RoadVitals

1998 Blue Bird TC2000 Recalls

Safety recall campaigns filed with NHTSA that cover this model year

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.
19
Newest Oct 8, 2008
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
1 investigation on file

Recall campaigns

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

08V526000

EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

Oct 8, 2008
8 units potentially affected
The defect: MATTHEWS IS RECALLING 8 MY 1998 BLUEBIRD, MY 2004 FORD E450, MY 2005-2006 THOMAS BUILT BUS, MY 2006 INTERNATIONAL BUS, MY 2007 CHEVROLET 5500, FREIGHTLINER AND DODGE SPRINTER TRUCKS, TRANSIT BUSES, AND SPECIALTY VEHICLES 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 SYSTEM ACCESSIBLE 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: MATTHEWS IS WORKING WITH RICON TO CORRECT THE WHEELCHAIR LIFTS FREE OF CHARGE (PLEASE SEE 07E097). OWNERS MAY CONTACT RICON AT 1-818-267-3000 OR MATTEWS SPECIALTY AT 336-297-9600.
MATTHEWS SPECIALTY VEHICLESView on NHTSA.gov
08V524000

EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

Oct 8, 2008
8 units potentially affected
The defect: MATTHEWS IS RECALLING 8 MY 1998 BLUEBIRD, MY 2004 FORD E450, MY 2005-2006 THOMAS BUILT BUSES, MY 2006 INTERNATIONAL BUS, MY 2007 CHEVROLET 5500, FREIGHTLINER AND DODGE SPRINTER TRUCKS, TRANSIT BUSES, AND SPECIALTY VEHICLES 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 INSTALLATION 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: MATTHEWS IS WORKING WITH RICON TO CORRECT THE WHEELCHAIR LIFTS FREE OF CHARGE (PLEASE SEE 07E095). OWNERS MAY CONTACT RICON AT 1-818-267-3000 OR MATTHEWS SPECIALTY AT 336-297-9600.
MATTHEWS SPECIALTY VEHICLESView on NHTSA.gov
05V062000

FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL

Feb 22, 2005
18,891 units potentially affected
The defect: CERTAIN 1998 THROUGH 2002 BLUE BIRD ALL AMERICAN, TC2000 SCHOOL AND TRANSIT BUSES, AND COMMERCIAL SERIES BUSES EQUIPPED WITH CUMMINS ISB DIESEL ENGINES. THE FUEL PUMP COULD FAIL TO TRANSFER FUEL APPROPRIATELY CREATING AN ENGINE STALL CONDITION.
The risk: SHOULD THE ENGINE STALL WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN USE, A POSSIBLE VEHICLE CRASH COULD OCCUR.
The remedy: CUSTOMERS WILL BE NOTIFIED BY CUMMINS TO BRING THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER TO HAVE THE FUEL LIFT PUMP REPLACED FREE OF CHARGE. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CUSTOMERS MAY CONTACT CUMMINS AT 1-800-DIESELS.
BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANYManufacturer number R05JLView on NHTSA.gov
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
03V085000

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR

Mar 28, 2003
4,302 units potentially affected
The defect: ON CERTAIN SCHOOL AND TRANSIT BUSES EQUIPPED WITH CUMMINS ISB 6 CYLINDER ENGINES, THE LOWER ALTERNATOR SUPPORT BRACE OR MOUNTING HARDWARE CAN LOOSEN OR BREAK WHICH WILL ALLOW THE ALTERNATOR TO DROP ONTO THE ENGINE.
The risk: IN THIS EVENT, THE ELECTRICAL WIRING HARNESS MAY BE DAMAGED AND THE POSSIBILITY OF FIRE MAY EXIST.
The remedy: CUMMINS WILL NOTIFY CUSTOMERS AND REPLACE THE UPPER AND LOWER ALTERNATOR SUPPORT BRACKETS FREE OF CHARGE. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLE TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT CUMMINS AT 1-800-343-7357 OR BLUE BIRD AT 478-822-2242.
BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANYView on NHTSA.gov
02V233000

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR

Sep 5, 2002
318 units potentially affected
The defect: ON CERTAIN FRONT ENGINE SCHOOL AND TRANSIT BUSES EQUIPPED WITH BLUE BIRD OPTION 40177 CUMMINS ISB ENGINE, THE ALTERNATOR POWER CABLES MAY NOT BE ROUTED PROPERLY FROM THE ALTERNATOR OUTPUT TO THE STARTER MOTOR.
The risk: IF THE CABLES ARE NOT ROUTED PROPERLY, THE CABLE INSULATION COULD BE ABRADED BY CONTACT WITH OTHER CHASSIS COMPONENTS RESULTING IN A SHORT TO GROUND.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL ADD A LOOM AND REROUTE THE ELECTRICAL POWER CABLE FROM ALTERNATOR OUTPUT TO STARTING MOTOR. THE ALTERNATOR POWER CABLE WILL BE REPLACED IF ABRASIONS ARE FOUND. OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR ABOUT SEPTEMBER 30, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT BLUE BIRD AT 1-478-822-2242.
BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANYManufacturer number R02GKView 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
00V232005

SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:ANTILOCK

Sep 8, 2000
10,918 units potentially affected
The defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SCHOOL AND TRANSIT BUSES BUILT WITH BENDIX AIR ABS WITH AN EC-17 1030R ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT (ECU), THERE HAVE BEEN REPORTS OF UNWANTED ABS ACTIVATION AT LOW SPEEDS CAUSED BY 1) CHAFED ABS WHEEL SPEED SENSOR WIRES ON ROTATING PARTS OR 2) A DAMAGED COMPONENT AT THE WHEEL END THAT GENERATES A CERTAIN TYPE OF ERRATIC SENSOR SIGNAL.
The risk: THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE THE ABS ECU TO EXHAUST THE AIR AT THE AIR BRAKE MODULATORS FOR ONE OR MORE OF THE WHEELS. THIS COULD RESULT IN EXTENDED BRAKING DISTANCES AND A POSSIBLE CRASH.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ABS ECU.
BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANYManufacturer number R00EEView 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
00V162000

SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:CONTROLS:FOOT CONTROL/VALVE

Jun 12, 2000
9,687 units potentially affected
The defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SCHOOL AND TRANSIT BUSES EQUIPPED WITH BENDIX AIR BRAKES. BENDIX CHANGED THE INTERNAL DESIGN OF THE QR1C RELAY VALVE BY ADDING A HOLE IN THE INTERNAL DIAPHRAGM. WHEN THE HOLE IN THE DIAPHRAGM ALIGNS WITH THE HOLE IN THE VALVE BODY, THE BRAKE APPLICATION TIME INCREASES.
The risk: UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, SUCH AS PARKED ON AN INCLINE, DRIVER ACTIVATES THE PARKING BRAKE BUT REMOVES FOOT FROM THE THREADLE VALVE, THE BUS COULD ROLL BEFORE THE PARKING BRAKE IS FULLY ENGAGED.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE DIAPHRAGMS WITH HOLES WITH SOLID DIAPHRAGMS FOR THE QR1C VALVES.
BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANYManufacturer number R00DXView on NHTSA.gov
00V051000

SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:SUPPLY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

Feb 22, 2000
3,113 units potentially affected
The defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SCHOOL AND TRANSIT BUSES EQUIPPED WITH BENDIX ABS ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM. THE PRIMARY AND SECONDARY BRAKE TREADLE VALVE AIR LINES WERE INSTALLED INCORRECTLY AT THE BENDIX R12DC RELAY VALVE.
The risk: WITH THE BRAKE SYSTEM INSTALLED INCORRECTLY, FUTURE MAINTENANCE MIGHT BE AFFECTED BY THIS INCONSISTENCY, CAUSING THE BRAKES TO BE INSTALLED INCORRECT, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL CORRECT THE AIR LINE PLUMBING AT THE BENDIX R12DC RELAY VALVE.
BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANYManufacturer number 400DRView on NHTSA.gov
99V332000

SUSPENSION:FRONT

Nov 23, 1999
257 units potentially affected
The defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SCHOOL BUSES. THERE IS A SHIMMY IN THE FRONT END OF THE BUS.
The risk: THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE THE DRIVER TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE.
The remedy: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH AN AXLE DAMPER KIT AND INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS.
BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANYView on NHTSA.gov
99V289000

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

Oct 26, 1999
2,710 units potentially affected
The defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SCHOOL BUSES EQUIPPED WITH CUMMINS ISB ENGINES. ELECTRICAL POWER CABLES MAY NOT HAVE BEEN ROUTED PROPERLY FROM THE ALTERNATOR OUTPUT TO THE STARTING MOTOR.
The risk: IF THE CABLES ARE NOT ROUTED PROPERLY, THE CABLE INSULATION COULD BE ABRADED BY CONTACT WITH OTHER CHASSIS COMPONENTS, CAUSING AN ELECTRICAL SHORT.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL ADD LOOM AND REROUTE THE ELECTRICAL POWER CABLE FROM THE ALTERNATOR OUTPUT TO STARING MOTOR. ANY CABLES FOUND WITH ABRASIONS WILL BE REPLACED.
BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANYManufacturer number R99DFView 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
98V313000

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD

Dec 14, 1998
2,740 units potentially affected
The defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SCHOOL AND TRANSIT FORWARD AND REAR ENGINE BUSES EQUIPPED WITH CUMMINS ISB AND ISC ENGINES. THE WIRING HARNESS TO THE COMBUSTION AIR INTAKE GRID HEATER CAN CHAFE AGAINST THE ENGINE AND WEAR THROUGH CAUSING AN ELECTRICAL SHORT IN THE GRID HEATER POWER SUPPLY. THE SHORT CAUSES THE FUSIBLE LINK TO FAIL.
The risk: WHEN THE FUSIBLE LINK FAILS, INSULATION ON THE FUSIBLE LINK CAN IGNITE, CREATING A FIRE RISK IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.
The remedy: OWNERS WILL BE ADVISED TO REPLACE THE ORIGINAL GRID HEATER POWER SUPPLY HARNESS WITH FUSIBLE LINKS WITH A NEW GRID HEATER POWER SUPPLY HARNESS EQUIPPED WITH FUSES. IN ADDITION, A CLAMP WILL BE ADDED TO SUPPORT THE HARNESS AWAY FROM THE ENGINE COMPONENTS.
BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANYView 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
98V043000

INTERIOR LIGHTING

Mar 2, 1998
151 units potentially affected
The defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SCHOOL AND TRANSIT BUSES. THE PARKING BRAKE INDICATOR LIGHT CAN ILLUMINATE WITHOUT THE PARKING BRAKE BEING SET.
The risk: A DRIVER MAY SEE THE PARKING BRAKE INDICATOR LIGHT ON AND LEAVE THE BUS. THE BUS MAY THEN ROLL INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY AND/OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL ADD A DIODE TO THE STOP LIGHT CIRCUIT TO PREVENT ILLUMINATION OF THE PARKING BRAKE INDICATOR UNLESS THE PARKING BRAKE HAS BEEN SET.
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

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.

PE98011ClosedPreliminary Evaluation

MISMATCHED BRAKE ACTUATION CHAMBERS

Opened Feb 25, 1998
Closed Apr 22, 1998

ALLEGED THAT THE BUS PULLS TO THE LEFT WHEN BRAKING

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources