IllustrationDT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE LOCATION OF THE EXTERNAL MIRRORS CREATED A BLIND SPOT ON BOTH SIDES OF THE BUS AND ALSO THE INTERIOR MIRROR VIBRATED EXCESSIVELY WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT ALERTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT SEEN BY A DEALER.
2006 Thomas Built Buses C2
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
Limited comparison data
There is not enough comparable history to draw a useful model-year comparison.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all C2 years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
Limited mileage data: 1 of 1 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Visibility. Review the 1 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
0 crash reports0 fire reports0 injury reports
What owners actually said
1 reportsOfficial recalls
608V430000 · Equipment Adaptive/mobility
Aug 25, 2008
DAIMLER TRUCKS IS RECALLING 1,419 MY 2006 THROUGH 2008 THOMAS BUILT SCHOOL BUSES AND RECREATIONAL VEHICLE CHASSIS MANUFACTURED BETWEEN MARCH 7, 2005 AND MAY 27, 2008, EQUIPPED WITH RICON PLATFORM STYLE WHEELCHAIR LIFTS. THESE BUSES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 404, "PLATFORM LIFT INSTALLATIONS IN MOTOR VEHICLES." THE THRESHOLD WARNING SYSTEM MAY NOT DETECT THE PRESENCE OF A WHEELCHAIR OR MOBILITY AID USER IN A CERTAIN SPOT WITHIN THE DEFINED THRESHOLD AREA.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THE USER OF THE LIFT COULD BE INJURED SHOULD THE LIFT MOVE UNINTENTIONALLY.
Remedy: THOMAS BUILT IS WORKING WITH RICON TO CORRECT THE WHEELCHAIR LIFTS FREE OF CHARGE (PLEASE SEE 07E095). THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 26, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT RICON AT 1-818-267-3000 OR THOMAS BUILT 1-336-889-4871.
08V432000 · Equipment Adaptive/mobility
Aug 25, 2008
DAIMLER TRUCKS IS RECALLING 2,250 MY 2006 AND 2007 THOMAS BUILT MINOTOUR, FS65, C2, HDX, AND MVP EF SCHOOL BUSES AND RECREATIONAL VEHICLE CHASSIS MANUFACTURED BETWEEN MARCH 9, 2005 AND FEBRUARY 23, 2007, EQUIPPED WITH RICON S OR K SERIES WHEELCHAIR LIFTS. THE ANTI-STOW INTERLOCK MAY NOT DETECT THE PRESENCE OF A WHEELCHAIR OR MOBILITY AID USER. THE PRESSURE SENSING SWITCH THAT DETECTS THE PRESENCE OF WEIGHT ON THE PLATFORM WAS NOT ADJUSTED TO THE NECESSARY SENSITIVITY LEVEL. THE LIFT COULD STOW EVEN THOUGH SOMEONE OR SOMETHING IS STILL ON THE LIFT WHICH FAILS TO COMPLY WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 404, "PLATFORM LIFT INSTALLATIONS IN MOTOR VEHICLES."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A LIFT OCCUPANT CAN BE INJURED SHOULD THE LIFT BEGIN TO STOW UNINTENTIONALLY.
Remedy: DAIMLER TRUCKS IS WORKING WITH RICON TO CORRECT THE WHEELCHAIR LIFTS (PLEASE SEE 07E097). THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 26, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT RICON AT 1-800-322-2884 OR THOMAS BUILT AT 1-336-889-4871.
07V135000 · Equipment Adaptive/mobility
Mar 23, 2007
CERTAIN MY 2006 AND 2007 THOMAS BUILT MINOTOUR, FS-65, C2, HDX, AND EF SCHOOL BUSES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN JANUARY 6 AND SEPTEMBER 6, 2006, EQUIPPED WITH RICON WHEELCHAIR PLATFORM LIFT MODELS S2003, S2005, S2010, S5503, S5505, S5510, K2003, K2005, K2010, K5503, K5505, K5510. THE LIFTS INTERLOCK SWITCH SYSTEM MAY NOT DETECT THE PRESENCE OF A PASSENGER (EITHER WHEELCHAIR OR STANDEE) ON THE PLATFORM LIFT WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 404, PLATFORM LIFT SYSTEMS FOR MOTOR VEHICLES.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THE DEFECT INVOLVES THE INTERLOCK SWITCH SYSTEM IN THE LIFT NOT DETECTING THE PRESENCE OF A PASSENGER (EITHER WHEELCHAIR OR STANDEE) ON THE RICON WHEELCHAIR PLATFORM LIFT. IN THE EVENT THIS CONDITION OCCURS DURING PASSENGER OPERATIONS IT MAY BE POSSIBLE FOR THE WHEELCHAIR TO TIP BACKWARDS ONTO THE PLATFORM WHEN THE PLATFORM WAS LOWERED. THIS COULD RESULT IN INJURY TO THE WHEELCHAIR'S OCCUPANT. ALSO, ANYONE STANDING ON THE PLATFORM COULD LOSE HIS OR HER BALANCE AND FALL, RESULTING IN INJURY.
