RoadVitals

1996 Blue Bird TC2000 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.
13
Newest Oct 8, 2003
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

Recall campaigns

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

03V363000

STRUCTURE:BODY

Oct 8, 2003
8,088 units potentially affected
The defect: CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 221, "SCHOOL BUS BODY JOINT STRENGTH." ONE OR MORE OF THE BOLTS ATTACHING THE DRIVER'S PLATFORM TO THE FLOOR STRUCTURE WAS OMITTED.
The risk: THE REAR OF THE DRIVER'S PLATFORM MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RETAINED IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH WHICH COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF INJURY OR DEATH TO PASSENGERS.
The remedy: BLUE BIRD WILL NOTIFY ITS CUSTOMERS AND INSPECT AND REPAIR THE AFFECTED UNITS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 20, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT BLUE BIRD AT 478-822-2242.
BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANYManufacturer number R03GZView on NHTSA.gov
02V185000

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

Jul 15, 2002
408 units potentially affected
The defect: CERTAIN TRANSIT BUSES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE STANDARD NO. 101, "CONTROLS AND DISPLAYS." THIS STANDARD REQUIRES SPECIFIC LABELING FOR "ENGINE START" AND "ENGINE STOP." THE WORDING OF THE LABELS ON THESE VEHICLES DO NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD.
The risk: THE OPERATOR COULD PLACE THE ENGINE SWITCH IN A POSITION OTHER THAN THAT INTENDED, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The remedy: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH NEW DECALS AND INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 29, 2002. OWNERS WHO DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE LABEL AND INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT BLUE BIRD AT 1-478-822-2242.
BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANYManufacturer number R02GBView on NHTSA.gov
01V191000

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

Jun 11, 2001
5,631 units potentially affected
The defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SCHOOL AND TRANSIT BUSES EQUIPPED WITH REAR MOUNTED ENGINES. THE 12-VOLT POWER SUPPLY CABLE(S) MAY BE CHAFFED BY HOSES, HARNESSES, FRAME COMPONENTS, OR CLAMPS.
The risk: THIS CONDITION CAN RESULT IN POWER FAILURE AND/OR RISK OF FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL REMOVE AND INSPECT THE 12-VOLT POWER CABLE(S) FROM THE BATTERY TO THE STARTER AND, IF NECESSARY, WILL REPLACE THE CABLES. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JULY 30, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT BLUE BIRD AT 1-912-822-2242.
BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANYManufacturer number R01FFView on NHTSA.gov
00V219000

STRUCTURE:BODY

Aug 17, 2000
25,839 units potentially affected
The defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SCHOOL BUSES. THESE BUSES FAIL TO MEET THE 60 PERCENT JOINT STRENGTH REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 221, "SCHOOL BUS BODY JOINT STRENGTH."
The risk: IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE ROOF MAY NOT BE SUPPORTED SUFFICIENTLY, CAUSING PERSONAL INJURY TO BUS OCCUPANTS.
The remedy: OWNERS WILL BE CONTACTED AND ADVISED TO INSPECT EACH ROOF JOINT. OWNERS WILL INSTALL REPAIR RIVETS IN EACH JOINT FOUND TO HAVE INSUFFICIENT QUANTITY OF RIVETS IN EACH EXAMINED 8 INCH SECTION.
BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANYManufacturer number R00DNView on NHTSA.gov
99V018000

SEATS

Jun 15, 1999
41,260 units potentially affected
The defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SCHOOL BUSES. THE WALL SIDE ATTACHING BOLTS FOR SOME OF THE PASSENGER SEATS MAY HAVE BEEN INSTALLED TOO CLOSE TO THE EDGE OF THE SEAT LEDGE AND IN THE WRONG ATTACHING HOLE RESULTING IN WEAKENING OF THE SEAT LEDGE AT THE ATTACHMENT POINTS.
The risk: IN THE EVENT OF A FRONTAL CRASH, THE REAR ATTACHING BOLT OF THESE SEATS COULD PULL OUT OF THE SEAT LEDGE INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY TO THE SEAT OCCUPANT.
The remedy: BLUE BIRD WILL FURNISH TO DISTRIBUTORS AND OWNERS, PARTS AND INSTRUCTIONS NECESSARY TO STRENGTHEN THE PASSENGER SEAT ATTACHMENT AT THE WALL SIDE.
BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANYManufacturer number R99CNView on NHTSA.gov
98V110000

FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

May 21, 1998
64 units potentially affected
The defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: REAR ENGINE SCHOOL BUSES EQUIPPED WITH OPTION 04888 DEDICATED COMPRESSED NATURAL GAS (CNG) FUEL PACKAGE. THE 24" LONG STAINLESS STEEL BRAIDED FUEL HOSES CAN LEAK AT THE HOSE END FITTINGS.
The risk: THESE HOSES CAN FRACTURE ALLOWING CNG FUEL LEAKAGE INCREASING THE RISK OF A FIRE.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THESE HOSES WITH CONDUCTIVE THERMOPLASTIC HOSES.
BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANYView on NHTSA.gov
97V197000

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY

Nov 7, 1997
16,338 units potentially affected
The defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: FRONT AND REAR ENGINE SCHOOL BUSES EQUIPPED WITH 60 GALLON SIDE MOUNTED FUEL TANK BARRIERS. THESE BUSES DO NOT COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 301, "FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY."
The risk: IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE FUEL TANK COULD BE DAMAGED, LEAKING FUEL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE FIRE.
The remedy: BLUE BIRD WILL SHIP INSTRUCTIONS AND MODIFICATION KITS TO THE OWNERS OF THESE BUSES.
BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANYView on NHTSA.gov
96V198000

