RoadVitals

2020 Blue Bird Vision School Bus 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.
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Newest Oct 11, 2024
Carrying an NHTSA advisoryCampaigns where NHTSA told owners not to drive the vehicle, or to park it outside, until the repair is done.
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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.
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1 investigation on file

Recall campaigns

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

24V758000

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

Oct 11, 2024
28,479 units potentially affected
The defect: Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain 2019-2024 Vision and All American school buses. The emergency exit label operating instructions lettering is too small and may be difficult to read. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 217, "Bus Emergency Exits and Window Retention and Release."
The risk: An emergency exit label that is difficult to read can prevent or delay the use of the emergency exit, increasing the risk of injury.
The remedy: Dealers will replace the emergency exit label, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 9, 2024. Owners may contact Blue Bird Customer Service at 478-822-2242. Blue Bird's number for this recall is R23CK (SB).
Blue Bird Body CompanyManufacturer number R23CK (SB)View on NHTSA.gov
24V599000

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

Aug 12, 2024
8,294 units potentially affected
The defect: Blue Bird Bus Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Vision school buses equipped with 6.8L gasoline engines. The coating on the fuel lines may have been improperly applied, which can result in a fuel leak.
The risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
The remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the fuel lines as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 10, 2024. Owners may contact Blue Bird customer service at 1-478-822-2242.
Blue Bird Body CompanyView on NHTSA.gov
24V543000

STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS

Jul 19, 2024
16,708 units potentially affected
The defect: Blue Bird Bus Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain 2019-2023 Vision, All American Front Engine, and All American Rear Engine school buses. An exterior roof joint may have been manufactured with insufficient strength that can allow the roof panels to separate in a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 221, "School Bus Body Joint Strength."
The risk: Roof panels that separate during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
The remedy: Dealers will inspect the roof panel joints and install additional rivets as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 17, 2024. Owners may contact Blue Bird customer service at 1-478-822-2242.
Blue Bird Body CompanyView on NHTSA.gov
24V078000

SEATS

Feb 7, 2024
6,691 units potentially affected
The defect: Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain 2020-2024 Vision 2020-2023 All American school buses. The convertible seats may have been incorrectly installed, which can result in an unsecured seat. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 210, "Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages."
The risk: An unsecured seat may not adequately restrain an occupant, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
The remedy: Dealers will inspect and repair the seat, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 04, 2024. Owners may contact Blue Bird customer service at 1-478-822-2242. Blue Bird's number for this recall is R24CM-SB.
Blue Bird Body CompanyManufacturer number R24CM-SBView on NHTSA.gov
23V276000

POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE

Apr 18, 2023
419 units potentially affected
The defect: Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain 2018-2021 All American and Vision School Buses, equipped with PowerDrive 7000 electric drive systems. The System Control Module (SCM) may activate the anti-rollback feature, causing the vehicle to reverse faster than expected when the vehicle is in reverse and pointing downhill with the brake pedal not applied.
The risk: A vehicle reversing faster than expected can increase the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Dealers will update the SCM software calibration, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 10, 2023. Owners may contact Blue Bird customer service at 1-478-822-2242. Blue Bird's number for this recall is R23CG (SB)
Blue Bird Body CompanyManufacturer number R23CG (SB)View on NHTSA.gov
22V736000

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

Oct 4, 2022
66 units potentially affected
The defect: Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain 2013-2021 Vision school buses equipped with Ford 6.8L LPG engines. The LPG supply line may be damaged from contact with the RH park brake cable, which can result in a fuel leak.
The risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
The remedy: Dealers will inspect and repair the fuel lines and the park brake cable, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on November 18, 2022. Owners may contact Blue Bird's customer service at 1-478-822-2242. Blue Bird's number for this recall is R22CA-SB.
Blue Bird Body CompanyManufacturer number R22CA-SBView on NHTSA.gov
22V579000

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

Aug 4, 2022
4,900 units potentially affected
The defect: Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain 2017-2023 Blue Bird Vision school buses equipped with Roush fuel return lines included in GEN 4 and GEN 5 LPG Conversion Systems that were installed on vehicles sold or registered in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, Washington D.C., West Virginia, and Wisconsin. The zinc-plating on the fuel return line may break away when contacted by road debris, causing two dissimilar metals on the fuel line to contact each other and corrode.
The risk: A corroded fuel line can leak fuel, increasing the risk of a fire.
The remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel return lines, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 24, 2023. Owners may contact Blue Bird's customer service at 1-478-822-2242. Blue Bird's number for this recall is R22BX-SB.
Blue Bird Body CompanyManufacturer number R22BX-SBView on NHTSA.gov
22V578000

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

Aug 4, 2022
49 units potentially affected
The defect: Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain 2018-2023 Blue Bird Vision transit buses equipped with Roush fuel return lines included in GEN 4 and GEN 5 LPG Conversion Systems that were installed on vehicles sold or registered in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, Washington D.C., West Virginia, and Wisconsin. The zinc-plating on the fuel return line may break away when contacted by road debris, causing two dissimilar metals on the fuel line to contact each other and corrode.
The risk: A corroded fuel line can leak fuel, increasing the risk of a fire.
The remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel return lines, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 24, 2023. Owners may contact Blue Bird's customer service at 1-478-822-2242. Blue Bird's number for this recall is R22BX-NSB.
Blue Bird Body CompanyManufacturer number R22BX-NSBView on NHTSA.gov
22V505000

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM

Jul 14, 2022
482 units potentially affected
The defect: Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain 2018-2022 All American and Vision school buses equipped with Cummins PD7000 Electric Drivetrains containing an electric air compressor. The air compressor housing is improperly grounded, causing electrical voltage greater than 50V AC during operation.
The risk: An improperly grounded air compressor can cause electric shock, increasing the risk of injury.
The remedy: Dealers will install an electrical ground strap between the compressor motor housing and vehicle chassis, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 6, 2023. Owners may contact Blue Bird's customer service at 1-478-822-2242. Blue Bird's number for this recall is R22BY-SB.
Blue Bird Body CompanyManufacturer number R22BY-SBView on NHTSA.gov
21V300000

POWER TRAIN; STEERING

Apr 28, 2021
302 units potentially affected
The defect: Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Vision and All American school buses. The drivetrain may experience an electromagnetic noise on the Control Area Network (CAN) bus, which may cause a loss of electrical power to the power steering pump.
The risk: A loss of assisted power steering increases the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Cummins will replace the High Voltage Low Power Inverter Harness, and install an overlay harness, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters were mailed on May 22, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on October 25, 2021. Owners may contact Blue Bird customer service at 1-478-822-2242.
Blue Bird Body CompanyManufacturer number R21BG-SBView on NHTSA.gov
21V284000

SERVICE BRAKES, AIR

Apr 22, 2021
1,634 units potentially affected
The defect: Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Vision and All American school buses. A retainer was not properly seated in the SC-3 single check valve and may not provide source air isolation when pressure is applied. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 121, "Air Brake System."
The risk: Unintended spring brake application may occur, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Dealers will replace the SC-3 check valves, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on November 18, 2021. Owners may contact Blue Bird customer service at 1-478-822-2242. Blue Bird's number for this recall is R21BE-SB.
Blue Bird Body CompanyManufacturer number R21BE-SBView on NHTSA.gov
21V253000

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:FUSES, RELAYS, CONTACTS, AND SHUNTS; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:SHOCK PROTECTION; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

Apr 12, 2021
292 units potentially affected
The defect: Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Vision and All American school buses. The electric drive train cannot detect isolation faults when the high voltage contactors are closed.
The risk: An undetected high voltage isolation can expose service personnel to high voltage, increasing the risk of injury.
The remedy: Blue Bird will notify owners, and dealers will update the Vehicle Control Unit software or install a different combination of High Voltage Power Distribution Unit hardware, free of charge. The recall began on May 22, 2021. Owners may contact Blue Bird customer service at 1-478-822-2242. Blue Bird's number for this recall is R21BD-SB.
Blue Bird Body CompanyManufacturer number R21BD-SBView on NHTSA.gov
21V070000

SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER:ANCHORAGE

Feb 12, 2021
620 units potentially affected
The defect: Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Vision and All American buses. The seats with integrated 3-point seat belts may have been installed incorrectly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 210, "Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages."
The risk: An incorrectly installed seat can increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
The remedy: Blue Bird will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the seats and install any missing hardware, as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin April 9, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed February 03, 2022. Owners may contact Blue Bird customer service at 1-478-822-2242. Blue Bird's number for this recall is R21BB-SB.
Blue Bird Body CompanyManufacturer number R21BB-SBView on NHTSA.gov
20V409000

SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE

Jul 15, 2020
3,532 units potentially affected
The defect: Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain 2018-2021 All-American and 2019-2021 Vision school buses. The three-point seatbelt assembly may have been installed without reinforcing washers under the floor at the anchorage point, possibly preventing the assembly from remaining anchored in the event of a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 210, "Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages."
The risk: In the event of a crash, seat belt anchorages that do not remain secured increase the risk of injury to those seat occupants.
The remedy: Blue Bird will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the seat belt anchorage point hardware and install any missing hardware as needed, free of charge. This recall began August 11, 2020. Owners may contact Blue Bird customer service at 1-478-822-2242. Blue Bird's number for this recall is R20AX.
Blue Bird Body CompanyManufacturer number R20AXView on NHTSA.gov
20V357000

STEERING:LINKAGES:DRAG:LINK:CONNECTION

Jun 15, 2020
11 units potentially affected
The defect: Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain 2020 Blue Bird Vision gasoline-powered buses. The castle nuts that connect the steering drag link to the steering arm may have not been correctly tightened, potentially causing separation of the drag link.
The risk: If the drag link separates, loss of steering control my occur, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Blue Bird will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the drag link assembly connection points, tightening them as necessary, free of charge. This recall began July 27, 2020. Owners may contact Blue Bird customer service at 1-478-822-2242. Blue Bird's number for this recall is R20AW-NSB.
Blue Bird Body CompanyManufacturer number R20AW-NSBView on NHTSA.gov
20V356000

STEERING:LINKAGES:DRAG:LINK:CONNECTION

Jun 15, 2020
1,471 units potentially affected
The defect: Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Blue Bird Vision school buses powered by Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) or Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG). The castle nuts used to connect the steering drag link to the steering arm may have not been correctly tightened, potentially causing separation of the drag link.
The risk: If the drag link separates, loss of steering control my occur, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Blue Bird will notify owners, and will inspect the drag link assembly connection points, tightening them as necessary, free of charge. This recall began July 27, 2020. Owners may contact Blue Bird customer service at 1-478-822-2242. Blue Bird's number for this recall is R20AW-SB.
Blue Bird Body CompanyManufacturer number R20AW-SBView on NHTSA.gov
20V266000

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS; EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER

May 12, 2020
1,239 units potentially affected
The defect: Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Vision and All American school buses equipped with factory-installed air conditioning (A/C) systems. The A/C circuit breaker may have been installed incorrectly.
The risk: Incorrect installation of the air conditioning circuit breaker may increase the risk of a fire.
The remedy: Blue Bird will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the installation of the A/C circuit breaker, correcting it as necessary. Any damaged circuit breakers will be replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began July 6, 2020. Owner letters were mailed on November 30, 2021. Owners may contact Blue Bird customer service at 1-478-822-2242. Blue Bird's number for this recall is R20AR-SB.
Blue Bird Body CompanyManufacturer number R20AR-SBView on NHTSA.gov
20V258000

PARKING BRAKE

May 8, 2020
1,585 units potentially affected
The defect: Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Vision and All American school buses. The foot pedal parking brake assembly may have been improperly assembled possibly resulting in a failure to hold the vehicle stationary on an incline when the vehicle is loaded to its maximum weight. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 105, "Hydraulic and Electric Brake Systems."
The risk: Unintended vehicle movement can increase the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Blue Bird will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the foot pedal parking brake assembly application force and adjust it as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin July 3, 2020. Owners may contact Blue Bird customer service at 1-478-822-2242. Blue Bird's number for this recall is R20AP-SB.
Blue Bird Body CompanyManufacturer number R20AP-SBView on NHTSA.gov
20V249000

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS; PARKING BRAKE:CONVENTIONAL:MECHANICAL:LINKAGE AND CABLE

May 5, 2020
352 units potentially affected
The defect: Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Vision school buses equipped with Ford 6.8L gasoline engines with an optional right-hand mounted parking brake lever. Due to improper routing of the parking brake cables, the parking brake cable may contact and chafe the gasoline fuel line, potentially causing a fuel leak.
The risk: A fuel leak increases the risk of a fire.
The remedy: Blue Bird will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and secure the parking brake cable, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 28, 2020. Owners may contact Blue Bird customer service at 1-478-822-2242. Blue Bird's number for this recall is R20AQ-SB.
Blue Bird Body CompanyManufacturer number R20AQ-SBView on NHTSA.gov
20V234000

