1995 BLUE BIRD TC2000
18 recalls, 7 complaints - 4 TSBs
03V363000 Oct 8, 2003
STRUCTURE:BODY
Defect Description
CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 221, "SCHOOL BUS BODY JOINT STRENGTH." ONE OR MORE OF THE BOLTS ATTACHING THE DRIVER'S PLATFORM TO THE FLOOR STRUCTURE WAS OMITTED.
Consequence
THE REAR OF THE DRIVER'S PLATFORM MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RETAINED IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH WHICH COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF INJURY OR DEATH TO PASSENGERS.
Remedy
BLUE BIRD WILL NOTIFY ITS CUSTOMERS AND INSPECT AND REPAIR THE AFFECTED UNITS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 20, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT BLUE BIRD... Read more
02V185000 Jul 15, 2002
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
Defect Description
CERTAIN TRANSIT BUSES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE STANDARD NO. 101, "CONTROLS AND DISPLAYS." THIS STANDARD REQUIRES SPECIFIC LABELING FOR "ENGINE START" AND "ENGINE STOP." THE WORDING OF THE LABELS ON THESE VEHICLES DO NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD.
Consequence
THE OPERATOR COULD PLACE THE ENGINE SWITCH IN A POSITION OTHER THAN THAT INTENDED, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy
OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH NEW DECALS AND INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 29, 2002. OWNERS WHO DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE LABEL AND INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT BLUE BIRD AT 1-478-822-2242.
00V219000 Aug 17, 2000
STRUCTURE:BODY
Defect Description
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SCHOOL BUSES. THESE BUSES FAIL TO MEET THE 60 PERCENT JOINT STRENGTH REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 221, "SCHOOL BUS BODY JOINT STRENGTH."
Consequence
IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE ROOF MAY NOT BE SUPPORTED SUFFICIENTLY, CAUSING PERSONAL INJURY TO BUS OCCUPANTS.
Remedy
OWNERS WILL BE CONTACTED AND ADVISED TO INSPECT EACH ROOF JOINT. OWNERS WILL INSTALL REPAIR RIVETS IN EACH JOINT FOUND TO HAVE INSUFFICIENT QUANTITY OF RIVETS IN EACH EXAMINED 8 INCH SECTION.
99V018000 Jun 15, 1999
SEATS
Defect Description
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SCHOOL BUSES. THE WALL SIDE ATTACHING BOLTS FOR SOME OF THE PASSENGER SEATS MAY HAVE BEEN INSTALLED TOO CLOSE TO THE EDGE OF THE SEAT LEDGE AND IN THE WRONG ATTACHING HOLE RESULTING IN WEAKENING OF THE SEAT LEDGE AT THE ATTACHMENT POINTS.
Consequence
IN THE EVENT OF A FRONTAL CRASH, THE REAR ATTACHING BOLT OF THESE SEATS COULD PULL OUT OF THE SEAT LEDGE INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY TO THE SEAT OCCUPANT.
Remedy
BLUE BIRD WILL FURNISH TO DISTRIBUTORS AND OWNERS, PARTS AND INSTRUCTIONS NECESSARY TO STRENGTHEN THE PASSENGER SEAT ATTACHMENT AT THE WALL SIDE.
97V197000 Nov 7, 1997
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
Defect Description
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: FRONT AND REAR ENGINE SCHOOL BUSES EQUIPPED WITH 60 GALLON SIDE MOUNTED FUEL TANK BARRIERS. THESE BUSES DO NOT COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 301, "FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY."
Consequence
IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE FUEL TANK COULD BE DAMAGED, LEAKING FUEL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE FIRE.
Remedy
BLUE BIRD WILL SHIP INSTRUCTIONS AND MODIFICATION KITS TO THE OWNERS OF THESE BUSES.
96V132000 Jul 12, 1996
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
Defect Description
INTERFERENCE BETWEEN THE HYDRAULIC BRAKE HOSES OR BLEEDER VALVES AND THE "REYCO" AIR SUSPENSION COMPONENTS CAN OCCUR CAUSING FAILURE OF ONE OF THE HYDRAULIC FITTINGS.