POWER TRAIN

Oct 9, 1996
5 units potentially affected
The defect: OVERSIZED ROTORS WERE INSTALLED IN THE POWERTRAIN DRIVE MOTORS IN THESE BUSES.
The risk: WHEN THE BUS IS IN SERVICE AND THE OVERSIZED ROTOR INSIDE THE ELECTRIC POWERTRAIN MOTOR BECOMES HEATED, THE ROTOR EXPANDS CAUSING THE MOTOR TO BECOME SLUGGISH, STALL AND COULD SEIZE, FAILING COMPLETELY.
The remedy: NORTHRUP-GRUMMAN WILL PERFORM THE MODIFICATION TO THESE POWERTRAIN DRIVE MOTORS.
BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANYView on NHTSA.gov
96V180000

STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS

Sep 23, 1996
194 units potentially affected
The defect: THE POWER STEERING HOSE WITH A CRIMPED END FITTING WAS IMPROPERLY MANUFACTURED.
The risk: THE END FITTING CAN BLOW-OFF RESULTING IN A LOSS OF POWER ASSISTED STEERING CAUSING INSUFFICIENT STEERING CONTROL WHICH INCREASES THE POTENTIAL FOR A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
The remedy: OWNERS ARE REQUESTED TO INSPECT THE POWER STEERING HOSE FOR THE SUSPECT HOSES (IDENTIFIABLE BY DATE CODE) AND REPLACE HOSES AS NECESSARY.
BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANYView on NHTSA.gov
96V126001

SEATS

Jul 11, 1996
11,371 units potentially affected
The defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SCHOOL BUSES EQUIPPED WITH BOSTROM DRIVER'S SEAT MODEL F222 OR BOSTRUM "ROUTEMASTER" SEAT. BLUE BIRD OPTION 2821 OR 2824. THE SEAT PEDESTALS ARE FATIGUE CRACKING ADJACENT TO THE WELD WHICH SECURES THE PEDESTAL'S UPPER PLATE TO THE UPPER, TELESCOPING PORTION OF THE ADJUSTABLE COLUMN SUPPORT.
The risk: THE UPPER MOUNTING PLATE AND SEAT UPPER GRADUALLY BECOMES LOOSE RESULTING IN THE UPPER PLATE DETACHING FROM THE SUPPORTING COLUMN AND THE SEAT CAN FALL FROM ITS MOUNTING. THIS CAN RESULT IN PERSONAL INJURY TO THE DRIVER.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL REPAIR THESE PEDESTALS WITH A NEWLY DESIGNED PEDESTAL BRACKET KIT.
BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANYView on NHTSA.gov
96V073000

STRUCTURE:BODY

May 3, 1996
18,000 units potentially affected
The defect: PASSENGER'S CLOTHING CAN UNKNOWINGLY BECOME CAUGHT IN THE FORWARD HANDRAILS AT BUS DOORS WHEN EXITING THE BUS.
The risk: WHEN A PASSENGER'S CLOTHING BECOMES CAUGHT IN THE HANDRAIL, AND THE BUS DRIVER CLOSES THE DOOR AND PUTS THE VEHICLE IN MOTION, THE INDIVIDUAL IS SUBJECT TO BEING DRAGGED BY THE BUS. THIS CAN RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.
The remedy: OWNERS WILL BE DIRECTED TO REMOVE ALL FORWARD HANDRAILS. PROVISIONS WILL BE MADE FOR THOSE OWNERS OPERATING IN STATES WHICH MANDATE A FORWARD HANDRAIL THAT A REPLACEMENT HANDRAIL WILL BE PROVIDED.
BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANYView on NHTSA.gov
95V150000

STRUCTURE:BODY

Aug 7, 1995
2,557 units potentially affected
The defect: THE FLOOR LINE HANDRAIL BRACKET CAN EXPAND DURING USE AND CREATE AN OPENING WHICH COULD ENTRAP COAT STRINGS, ETC. AND OTHER ARTICLES OF CLOTHING.
The risk: WHEN A PASSENGER'S CLOTHING BECOMES CAUGHT IN THE HANDRAIL, AND THE BUS DRIVER CLOSES THE DOOR AND PUTS THE VEHICLE IN MOTION,THE INDIVIDUAL COULD BE DRAGGED BY THE BUS. THIS CAN RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FLAT SPLIT FLOOR LINE BRACKET WITH A ROUND TUBULAR BRACKET.
BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANYView on NHTSA.gov
95V136000

STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS

Jul 26, 1995
416 units potentially affected
The defect: THESE UNITS ARE EQUIPPED WITH A COUNTER WEIGHT ASSEMBLY MADE UP OF 300 POUNDS OF 1/4" PLATE STEEL WELDED TOGETHER AND BOLTED BETWEEN THE FRAME RAILS IN THE REAR OVERHANG JUST FORWARD OF THE REAR BUMPER. SOME OF THE WELDS HAVE BROKEN DUE TO INSUFFICIENT WELDS, CORROSION, OR ICE EXPANSION.
The risk: THESE PLATES CAN DROP TO THE ROADWAY BECOMING A HAZARD TO FOLLOWING VEHICLES INCREASING THE POTENTIAL FOR AN ACCIDENT.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A MECHANICAL RETAINING DEVICE WHICH CLAMPS THE PLATES TOGETHER AND FASTENED WITH THREADED FASTENERS. BUS OWNERS WILL HAVE THE OPTION OF REPAIRING THEIR OWN VEHICLES.
BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANYView 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.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .