Blocked Fuel Delivery Resulting in Stall

An NHTSA Preliminary Evaluation into Thomas Built Buses vehicles. Closed 26 August 2013.

Investigation
PE13006
Type
Preliminary Evaluation
Opened
18 March 2013
Closed
26 August 2013

What NHTSA investigated

ODI was made aware of multiple allegations of engine stall resulting from a loose barcode sticker in the fuel tank of certain model year (MY) 2012 Thomas Built Saf-T-Liner transit style buses manufactured by Thomas Built Buses, Inc. (TBB).The loose barcode sticker from a diesel powered cab heater (installed in some cold weather state buses) may become lodged in the fuel delivery pickup tube and restrict fuel flow. Early analysis suggested that at least one failure resulted in a school bus being stranded on an interstate highway.Additionally, ODI identified 6 Early Warning Reporting (EWR) reports that appear related to the alleged defect, and TBB informed ODI that it was aware of nine (9) other related field reports for a total of fifteen (15) alleged incidents.Daimler Truck North America (DTNA), parent company of TBB, submitted a recall notice dated August 13, 2013 (13V-365 for school buses and 13V-364 for non-school buses) that addresses ODI's concerns.Fuel tanks will be inspected for the presence of a label.If a label is found, it will be removed from the tank.As a result of the DTNA remedial action this investigation is closed.

Recalls that followed

  1. Thomas Built Buses — Equipment: Labels13V36400015 August 20138 vehicles
  2. Thomas Built Buses — Equipment: Labels13V36500015 August 2013237 vehicles

Vehicles covered

MakeModelModel years
Thomas Built BusesSAF-T-LINER C22013

Source

From NHTSA’s investigation file, rebuilt daily. To report a problem with your own vehicle, go to nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem. All open investigations.