RoadVitals

2006 Blue Bird All American Recalls

Safety recall campaigns filed with NHTSA that cover this model year

Data refreshed

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
Recall campaignsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
15
Newest Oct 14, 2011
Carrying an NHTSA advisoryCampaigns where NHTSA told owners not to drive the vehicle, or to park it outside, until the repair is done.
0
Open investigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
2 investigations on file

Recall campaigns

15 campaigns cover this model year — what the defect is, what it could cause, and what the remedy is

11V499000

SEATS:BARRIERS

Oct 14, 2011
54 units potentially affected
The defect: BLUE BIRD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006 THROUGH 2012 ALL AMERICAN, 2006 THROUGH 2011 VISION, AND 2006 CONVENTIONAL SCHOOL BUSES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 19, 2005, AND MAY 3, 2011, EQUIPPED WITH 2-PASSENGER SEATS INSTALLED FORWARD OF THE 39" BARRIER. IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE BARRIER MAY MAKE CONTACT WITH THE 2-PASSENGER SEAT INSTALLED FORWARD OF THE BARRIER. ACCORDINGLY, THESE BUSES FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 222, "SCHOOL BUS PASSENGER SEATING AND CRASH PROTECTION."
The risk: THE SEAT OCCUPANTS MAY BE SERIOUSLY INJURED IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.
The remedy: BLUE BIRD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE BUSES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 18, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BLUE BIRD AT 1-478-822-2242.
BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANYManufacturer number R11TQView on NHTSA.gov
09V328000

SEATS

Aug 13, 2009
37,095 units potentially affected
The defect: BLUE BIRD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004 THROUGH 2010 ALL AMERICAN, VISION, MICRO BIRD, AND CONVENTIONAL SCHOOL BUSES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN JANUARY 30, 2003 AND MAY 7, 2009. INCORRECT OFFSET LEG BARRIER PADS OR 2/3 SEAT BACK PADS MAY HAVE BEEN INSTALLED. BUSES WITH INCORRECT PADS INSTALLED FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 222, "SCHOOL BUS PASSENGER SEATING AND CRASH PROTECTION."
The risk: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THERE IS AN INCREASED RISK OF INJURY TO THE SEAT OCCUPANT(S).
The remedy: BLUE BIRD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND THE BUSES WILL BE REPAIRED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 18, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BLUE BIRD AT 1-478-822-2242.
BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANYManufacturer number R09PMView on NHTSA.gov
09V205000

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION

Jun 9, 2009
2,203 units potentially affected
The defect: BLUE BIRD IS RECALLING 2,203 MODEL YEAR 2003 THROUGH 2010 ALL AMERICAN REAR ENGINE SCHOOL BUSES EQUIPPED WITH OPTIONAL PLUG STYLE VANDAL LOCKS MANUFACTURED FROM JULY 16, 2003 THROUGH APRIL 10, 2009. THE PLUG STYLE VANDAL LOCK IS NOT WIRED TO INHIBIT THE STARTER AT THE IGNITION SWITCH WHEN THE VANDAL LOCK IS IN THE LOCKED POSITION. THESE BUSES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 217, "BUS EMERGENCY EXITS AND WINDOW RETENTION AND RELEASE."
The risk: THE VEHICLES CAN BE STARTED AND DRIVEN EVEN WHEN AN OWNER MAY THINK THEY CANNOT.
The remedy: BLUE BIRD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPAIR THE BUSES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 25, 2009. OWNER MAY CONTACT BLUE BIRD AT 1-478-422-2242.
BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANYManufacturer number R09PEView on NHTSA.gov
08V395000

EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

Aug 12, 2008
2,503 units potentially affected
The defect: BLUE BIRD IS RECALLING 2,503 MY 2006-2008 ALL AMERICAN, CONVENTIONAL, AND MICRO BIRD SCHOOL AND TRANSIT BUSES EQUIPPED WITH RICON PLATFORM STYLE WHEELCHAIR LIFTS. THESE LIFTS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 403, "PLATFORM LIFT SYSTEMS FOR MOTOR VEHICLES." 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.
The risk: A LIFT OCCUPANT CAN BE INJURED SHOULD THE LIFT BEGIN TO STOW UNINTENTIONALLY.
The remedy: BLUE BIRD IS WORKING WITH RICON TO CORRECT THE WHEELCHAIR LIFTS (PLEASE SEE 07E097). THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 30, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT RICON AT 1-818-267-3000 OR BLUE BIRD AT 1-478-822-2242.
BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANYManufacturer number R08NHView on NHTSA.gov
08V229000

STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS

May 20, 2008
23,464 units potentially affected
The defect: BLUE BIRD IS RECALLING 23,464 MY 2005 THROUGH 2009 ALL AMERICAN AND VISION SCHOOL AND TRANSIT MODEL BUSES MANUFACTURED FROM JANUARY 22, 2004, AND MARCH 28, 2008, AND MY 2004 THROUGH 2007 ALL AMERICAN SCHOOL BUSES AND CONVENTIONAL MODEL SCHOOL BUSES MANUFACTURED FROM MARCH 6, 2003, THROUGH JUNE 16, 2006. THE RIVET PATTERN MAY BE INCORRECT IN SECTIONS OF THE REAR ROOF SHEET JOINT THAT ATTACHES TO THE REAR ROOF CAP. WITHOUT THE APPROPRIATE AMOUNT OF ROOF RIVETS, THE BUSES FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO 221, "JOINT STRENGTH."
The risk: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THESE PANELS MAY SEPARATE EXPOSING THE OCCUPANTS TO INCREASED RISK OF INJURY.
The remedy: BLUE BIRD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND INSPECT AND REPAIR THE BUSES BY ADDING ADDITIONAL RIVETS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 18, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BLUE BIRD AT 478-822-2242.
BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANYManufacturer number R08NCView on NHTSA.gov
08V163000

EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

Apr 10, 2008
2,129 units potentially affected
The defect: BLUE BIRD IS RECALLING 2,129 MY 2006-2008 ALL AMERICAN, CONVENTIONAL, AND MICRO BIRD SCHOOL AND TRANSIT BUSES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN MAY 3, 2005 AND FEBRUARY 15, 2008, EQUIPPED WITH RICON MODEL 1200, 2000, AND 5500 PLATFORM STYLE WHEEL CHAIR 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.
The risk: THE USER OF THE LIFT COULD BE INJURED SHOULD THE LIFT MOVE UNINTENTIONALLY.
The remedy: BLUE BIRD IS WORKING WITH RICON TO CORRECT THE WHEELCHAIR LIFTS FREE OF CHARGE (PLEASE SEE 07E095). THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR ABOUT APRIL 28, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT RICON AT 1-800-322-2884 OR BLUE BIRD AT 1-478-822-2242.
BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANYManufacturer number R08NAView on NHTSA.gov
08V077000

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL

Feb 21, 2008
607 units potentially affected
The defect: BLUE BIRD IS RECALLING 607 MY 2004-2007 ALL AMERICAN REAR ENGINE SCHOOL BUSES AND MY 2006-2007 XCEL 102 COMMERCIAL SERIES TRANSIT BUSES EQUIPPED WITH CUMMINS ISC ENGINES. THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL LINE MAY CRACK, ALLOWING HIGH PRESSURE DIESEL FUEL INTO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.
The risk: THIS CONDITION CREATES THE POTENTIAL FOR A RISK OF FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT SHOULD THE ATOMIZED DIESEL FUEL VAPOR CONTACT AN IGNITION SOURCE.
The remedy: OWNERS WILL BE ADVISED TO CONTACT THEIR CUMMINS DEALERS TO HAVE THE REPAIR WORK PERFORMED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 28, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BLUE BIRD AT 1-478-822-2242.
BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANYManufacturer number R08MZView on NHTSA.gov
07V556000

EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

Dec 11, 2007
451 units potentially affected
The defect: CERTAIN 2006 AND 2007 MY BLUE BIRD ALL AMERICAN, CONVENTIONAL, AND MICRO BIRD SCHOOL BUSES MANUFACTURED FROM JULY 16, 2005 THROUGH AUGUST 29, 2006, EQUIPPED WITH MODEL 900 SERIES WHEELCHAIR LIFTS MANUFACTURED BY THE BRAUN CORPORATION. THE THRESHOLD WARNING SYSTEM MAY NOT ACTIVATE AS DESIGNED WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 404, PLATFORM LIFT INSTALLATIONS FOR MOTOR VEHICLES.
The risk: SHOULD THE THRESHOLD WARNING SYSTEM FAIL TO OPERATE, THE LIFT USER CAN FALL FROM THE VEHICLE AND BE SERIOUSLY INJURED.
The remedy: OWNERS WILL BE NOTIFIED BY BLUE BIRD INSTRUCTING THEM TO CONTACT BRAUN FOR FREE REPAIR. THE RECALL JANUARY 16, 2008. OWNERS CAN CONTACT EITHER BLUE BIRD AT 478-822-2242 OR BRAUN PRODUCT SUPPORT AT 1-800-946-7513.
BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANYManufacturer number R07MSView on NHTSA.gov
07V292000

VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR

Jul 3, 2007
192 units potentially affected
The defect: CERTAIN MY 2006 THROUGH 2008 BLUE BIRD ALL AMERICAN REAR ENGINE SCHOOL AND TRANSIT BUSES MANUFACTURED FROM JANUARY 14, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 13, 2007, EQUIPPED WITH EMERGENCY PUSH OUT WINDOWS. THE SUBJECT BUSES WERE MANUFACTURED WITH INCORRECT NUMBER OF EMERGENCY EXITS WHICH DOES NOT COMPLY WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 217, BUS EMERGENCY EXITS AND WINDOW RETENTION AND RELEASE.
The risk: THE PURPOSE OF THIS STANDARD IS TO MINIMIZE THE LIKELIHOOD OF OCCUPANTS BEING THROWN FROM THE BUS AND TO PROVIDE A MEANS OF READILY ACCESSIBLE EMERGENCY EGRESS.
The remedy: BLUE BIRD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND INSTALL ADDITIONAL EMERGENCY EXIT WINDOWS ON EACH SIDE OF THE SUBJECT BUSES FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 7, 2008. OWNERS CAN CONTACT BLUE BIRD AT 478-822-2242.
BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANYManufacturer number R07LWView on NHTSA.gov
06V112000

EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

Apr 11, 2006
129 units potentially affected
The defect: CERTAIN MY 2006 ALL AMERICAN SCHOOL AND TRANSIT BUSES AND 2006 CONVENTIONAL VISION SCHOOL BUSES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN JULY 7 AND NOVEMBER 8, 2005, EQUIPPED WITH RICON S AND K SERIES PLATFORM STYLE WHEELCHAIR LIFTS . THE VERTICAL SUPPORT ARMS FOR THE LIFTS WERE IMPROPERLY WELDED ALLOWING THE LIFT TO STOW IMPROPERLY.
The risk: IN THE EVENT THIS CONDITION OCCURS DURING PASSENGER OPERATIONS IT MAY NOT BE POSSIBLE TO CLOSE THE LIFT DOOR CAUSING THE VEHICLE INTERLOCKS TO REMAIN ENGAGED PREVENTING MOVEMENT OF THE VEHICLE OR THE ABILITY TO LOAD OR UNLOAD PASSENGERS WITH DISABILITIES FROM THE VEHICLE.
The remedy: BLUE BIRD WILL NOTIFY ITS CUSTOMERS AND REPAIR THE BUSES FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 5, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BLUE BIRD AT 478-822-2242.
BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANYManufacturer number R06KSView on NHTSA.gov
05V382000

