Insufficient Roof Panel Joint Strength – 2011-2023 Thomas Built EFX & HDX School Buses

โ€œThis site contains affiliate links for which OEMDTC may be compensatedโ€

October 12, 2022 NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 22V762000

Insufficient Roof Panel Joint Strength/FMVSS 221

A school bus exterior roof panel with insufficient joint strength may separate during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

 

NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V762

Manufacturer Daimler TruckseBay North America, LLC

Components STRUCTURE

Potential Number of Units Affected 17,613

 

Summary

Daimler TruckseBay North America, LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2011-2023 Thomas Built EFX and HDX school buses. The exterior roof panel was manufactured with insufficient joint strength. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 221, “School Bus Body Joint Strength.”

 

Remedy

Dealers will add additional mechanical fasteners to secure the joints, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 2, 2023. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA’s number for this recall is FL957.

 

Notes

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.nhtsa.gov.

 

Check for Daimler Trucks North America Recalls

 


Subject: Thomas Built Bus Roof Sheet Joint

Models Affected: Specific model years 2011-2023 Thomas Built EFX and HDX school buses manufactured March 1, 2010, through August 1, 2022.

 

General Information

Daimler Truck North America LLC (DTNA), on behalf of its wholly owned subsidiary, Thomas Built Buses, has decided that a defect that relates to motor vehicle safety exists on the vehicles mentioned above.

On the affected vehicles, the adhesive may not have been properly applied in between the steel panels that form the roof sheet lap joints. A body joint on a school bus with insufficient strength may increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash without prior warning.

A Daimler Truck North America authorized service facility will add additional mechanical fasteners to the joints on affected vehicles. The Recall will take approximately five hours and will be performed free of charge.

There are approximately 17,916 vehicles involved in this campaign.

 

Additional Repairs

Dealers must complete all outstanding Recall and Field Service campaigns prior to the sale or delivery of a vehicle. A Dealer will be liable for any progressive damage that results from its failure to complete campaigns before sale or delivery of a vehicle.

Owners may be liable for any progressive damage that results from failure to complete campaigns within a reasonable time after receiving notification.

 

Work Instructions

Please refer to the attached work instructions.

 

Replacement Parts

Replacement parts are now available and can be obtained by ordering the kit and/or part number(s) listed below from your facing Parts Distribution Center.

NOTE: One reusable fixture kit TBB 240564 is required for campaign completion. Order allocation of Qty = 1 per dealer. If additional kit is needed, contact the Customer Assistance Center at 1-855-639-8686, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern time, Monday through Friday.

If our records show your dealership has ordered any vehicle(s) involved in campaign number FL957, a list of the customers and vehicle identification numbers will be available on DTNA Portal. Please refer to this list when ordering parts for this recall.

NOTE: Please note that changes have been made to parts quantity as well as the SRTs. See Table 1 and Table 2.

Table 1 – Replacement Parts for FL957

Campaign NumberPart DescriptionPart NumberQty.
FL957A-DSCREW TAPPING NO.12TBB 69003250300 pcs

 


Chronology :

In 2010, Thomas Built Buses (TBB) established a new procedure for the exterior roof sheet lap joint adhesion validated to FMVSS 221 requirements through good engineering judgment and analysis. In 2011, TBB validated the roof sheet joint, performing physical testing against FMVSS requirements, and found that the joints passed with considerable margin. From that time until recently, TBB continued to produce the same design, with the same manufacturing process, and therefore had no reason to believe the joint did not comply with the standards.

On September 1, 2022 NHTSA Office of Vehicle Safety Compliance notified TBB that a sample, taken from a Saf-T-Liner HDX school bus that the agency had purchased, failed the FMVSS 221 joint strength test for the exterior roof lap joint. Immediately, on September 2, 2022, based on the testing information provided by NHTSA, TBB began an investigation to evaluate the potential noncompliance, determine the scope, and establish the potentially affected population.

September 9, 2022 TBB requested a visit to NHTSAโ€™s test facility to review findings and the test equipment and procedures.

On September 22, 2022, TBB visited Applus IDIADA Karco Engineering. In late September, 2022 TBB reviewed data from that visit and conducted additional engineering verification testing that suggested previously-unexpected manufacturing variability in joint strength.

On October 6, 2022, TBB promptly decided to initiate a voluntary noncompliance recall for certain Thomas Built Buses HDX and EFX school buses that may be built with roof exterior roof sheet lap joints with improperly applied adhesive, which subsequently may not meet the joint strength requirement of FMVSS 221 S5.1. TBB has received no warranty claims, no field reports, no customer complaints, no information of injury nor fatality, nor any other indication of a noncompliance until NHTSAโ€™s September 2022 notification.

 


26 Affected Products

Vehicles

MAKEMODELYEAR
THOMAS BUILT BUSESSAF-T-LINER EFX2011-2023
THOMAS BUILT BUSESSAF-T-LINER HDX2011-2023

 


11 Associated Documents

Noncompliance Information Report

RMISC-22V762-0791.pdf 587KB

Loader Loading...
EAD Logo Taking too long?

Reload Reload document
| Open Open in new tab

Download [573.24 KB]

 


Recall Acknowledgement

RCAK-22V762-3106.pdf 645.196KB

Loader Loading...
EAD Logo Taking too long?

Reload Reload document
| Open Open in new tab

Download [630.07 KB]

 


Noncompliance Notice 573 Report

RCLRPT-22V762-7552.PDF 214.612KB

Loader Loading...
EAD Logo Taking too long?

Reload Reload document
| Open Open in new tab

Download [209.58 KB]

 


Manufacturer Notices(to Dealers,etc)

RCMN-22V762-2349.pdf 644.212KB

Loader Loading...
EAD Logo Taking too long?

Reload Reload document
| Open Open in new tab

Download [629.11 KB]

 


ISSUED Interim Owner Notification Letter(Part 577)

RIONL-22V762-0644.pdf 141.132KB

Loader Loading...
EAD Logo Taking too long?

Reload Reload document
| Open Open in new tab

Download [137.82 KB]

 


ISSUED Interim Owner Notification Letter(Part 577)

RIONL-22V762-9251.pdf 141.196KB

Loader Loading...
EAD Logo Taking too long?

Reload Reload document
| Open Open in new tab

Download [137.89 KB]

 


Manufacturer Notices(to Dealers,etc)

RCMN-22V762-8721.pdf 1059.541KB

Loader Loading...
EAD Logo Taking too long?

Reload Reload document
| Open Open in new tab

Download [1.01 MB]

 


ISSUED Owner Notification Letter(Part 577)

RCONL-22V762-6173.pdf 222.776KB

Loader Loading...
EAD Logo Taking too long?

Reload Reload document
| Open Open in new tab

Download [217.55 KB]

 


Manufacturer Notices(to Dealers,etc)

RCMN-22V762-4850.pdf 168.85KB

Loader Loading...
EAD Logo Taking too long?

Reload Reload document
| Open Open in new tab

Download [164.89 KB]

 


Manufacturer Notices(to Dealers,etc)

RCMN-22V762-5878.pdf 1177.037KB

Loader Loading...
EAD Logo Taking too long?

Reload Reload document
| Open Open in new tab

Download [1.12 MB]

 


Recall Quarterly Report #1, 2023-2

RCLQRT-22V762-5588.PDF 211.155KB

Loader Loading...
EAD Logo Taking too long?

Reload Reload document
| Open Open in new tab

Download [206.21 KB]

 


Latest Recalls Documents

 


 

SaleBestseller No. 1
Gorilla Max Strength Construction Adhesive, Clear Glue, 2.5 Ounce Squeeze Tube (Pack of 1) - Gap Filling and Waterproof
  • Our strongest formula: This heavy duty glue is 2x stronger than Gorilla Heavy Duty Construction Adhesive Ultimate
  • Crystal clear: Clear Gorilla glue leaves a discreet finish to keep the focus on your project, not the glue
  • All purpose glue: A waterproof glue formulated for virtually all projects and repairs; this Gorilla glue gives indoor or outdoor projects a Gorilla Tough bond, even under water
  • Paintable: Because this adhesive glue works on so many surfaces, it's paintable for any finish that you prefer
  • Gap filling: Gorilla Glue Construction Adhesive also works as a gap filling adhesive caulk for in-home projects
SaleBestseller No. 2
Loctite PL Premium Polyurethane Construction Adhesive, Versatile Construction Glue for Wood, Concrete, Stone, Metal & More- 10 fl oz, Cartridge, 1 Pack
  • All Purpose: One component polyurethane-based adhesive that covers a wide variety of projects and bonds to most materials for consistently successful results
  • 3X Stronger: 3 times as strong as ordinary construction adhesives and stronger than many substrates it joins together
  • Versatile: Ideal for sub floor installations and bonds to most common construction materials such as wood, OSB, drywall, brick, concrete, masonry, stone, foam insulation, metal, ceramic, PVC, and more
  • Interior and Exterior: Paintable adhesive with no strong solvent odor that sets in 30 minutes and fully cures in 24 hours for projects inside and out
  • Weather Resistant: Waterproof and can be applied directly to wet and frozen surfaces without shrinking and cures in cold temperatures
SaleBestseller No. 3
Gorilla Heavy Duty Construction Adhesive, White Glue, 7 Ounce Squeeze Tube (Pack of 1) - Gap Filling and Waterproof
  • Gap filling: Gorilla Glue Construction Adhesive also works as a gap filling adhesive caulk for in-home projects
  • All surface: Our construction adhesive bonds subfloor, mirrors, masonry, landscaping, brick, tile, metal, decks, drywall, concrete, aluminum, tub & shower, wet surfaces, granite/marble, trim/paneling and more
  • Fast grab: Despite being a heavy duty glue, this adhesive holds in just 30 seconds
  • Paintable: Because this adhesive glue works on so many surfaces, it's paintable for any finish that you prefer
  • All purpose glue: A waterproof glue formulated for virtually all projects and repairs; give indoor or outdoor projects a Gorilla Tough bond with Gorilla glue
SaleBestseller No. 4
Gorilla Heavy Duty Construction Adhesive, White Glue, 9 Ounce Cartridge (Pack of 1) - Gap Filling and Waterproof
  • All purpose glue: A waterproof glue formulated for virtually all projects and repairs; give indoor or outdoor projects a Gorilla Tough bond with Gorilla glue
  • Fast grab: Despite being a heavy duty glue, this adhesive holds in just 30 seconds
  • Paintable: Because this adhesive glue works on so many surfaces, it's paintable for any finish that you prefer
  • Gap filling: Gorilla Glue Construction Adhesive also works as a gap filling adhesive caulk for in-home projects
  • All surface: Our construction adhesive bonds subfloor, mirrors, masonry, landscaping, brick, tile, metal, decks, drywall, concrete, aluminum, tub & shower, wet surfaces, granite/marble, trim/paneling and more
Bestseller No. 5
Liquid Nails - 414607 LN-907 Extreme Heavy Duty Construction Adhesive (LN-907) 10 oz
  • Bonds in extreme temperatures
  • 2X stronger than fasteners alone
  • Durable plastic tube for outdoor storage
  • All weather, all season performance
  • 10-ounce cartridge; Coverage: 30 lineal feet using a 1/4-inch bead; Specifications: ASTM C-557
SaleBestseller No. 6
Loctite Power Grab Express Heavy Duty Construction Adhesive, Versatile Construction Glue for Wood, Wall, Tile, Foam Board & More - 9 fl oz Cartridge, Pack of 1
  • High Initial Tack: Zero-second instant grab reduces need for nails, screws, and bracing
  • Professional Solution: Heavy duty, instant grab adhesive dries white and is paintable for a professional finish
  • Versatile For Interior and Exterior Projects: Bonds to a variety of construction materials including wood, drywall, plaster, ceramic, concrete, masonry, brick, foamboard, cork and vinyl cove base
  • Quick and Easy: Simply apply with caulking gun; repositionable for up to 15 minutes and fully cures in 12 hours
  • Certified: Environmentally friendly water-based, low odor formula is Greenguard Indoor Air Quality Certified & Greenguard Certified for Children & Schools
Bestseller No. 7
Liquid Nails 10 oz Interior Projects Latex Construction Adhesive Tan
  • Strong durable bond
  • Bonds most common building materials
  • Bond remains flexible
  • Low odor
  • 10-ounce cartridge; Coverage: 30 linear feet using a 1/4-inch bead; Specifications: ASTM C-557
SaleBestseller No. 8
Liquid Nails LN-700 4-Ounce Small Projects and Repairs Adhesive
  • Permanent construction grade adhesive
  • Liquid Nails
  • Manufactured in united states
  • Works where a hammer and nail can't
  • Provides a fast, permanent, water resistant bond to most common building materials
SaleBestseller No. 9
Loctite Power Grab Express All Purpose Construction Adhesive, Versatile Construction Glue for Cement, Tile, Wall & More - 7.5 fl oz, 1 Pressure Pack
  • Professional and DIY: All purpose, instant grab adhesive dries white and is paintable for a professional finish
  • Versatile For Interior Projects: Bonds to a variety of construction materials including wood, drywall, plaster, ceramic, concrete, masonry, brick, foamboard, cork and vinyl cove base
  • Quick and Easy: Simply apply with caulking gun; repositionable for up to 15 minutes and fully cures in 12 hours
  • Instant Grab: Zero-second instant grab and high initial tack reduces need for nails, screws, and bracing
  • Easy Clean Up: Uncured adhesive cleans up easily with just soap and water
Bestseller No. 10
Loctite PL375 VOC Heavy Duty Construction Adhesive, 10 fl oz, Cartridge (12 Pack)
  • Professional Grade: High-grab adhesive is suited for all sorts of tough construction jobs, including bonding irregular surfaces
  • Interior and Exterior Use: Bonds to a variety of materials including wood, fiberboard, metal, masonry, brick, concrete, drywall, fiberglass panel, wallboard, and cork
  • Low VOC Content: Construction adhesive meets stringent state and federal VOC regulatory requirements
  • Effective: Adhesive creates long-lasting bond that reduces nail and fastener usage
  • Cleaner Solution: Water-based formula is low in odor, non-flammable, and reduces the need for harsh chemical cleaners

 


Last update on 2025-04-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API


 

This product presentation was made with AAWP plugin.

Leave a Comment

Share to...