Consequence
FAILURE OF THE HYDRAULIC FITTINGS CAN CAUSE A LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID RESULTING IN LOSS OF BRAKES INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
96V126001 Jul 11, 1996
SEATS
Defect Description
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SCHOOL BUSES EQUIPPED WITH BOSTROM DRIVER'S SEAT MODEL F222 OR BOSTRUM "ROUTEMASTER" SEAT. BLUE BIRD OPTION 2821 OR 2824. THE SEAT PEDESTALS ARE FATIGUE CRACKING ADJACENT TO THE WELD WHICH SECURES THE PEDESTAL'S UPPER PLATE TO THE UPPER, TELESCOPING PORTION OF THE ADJUSTABLE... Read more
Consequence
THE UPPER MOUNTING PLATE AND SEAT UPPER GRADUALLY BECOMES LOOSE RESULTING IN THE UPPER PLATE DETACHING FROM THE SUPPORTING COLUMN AND THE SEAT CAN FALL FROM ITS MOUNTING. THIS CAN RESULT IN PERSONAL INJURY TO THE DRIVER.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPAIR THESE PEDESTALS WITH A NEWLY DESIGNED PEDESTAL BRACKET KIT.
96V073000 May 3, 1996
STRUCTURE:BODY
Defect Description
PASSENGER'S CLOTHING CAN UNKNOWINGLY BECOME CAUGHT IN THE FORWARD HANDRAILS AT BUS DOORS WHEN EXITING THE BUS.
Consequence
WHEN A PASSENGER'S CLOTHING BECOMES CAUGHT IN THE HANDRAIL, AND THE BUS DRIVER CLOSES THE DOOR AND PUTS THE VEHICLE IN MOTION, THE INDIVIDUAL IS SUBJECT TO BEING DRAGGED BY THE BUS. THIS CAN RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.
Remedy
OWNERS WILL BE DIRECTED TO REMOVE ALL FORWARD HANDRAILS. PROVISIONS WILL BE MADE FOR THOSE OWNERS OPERATING IN STATES WHICH MANDATE A FORWARD HANDRAIL THAT A REPLACEMENT HANDRAIL WILL BE PROVIDED.
96V068000 Apr 19, 1996
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:DRUM:CHAMBER
Defect Description
AIR SUSPENSION TORQUE ARM CAN COME IN CONTACT WITH THE AIR BRAKE CHAMBER MOUNTING BRACKET RESULTING IN BROKEN S-CAM MOUNTING BRACKET.
Consequence
THIS CAN RESULT IN THE LOSS OF BRAKE LINING CONTACTON THE REAR WHEEL INCREASING THE POTENTIAL FOR A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL MODIFY VEHICLES TO INCORPORATE AN AXLE SEAT SPACER AND REPLACE THE CAM SHAFT AND CAM SHAFT BRACKET WITH A LONGER CAM SHAFT AND CAM SHAFT BRACKET ON BOTH RIGHT AND LEFT REAR BRAKE ASSEMBLIES TO PROVIDE SUFFICIENT CLEARANCE.
96V011000 Jan 23, 1996
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS
Defect Description
THE WRONG CIRCUIT BREAKER WAS INSTALLED IN THE ELECTRICAL PANEL WHICH COULD CAUSE AN INTERRUPTION OF THE 8-LIGHT WARNING SYSTEM.
Consequence
THE 8-LIGHT WARNING SYSTEM WOULD STOP FUNCTIONING WHILE DISCHARGING PASSENGERS INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE ACCIDENT OR AN EXITING PASSENGER BEING STRUCK BY AN ONCOMING VEHICLE.
Remedy
OWNERS WILL BE NOTIFIED TO CHECK AND REPLACE AS NECESSARY THE CIRCUIT BREAKERS. OWNERS CAN ALSO HAVE THESE CIRCUIT BREAKERS CHECKED AND REPLACED AT AN AUTHORIZED DEALER.
96V012000 Jan 23, 1996
STRUCTURE:BODY
Defect Description
THESE BUSES ARE EQUIPPED WITH AN ENTRANCE DOOR HANDRAIL OFF SET BRACE ATTACHED TO THE INTERIOR WALL AND THE HANDRAIL. THE ATTACHMENT POINT AT THE WALL IS INCORRECTLY POSITIONED PERMITTING THE ENTRAPMENT OF THE "CONNECTICUT NUT/STRING TEST DEVICE" BETWEEN THE UPPER EDGE OF THE BRACE AND THE LOWER EDG... Read more
Consequence
WHEN A PASSENGER'S CLOTHING BECOMES CAUGHT IN THE HANDRAIL, AND THE BUS DRIVER CLOSES THE DOOR AND PUTS THE VEHICLE IN MOTION, THE INDIVIDUAL IS SUBJECT TO BEING DRAGGED BY THE BUS. THIS CAN RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND RELOCATE THE BRACKET AS NECESSARY. OWNERS CAN INSPECT AND RELOCATE THE BRACKET IS SO DESIRED.
96V023000 Jan 1, 1996
VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR
Defect Description
THESE VEHICLES COULD HAVE A LATCH WHICH SCRAPES AN ALUMINUM TRIM PIECE INCREASING THE FORCE REQUIRED TO OPEN. THIS DOES NOT COMPLY WITH FMVSS NO. 217, "BUS WINDOW RETENTION AND RELEASE."
Consequence
CONSEQUENCE OF NON-COMPLIANCE: IN THE CASE OF AN EMERGENCY, AN OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE ABLE TO OPEN THE WINDOW TO USE AS AN EMERGENCY EXIT.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW CAM LOCK PLATE.
95V190000 Oct 11, 1995
STRUCTURE:BODY
Defect Description
AN IMPROPER MIX OF ADHESIVE WAS APPLIED TO THE INTERIOR SIDE PANEL JOINTS RESULTING IN THE BUSES FAILING TO CONFORM TO THE JOINT STRENGTH REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 221, "SCHOOL BUS BODY JOINT STRENGTH.":
Consequence
CONSEQUENCE OF NON-COMPLIANCE: IN THE EVENT OF A COLLISION, THE SIDE PANEL OF THE BUS MAY NOT PROTECT THE OCCUPANTS AT THE LEVEL REQUIRED FMVSS NO. 221
Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPAIR WITH CORRECT ADHESIVE IF THE SEALER WAS NOT CURED PROPERLY.
95V150000 Aug 7, 1995
STRUCTURE:BODY
Defect Description
THE FLOOR LINE HANDRAIL BRACKET CAN EXPAND DURING USE AND CREATE AN OPENING WHICH COULD ENTRAP COAT STRINGS, ETC. AND OTHER ARTICLES OF CLOTHING.
Consequence
WHEN A PASSENGER'S CLOTHING BECOMES CAUGHT IN THE HANDRAIL, AND THE BUS DRIVER CLOSES THE DOOR AND PUTS THE VEHICLE IN MOTION,THE INDIVIDUAL COULD BE DRAGGED BY THE BUS. THIS CAN RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FLAT SPLIT FLOOR LINE BRACKET WITH A ROUND TUBULAR BRACKET.
95V136000 Jul 26, 1995
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
Defect Description
THESE UNITS ARE EQUIPPED WITH A COUNTER WEIGHT ASSEMBLY MADE UP OF 300 POUNDS OF 1/4" PLATE STEEL WELDED TOGETHER AND BOLTED BETWEEN THE FRAME RAILS IN THE REAR OVERHANG JUST FORWARD OF THE REAR BUMPER. SOME OF THE WELDS HAVE BROKEN DUE TO INSUFFICIENT WELDS, CORROSION, OR ICE EXPANSION.
Consequence
THESE PLATES CAN DROP TO THE ROADWAY BECOMING A HAZARD TO FOLLOWING VEHICLES INCREASING THE POTENTIAL FOR AN ACCIDENT.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSTALL A MECHANICAL RETAINING DEVICE WHICH CLAMPS THE PLATES TOGETHER AND FASTENED WITH THREADED FASTENERS. BUS OWNERS WILL HAVE THE OPTION OF REPAIRING THEIR OWN VEHICLES.
95V090000 May 9, 1995
STRUCTURE:BODY
Defect Description
PASSENGERS CLOTHING CAN UNKNOWINGLY BECOME CAUGHT IN THE HANDRAILS AT BUS DOORS WHEN EXITING THE BUS.
Consequence
WHEN A PASSENGER'S CLOTHING BECOMES CAUGHT IN THE HANDRAIL, AND THE BUS DRIVER CLOSES THE DOOR AND PUTS THE VEHICLE IN MOTION,THE INDIVIDUAL IS SUBJECT TO BEING DRAGGED BY THE BUS. THIS CAN RESULT INSERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSTALL A SET SCREW TO THE METAL CLAMP WHICH RETAINS THE INTERMEDIATE HANDRAIL. A HIGH IMPACT MOLDED PLASTIC "CLAM SHELL" WILL BE PLACED OVER EACH END OF THE INTERMEDIATE HANDRAIL COMPLETELY COVERING THE CLAMP AND ELIMINATING ALL CATCH-POINTS. THE FLANGE OF THE EXISTING FLOOR LINE BRAC... Read more
95V051000 Mar 14, 1995
AIR BAGS:KNEE BOLSTER
Defect Description
THE AISLE SIDE STYROFOAM KNEE PADS ON THE SUBJECT BARRIERS ARE 11" WIDE AND NOT 14.5" AS REQUIRED BY FMVSS NO. 222, "SCHOOL BUS PASSENGER SEATING AND CRASH PROTECTION."
Consequence
CONSEQUENCE OF NON-COMPLIANCE: THIS CONDITION COULD INCREASE THE POTENTIAL FOR INJURY IN A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE INCORRECT PAD WITH THE CORRECT 14.5" KNEE PAD.
95V036000 Feb 23, 1995
STEERING:LINKAGES
Defect Description
QUENCH CRACKS OCCURRED IN THE PITMAN ARM PINCH BOLT DURING THE BOLT MANUFACTURING PROCESS, CAUSING A WEAKNESS IN THESE BOLTS.
Consequence
THESE CRACKS CAN CAUSE THE BOLTS TO FRACTURE RESULTING IN A LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND INCREASING THE POTENTIAL FOR A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy
BLUE BIRD WILL PROVIDE REPLACEMENT BOLTS FOR ALL AFFECTED UNITS.
Complaint Statistics
7 total complaints
1 fires
Top Reported Components
| Component | Complaints |
|---|---|
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CABLES | 4 |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL | 1 |
| EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY | 1 |
| SUSPENSION:REAR:SPRINGS:AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEM | 1 |
SUSPENSION:REAR:SPRINGS:AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEM
Aug 19, 1999
Incident date: Jul 23, 1999
REAR AIR SUSPENSION UPPER SHAFT BRACKET WHICH IS RIVETED TO THE FRAME IS CRACKING AND TEARING FROM THE FRAME. COMMON PROBLEM. HAVE ALSO 5 OTHER BUSES WITH THIS PROBLEM. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK
EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY
Sep 17, 1998
Incident date: Sep 10, 1998
THE BUS HAD BEEN SHUT OFF AND PARKED FOR APPROXIMATELY 1 HOUR WHEN THE WHEEL CHAIR LIFT CAUGHT FIRE AND BURNED(RICON MODEL S5005 SERIAL #48330).
Fire
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CABLES
Dec 31, 1996
Incident date: Nov 21, 1996
ACCELERATOR CABLE BROKE.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
Nov 19, 1996
Incident date: Oct 19, 1996
CONSUMER WAS DRIVING AND APPLIED FORCE TO THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, THE PLASTIC RETAINNER PLATE BROKE, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO DECELERATE, PART #BBB1091503. *AK
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CABLES
Oct 23, 1995
Incident date: Oct 16, 1995
ACCELERATOR CABLE PULLS THROUGH PEDAL. TT
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CABLES
Oct 23, 1995
Incident date: Oct 16, 1995
ACCELERATOR CABLE PULLS THROUGH PEDAL. TT
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CABLES
Oct 23, 1995
Incident date: Oct 16, 1995
ACCELERATOR CABLE PULLS THROUGH PEDAL. TT
Technical Service Bulletins, 1995 BLUE BIRD TC2000
4 manufacturer communications from 4 unique bulletins. TSBs describe known problems and recommended fixes from the manufacturer.
