NHTSA Recall 26V546000: Anchorage (seat belts) and body (structure)
Daimler Trucks North America, LLC reported this safety recall to NHTSA on , covering an estimated 65 vehicles. It affects 2 models including the Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner EFX2.
| NHTSA campaign | 26V546000 |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer campaign | F1038 |
| Components | SEAT BELTS › FRONT › ANCHORAGE; STRUCTURE › BODY |
| Report received | August 24, 2026 |
| Initiated by | Manufacturer |
Defect
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."
Safety risk
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.
Remedy
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.
Vehicles covered by recall 26V546000
| Make and model | Model years |
|---|---|
| Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner EFX2 | 2027 |
| Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner HDX2 | 2027 |
Being listed here means the campaign covers the model year, not that every car was built with the defect or is still unrepaired. Enter your VIN above to check your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are free at authorised dealers. Source: NHTSA, October 2026.