RoadVitals

2006 Blue Bird Vision 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.
17
Newest Apr 27, 2020
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
5 investigations on file

Recall campaigns

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

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
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
11V219000

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

Apr 6, 2011
30 units potentially affected
The defect: BLUE BIRD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004 THROUGH 2006 VISION CONVENTIONAL STYLE NON SCHOOL BUSES MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 26, 2003, THROUGH DECEMBER 9, 2004. THE STARTER CABLE MAY CONTACT AND POTENTIALLY CHAFE AGAINST THE STEEL BRAIDED POWER STEERING HOSE THEREBY CREATING A DIRECT SHORT.
The risk: A SHORT COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
The remedy: BLUE BIRD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE SUBJECT BUSES FOR PROPER CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE STARTER CABLE AND THE POWER STEERING HOSE. BUSES FOUND TO HAVE INSUFFICIENT CLEARANCE WILL HAVE A CLAMP INSTALLED TO PREVENT FURTHER CONTACT. ANY DAMAGED POWER STEERING HOSES OR STARTER CABLES WILL BE REPLACED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR ABOUT MAY 10, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BLUE BIRD AT 1-478-822-2242.
BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANYManufacturer number R11TAView on NHTSA.gov
11V218000

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

Apr 6, 2011
3,919 units potentially affected
The defect: BLUE BIRD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004 THROUGH 2006 VISION CONVENTIONAL STYLE SCHOOL BUSES MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 26, 2003, THROUGH DECEMBER 9, 2004. THE STARTER CABLE MAY CONTACT AND POTENTIALLY CHAFE AGAINST THE STEEL BRAIDED POWER STEERING HOSE THEREBY CREATING A DIRECT SHORT.
The risk: A SHORT COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
The remedy: BLUE BIRD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE SUBJECT BUSES FOR PROPER CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE STARTER CABLE AND THE POWER STEERING HOSE. BUSES FOUND TO HAVE INSUFFICIENT CLEARANCE WILL HAVE A CLAMP INSTALLED TO PREVENT FURTHER CONTACT. ANY DAMAGED POWER STEERING HOSES OR STARTER CABLES WILL BE REPLACED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR ABOUT MAY 10, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BLUE BIRD AT 1-478-822-2242.
BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANYManufacturer number R11TAView on NHTSA.gov
10V170000

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Apr 23, 2010
195 units potentially affected
The defect: BLUE BIRD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004 THROUGH 2009 VISION NON-SCHOOL BUSES MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 19, 2003 THROUGH JULY 2, 2008. THE POWER CABLES RUNNING TO THE POWER DISTRIBUTION UNIT STUD AND DRIVER'S CONTROL MODULE STUD MAY HAVE BEEN INSTALLED WITH THE LUG (EYELET) FLAT SIDE UP. WHEN THIS CONDITION EXISTS, VIBRATION MAY WEAR THE INSULATION PERMITTING DIRECT CONTACT BETWEEN THE BARE LUG AND THE PDU OR DCM WHICH COULD CAUSE A DIRECT SHORT IN THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.
The risk: THIS CONDITION COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
The remedy: BLUE BIRD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPAIR THE BUSES AS NECESSARY FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 26, 2020. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BLUE BIRD AT 1-478-822-2242.
BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANYManufacturer number R10RWView on NHTSA.gov
10V169000

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Apr 23, 2010
18,821 units potentially affected
The defect: BLUE BIRD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004 THROUGH 2009 VISION SCHOOL BUSES MANUFACTURED FROM JANUARY 30, 2003 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 24, 2008. THE POWER CABLES RUNNING TO THE POWER DISTRIBUTION UNIT STUD AND DRIVER'S CONTROL MODULE STUD MAY HAVE BEEN INSTALLED WITH THE LUG (EYELET) FLAT SIDE UP. WHEN THIS CONDITION EXISTS, VIBRATION MAY WEAR THE INSULATION PERMITTING DIRECT CONTACT BETWEEN THE BARE LUG AND THE PDU OR DCM WHICH COULD CAUSE A DIRECT SHORT IN THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.
The risk: THIS CONDITION COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
The remedy: BLUE BIRD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPAIR THE BUSES AS NECESSARY FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN MAY 26, 2020. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BLUE BIRD AT 1-478-822-2242.
BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANYManufacturer number R10RWView 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
08V312000

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

Jul 11, 2008
5,422 units potentially affected
The defect: THE HYDRAULIC BRAKE HOSES FROM THE MASTER CYLINDER TO THE CHASSIS FRAME MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY ROUTED OR RETAINED ON CERTAIN 2004 THROUGH 2009 MY BLUE BIRD VISION CONVENTIONAL SCHOOL AND TRANSIT BUSES MANUFACTURED FROM JANUARY 11, 2004 THROUGH APRIL 22, 2008.
The risk: IMPROPER ROUTING OR RETENTION OF THE HYDRAULIC BRAKE HOSES MAY RESULT IN BRAKE HOSES CHAFFING AGAINST THE BUS BODY AND/OR CHASSIS COMPONENTS WHICH COULD CAUSE A LEAK IN THE HYDRAULIC BRAKE SYSTEM RESULTING IN REDUCED BRAKING CAPACITY WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
The remedy: BLUE BIRD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND INSPECT AND REPAIR THE BUSES FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 8, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BLUE BIRD AT 1-478-822-2242.
BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANYManufacturer number R08NBView 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
07V258000

SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:SUPPLY:CHECK VALVE

Jun 22, 2007
5,977 units potentially affected
The defect: CERTAIN BLUE BIRD MY 2004 THROUGH 2007 VISION SCHOOL AND TRANSIT BUSES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN OCTOBER 9, 2003, AND SEPTEMBER 21, 2006, EQUIPPED WITH PARKER SINGLE CHECK VAVLES (SCV) PROVIDED BY BENDIX. THE DEFECT EXISTS IN THE PARKER SCV THAT CONNECTS WITH THE SUPPLY PORT OF THE SR-7 SPRING BRAKE MODULATING VALVE. AFTER PROLONGED USE OF THE PARKER SCV, THE VALVE BODY RETAINER MAY BECOME EXCESSIVELY WORN AND EVENTUALLY BREAK APART. PIECES OF THE PARKER SCV CAN BECOME LODGED INSIDE THE SR-7 SPRING BRAKE MODULATING VALVE, POTENTIALLY CAUSING EITHER LEAKAGE OUT OF THE SR-7 VALVE OR PREVENTING AIR FROM PROPERLY EXHAUSTING FROM THE SR-7 VALVE.
The risk: THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE A DELAY IN THE APPLICATION OF THE SPRING BRAKES TO PARK THE VEHICLE AFTER THE OPERATOR PULLS THE DASH VALVE BUTTON. THESE CONDITIONS CAN OCCUR WITHOUT WARNING, LEADING TO UNINTENDED VEHICLE ROLLAWAY, BRAKE DRAG, OR IN THE CASE OF LOSS OF PRIMARY CIRCUIT, INABILITY TO MODULATE THE SPRING BRAKES.
The remedy: BLUE BIRD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND PROVIDE A FREE REMEDY. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 30, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT BLUE BIRD AT 478-822-2242.
BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANYManufacturer number R07LYView on NHTSA.gov
06V261000

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

Jul 17, 2006
7,980 units potentially affected
The defect: CERTAIN 2004-2007 MY VISION SCHOOL BUSES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN AUGUST 5, 2003, AND JUNE 13, 2006, EQUIPPED WITH OPTION 40280-02 AMMETER SHUNT. THE POWER CABLE ORIGINALLY INSTALLED BETWEEN THE TOE BOARD AND THE SHUNT MAY BE TOO SHORT AND MAY BREAK DUE TO ENGINE VIBRATION.
The risk: SHOULD THE POWER CABLE BREAK WHILE THE BUS IS IN USE, THE BUS COULD BECOME STRANDED IN AN ACTIVE LANE WHICH COULD POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
The remedy: BLUE BIRD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE SHORT POWER CABLE WITH A LONGER ONE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 31, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BLUE BIRD AT 478-822-2242.
BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANYManufacturer number R06KWView 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
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
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
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
05V204000

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:BRAKE FLUID LOW WARNING: LAMP

May 6, 2005
2,108 units potentially affected
The defect: CERTAIN BLUE BIRD MY 2004-2006 VISION SCHOOL BUSES EQUIPPED WITH HYDRAULIC BRAKES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN MARCH 24, 2003, AND APRIL 25, 2005. THE HYDRAULIC BRAKE DASH WARNING LIGHT WAS INCORRECTLY LABELED WITH THE CANADIAN VERSION WHICH USES SYMBOLS RATHER THAN WORDS AS REQUIRED BY FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 105, HYDRAULIC AND ELECTRIC BRAKE SYSTEMS.
The risk: THE ORIGINAL DASH WARNING LIGHT INDICATOR DISPLAYS AN INTERNATIONAL SYMBOL ON THE BRAKE WARNING LIGHT INDICATOR WHEREAS FMVSS 105 REQUIRES THE WORD "BRAKE" TO BE DISPLAYED. THE OPERATOR MAY NOT RECOGNIZE THE INTERNATIONAL SYMBOL AS WARNING INDICATING A PROBLEM IN THE HYDRAULIC BRAKE SYSTEM WHICH COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH IF THE WARNING IS NOT HEEDED.
The remedy: BLUE BIRD WILL MAIL REPLACEMENT DECALS WITH CORRECT NOMENCLATURE FOR THE BRAKE DASH WARNING INDICATOR LIGHT. THE RECALL BEGAN JULY 15, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BLUE BIRD AT 478-822-2242.
BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANYManufacturer number R05JSView 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.

PE09001ClosedPreliminary Evaluation

ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE

Opened Jan 5, 2009
Closed Mar 4, 2009

THIS INVESTIGATION WAS OPENED AFTER ODI LEARNED ABOUT A FIREALLEGED TO HAVE STARTED FROM THE MAIN BATTERY CABLE CHAFING AT THE REAR OF THE ENGINE.THE SUBJECT BUS WAS A NEW 2008 MODEL AND THE BATTERY CABLE RUNS FROM THE ELECTRICAL JUNCTION BLOCK TO THE BATTERY.THE PROBLEM ONLY AFFECTS BUSES EQUIPPED WITH THE CATERPILLAR ENGINE.SUBSEQUENT FIELD INSPECTIONS FOUND BATTERY CABLES ON TWO OTHER BUSES SHOWING SIGNS OF ABRASIONAGAINST THE REAR OF THE ENGINE.ON FEBRUARY 16, 2009, BLUE BIRD FILED A SAFETY RECALL TO INSPECT ALL INVOLVED BUSES. BLUE BIRD WILL INSPECT THE BATTERY POWER CABLES AT THE REAR OF THE ENGINE ON THE SUSPECT BUSES AND CORRECT THE PROBLEM AS NECESSARY.THIS RECALL ACTION RESOLVES THE ISSUES RAISED BY THIS INVESTIGATION. ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY:CABLESLed to recall 09V055000
PE08038ClosedPreliminary Evaluation

HYDRAULIC BRAKE HOSE CHAFING/LEAKING

Opened Jun 4, 2008
Closed Aug 4, 2008

IN APRIL, 2008, ODI RECEIVED A LETTER FROM THE MISSOURI STATE HIGHWAY PATROL ALLEGING THAT THEIR FIELD INSPECTORSWEREFINDING HYDRAULIC BRAKE HOSES THAT WEREBEING CUT OR CRUSHED BY THE SHARP EDGES OF THE BUS BODY AT THE FIREWALL.THEY ALSO SUPPLIED INFORMATION ON ONE BUS THAT EXPERIENCED TOTAL BRAKE LOSS DUE TO THE BRAKE HOSE BEING CUT. FURTHER FIELD WORK BY ODI INCREASED THENUMBER OF COMPLAINTS TO A TOTAL OF SEVEN.AFTER DISCUSSIONS WITH ODI AND FURTHER REVIEW OF FIELD INCIDENTS, BLUE BIRD HAS DECIDED TO INITIATE A SAFETY RECALL TO INSPECT, REPLACE AND OR REPOSITION THE BRAKE HOSES OF CONCERN. THIS RECALL ACTION RESOLVES THE ISSUES RAISED BY THIS INVESTIGATION. ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGSLed to recall 08V312000
PE06026ClosedPreliminary Evaluation

OVER STRESSED BATTERY CABLES

Opened Jul 10, 2006
Closed Aug 31, 2006

THIS INVESTIGATION WAS OPENED AFTER ODI WAS NOTIFIED BY THE GSA AUTOMOTIVE ENGINEERING DIVISION THAT THEY HAVE HAD THREE INCIDENTS WHERE ABATTERY CABLE TERMINAL END FAILED. GSA REPORTED THE POSITIVE BATTERY CABLE AS BEING TOO SHORT AND BEING STRESSED DURING NORMAL OPERATION RESULTING IN A COMPLETE SEPARATION.THIS COULD LEAD TO AN ENGINE SHUT DOWN OR POSSIBLY A THERMAL EVENT IF THECABLE SHORTS TO A GROUND SOURCE UPON FAILURE.BLUEBIRD HAS FILED A SAFETY DEFECT TO RESOLVE THE ISSUE. THE ORIGINAL CABLE WILL BE REMOVED AND REPLACED WITH A LONGER BATTERY CABLE. THE AMMETER SHUNT MOUNTING WILL ALSO BE UPGRADED ON ALL BUSES DELIVERED THROUGH JULY 12, 2006.THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSE.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY:CABLESLed to recall 06V261000
PE06014ClosedPreliminary Evaluation

BRAKE AIR PRESSURE BUZZER INOPERATIVE

Opened Apr 6, 2006
Closed Jul 13, 2006

SEE CLOSING REPORT.

SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:SUPPLY:LOW PRESSURE WARNING:SWITCH
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