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY

Aug 31, 2005
5,863 units potentially affected
The defect: CERTAIN 2001 THROUGH 2006 MY BLUE BIRD ALL AMERICAN, TC2000, AND VISION TRANSIT SCHOOL BUSES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN JANUARY 5, 2001, AND JULY 15, 2005. THESE BUSES ARE EQUIPPED WITH A BATTERY DISCONNECT SWITCH THAT HAS CONNECTIONS THAT MAY BE LOOSE ON THE BATTERY SWITCH STUDS CREATING THE POTENTIAL FOR THE BUS TO SHUT DOWN WHILE IN OPERATION.
The risk: SHOULD THE BUS SHUT DOWN WHILE IN OPERATION, A VEHICLE CRASH COULD OCCUR.
The remedy: BLUE BIRD WILL NOTIFY ITS OWNERS AND INSTRUCT THEM ON HOW TO REPAIR THE SWITCH. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 19 , 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BLUE BIRD AT 478-822-2242.
BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANYManufacturer number R05KAView on NHTSA.gov
05V251000

OTHER:SCHOOL BUS STOP ARM ASSEMBLY

May 20, 2005
3,121 units potentially affected
The defect: CERTAIN BLUE BIRD 2002 THROUGH 2006 MY ALL AMERICAN, CONVENTIONAL, MINIBIRD, MICROBIRD, VISION, AND TC2000 SCHOOL BUSES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN STATES OTHER THAN THE FOLLOWING STATES: ALASKA, COLORADO, CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, IDAHO, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, KANSAS, KENTUCKY, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, MONTANA, NEBRASKA, NEVADA, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW MEXICO, NEW YORK, NORTH DAKOTA, OHIO, OREGON, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, SOUTH DAKOTA, TENNESSEE, UTAH, VERMONT, VIRGINIA, WASHINGTON, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, WYOMING, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. IN EXTREMELY COLD WEATHER, THE MICROSWITCHES USED INTERNALLY TO POSITION THE SIGN IN THE OPEN AND CLOSED POSITIONS MAY MALFUNCTION, CAUSING THE SIGN TO OPEN OR CLOSE IN AN IMPROPER POSITION, OR TO NOT OPEN AT ALL.
The risk: SHOULD THE STOP ARM NOT PERFORM PROPERLY, A CHILD OR PEDESTRIAN MAY BE ENDANGERED BY PASSING MOTORISTS SHOULD THE MOTORIST NOT STOP AT THE CORRECT LOCATION.
The remedy: BLUE BIRD WILL NOTIFY ALL ITS CUSTOMERS OF THIS CAMPAIGN. FOR THOSE BUSES OPERATED IN OR NEAR ANY OF THE STATES LISTED ABOVE, BLUE BIRD IS ENCOURAGING THE BUS OWNERS TO OBTAIN THE REPLACEMENT SWITCH. FOR THOSE BUSES OPERATED IN THE WARMER STATES, BLUE BIRD WILL REPLACE THE SWITCH UPON OWNER REQUEST. FOR THOSE CUSTOMERS WHO REQUEST THE REMEDY, BLUE BIRD WILL REPLACE THE ORIGINAL SWITCH WITH A SWITCH PACK THAT IS NOT SENSITIVE TO EXTREME COLD WEATHER AND WILL INSPECT TO ENSURE THE MICROSWITCH HEATER WIRING IS PROPERLY CONNECTED. THE SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BEGAN ON AUGUST 12, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BLUE BIRD AT 478-822-2242.
BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANYManufacturer number R05JWView on NHTSA.gov
05V239000

