · All Thomas Built Buses recalls →
Source: NHTSA recall database, campaign 19V831000 (manufacturer number FL-839). Data last verified Jul 30, 2026.