Most Affected Components
| Component | Bulletins |
|---|---|
| 980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 2 |
| 061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE | 1 |
| 355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL | 1 |
SM1601
Jan 14, 2016
355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL
Blue Bird Troubleshooting Guides: Blue Bird announcement of the addition of troubleshooting guides for assisting in the service of the Blue Bird products. These troubleshooting guides are available on the Vantage website.
S98BT98
Feb 5, 1998
061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
VEHICLE EXPERIENCING TURBO PIPE BREAKING AT TOP FLANGE. *YC
No comms 2022-10
Oct 17, 2022
980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER
There are no Manufacturer Communications in accordance with 49 CFR 579.5 to report for October 2022 for Blue Bird Body Company.
No comms 2023-12
Jan 1, 2024
980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER
There are no Manufacturer Communications in accordance with 49 CFR 579.5 to report for December 2023 for Blue Bird Body Company.
NHTSA Safety Investigations, BLUE BIRD TC2000
Investigations opened by NHTSA into potential safety defects. These are separate from recalls and may or may not result in a recall.
PE98026
Opened: Apr 27, 1998 , Closed: May 29, 1998
COMPRESSED NATURAL GAS (CNG) LEAKAGE
ALLEGED LEAKAGE OF CNG OCCURRED FROM ONE OF THE CRIMPED CONNECTION FITTINGS OF A FUEL HOSE CONNECTED TO THE RIGHT REAR CNG STORAGE CYLINDER
PE98011
Opened: Feb 25, 1998 , Closed: Apr 22, 1998
MISMATCHED BRAKE ACTUATION CHAMBERS
ALLEGED THAT THE BUS PULLS TO THE LEFT WHEN BRAKING
PE96077
Opened: Dec 18, 1996 , Closed: Feb 24, 1997
LOSS OF CHASSIS ELECTRICAL POWER
HEAVY GAUGE ALTERNATOR WIRE AT AMMETER SHUNT CORRODES AND SEPARATES.ALLEGEDLY, ALL CHASSIS POWER IS THEN LOST AND THE BUS DISABLED.
EA93027
Opened: Oct 29, 1993 , Closed: Mar 28, 1994
THROTTLE CABLE FAILURES
There is no summary currently available
PE89137
Opened: Jul 6, 1989 , Closed: Nov 16, 1989
CRACKED BRAKE DRUMS
===
PE89042
Opened: Feb 13, 1989 , Closed: May 9, 1989
HEADLIGHT RETAINING RING
SYNOPSIS:BLUE BIRD ISSUED A SERVICE BULLETIN CALLING FOR THEREPLACEMENT OF THE HEADLIGHT RETAINING RINGS.FAILURE OF THIS RINGCOULD CAUSE THE HEADLIGHT TO SHINE UPWARD INTO THE EYES OF ONCOMING DRIVERS AND DIMINISH THE ABILITY OF THE BLUE BIRD DRIVER TO SEE THE ROAD INFRONT OF HIS VEHICLE.BOTH SITUAT... Read more
BLUE BIRD TC2000 - All Years Overview
Complete safety history for the BLUE BIRD TC2000 across all model years (1987, 2005).
214
Total Recalls
39
Total Complaints
6
Investigations
0
Reported Crashes
2
Reported Fires
0
Reported Deaths
BLUE BIRD TC2000 - Year by Year
Compare recalls and complaints across model years. Click any year to see full details.
| Year | Recalls | Complaints | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 1 | 0 | View |
| 2004 | 5 | 0 | View |
| 2003 | 6 | 8 | View |
| 2002 | 11 | 0 | View |
| 2001 | 12 | 0 | View |
| 2000 | 12 | 1 | View |
| 1999 | 15 | 5 | View |
| 1998 | 17 | 0 | View |
| 1997 | 8 | 0 | View |
| 1996 | 13 | 3 | View |
| 1995 (current) | 18 | 7 | |
| 1994 | 15 | 9 | View |
| 1993 | 15 | 2 | View |
| 1992 | 15 | 1 | View |
| 1991 | 12 | 0 | View |
| 1990 | 13 | 1 | View |
| 1989 | 14 | 1 | View |
| 1988 | 11 | 0 | View |
| 1987 | 1 | 0 | View |