RoadVitals

2018 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.
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Newest Aug 12, 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

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

24V600000

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

Aug 12, 2024
89 units potentially affected
The defect: Blue Bird Bus Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Vision transit 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
20V235000

PARKING BRAKE

Apr 27, 2020
3 units potentially affected
The defect: Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain 2009-2019 Vision transit 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 injury to bystanders.
The remedy: Blue Bird will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the floor mounted park brake application force hand lever assembly and adjust 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-NSBView 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
20V074000

POWER TRAIN

Feb 11, 2020
58 units potentially affected
The defect: Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Vision and All American school buses equipped with 7000 EV electric drivetrain units. A connector within the wire harnesses may become unplugged causing loss of communication between control modules, resulting in sudden loss of drive power and power steering.
The risk: A sudden loss of drive power and loss of power steering increases the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Blue Bird will notify owners, and Cummins dealers will install a cable tie on the connector to maintain the connector locking tab in the locked position, free of charge. The recall began March 12, 2020. Owners may contact Blue Bird customer service at 1-478-822-2242 or Cummins customer service at 1-800-286-6467. Blue Bird's number for this recall is R20AL-SB.
Blue Bird Body CompanyManufacturer number R20AL-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
19V796000

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH

Nov 6, 2019
112 units potentially affected
The defect: Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain 2013-2020 Vision transit 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 issued owners an interim notification 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 R19AI-NSB.
Blue Bird Body CompanyManufacturer number R19AI-NSBView on NHTSA.gov
19V765000

HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM; POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)

Oct 25, 2019
83 units potentially affected
The defect: Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Vision and All American school buses equipped with Cummins PowerDrive 7000 EV electric drivetrain units. Due to a software error, the VCU may activate the anti-roll back feature during slow moving or stop and go conditions, which can cause unexpected vehicle movement.
The risk: Unexpected vehicle movement can increase the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Blue Bird has notified owners, and Cummins dealers will update the VCU software, free of charge. The recall began October 30, 2019. Owners may contact Cummins customer service at 1-800-286-6467 or Blue Bird customer service at 1-478-822-2242. Blue Bird's number for this recall is R19AJ-SB.
Blue Bird Body CompanyManufacturer number R19AJ-SBView 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
19V471000

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE; HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM

Jun 19, 2019
19 units potentially affected
The defect: Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Vision and All American school buses equipped with PowerDrive 7000 EV electric drivetrains. The Vehicle Control Unit (VCU) may unexpectedly shut down the high voltage contactors, resulting in loss of all systems powered by high voltage, including the traction drive system and power steering.
The risk: An unexpected loss of drive and power steering may increase the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Cummins will notify Blue Bird owners and will update the VCU software with a revised version, free of charge. The recall began July 24, 2019. Owners may contact Cummins customer service at 1-800-286-6467 or Blue Bird at 1-478-822-2242. Blue Bird's number for this recall is R19AE (SB).
Blue Bird Body CompanyManufacturer number R19AE (SB)View 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
19V393000

SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:DISC:CALIPER

May 24, 2019
70 units potentially affected
The defect: Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain 2016-2020 Vision and 2015-2020 All American non-school buses equipped with ADB22X disc 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 increasing 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 - NSB.
Blue Bird Body CompanyManufacturer number R19AA - NSBView on NHTSA.gov
19V082000

EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

Feb 11, 2019
787 units potentially affected
The defect: Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Vision and All American school buses equipped with Ricon S-Series Titanium Wheelchair lifts. The wheelchair lift positioning input cam may fail while the lift is in use, allowing the platform to travel higher than the vehicle's floor height. As such, this vehicle fails to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 403, "Platform Lift Systems."
The risk: If the wheelchair lift platform raises above the height of the vehicle floor, the wheelchair user could fall inwards toward the vehicle, increasing their risk of injury.
The remedy: Blue Bird will notify owners, and Ricon dealers will replace the wheelchair lift positioning input cam, free of charge. The recall began March 4, 2019. Owners may contact Ricon customer service at 1-800-322-2884. Blue Bird's number for this recall is R19ZP-SB.
Blue Bird Body CompanyManufacturer number R19ZP-SBView on NHTSA.gov
18V892000

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE; PARKING BRAKE:CONVENTIONAL:AIR

Dec 17, 2018
28 units potentially affected
The defect: Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Vision school buses equipped with Cummins ISV5.0 diesel engines with optional CP80009 air compressors. The air compressor belt may slip, reducing air output, which may result in the parking brake automatically applying.
The risk: If the parking brake applies while the vehicle is being driven, it can increase the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Blue Bird has notified owners, and dealers will replace the existing air compressor belt with a new shorter air compressor belt, free of charge. The recall began February 1, 2019. Owners may contact Blue Bird customer service at 1-478-822-2242. Blue Bird's number for this recall is R19ZW-SB.
Blue Bird Body CompanyManufacturer number R19ZW-SBView on NHTSA.gov
18V885000

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

Dec 12, 2018
32 units potentially affected
The defect: Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain 2016-2020 Blue Bird Vision transit 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-NSB.
Blue Bird Body CompanyManufacturer number R19ZV-NSBView 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
18V783000

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR

Nov 6, 2018
6,307 units potentially affected
The defect: Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Vision school buses with Ford 6.8L Gen IV LPG, Gasoline, or CNG engines. The alternator cables may not be routed correctly and may contact and chafe against the air conditioning support bracket or a firewall reinforcement.
The risk: A damaged alternator cable could cause result in an electrical short, increasing the risk of a fire.
The remedy: Blue Bird will notify owners, and dealers will verify that the air conditioning bracket and the alternator cables are properly installed, repairing them as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin December 06, 2018. Owners may contact Blue Bird customer service at 1-478-822-2242. Blue Birds recall number is R18ZO-SB.
Blue Bird Body CompanyManufacturer number R18ZO - SBView on NHTSA.gov
18V263000

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL; SERVICE BRAKES, AIR

Apr 25, 2018
4,886 units potentially affected
The defect: Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Blue Bird All American and Vision school buses. The primary and secondary air brake gauges on the instrument cluster may intermittently indicate "0 PSI" instead of the correct air pressure in the tanks. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 121, "Air Brake Systems."
The risk: If the gauges do not correctly display the air pressure that is in the tanks, the operator will not be able to know when the air pressure is actually dropping, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Blue Bird will notify owners, and dealers will update the display software, free of charge. The recall began on August 1, 2018. Owners may contact Blue Bird customer service at 1-478-822-2242. Blue Bird's number for this recall is R18ZE-SB.
Blue Bird Body CompanyManufacturer number R18ZE - SBView on NHTSA.gov
18V264000

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL; SERVICE BRAKES, AIR

Apr 25, 2018
345 units potentially affected
The defect: Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Blue Bird All American and Vision transit buses. The primary and secondary air brake gauges on the instrument cluster may intermittently indicate "0 PSI" instead of the correct air pressure in the tanks. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 121, "Air Brake Systems."
The risk: If the gauges do not correctly display the air pressure that is in the tanks, the operator will not be able to know when the air pressure is actually dropping, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Blue Bird will notify owners, and dealers will update the display software, free of charge. Owners may contact Blue Bird customer service at 1-478-822-2242. Blue Bird's number for this recall is R18ZE-NSB.
Blue Bird Body CompanyManufacturer number R18ZE - NSBView on NHTSA.gov
18V258000

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL

Apr 24, 2018
12 units potentially affected
The defect: Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Blue Bird Vision transit buses equipped with Gen4 Ford engines with an optional brake and throttle interlock. The brake and throttle interlock is supposed to apply the service brakes and prevent accelerator pedal input when activated, however the throttle input is not being blocked.
The risk: If throttle input is allowed, the bus may be able to overpower the applied brake, causing the bus to move unexpectedly, increasing the risk of a crash or an injury.
The remedy: Blue Bird will notify owners, and dealers will update the Smart Relay Module software, free of charge. The recall began on May 24, 2018. Owners may contact Blue Bird customer service at 1-478-822-2242. Blue Bird's number for this recall is R18ZF - NSB.
Blue Bird Body CompanyManufacturer number R18ZF - NSBView on NHTSA.gov
18V259000

