RoadVitals

2015 Blue Bird All American

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
3
Latest May 15, 2015
Safety recallsA 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.
27
Latest Nov 20, 2023
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
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
0

Overview

Our database contains 3 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2015 Blue Bird All American, most frequently naming the body & structure, fuel system and other / unspecified categories. 27 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 25 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Body & structure125.0%
  • Fuel system125.0%
  • Other / unspecified125.0%
  • Steering125.0%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

27 campaigns cover this model year

View all 27

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
23V778000

STRUCTURE

Nov 20, 2023
6,124 units potentially affected
The defect: Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain 2014-2024 All American school buses equipped with 39" High Back seat restraining barriers. The bolts securing the restraining barriers to the floor may separate when fully loaded. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 222, "School Bus Passenger Seating and Crash Protection."
The risk: An unsecured seat restraining barrier may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing their risk of injury.
The remedy: Dealers will install a longer bolt with rectangular washer and nut, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed January 16, 2024. Owners may contact Blue Bird customer service at 1-478-822-2242. Blue Bird's number for this recall is R23CU-SB. This recall is an expansion of recall number 23V-777.
Blue Bird Body CompanyManufacturer number R23CU-SBView on NHTSA.gov
20V125000

SEATS:BARRIERS

Mar 3, 2020
2,790 units potentially affected
The defect: Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain 2008-2021 Vision and All American school buses. The seat barrier behind the driver seat with an integrated 3-point seat belt may have been installed incorrectly and may be missing the reinforcing bracket. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 222, "School Bus Passenger Seating and Crash Protection."
The risk: In the event of a crash, the seat barrier may not adequately protect the occupant seated behind the seat barrier separating them from the driver seat with integrated 3-point seat belt, increasing the risk of injury.
The remedy: Blue Bird will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and properly install the seat barrier including adding reinforcing bracket, as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin April 23, 2020. Owners may contact Blue Bird customer service at 1-478-822-2242. Blue Bird's number for this recall is R20AM-SB.
Blue Bird Body CompanyManufacturer number R20AM-SBView on NHTSA.gov
19V391000

SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:DISC

May 24, 2019
4,218 units potentially affected
The defect: Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Vision and All American school buses equipped with Bendix ADB22X air brakes. The driver side rear brakes may drag.
The risk: A dragging brake may cause damage to the brake components, which may activate the ABS warning light. The warning light may cause the driver to immediately stop the vehicle and transfer occupants. Additionally, the high temperatures at the wheel end can increase the risk of a fire. Either condition increases the risk of injury.
The remedy: Blue Bird will notify owners, and dealers will install a new caliper with an updated clearance adjustment mechanism, free of charge. Blue Bird issued owners interim notification on July 18, 2019. The recall began August 28, 2019. Owners may contact Blue Bird customer service at 1-478-822-2242. Blue Bird's number for this recall is R19AA - SB.
Blue Bird Body CompanyManufacturer number R19AA - SBView on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

Other / unspecified
Filed May 15, 2015

SCHOOL BUS HAS COOLANT LEAKS INSIDE THE PASSENGER, ENGINE COMPARTMENTS AND ON THE GROUND OUTSIDE THE BUS. THIS BUS HAS GONE BACK TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES AND STILL LEAKS COOLANT. CHILDREN ARE EXPOSED TO HOT COOLANT INSIDE THE BUS AND FLOORS ARE SLIPPERY, ALSO ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES WITH OUTSIDE LEAKS.

NHTSA ID
10716658
Incident
Jun 4, 2014
Mileage
3,089 mi
Steering
Filed Jan 30, 2015

MY BUS DRIVER HAS A 2015 BLUE BIRD ALL AMERICAN FE. HIS ROUTES INVOLVE MANY HALF-SHARP LEFT TURNS (+ ROADS). I HAVE NOTICED, WHEN HE TURNS THE STEERING WHEEL MAKES A MOANING SOUND. IT ISN'T LOUD, BUT IT IS ENOUGH TO NOTICE IT BEING HEARD UP IN THE FRONT. THE MOANING SOUND DOESN'T HAPPEN WHEN HE TURNS RIGHT. I WONDER IF THIS IS A PROBLEM WITH SOMETHING IN THE STEERING, OR WHAT, BUT IT IS CONCERNING ME A SMALL BIT. *TR

NHTSA ID
10679879
Incident
Jan 22, 2015
Mileage
3,000 mi
Body & structureFuel system
Filed Nov 11, 2014

VEHICLE ARRIVED TO DEALERSHIP WITH LOOSE BOLTS HOLDING THE FUEL TANKS TO THE BODY STRUCTURE. 5 BOLTS WERE ONLY HAND TIGHTENED. FUEL TANKS COULD HAVE COME OUT OF THE SUPPORTS AND FALLEN ON THE ROAD AND/OR CAUSED A FIRE. *TR

NHTSA ID
10654145
Incident
Nov 10, 2014
Mileage
2,436 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

SU1901

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Models Affected: 2010 thru 2021 All American Subject: This update provides information on the new surge tank fill necks for All American Instructions: There is a new kit available from Part Sales; 10066291 - Kit, Neck, Surge Tank. This kit is available for use with the All American & TX4 surge tanks. Remove and discard existing neck from tank Install new neck using items in Kit 10066291 Kit, Neck, Surge Tank

SM1905

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

SM1905: Blue Bird Vantage Dash Fault Codes Website Blue Bird Vantage "Dash Fault Codes" website page has been updated to include additional new fault codes for all applicable system types (brake, engine, and transmission). Also, "Powertrain, Ford" has been added to the drop-down tab as a system type selection. "Powertrain Ford" system type is used to identify both Ford engine and transmission fault codes.

SM1904

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

SM1904: New Ametek Parts & Software New Ametek instrument cluster part numbers and software now listed on the Blue Bird Dealer Vantage website. Also listed is a new Ametek gateway module and applicable software. New Ametek gateway module is only applicable to the Ford Gasoline Vision. Revisions have been made to Ametek instrument cluster software that improve or addresses items noted below. Improved fuel level dampening (only affects diesel fuel systems) Average fuel economy not displaying accurately (only affects diesel fuel systems) High or fast idle set up process on service part replacements (only affects service mode set up) Park brake indicator flashes and audible beep sounds when multiplex module goes in sleep mode (only affects certain Actia to Ametek service part replacements)

S19AG

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER

Blue Bird has determined that the CIT brand air conditioning relays should be replaced with Song Chuan brand relays (PN 00079077). Additionally, the wiring harness (PN 10023917) connected to the relay base should be inspected for any sign of damage and replaced, if necessary. Blue Bird will provide parts at no cost and will reimburse the repair time in accordance with the information presented below. Affected Units: This service bulletin includes: Certain model year 2015-2021 Vision School Buses manufactured from August 5, 2014 through September 11, 2019. Certain model year 2016-2021 All American School Buses manufactured from May 8, 2015 through September 8, 2019. Certain model year 2016-2021 Vision Non-school Buses manufactured November 20, 2014 through August 10, 2019. Certain model year 2015-2020 All American Non-school Buses manufactured September 15, 2014 through September 7, 2019. A separate printout is included which lists all of your buses that are affected by this service bulletin

SU1702

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

The intent of SU1702 is to provide service part replacement instructions for our new Ametek instrument cluster. The new cluster will be in full production beginning June 5, 2017. During the time between now and June 5, 2017 Blue Bird will be building some pilot units with the new cluster. Until full implementation Feature 40280 -14 will be added to pilot units. The new Ametek instrument clusters will also be used as a direct service part replacement for older Actia instrument clusters.

SM1608

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

New Blue Bird Support Center - Technical Bus Support: Dealer memo to announce the new on-line Blue Bird Support Center for technical bus support requests.

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.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Blue Bird All American by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
20192260—
20180190—
20170100—
20161200—
2015Viewing3270—
20140260—
20131281—
20120301—
20110351—
20100421—
20093331—
20084321—
20074211—
20062152—
20051131—
200410151—
20032111—
20021141—
20011141—
20000160—
19990160—
1998190—
1997030—
1996060—
19950110—
1994090—
1993071—
19921691—
1991091—
1990091—
19890102—
1988082—
1987051—
1986050—
1985030—
1984040—
1983030—
1982050—
1981040—
1980030—
1979010—
1978010—
1977020—
1976030—
1975020—
1974050—
1973040—
1972040—
1971040—
1970030—
1969040—
1968040—
1967020—
1966010—
1965010—
1964010—
1963010—

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.