OTHER:SCHOOL BUS STOP ARM ASSEMBLY

May 20, 2005
8,894 units potentially affected
The defect: CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE FOLLOWING STATES: ALASKA, COLORADO, CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, IDAHO, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, KANSAS, KENTUCKY, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, MONTANA, NEBRASKA, NEVADA, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW MEXICO, NEW YORK, NORTH DAKOTA, OHIO, OREGON, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, SOUTH DAKOTA, TENNESSEE, UTAH, VERMONT, VIRGINIA, WASHINGTON, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, WYOMING, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. IN EXTREMELY COLD WEATHER, THE MICROSWITCHES USED INTERNALLY TO POSITION THE STOP ARM SIGN IN THE OPEN AND CLOSED POSITIONS MAY MALFUNCTION, CAUSING THE SIGN TO OPEN OR CLOSE IN AN IMPROPER POSITION, OR TO NOT OPEN AT ALL.
The risk: SHOULD THE STOP ARM NOT PERFORM PROPERLY, A CHILD OR PEDESTRIAN MAY BE ENDANGERED BY PASSING VEHICLES SHOULD THE MOTORIST NOT STOP AT THE CORRECT LOCATION.
The remedy: BLUE BIRD WILL NOTIFY ITS CUSTOMERS AND REPLACE THE ORIGINAL SWITCH WITH A SWITCH PACK THAT IS NOT SENSITIVE TO EXTREME COLD WEATHER AND WILL INSPECT TO ENSURE THE MICROSWITCH HEATER WIRING IS PROPERLY CONNECTED FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 12, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BLUE BIRD AT 478-822-2242.
BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANYManufacturer number R05JVView on NHTSA.gov
05V211000

SEATS

May 9, 2005
8 units potentially affected
The defect: CERTAIN MY 2006 BLUE BIRD ALL AMERICAN AND VISION SCHOOL BUSES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN FEBRUARY 9 AND APRIL 15, 2005. SEAT SPACING IN FRONT OF THE SIDE EMERGENCY DOOR FLIP UP SEAT EXCEEDS THE MAXIMUM ALLOWED SPACING AS REQUIRED BY FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 222, SCHOOL BUS PASSENGER SEATING AND CRASH PROTECTION.
The remedy: ALL THE AFFECTED BUSES HAVE BEEN REPAIRED BY BLUE BIRD DISTRIBUTORS. THEREFORE, IT WILL NOT BE NECESSARY FOR BLUE BIRD TO MAIL OUT OWNER NOTIFICATION LETTERS TO CUSTOMERS.
BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANYManufacturer number R05JUView on NHTSA.gov
05V190000

STRUCTURE

Apr 26, 2005
575 units potentially affected
The defect: CERTAIN BLUE BIRD MY 2006 ALL AMERICAN FRONT AND REAR ENGINE SCHOOL BUSES MANUFACTURED FROM DECEMBER 6, 2004, THROUGH APRIL 8, 2005. THE INTERIOR SIDE WALL PANELS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE JOINT STRENGTH REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 221, SCHOOL BUS BODY JOINT STRENGTH.
The risk: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE PANELS CAN SEPARATE EXPOSING THE PASSENGERS TO SERIOUS INJURY.
The remedy: BLUE BIRD WILL NOTIFY ITS CUSTOMERS AND REPAIR THE AFFECTED BUSES FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN MAY 26, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BLUE BIRD AT 478-822-2242.
BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANYManufacturer number R05JRView on NHTSA.gov

What a recall is

Safety recall
A safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
Safety investigation
NHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
Manufacturer communication
Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect, and it is not a recall.

