FL898 – Power Steering Hose – 2016-2021 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner HDX Transit Buses

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Defect Information Report
(Section 573.6)
FL-898
Date of Submission: August 25, 2021
Manufacturer: Daimler Trucks North America LLC
P.O. BOX 3849
Portland, Oregon 97208
Type of Report: X Safety Defect ⃝ Non-Compliance
Vehicle Information
Model Yr. Start: 2016 Model Yr. End: 2021
Make: Thomas Built Buses Model: Saf-T-Liner HDX
Production Dates: Begin: 07/30/2015 End: 09/14/2020
Descriptive Information: Certain Saf-T-Liner HDX buses with an ISL or L9 engine.
Number potentially involved: 114 Estimated percentage of involve with defect: 20%
Defect / Noncompliance Description
For this Defect/Noncompliance:
Describe the defect or noncompliance: On certain Saf-T-Liner HDX buses with an ISL or L9 engine, a power steering hose may be routed with inadequate clearance between the hose and power cables.
Describe the safety risk: This reduced clearance may allow the power steering hose to rub against a power cable. This contact and wear may increase the risk of a thermal event.
If applicable, identify the manufacture of the defective or noncompliant component: There is no defective component. The defect is a result assembly of the components by Thomas Built Buses.
Involved Components
Component Name: Power Steering Hose
Component Description: Power Steering Hose
Component Part Number: TBBN180295, TBBN180297, TBBN180248, TBBN180249, TBBN180250
Chronology of Defect / Noncompliance Determination
Provide the chronology of events leading up to the defect decision or test data for the noncompliance decision:
In June 2021 DTNA was notified of a thermal event on a Saf-T-Liner HDX of then-uncertain origin. In July 2021 DNTA attended an inspection of the bus. Cause and origin was determined to be contact between the power steering hose and a power cable. DTNA promptly opened an investigation to determine the scope of the issue. August 2021, DTNA determined details necessary to declare a recall and promptly decided to conduct a voluntary safety recall of the affected vehicles.
Identify the Remedy
Describe the defect/noncompliance remedy program, including the manufacture’s plan for reimbursement:
The power steering hose routing will be inspected and modified as necessary. Repairs will be performed by Daimler Trucks North America authorized service facilities. Copies of the reimbursement plan will be submitted as a supplemental report when available.
Identify the Recall Schedule
Describe the recall schedule for notifications:
Customer notification will be made by first class mail using Daimler Trucks North America records to determine the customers affected.
Planned Dealer Notification Begin Date: 10/17/2021
Planned Dealer Notification End Date: 10/17/2021
Planned Owner Notification Begin Date: 10/17/2021
Planned Owner Notification End Date: 10/17/2021
Manufacture’s identification code for this recall (if applicable): FL-898
DTNA Representative;
Larissa Stoffels
Executive Manager, Vehicle Safety
Compliance and Regulatory Affairs
************************************************************************************************************
Amended Defect Information Report
(Section 573.6)
FL-898
Date of Submission: August 25, 2021 (amended on September 1, 2021)
Manufacturer: Daimler Trucks North America LLC
P.O. BOX 3849
Portland, Oregon 97208
Type of Report: X Safety Defect ⃝ Non-Compliance
Vehicle Information
Model Yr. Start: 2016 Model Yr. End: 2021
Make: Thomas Built Buses Model: Saf-T-Liner HDX
Production Dates: Begin: 07/30/2015 End: 09/14/2020
Descriptive Information: Certain Saf-T-Liner HDX buses with an ISL or L9 engine.
Number potentially involved: 114 Estimated percentage of involve with defect: 20%
Defect / Noncompliance Description
For this Defect/Noncompliance:
Describe the defect or noncompliance: On certain Saf-T-Liner HDX buses with an ISL or L9 engine, a power steering hose may be routed with inadequate clearance between the hose and power cables.
Describe the safety risk: This reduced clearance may allow the power steering hose to rub against a power cable. This contact and wear may increase the risk of a thermal event.
If applicable, identify the manufacture of the defective or noncompliant component: There is no defective component. The defect is a result assembly of the components by Thomas Built Buses.
Involved Components
Component Name: Power Steering Hose
Component Description: Power Steering Hose
Component Part Number: TBBN180295, TBBN180297, TBBN180248, TBBN180249, TBBN180250
Chronology of Defect / Noncompliance Determination
Provide the chronology of events leading up to the defect decision or test data for the noncompliance decision:
In June 2021, DTNA was notified of a thermal event on a Saf-T-Liner HDX of then-uncertain origin. In July 2021, DTNA attended an inspection of the bus. Cause and origin was determined to be contact between the power steering hose and a power cable. DTNA promptly opened an investigation to determine the scope of the issue. During the investigation, it was found that there was a previously reported thermal event from August 2018 that may have been caused by contact between the power steering hose and the power cable. August 2021, DTNA determined details necessary to declare a recall and promptly decided to conduct a voluntary safety recall of the affected vehicles.
Identify the Remedy
Describe the defect/noncompliance remedy program, including the manufacture’s plan for reimbursement:
The power steering hose routing will be inspected and modified as necessary. Repairs will be performed by Daimler Trucks North America authorized service facilities. Copies of the reimbursement plan will be submitted as a supplemental report when available.
Identify the Recall Schedule
Describe the recall schedule for notifications:
Customer notification will be made by first class mail using Daimler Trucks North America records to determine the customers affected.
Planned Dealer Notification Begin Date: 10/17/2021
Planned Dealer Notification End Date: 10/17/2021
Planned Owner Notification Begin Date: 10/17/2021
Planned Owner Notification End Date: 10/17/2021
Manufacture’s identification code for this recall (if applicable): FL-898
DTNA Representative;
Larissa Stoffels
Executive Manager, Vehicle Safety
Compliance and Regulatory Affairs**************************************************************************************************************Daimler Trucks
North America LLC
October 2021
FL898AB
NHTSA #21V-660 (Non-School Bus)
NHTSA #21V-659 (School Bus)
IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL
See enclosed VIN list
Subject: TBB HDX Alternator Charge Cable Routing
This notice is sent to you in accordance with the requirements of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act.
Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA), on behalf of its wholly owned subsidiary, Thomas Built Buses, has decided that a defect which relates to motor vehicle safety exists on specific model year 2016-2021 Thomas Built Saf-T-Liner HDX buses manufactured July 30, 2015, through September 14, 2020.
On certain Saf-T-Liner HDX buses, a power steering hose may be routed with inadequate clearance between the hose and power cables. This reduced clearance may allow the power steering hose to rub against a power cable. This contact and wear may increase the risk of a fire.
The power steering hose routing will be inspected and modified as necessary. Repairs will be performed by Daimler Trucks North America authorized service facilities.
Please contact an authorized Daimler Trucks North America dealer to arrange to have the Recall performed and to ensure that parts are available at the dealership. To locate an authorized dealer, search online at
Daimler-TrucksNorthAmerica.com/Contact-us. Scroll down to “Locate a Dealer” and select the appropriate brand. The Recall will take approximately one hour and will be performed at no charge to you. You may also confirm your vehicle’s involvement in this recall at this URL: https://dtna-dlrinfo.prd.freightliner.com:48518/VinLookup/vin-module/getVinLookupPage.
You may be liable for any progressive damage that results from your failure to complete the Recall within a reasonable time after receiving notification.
If you do not own the vehicle that corresponds to the identification number(s) which appears on the Recall Notification, please return the notification to the Warranty Campaigns Department with any information you can furnish that will assist us in locating the present owner. If you have leased this vehicle, Federal law requires that you forward this notice to the lessee within 10 days. If you are a subsequent stage manufacturer, Federal law requires that you forward this notice to your distributors and retail outlets within five working days. If you have paid to have this recall condition corrected prior to this notice, you may be eligible to receive reimbursement. Please see the reverse side of this notice for details.
If you have questions about this Recall, please contact the Warranty Campaigns Department at (800) 547-0712, 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Pacific Time, Monday through Friday, e-mail address [email protected]. For other concerns, you may contact the Customer Assistance Center at (800) 385-4357. If you are not able to have the defect remedied without charge and within a reasonable time, you may wish to submit a complaint to the Administrator, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590; or call the Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236 (TTY: 800-424-9153); or go to https://www.safercar.gov.
We regret any inconvenience this action may cause but feel certain you understand our interest in motor vehicle safety.