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL

Apr 24, 2018
364 units potentially affected
The defect: Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Blue Bird Vision school buses equipped with Gen4 Ford engines with an optional brake and throttle interlock. The brake and throttle interlock is supposed to apply the service brakes and prevent accelerator pedal input when activated, however the throttle input is not being blocked.
The risk: If throttle input is allowed, the bus may be able to overpower the applied brake, causing the bus to move unexpectedly, increasing the risk of a crash or an injury.
The remedy: Blue Bird will notify owners, and dealers will update the Smart Relay Module software. The recall began on May 24, 2018. Owners may contact Blue Bird customer service at 1-478-822-2242. Blue Bird's number for this recall is R18ZF - SB.
Blue Bird Body CompanyManufacturer number R18ZF - SBView on NHTSA.gov
17V510000

SEATS

Aug 17, 2017
309 units potentially affected
The defect: Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain model year 2015-2019 Vision and model year 2016 All American school buses equipped with certain QS11 series convertible school bus seats supplied by CE White/HSM Solutions. The integral D-Ring mounting stud located in the upper area of the seat back frame does not provide an adequate padding surface between the seat occupant and the D-Ring mounting stud.
The risk: In a rear crash event, the occupant's head may contact the D-Ring mounting stud, resulting in a head injury or even death.
The remedy: Blue Bird will notify owners, and dealers will equip the Integra D-Ring mounting studs with the proper padding, free of charge. The recall began on September 15, 2017. Owners may contact Blue Bird customer service at 1-478-822-2242. Blue Bird's number for this recall is R17ZB-SB.
Blue Bird Body CompanyManufacturer number R17ZB-SBView on NHTSA.gov
17V203000

FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER

Mar 23, 2017
1,274 units potentially affected
The defect: Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Vision school buses, designed to run on propane. The fuel control valve solenoid may short circuit, shutting off the flow of propane to the engine, causing the engine to shut off.
The risk: An engine stall while driving increases the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Blue Bird will notify owners, and dealers for Roush CleanTech, the supplier of the propane fuel kit, will replace the defective fuel control valve solenoids, free of charge. The recall began on April 21, 2017. Owners may contact Blue Bird at 1-478-822-2242. Blue Bird's number for recall is R17ZA (SB).
Blue Bird Body CompanyManufacturer number R17ZA (SB)View on NHTSA.gov
17V204000

FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER

Mar 23, 2017
22 units potentially affected
The defect: Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Vision transit buses, designed to run on propane. The fuel control valve solenoid may short circuit, shutting off the flow of propane to the engine, causing the engine to shut off.
The risk: An engine stall while driving increases the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Blue Bird will notify owners, and dealers for Roush CleanTech, the supplier of the propane fuel kit, will replace the defective fuel control valve solenoids, free of charge. The recall began on April 21, 2017. Owners may contact Blue Bird at 1-478-822-2242. Blue Bird's number for recall is R17ZA (NSB).
Blue Bird Body CompanyManufacturer number R17ZA (NSB)View on NHTSA.gov
17V100000

STRUCTURE

Feb 15, 2017
19,833 units potentially affected
The defect: Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Vision school buses manufactured February 19, 2014, through March 3, 2017, equipped with a frame mounted battery box. The support brackets for these battery boxes may crack causing the battery box to separate from the chassis.
The risk: If the battery box detaches, it can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Blue Bird will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and repair the buses, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on March 20, 2017. Owners may contact Blue Bird customer service at 1-478-822-2242. Blue Bird's number for this recall is R17YY-SB.
Blue Bird Body CompanyManufacturer number R17YY-SBView on NHTSA.gov
17V101000

STRUCTURE

Feb 15, 2017
263 units potentially affected
The defect: Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Vision transit buses equipped with frame mounted battery boxes. The support brackets for these battery boxes may crack causing the battery box to separate from the chassis.
The risk: If the battery box detaches, it can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Blue Bird will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and repair the buses, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on March 20, 2017. Owners may contact Blue Bird customer service at 1-478-822-2242. Blue Bird's number for this recall is R17YY-NSB.
Blue Bird Body CompanyManufacturer number R17YY-NSBView 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