PE07050ClosedPreliminary Evaluation

AIR LINE DETACHING FROM DASH

Opened Oct 11, 2007
Closed Feb 1, 2008

THIS INVESTIGATION WAS OPENED AFTER ODI RECEIVED NOTIFICATION FROM TWO FLEETS (TOTALING SEVEN COMPLAINTS) ALLEGING THE AIR LINES CONNECTING TO THE DASH AIR GAUGE WERE LEAKING AIR AND SETTING OFF THE LOW PRESSURE AIR BUZZER. DURING THE COURSE OF THIS INVESTIGATION, ODI INTERVIEWED THE INVOLVED FLEETS, CONDUCTED FIELD TRIPS TO EXAMINE SIMILAR BUSES, VISITED DEALERS AND REVIEWED DATA FURNISHED BY BLUE BIRD IN RESPONSE TO AN INFORMATION REQUEST.WHILE BIRD BIRD WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE A DEFINITIVE CAUSE FOR THE REPORTED FAILURES, THEY BELIEVE THE LOWNUMBER OF COMPLAINTS INDICATES AN ANOMALY AND THE LEAKS MAY HAVE BEEN CAUSED BY THE UNINTENTIONAL POSITIONING OF THE HOSE DURING DASH INSTALLATION.BLUE BIRD THEORIZES THAT AS THE 1/4 DASH GAUGE AIR LINE TUBING WAS INSTALLED BEHIND THE DASH, THE TUBING ENTERING THE PUSH-IN QUICK DISCONNECT FITTINGMAY HAVE BEEN POSITIONED AT AN ANGLE PUTTING STRESS ON THE PLASTIC MOVABLE PART OF THE FITTING. OVER TIME THIS STRESS MAY HAVE CAUSED THE PLASTIC PART OF THE FITTING TO DETERIORATE,RESULTING IN AN AIR LEAK.BASED ON THE RESULTS OF AN AIR BRAKE SYSTEM TEST CONDUCTED BY BLUE BIRD, COMPLETE DISCONNECTION OF THE ? AIR LINE AT THE DASH AIR GAUGE DOES NOT DEPLETE THE BRAKE AIR SYSTEM TO THE POINT WHERE THE BRAKES WILL NOT OPERATE AS DESIGNED. THE TEST SHOWED THAT EVEN WITH THE AIR LINE DISCONNECTED, NORMAL OPERATION OF THE BUS WILL CONTINUE TO CHARGE THE AIR SYSTEM RESERVOIR, ALLOWING FOR SAFE OPERATION UNTIL THE BUS CAN BE CHECKED. NEVERTHELESS, ALTHOUGH BLUE BIRD'S TEST DATA AND CUSTOMER INFORMATION CONFIRMS THERE IS NO LOSS OF BRAKES WHEN THE DASH AIR GAUGE LINES LEAK OR BECOME DISCONNECTED, BLUE BIRD INTENDS TO DEVELOP A SERVICE BULLETIN TO INSPECT THIS AIR LINE CONNECTION. THE SERVICE BULLETIN WILL BE SENT TO OWNERS OF ALL 2006 AND 2007 MODEL YEAR BLUE BIRD ALL AMERICAN SCHOOL BUSES.BASED ON THIS INFORMATION, A SAFETY RELATED DEFECT TREND DOES NOT EXIST AT THIS TIME AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES IS NOT WARRANTED. THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES. THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.

SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:SUPPLY
PE05028ClosedPreliminary Evaluation

SCHOOL BUS STALLS

Opened May 25, 2005
Closed Sep 27, 2005

THIS INVESTIGATION WAS OPENED AFTER ODI RECEIVED A COMPLAINT FROM A SCHOOL BUS FLEET REPORTING THAT THREE SEPARATE BUSES HAD STALLED UNEXPECTEDLY WHILE THEY WERE LOADED WITH CHILDREN.REPORTEDLY, EACH TIME THE FAILURE OCCURRED THE MASTER BATTERY SHUT-OFF SWITCH WAS IDENTIFIED AS BEING DEFECTIVE.ODI OPENED THIS INVESTIGATION TO GATHER SPECIFIC INFORMATION AND DETAILS INTO THESE ALLEGATIONS.AS A RESULT OF ODI?S INVESTIGATION, BLUE BIRD HAS AGREED TO INITATE A SAFETY RECALL TO REPLACE THE STANDARD NUT ON THE 10/32 STUD WITH A LOCKING NUT, CHECK FOR PROPER WIRING INSTALLATION , AND REPOSITION THE WIRES SO THAT THEY DO NOT STRESS THE STUD.A COPY OF THE RECALL IS ATTACHED.BLUE BIRD'S ACTION RESOLVES THE ISSUES RAISED BY THIS INVESTIGATION AND THEREFORE, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY:CABLESLed to recall 05V382000

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .