1997 BLUE BIRD TC2000

8 recalls, 0 complaints - 5 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
8,088 vehicles affected
Manufacturer: BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANY
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.
408 vehicles affected
Manufacturer: BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANY
01V191000 Jun 11, 2001
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
Defect Description
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SCHOOL AND TRANSIT BUSES EQUIPPED WITH REAR MOUNTED ENGINES. THE 12-VOLT POWER SUPPLY CABLE(S) MAY BE CHAFFED BY HOSES, HARNESSES, FRAME COMPONENTS, OR CLAMPS.
Consequence
THIS CONDITION CAN RESULT IN POWER FAILURE AND/OR RISK OF FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REMOVE AND INSPECT THE 12-VOLT POWER CABLE(S) FROM THE BATTERY TO THE STARTER AND, IF NECESSARY, WILL REPLACE THE CABLES. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JULY 30, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WI... Read more
5,631 vehicles affected
Manufacturer: BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANY
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.
25,839 vehicles affected
Manufacturer: BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANY
00V162000 Jun 12, 2000
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:CONTROLS:FOOT CONTROL/VALVE
Defect Description
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SCHOOL AND TRANSIT BUSES EQUIPPED WITH BENDIX AIR BRAKES. BENDIX CHANGED THE INTERNAL DESIGN OF THE QR1C RELAY VALVE BY ADDING A HOLE IN THE INTERNAL DIAPHRAGM. WHEN THE HOLE IN THE DIAPHRAGM ALIGNS WITH THE HOLE IN THE VALVE BODY, THE BRAKE APPLICATION TIME INCREASES.
Consequence
UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, SUCH AS PARKED ON AN INCLINE, DRIVER ACTIVATES THE PARKING BRAKE BUT REMOVES FOOT FROM THE THREADLE VALVE, THE BUS COULD ROLL BEFORE THE PARKING BRAKE IS FULLY ENGAGED.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE DIAPHRAGMS WITH HOLES WITH SOLID DIAPHRAGMS FOR THE QR1C VALVES.
9,687 vehicles affected
Manufacturer: BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANY
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.
41,260 vehicles affected
Manufacturer: BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANY
98V110000 May 21, 1998
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
Defect Description
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: REAR ENGINE SCHOOL BUSES EQUIPPED WITH OPTION 04888 DEDICATED COMPRESSED NATURAL GAS (CNG) FUEL PACKAGE. THE 24" LONG STAINLESS STEEL BRAIDED FUEL HOSES CAN LEAK AT THE HOSE END FITTINGS.
Consequence
THESE HOSES CAN FRACTURE ALLOWING CNG FUEL LEAKAGE INCREASING THE RISK OF A FIRE.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THESE HOSES WITH CONDUCTIVE THERMOPLASTIC HOSES.
64 vehicles affected
Manufacturer: BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANY
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.
16,338 vehicles affected
Manufacturer: BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANY

No complaints found for this vehicle.

Technical Service Bulletins, 1997 BLUE BIRD TC2000

5 manufacturer communications from 5 unique bulletins. TSBs describe known problems and recommended fixes from the manufacturer.

Most Affected Components

ComponentBulletins
980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER2
061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE1
114400 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS1
355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL1
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.
S01EP Mar 9, 2001
114400 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS
SUBJECT BUSES MAY HAVE HAD CONCERNS REGARDING FUSES BLOWING FREQUENTLY IN THE FRONT HEATER CIRCUIT. *TT
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
PE, Closed , Model Year: 1997
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
PE, Closed , Model Year: 1997
MISMATCHED BRAKE ACTUATION CHAMBERS
ALLEGED THAT THE BUS PULLS TO THE LEFT WHEN BRAKING
PE96077 Opened: Dec 18, 1996 , Closed: Feb 24, 1997
PE, Closed
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
EA, Closed , Model Year: 1992
THROTTLE CABLE FAILURES
There is no summary currently available
PE89137 Opened: Jul 6, 1989 , Closed: Nov 16, 1989
PE, Closed , Model Year: 1988
CRACKED BRAKE DRUMS
===
PE89042 Opened: Feb 13, 1989 , Closed: May 9, 1989
PE, Closed , Model Year: 1988
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 (current) 8 0
1996 13 3 View
1995 18 7 View
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

Other BLUE BIRD Models

Model Recalls Complaints
ALL AMERICAN 720 222 View
VISION 537 24 View
VISION SCHOOL BUS 196 4 View
ALL AMERICAN SCHOOL BUS 148 9 View
CONVENTIONAL 125 20 View
MICRO BIRD 120 0 View
WANDERLODGE 76 7 View
VISION TRANSIT BUS 73 0 View