Insufficient interior joint strength/fmvss 221
Defect Summary
Daimler trucks north america, llc (dtna) is recalling certain 2027 thomas built saf-t-liner hdx2 school buses. Front and mid-body interior joints may have been manufactured incorrectly, resulting in 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."
Safety Consequence
A school bus with insufficient joint strength may not adequately protect passengers in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Corrective Action
Dealers will add fasteners to secure the joints, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, are expected to be mailed july 2, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated in august 2026. Owners may contact dtna customer service at 1-800-574-0712. Dtna's number for this recall is f1034.
Similar Recalls
Other recalls from Daimler Trucks North America, Llc or involving Structure.
FAQ: Recall 26V388000
Your rights, the repair process, and what each field on this page means.
What is recall 26V388000?
NHTSA recall 26V388000 was issued by Daimler Trucks North America, Llc on June 12, 2026. It addresses: Insufficient interior joint strength/fmvss 221. The recall affects approximately 2 vehicles, with the defect involving the Structure component.
How do I get this recall repaired?
Contact any authorized Daimler Trucks North America, Llc dealer and reference NHTSA recall ID 26V388000 or the manufacturer campaign number F1034. Under federal law, the repair is completely free regardless of vehicle age or owner history.
Is my vehicle included in this recall?
The only way to confirm is to look up your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. NHTSA's tool will tell you if VIN-by-VIN this exact recall applies.
How long do I have to get a recall repair done?
There is no expiration on most federal safety recalls. Even if your vehicle is years old and you bought it used, the manufacturer is required to perform the repair at no cost.
Where does the data on this page come from?
All information on this page is sourced directly from the U.S. Department of Transportation public dataset for NHTSA recalls. Last refreshed: 2026-08-17. For the most current official notice, visit nhtsa.gov/recalls.