PARKING BRAKE

Apr 27, 2020
2,264 units potentially affected
The defect: Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain 2006-2021 Vision and 2007-2013 All American school buses. The floor-mounted parking brake may fail to hold the vehicle stationary on an incline when the vehicle is loaded to its maximum weight, due to an insufficient application force. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 105, "Hydraulic and Electric Brake Systems."
The risk: A parking brake system that is set to an insufficient application force may result in an increased possibility of unintended vehicle movement, which increases the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Blue Bird will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the floor mounted park brake application force hand lever assembly and correct the application force, as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin June 24, 2020. Owners may contact Blue Bird customer service at 478-822-2242. Blue Bird's number for this recall is R20AO-SB.
Blue Bird Body CompanyManufacturer number R20AO-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
19V795000

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH

Nov 6, 2019
12,835 units potentially affected
The defect: Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain 2013-2020 Vision school buses equipped with Ford engines. The brake light switch mounting bracket may have caused the brake light switch to be incorrectly adjusted at installation and/or the brake light switch mounting bracket may deform when the driver allows the brake pedal to return forcibly. An incorrectly adjusted brake light switch or deformed brake light switch mounting bracket may cause the brake lights to illuminate continuously.
The risk: Improperly functioning brake lights could confuse following motorists and fail to warn them that the bus may be stopping, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Blue Bird distributed owners an interim notification on December 10, 2019. Dealers will install a new, redesigned brake light switch mounting bracket along with a new brake light switch, free of charge. The recall began March 6, 2020. Owners may contact Blue Bird customer service at 1-478-822-2242. Blue Bird's number for this recall is S19AI-SB.
Blue Bird Body CompanyManufacturer number R19AI-SBView on NHTSA.gov
19V707000

STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS

Oct 4, 2019
302 units potentially affected
The defect: Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain 2019-2021 All American and Vision school buses. An insufficient number of rivets were installed in the roof sheets, allowing the roof sheets to separate in the event of a severe impact. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 221, "School Bus Body Joint Strength."
The risk: In the event of a crash, if the roof sheets separate, there is an increased risk of injury.
The remedy: Blue Bird will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the roof joints and add the sufficient number of rivets, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 22, 2019. Owners may contact Blue Bird customer service at 1-478-822-2242. Blue Bird's number for this recall is R19AH.
Blue Bird Body CompanyManufacturer number R19AHView on NHTSA.gov
19V526000

STRUCTURE:EMERGENCY:ESCAPE/EGRESS/EXIT

Jul 12, 2019
1,737 units potentially affected
The defect: Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Vision and All American school buses equipped with Specialty Manufacturing Prolo roof emergency exit hatches. Due to a manufacturing issue, the roof hatch external handle may unexpectedly break under reasonable use. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 217, "Bus Emergency Exits and Window Retention and Release."
The risk: If the roof hatch external handle breaks, in the event of an emergency, the hatch cannot be easily opened from outside the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury.
The remedy: Blue Bird will notify owners, and Specialty dealers will replace the outer handle, free of charge. The recall began August 21, 2019. Owners may contact Blue Bird customer service at 1-478-822-2242. Blue Bird's number for this recall is R19AF - SB.
Blue Bird Body CompanyManufacturer number R19AF - SBView on NHTSA.gov
19V524000

STRUCTURE:EMERGENCY:ESCAPE/EGRESS/EXIT

Jul 12, 2019
13 units potentially affected
The defect: Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain 2020 Vision and All American buses equipped with Specialty Prolo 24" x 24" roof hatches. Due to a manufacturing issue, the roof hatch external handle may unexpectedly break under reasonable use. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 217, "Bus Emergency Exits and Window Retention and Release."
The risk: If the roof hatch external handle breaks, in the event of an emergency, the hatch cannot be easily opened from outside the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury.
The remedy: Blue Bird will notify owners, and dealers will replace the outer hatch handle, free of charge. The recall began August 21, 2019. Owners may contact Blue Bird customer service at 1-478-822-2242. Blue Bird's number for this recall is R19AF - NSB.
Blue Bird Body CompanyManufacturer number R19AF - NSBView 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
18V884000

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:COLUMN SHIFT; SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

Dec 12, 2018
5,169 units potentially affected
The defect: Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain 2013-2020 Blue Bird Vision school buses equipped with the Ford 6.8L V10 engines. The hydraulic brake lines or transmission shifter cable may have been improperly routed, causing the brake line to be exposed to excessive heat, and leak hydraulic brake fluid. Additionally, the transmission shifter cable could contact the gasoline fuel supply line to the engine which may result in a fuel leak.
The risk: A hydraulic brake fluid leak or a fuel line failure can increase the risk of a fire.
The remedy: Blue Bird will notify owners, and dealers will install a bracket which will insulate the brake lines from excessive heat, control routing of the brake lines, and secure the transmission shifter cable away from the fuel line, free of charge. The recall began February 7, 2019. Owners may contact Blue Bird customer service at 1-478-822-2242. Blue Bird's number for this recall is R19ZV-SB.
Blue Bird Body CompanyManufacturer number R19ZV-SBView on NHTSA.gov
18V846000

SEATS

Nov 28, 2018
12 units potentially affected
The defect: Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain 2020 Blue Bird All American and 2019-2020 Blue Bird Vision school buses, equipped with certain HSM NextGen 45" 3PT school bus seats, part number GenQ3-45 LH. There may be an insufficient number of bolts attaching the seat to the bus floor, allowing the seat to detach from the bus floor in the event of a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 210, "Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages."
The risk: In the event of a crash, if the bus seat detaches from the floor, it can increase the risk of injury.
The remedy: Blue Bird will notify owners, and dealers will install a secondary floor mounting brace, free of charge. The recall began December 12, 2018. Owners may contact Blue Bird customer service at 1-478-822-2242. Blue Bird's number for this recall is R18ZT-SB.
Blue Bird Body CompanyManufacturer number R18ZT-SBView on NHTSA.gov
18V566000

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS; SEATS

Aug 28, 2018
551 units potentially affected
The defect: Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain 2019 Blue Bird All American and 2019-2020 Blue Bird Vision school buses, equipped with certain NextGen School Bus seats with Integrated Child Restraint Systems. These seats may be missing a warning label on the lower restraint strap. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 213, "Child Restraint Systems."
The risk: Without a warning label, the seat may be used improperly, increasing the risk of injury.
The remedy: Blue Bird will notify owners, and dealers will install a warning label to the lower restraint strap portion of the Restraint Belt System, free of charge. The recall began September 26, 2018. Owners may contact Blue Bird customer service at 1-478-822-2242. Blue Bird's number for this recall is R18ZN-SB.
Blue Bird Body CompanyManufacturer number R18ZN-SBView 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.

PE23004ClosedPreliminary Evaluation

Blue Bird Draglink Failures

Opened Mar 17, 2023
Closed Feb 28, 2024

On March 17, 2023, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE23-004 to investigate instances of drag link separation in model year (MY) 2016-2020 Vision school buses manufactured by Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird). Since drag links are serviceable items that can wear out, ODI opened this investigation to understand why two drag links separated at the steering arm end shortly after having passed a routine inspection by multiple qualified entities.Two buses used in the same rural school district, owned and maintained by different bus contractors, had both undergone similar annual and semi-annual inspections prior to the start of the school year.Both failed within a week of each other, approximately a month into the school year. ODI interviewed the bus contractors and surveyed the industry to learn what inspection methods were being used and which ones were best at detecting wear in the components.ODI learned that the failed buses had not been inspected using the most thorough methods. ODI collected the drag links from each of the failed buses. Assisted by the Pennsylvania State Police Motor Carrier Enforcement Division and using best practice inspection methods, ODI identified and collected a pre-separation drag link from a neighboring school district.  The drag links underwent a teardown inspection at the Vehicle Research and Test Center (VRTC) jointly with Blue Bird and THK-Rhythm Automotive, the drag link manufacturer.In all cases, the visual analysis of each drag link end revealed that the grease at the steering arm end was dirty, discolored, and dry in texture, while the pitman arm end was still clean looking and fluid. ODI reviewed the information request data submitted by Blue Bird.No other separations had been reported.ODI contacted additional fleets to determine whether any other separations had occurred that had not been included in the submitted warranty and claim data.None were found. The grease fitting on the steering arm end is obscured by the steering arm itself.Therefore it is believed that inadequate maintenance resulted in the failures that had not been detected during the less-thorough prior inspections.Blue Bird has agreed to issue a notification to all owners to clearly identify all lubrication points and ensure all owners understand the proper lubrication and inspection methods.Blue Bird will also update their service manuals to convey the industry best practices of having someone turn the steering wheel while someone else inspects the drag links while the wheels are on the ground. Since the drag link failures appear to be caused by maintenance and inspection deficiencies and not due to a design, material or manufacturing issue, this investigation is closed.The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist. The Agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances.

STEERING:LINKAGES:DRAG:LINK:CONNECTION

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources