FL857 - Adjustable Brake Pedal Arm May Rotate - 2021 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 School Buses

Defect Information Report
(Section 573.6)
FL-857
Date of Submission: July 28, 2020
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: 2021 Model Yr. End: 2021
Make: Thomas Built Buses
Model: Saf-T-Liner C2
Production Dates: Begin: 03/18/2020 End: 05/22/2020
Descriptive Information: Saf-T-Liner C2 School Buses equipped with specific adjustable pedals supplied
by Kongsberg Automotive.
Number potentially involved: 149 Estimated percentage of involve with defect: 2%
Defect / Noncompliance Description
For this Defect/Noncompliance:
Describe the defect or noncompliance: In rare cases, the adjustable brake pedal arm may rotate
from its original location due to an incorrect fit between the Pedal Adjustment tube and irregular
geometry in the upper brake arm casting that supports the pedal adjustment tube.
Describe the safety risk: Rotation of the brake pedal may lead to an out of position brake pedal, which
the driver may not be able to locate accurately during a required braking event, thus increasing the risk
of a crash.
Identify any warning which can precede or occur: N/A
If applicable, identify the manufacture of the defective or noncompliant component:
Kongsberg Automotive
Involved Components
Component Name: Adjustable Brake Pedal
Component Description: PEDAL-BRAKE,PNEUMATIC,ADJ
Component Part Number: A12-24318-000
Chronology of Defect / Noncompliance Determination
Provide the chronology of events leading up to the defect decision or test data for the
noncompliance decision.: May 2020, 3 brake pedal assemblies were found to rotate at the school bus
body manufacturing plant during a brake pedal test and DTNA notified the supplier. DTNA began a
review of brake pedals while at the same time ensuring all pedals were oriented correctly before delivery
to customers. June 2020, the supplier requested vehicles placed on hold for a brake pedal assembly
replacement and conducted further investigation. Late June 2020, Supplier recommended DTNA to
replace suspect brake pedal assemblies for the field, but did not indicate if the issue was related to
safety. July 2020, DTNA completed a review of the suspect population in the field, warranty, and field
reports, and investigated to determine the risk to vehicle safety. July 22, 2020, after conclusion of the indepth
investigation, DTNA, with an abundance of caution, decided to initiate a voluntary recall to
campaign vehicles with the suspected brake pedal assembly.
Identify the Remedy
Describe the defect/noncompliance remedy program, including the manufacture’s plan for
reimbursement. School bus chassis will receive a new brake pedal assembly. Repairs will be performed
by Daimler Trucks North America authorized service facilities. Details of the reimbursement plan will be
included in the owner’s notification letter.
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: 9/25/2020
Planned Dealer Notification End Date: 9/25/2020
Planned Owner Notification Begin Date: 9/25/2020
Planned Owner Notification End Date: 9/25/2020
Manufacture’s identification code for this recall (if applicable): FL-857
DTNA Representative:
Larissa Stoffels
Executive Manager, Vehicle Safety
Compliance and Regulatory Affairs