TBB WARRANTY DEPARTMENT
Enclosure
Daimler Trucks North America LLC
Warranty Campaigns Department
P.O. Box 4090
Portland, OR 97208-4090
800.547.0712 Phone
Daimler Trucks
North America LLC
Reimbursement to Customers for Repairs Performed Prior to Recall
If you have already paid to have this recall condition corrected you may be eligible to receive reimbursement.
Requests for reimbursement may include parts and labor. Reimbursement may be limited to the amount the repair would have cost if completed by an authorized Daimler Trucks North America LLC dealer. The following documentation must be presented to your dealer for consideration for reimbursement.
Please provide original or clear copies of all receipts, invoices, and repair orders that show:
• The name and address of the person who paid for the repair.
• The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) of the vehicle that was repaired.
• What problem occurred, what repair was done, when the repair was done.
• Who repaired the vehicle.
• The total cost of the repair expense that is being claimed.
• Proof of payment for the repair (such as the front and back of a cancelled check or a credit card receipt).
Reimbursement will be made by check from your Daimler Trucks North America LLC dealer.
Please speak with your Daimler Trucks North America LLC authorized dealer concerning this matter
Daimler Trucks North America LLC
Warranty Campaigns Department
P.O. Box 4090
Portland, OR 97208-4090
800.547.0712 Phone**************************************************************************************************************Daimler Trucks
North America LLC Recall Campaign
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October 2021 FL898AB
NHTSA #21V-660 (Non-School Bus) NHTSA#21V-659 (School Bus)
Subject: TBB HDX Alternator Charge Cable Routing
Models Affected: Specific model year 2016-2021, Thomas Built Saf-T-Liner HDX buses manufactured July 30, 2015, through September 14, 2020.
General Information
Daimler Trucks 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 certain Saf-T-Liner HDX buses, a power steering hose may be routed with inadequate clearance between the hose and power cables. The reduced clearance may allow the power steering hose to rub against a power cable. This contact and wear may increase the risk of a fire.
The power steering hose routing will be inspected and modified as necessary. Repairs will be performed by Daimler Trucks North America authorized service facilities.
There are approximately 2,047 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 part number(s) listed below from your facing Parts Distribution Center.
If our records show your dealership has ordered any vehicle(s) involved in campaign number FL898, a list of the customers and vehicle identification numbers will be available on DTNAConnect. Please refer to this list when ordering parts for this recall.
Table 1 – Replacement Parts for FL898
Campaign Number
Part Description
Part Number
Qty.
FL898AB
DUAL CABLE TIE
23-12410-000
1 ea.
DUAL SWIVEL CABLE TIE
23-12886-001
1 ea.
WIRE TIE CLAMP, WIDE
23-13476-000
2 ea.
Table 1
Daimler Trucks
North America LLC Recall Campaign
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October 2021 FL898AB
NHTSA #21V-660 (Non-School Bus) NHTSA#21V-659 (School Bus)
Removed Parts
U.S. and Canadian Dealers, please follow Warranty Failed Parts Tracking shipping instructions for the disposition of all removed parts. Export distributors, please destroy removed parts unless otherwise advised.
Labor Allowance
Table 2 – Labor Allowance
Campaign Number
Procedure
Time Allowed (hours)
SRT Code
Corrective Action
FL898AB
Install cable ties to alternator
charge cable routing
0.5
996-R126A
12-Repair Recall/Campaign
Table 2
Claims for Credit
You will be reimbursed for your parts, labor, and handling (landed cost for Export Distributors) by submitting your claim through the Warranty system within 30 days of completing this campaign. Please reference the following information in OWL:
• Claim type is Recall Campaign.
• In the Campaign field, enter the campaign number and appropriate condition code (FL898-A or FL898-B).
• In the Primary Failed Part Number field, enter 25-FL898-000.
• In the Parts field, enter the appropriate part number(s) as shown in the Replacement Parts Table.
• In the Labor field, first enter the appropriate SRT from the Labor Allowance Table.
• The VMRS Component Code is F99-999-005 and the Cause Code is A1 – Campaign.
• U.S. and Canada — Reimbursement for Prior Repairs. When a customer asks about reimbursement, please do the following:
• Accept the documentation of the previous repair.
• Make a brief check of the customer’s paperwork to see if the repair may be eligible for reimburse- ment. (See the “Copy of Owner Letter” section of this bulletin for reimbursement guidelines.)
• Submit an OWL Recall Pre-Approval Request for a decision.
• Include the approved amount on your claim in the Other Charges section.
• Attach the documentation to the pre-approval request.
• If approved, submit a based on claim for the pre-approval.
• Reimburse the customer the appropriate amount.
IMPORTANT: OWL must be viewed prior to performing the recall to ensure the vehicle is involved and the campaign has not been previously completed.
Daimler Trucks
North America LLC Recall Campaign
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October 2021 FL898AB
NHTSA #21V-660 (Non-School Bus) NHTSA#21V-659 (School Bus)
U.S. and Canadian dealers, contact the Warranty Campaigns Department via Web inquiry at DTNAConnect.com/WSC, if you have any questions or need additional information. Export distributors, submit a Web inquiry or contact your International Service Manager.
U.S. and Canadian Dealers: To return excess kit inventory related to this campaign, U.S. dealers must submit a Parts Authorization Return (PAR) to the Memphis PDC. Canadian dealers must submit a PAR to their facing PDC. All kits must be in resalable condition. PAR requests must include the original purchase invoice number. Export Distributors: Excess inventory is not returnable.
The letter notifying U.S. and Canadian vehicle owners is included for your reference.
Please note that the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act, as amended (Title 49, United States Code, Chapter 301), requires the owner’s vehicle(s) be corrected within a reasonable time after parts are available to you. The Act states that failure to repair a vehicle within 60 days after tender for repair shall be prima facie evidence of an unreasonable time. However, circumstances of a particular situation may reduce the 60 day period. Failure to repair a vehicle within a reasonable time can result in either the obligation to (a) replace the vehicle with an identical or reasonably equivalent vehicle, without charge, or (b) refund the purchase price in full, less a reasonable allowance for depreciation. The Act further prohibits dealers from selling a vehicle unless all outstanding recalls are performed. Any lessor is required to send a copy of the recall notification to the lessee within 10 days. Any subsequent stage manufacturer is required to forward this notice to its distributors and retail outlets within five working days.
Daimler Trucks
North America LLC Recall Campaign
Page 4
October 2021 FL898AB
NHTSA #21V-660 (Non-School Bus) NHTSA#21V-659 (School Bus)
Copy of Notice to Owners
Subject: TBB HDX Alternator Charge Cable Routing
For the Notice to U.S. Customers: This notice is sent to you in accordance with the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act. This is to inform you that your vehicle may contain a defect that could affect the safety of a person.
Daimler Trucks 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 specific model year 2016-2021 Thomas Built Saf-T-Liner HDX buses manufactured July 30, 2015, through September 14, 2020.
On certain Saf-T-Liner HDX buses, a power steering hose may be routed with inadequate clearance between the hose and power cables. The reduced clearance may allow the power steering hose to rub against a power cable. This contact and wear may increase the risk of a fire.
The power steering hose routing will be inspected and modified as necessary. Repairs will be performed by Daimler Trucks North America authorized service facilities.
Please contact an authorized Daimler Trucks North America dealer to arrange to have the Recall performed and to ensure that parts are available at the dealership. The Recall will take approximately one hour and will be performed at no charge to you. To locate an authorized dealer, search online at
Daimler-TrucksNorthAmerica.com/contact-us/. Scroll down to “Locate a Dealer,” and select the appropriate brand. You may also confirm your vehicle’s involvement in this recall at this URL: https://
dtna-dlrinfo.prd.freightliner.com:48518/VinLookup/vin-module/getVinLookupPage.
You may be liable for any progressive damage that results from your failure to complete the Recall within a reasonable time after receiving notification.
If you do not own the vehicle that corresponds to the identification number(s) which appears on the Recall Notification, please return the notification to the Warranty Campaigns Department in the postage-paid envelope with any information you can furnish that will assist us in locating the present owner. If you have leased this vehicle, Federal law requires that you forward this notice to the lessee within 10 days. If you are a subsequent stage manufacturer, Federal law requires that you forward this notice to your distributors and retail outlets within five working days. If you have paid to have this recall condition corrected prior to this notice, you may be eligible to receive reimbursement. Please see the reverse side of this notice for details.
If you have questions about this Recall, please contact the Warranty Campaigns Department at (800) 547-0712, 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Pacific Time, Monday through Friday, e-mail address [email protected]. For the Notice to U.S. Customers: If you are not able to have the defect remedied without charge and within a reasonable time, you may wish to submit a complaint to the Administrator, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590; or call the Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236 (TTY: 800-424-9153); or to https://www.safercar.gov. For the Notice to Canadian Customers: If you wish to submit a complaint about this recall, you can contact Transport Canada road safety, 80 rue Noel, Gatineau, Quebec J8Z 0A1 or call (800) 333-0510.
We regret any inconvenience this action may cause but feel certain you understand our interest in motor vehicle safety.
WARRANTY CAMPAIGNS DEPARTMENT
Enclosure
Daimler Trucks
North America LLC Recall Campaign
Page 5
October 2021 FL898AB
NHTSA #21V-660 (Non-School Bus) NHTSA#21V-659 (School Bus)
Reimbursement to Customers for Repairs Performed Prior to Recall
If you have already paid to have this recall condition corrected you may be eligible to receive reimbursement.
Requests for reimbursement may include parts and labor. Reimbursement may be limited to the amount the repair would have cost if completed by an authorized Daimler Trucks North America LLC dealer. The following documentation must be presented to your dealer for consideration for reimbursement.
Please provide original or clear copies of all receipts, invoices, and repair orders that show:
• The name and address of the person who paid for the repair
• The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) of the vehicle that was repaired
• What problem occurred, what repair was done, when the repair was done
• Who repaired the vehicle
• The total cost of the repair expense that is being claimed
• Proof of payment for the repair (such as the front and back of a cancelled check or a credit card receipt) Reimbursement will be made by check from your Daimler Trucks North America LLC dealer.
Please speak with your Daimler Trucks North America LLC authorized dealer concerning this matter.
Daimler Trucks
North America LLC Recall Campaign
Page 6
October 2021
FL898AB
NHTSA #21V-660 (Non-School Bus) NHTSA#21V-659 (School Bus)
Work Instructions Subject: TBB HDX Alternator Charge Cable Routing
Models Affected: Specific model year 2016-2021, Thomas Built Saf-T-Liner HDX buses manufactured July 30, 2015, through September 14, 2020.
Service Procedure Overview
Inspect for any contact between the alternator charge/power cable, and the power steering hose located in the engine compartment. See Fig. 1. If contact is found, separate these parts using the tie straps and clamps shown in the parts list.
BEST PRACTICE
Prior to making any repair, refer to Thomas Built Buses Service Bulletin 00-008 for Wire and Cable Routing & Clipping. Decommission the Vehicle for Repair
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface, turn engine OFF, chock tires, and turn the main power disconnect switch (MPDS) to the OFF Position. The MPDS switch is located in the battery box compartment,
2. Disconnect negative battery cables at the batteries.
3. Open the engine compartment door.
Fig. 1, Engine Compartment, Typical
Daimler Trucks
North America LLC Recall Campaign
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October 2021 FL898AB
NHTSA #21V-660 (Non-School Bus) NHTSA#21V-659 (School Bus)
Repair Procedure
4. Use Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 to identify the alternator charge/power cable. Inspect for contact point(s) between this cable, and the power steering hose.
5. Install as needed, the dual clamp cable ties, swivel clamp spacers, and the cable ties, shown in Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6, Fig. 7, and Fig. 8 to separate and secure the cable from the power steering hose.
Fig. 2 Underside of Engine View of Cable Contact Area near Starter
Fig. 3, Close up of Cable Contact Area near Starter
Fig. 5
Clamp Usage for Crossing Cables, Hoses, and Wires bdl
Fig. 4
Clamp Usage for Parallel Cable Securement
Daimler Trucks
North America LLC Recall Campaign
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October 2021 FL898AB
NHTSA #21V-660 (Non-School Bus) NHTSA#21V-659 (School Bus)
6. Use swivel clamps in Fig. 5 and Fig. 8 for crossing cables and hoses. Use dual cable clamp in Fig. 4 and Fig. 8 for parallel routed cables and hoses.
7. As general maintenance practice, inspect the other power and ground cables for proper securement as outlined in this work instruction.
Recommission the Vehicle
8. Connect the negative battery cable, turn the main power disconnect switch to the ON position, unchock the tires, and start the engine to ensure vehicle repairs are complete.
Fig. 6
23-12410-000
Dual Cable Tie
Fig. 7
23-13476-000
Wire Tie, Clamp
(For use with figure 8)
Fig. 8
23-12886-001
Dual Swivel Cable Tie
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