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#BS-2004-THOSAF-11072004 Thomas Built Buses Saf T Liner Hdx
Based on reports from 4 owners and 5 recalls for this exact model.
Preliminary Verdict
Green Light
Based on 4 complaints, 0 crashes, 0 fires, and 5 recalls.
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Mechanic Inspection Checklist
2 owners reported brakes issues.
30,000-Mile Cost Projection
Best Case
Most Likely
Worst Case
Top cost driver: Brakes (2 reports).
Also in your report
Owner Intelligence
AI-synthesized themes from real complaints
Buyer Lot Checklist
Questions, test drive checks, walk-away triggers
Negotiation Talking Points
Data-backed dollar deductions
Buy / Skip Verdict
Final recommendation with conditions
Where the complaints fall
2004 Thomas Built Buses Saf T Liner Hdx: Known Issues & Problem Areas
Brakes Issues
Brakes complaints account for 50% of all reports filed for the 2004 Thomas Built Buses Saf T Liner Hdx, with 2 owners filing complaints with NHTSA.
Wheels & Tires Issues
Wheels & Tires complaints account for 50% of all reports filed for the 2004 Thomas Built Buses Saf T Liner Hdx, with 2 owners filing complaints with NHTSA. Owners should pay attention to wheels & tires-related symptoms during test drives and pre-purchase inspections.
Data sourced from NHTSA owner complaints and community reports. The full report analyzes severity, repair costs, and failure patterns for each category.



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Recall History (5 recalls)
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:SUPPLY:CHECK VALVE
CERTAIN FREIGHTLINER SCHOOL BUS CHASSIS, HEAVY TRUCKS, AND THOMAS BUILT SCHOOL BUSES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN JULY 2002 AND JULY 3, 2007, EQUIPPED WITH BENDIX SR-7 SPRING BRAKE CONTROL VALVES. THE PARKER SCV BRASS 90 DEGREE SINGLE CHECK VALVES (SCV) WHICH ATTACH TO THE SUPPLY PORT OF A BENDIX SR-7 SPRING BRAKE MODULATING VALVE CAN BREAK APART. PIECES OF THE PARKER SCV CAN BECOME LODGED INSIDE THE SR-7 SPRING BRAKE MODULATING VALVE, POTENTIALLY CAUSING EITHER LEAKAGE OUT OF THE SR-7 VALVE OR PREVENTING AIR FROM PROPERLY EXHAUSTING FROM THE SR-7 VALVE. ALSO, DUE TO A MANUFACTURING DEFECT IN THE INTERNAL RUBBER CHECK VALVE INSIDE THE SR-7 SPRING BRAKE MODULATING VALVES, THE VALVES CAN BECOME DEFORMED AND NOT SEAT PROPERLY.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)
DAIMLER TRUCKS IS RECALLING 2,426 THOMAS BUILT BUSES MY 2003 THROUGH 2006 SAF-T-LINER HDX SCHOOL AND NON SCHOOL BUSES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN APRIL 1, 2002 THROUGH AUGUST 30, 2005. THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE (VIM) LOCATED BETWEEN THE FRAME RAILS NEAR THE FRONT AXLE AND OUTSIDE THE TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE COVER MAY BECOME CORRODED DUE TO WATER AND ROAD SPRAY INTRUSION. VIM CORROSION MAY CAUSE THE STARTER MOTOR TO ENGAGE UNEXPECTEDLY OR THE BACKUP LIGHTS TO OPERATE INTERMITTENTLY.
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR
Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain model year 2002-2004 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner ER, 2001-2005 Saf-T-Liner Conventional, 2002-2013 Saf-T-Liner MVP-EF, 2013 Saf-T-Liner EFX, 2001-2008 Saf-T-Liner FS65, 2005-2013 Saf-T-Liner C2, 2003-2013 Saf-T-Liner HDX, 2002-2003 Saf-T-Liner MVP-ER, 2002 Vista, and 2002-2003 TL-960 non-school buses. In the affected vehicles, the stem that connects the outside emergency door handle to the emergency door opening mechanism may corrode.
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR
Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain model year 2002-2013 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner ER, 2001-2005 Saf-T-Liner Conventional, 2002-2013 Saf-T-Liner MVP-EF, 2013 Saf-T-Liner EFX, 2001-2008 Saf-T-Liner FS65, 2005-2013 Saf-T-Liner C2, 2003-2013 Saf-T-Liner HDX, 2002-2003 Saf-T-Liner MVP-ER, 2002 Vista, and 2002-2003 TL-960 school buses manufactured from February 5, 2001, through May 29, 2012. In the affected vehicles, the stem that connects the outside emergency door handle to the emergency door opening mechanism may corrode.
EQUIPMENT
Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2002-2017 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2, Saf-T-Liner HDX, FS65, and Minotour school buses, equipped with Kidde Plastic-Handle or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers. These extinguishers may become clogged, preventing the extinguisher from discharging as expected or requiring excessive force to activate the extinguisher. Additionally, in certain models, the nozzle may detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury and also render the product inoperable. For a full list of the affected fire extinguisher models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17E062-5427.pdf
Recall severity analysis & seller scripts
The full report rates each recall's severity and gives you scripts for asking the seller about recall completion.
About this data
NHTSA Complaints
Federal database of owner-filed safety complaints. 4 records for this vehicle.
NHTSA Recalls
Manufacturer-issued safety recalls. 5 recalls found for this vehicle.
Repair Cost Data
Real-world repair costs from owner reports and independent databases.
Other Thomas Built Buses Saf T Liner Hdx Model Years
2004 Thomas Built Buses Saf T Liner Hdx: Frequently Asked Questions
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