Remedy: FREIGHTLINER WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND WILL REPAIR THE AFFECTED BUSES FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON AUGUST 6, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FREIGHTLINER'S CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER AT 800-385-4357 OR CONTACT RICON AT 800-322-2884.
07V002000 · Other:school Bus Stop Arm Assembly
Jan 4, 2007
CERTAIN THOMAS BUILT 2006 AND 2007 C2 SCHOOL BUSES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN DECEMBER 21, 2005, AND SEPTEMBER 4, 2006. THE INLET AIR FITTING WELDED TO THE BASE PLATE WAS MANUFACTURED INCONSISTENTLY, POSSIBLY ALLOWING THE FITTING TO SEPARATE. SEPARATION OF THE INLET FITTING WILL PREVENT THE ACTUATING AIR FROM POWERING THE CROSSING ARM AND MAY NOT DEPLOY.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A NON-DEPLOYING CROSSING ARM ALLOWS SOME STUDENT PASSENGERS TO NOT BE VISIBLE TO THE DRIVER AS THEY CROSS IN FRONT OF THE BUS DURING PICK-UP OR DISCHARGE, PRESENT A RISK TO THEM.
Remedy: THOMAS BUILT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPAIR THE BUSES FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 28, 2007. OWNERS MAY CALL THOMAS BUILT AT 336-889-4871 OR CONTACT FREIGHTLINER AT 800-547-0712.
06V496000 · Other:school Bus Stop Arm Assembly
Dec 29, 2006
CERTAIN THOMAS BUILT 2006 AND 2007 C2 SCHOOL BUSES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN DECEMBER 21, 2005, AND SEPTEMBER 4, 2006. THE STOP ARM MAY NOT DEPLOY.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A NON-DEPLOYING STOP ARM MAY ENCOURAGE MOTORISTS TO PASS THE SCHOOL BUS DURING PICK-UP OR DISCHARGE OF CHILDREN, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN SERIOUS INJURY.
Remedy: THOMAS BUILT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPAIR THE BUSES FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL WILL BEGIN ON MARCH 29, 2007. OWNERS MAY CALL THOMAS BUILT AT 336-889-4871 OR OWNERS MAY CONTACT FREIGHTLINER AT 800-547-0712.
06V085000 · Parking Brake
Mar 28, 2006
CERTAIN MY 2004-2006 FREIGHTLINER CUSTOM CHASSIS B2 SCHOOL BUSES AND THOMAS BUILT C2 SCHOOL BUSES BUILT WITH AIR OR HYDRAULIC BRAKES WITH A ONE VALVE PARK BRAKE SYSTEM AND PARK BRAKE RELEASE INTERLOCK MANUFACTURED BETWEEN JUNE 17, 2004, AND FEBRUARY 20, 2006. AT HIGHER VEHICLE LOADS, THE PARKING BRAKES MAY NOT FULLY APPLY.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A BUS MAY ROLL IF THE DRIVER RELEASES THE SERVICE BRAKES BEFORE THE PARKING BRAKES FULLY APPLY, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH OR INJURE PASSENGERS ENTERING OR LEAVING THE BUS.
Remedy: FREIGHTLINER WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPAIR THE PARK BRAKE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 12, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FREIGHTLINER AT 1-800-547-0712.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
2PE11031 · Pass-Through Power Stud Corrosion
Opened Sep 12, 2011 · Closed Feb 2, 2012
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System; Electrical SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V Battery:cables
ODI received a complaint regarding a corroded battery post located behind a service panel near the driver's seat on a 2006 Thomas Built C2 school bus that resulted in a fire on the vehicle.It was determined that like buses built prior to a December 26, 2005 design change which added a flange to the lower edge of the panel were susceptible to water intrusion.The design change was meant to address concerns of loose panels but consequently prevented water ingress and the subject corrosion. Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) submitted a recall notice on October 18, 2011 involving 3,300 of the estimated 6,139 vehicles subject to this investigation.In subsequent communication with ODI, DTNA explained that nearly two thirds of 4,773 MY2007 vehicles were built with the December 26 design change and therefore do not contain the safety related defect.DTNA's announcement of a safety recall on this matter, and subsequent explanation of the scope of vehicles involved, addresses ODI's concerns.The 573 letter was received prior to the due date of the IR response, therefore DTNA has been relieved from having to submit an IR response.DTNA will inspect, clean, repair and protect power cables as needed.The subject vehicles have been recalled and this investigation is closed.The ODI report cited above can be reviewed at www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following identification (ODI) number: 10395455
Additional source detail variants (2)
Electrical SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V Battery:cables
ODI received a complaint regarding a corroded battery post located behind a service panel near the driver's seat on a 2006 Thomas Built C2 school bus that resulted in a fire on the vehicle.It was determined that like buses built prior to a December 26, 2005 design change which added a flange to the lower edge of the panel were susceptible to water intrusion.The design change was meant to address concerns of loose panels but consequently prevented water ingress and the subject corrosion. Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) submitted a recall notice on October 18, 2011 involving 3,300 of the estimated 6,139 vehicles subject to this investigation.In subsequent communication with ODI, DTNA explained that nearly two thirds of 4,773 MY2007 vehicles were built with the December 26 design change and therefore do not contain the safety related defect.DTNA's announcement of a safety recall on this matter, and subsequent explanation of the scope of vehicles involved, addresses ODI's concerns.The 573 letter was received prior to the due date of the IR response, therefore DTNA has been relieved from having to submit an IR response.DTNA will inspect, clean, repair and protect power cables as needed.The subject vehicles have been recalled and this investigation is closed.The ODI report cited above can be reviewed at www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following identification (ODI) number: 10395455
Electrical System
ODI received a complaint regarding a corroded battery post located behind a service panel near the driver's seat on a 2006 Thomas Built C2 school bus that resulted in a fire on the vehicle.It was determined that like buses built prior to a December 26, 2005 design change which added a flange to the lower edge of the panel were susceptible to water intrusion.The design change was meant to address concerns of loose panels but consequently prevented water ingress and the subject corrosion. Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) submitted a recall notice on October 18, 2011 involving 3,300 of the estimated 6,139 vehicles subject to this investigation.In subsequent communication with ODI, DTNA explained that nearly two thirds of 4,773 MY2007 vehicles were built with the December 26 design change and therefore do not contain the safety related defect.DTNA's announcement of a safety recall on this matter, and subsequent explanation of the scope of vehicles involved, addresses ODI's concerns.The 573 letter was received prior to the due date of the IR response, therefore DTNA has been relieved from having to submit an IR response.DTNA will inspect, clean, repair and protect power cables as needed.The subject vehicles have been recalled and this investigation is closed.The ODI report cited above can be reviewed at www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following identification (ODI) number: 10395455
PE11032 · Brake Line Chafing
Opened Sep 12, 2011 · Closed Jan 30, 2012
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received a complaint alleging brake fluid loss caused by a ruptured brake line that had chafed against a wire harness in the engine compartment of the complainant?s vehicle.It was determined that the chafing was caused by contact between the convoluted tubing covering the fuel supply line and the metal brake lines.This issue only affects units with a Caterpillar (CAT) C7 engine and a fuel water separator mounted in a specific location on the frame rail.Not all units with CAT engines were equipped with fuel water separators, but all units with CAT engines and a fuel water separator have them mounted in the same location.Units with other engines have a different fuel supply line routing and are not affected by this defect.Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) submitted a recall notice on 18 October 2011 involving seven-hundred (700) model year (MY) 2005-2009 vehicles.In its notice, DTNA provided an explanation that MY2010 vehicles were not built with CAT C7 engines and, that of the model years that were built with C7 engines, only 700 had fuel water separators.All 700 such vehicles are included in this recall.DTNA's announcement of a safety recall addresses ODI's concerns.The recall remedy involves replacement of any damaged brake lines and rerouting as needed.This investigation is closed.The ODI report cited above can be reviewed at www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following identification (ODI) number: 10383939