1998 BLUE BIRD TC2000
17 recalls, 0 complaints - 6 TSBs
05V062000 Feb 22, 2005
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL
Defect Description
CERTAIN 1998 THROUGH 2002 BLUE BIRD ALL AMERICAN, TC2000 SCHOOL AND TRANSIT BUSES, AND COMMERCIAL SERIES BUSES EQUIPPED WITH CUMMINS ISB DIESEL ENGINES. THE FUEL PUMP COULD FAIL TO TRANSFER FUEL APPROPRIATELY CREATING AN ENGINE STALL CONDITION.
Consequence
SHOULD THE ENGINE STALL WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN USE, A POSSIBLE VEHICLE CRASH COULD OCCUR.
Remedy
CUSTOMERS WILL BE NOTIFIED BY CUMMINS TO BRING THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER TO HAVE THE FUEL LIFT PUMP REPLACED FREE OF CHARGE. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CUSTOMERS MAY CONTACT CUMMINS AT 1-800-DIESELS.
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
03V085000 Mar 28, 2003
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR
Defect Description
ON CERTAIN SCHOOL AND TRANSIT BUSES EQUIPPED WITH CUMMINS ISB 6 CYLINDER ENGINES, THE LOWER ALTERNATOR SUPPORT BRACE OR MOUNTING HARDWARE CAN LOOSEN OR BREAK WHICH WILL ALLOW THE ALTERNATOR TO DROP ONTO THE ENGINE.
Consequence
IN THIS EVENT, THE ELECTRICAL WIRING HARNESS MAY BE DAMAGED AND THE POSSIBILITY OF FIRE MAY EXIST.
Remedy
CUMMINS WILL NOTIFY CUSTOMERS AND REPLACE THE UPPER AND LOWER ALTERNATOR SUPPORT BRACKETS FREE OF CHARGE. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLE TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT CUMMINS AT 1-800-343-7357 OR BLUE... Read more
02V233000 Sep 5, 2002
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR
Defect Description
ON CERTAIN FRONT ENGINE SCHOOL AND TRANSIT BUSES EQUIPPED WITH BLUE BIRD OPTION 40177 CUMMINS ISB ENGINE, THE ALTERNATOR POWER CABLES MAY NOT BE ROUTED PROPERLY FROM THE ALTERNATOR OUTPUT TO THE STARTER MOTOR.
Consequence
IF THE CABLES ARE NOT ROUTED PROPERLY, THE CABLE INSULATION COULD BE ABRADED BY CONTACT WITH OTHER CHASSIS COMPONENTS RESULTING IN A SHORT TO GROUND.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL ADD A LOOM AND REROUTE THE ELECTRICAL POWER CABLE FROM ALTERNATOR OUTPUT TO STARTING MOTOR. THE ALTERNATOR POWER CABLE WILL BE REPLACED IF ABRASIONS ARE FOUND. OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR ABOUT SEPTEMBER 30, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEAL... 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.
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
00V232005 Sep 8, 2000
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:ANTILOCK
Defect Description
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SCHOOL AND TRANSIT BUSES BUILT WITH BENDIX AIR ABS WITH AN EC-17 1030R ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT (ECU), THERE HAVE BEEN REPORTS OF UNWANTED ABS ACTIVATION AT LOW SPEEDS CAUSED BY 1) CHAFED ABS WHEEL SPEED SENSOR WIRES ON ROTATING PARTS OR 2) A DAMAGED COMPONENT AT THE WHEEL END T... Read more
Consequence
THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE THE ABS ECU TO EXHAUST THE AIR AT THE AIR BRAKE MODULATORS FOR ONE OR MORE OF THE WHEELS. THIS COULD RESULT IN EXTENDED BRAKING DISTANCES AND A POSSIBLE CRASH.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ABS ECU.
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.
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.
00V051000 Feb 22, 2000
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:SUPPLY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
Defect Description
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SCHOOL AND TRANSIT BUSES EQUIPPED WITH BENDIX ABS ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM. THE PRIMARY AND SECONDARY BRAKE TREADLE VALVE AIR LINES WERE INSTALLED INCORRECTLY AT THE BENDIX R12DC RELAY VALVE.
Consequence
WITH THE BRAKE SYSTEM INSTALLED INCORRECTLY, FUTURE MAINTENANCE MIGHT BE AFFECTED BY THIS INCONSISTENCY, CAUSING THE BRAKES TO BE INSTALLED INCORRECT, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL CORRECT THE AIR LINE PLUMBING AT THE BENDIX R12DC RELAY VALVE.
99V332000 Nov 23, 1999
SUSPENSION:FRONT
Defect Description
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SCHOOL BUSES. THERE IS A SHIMMY IN THE FRONT END OF THE BUS.
Consequence
THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE THE DRIVER TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE.
Remedy
OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH AN AXLE DAMPER KIT AND INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS.
99V289000 Oct 26, 1999
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
Defect Description
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SCHOOL BUSES EQUIPPED WITH CUMMINS ISB ENGINES. ELECTRICAL POWER CABLES MAY NOT HAVE BEEN ROUTED PROPERLY FROM THE ALTERNATOR OUTPUT TO THE STARTING MOTOR.
Consequence
IF THE CABLES ARE NOT ROUTED PROPERLY, THE CABLE INSULATION COULD BE ABRADED BY CONTACT WITH OTHER CHASSIS COMPONENTS, CAUSING AN ELECTRICAL SHORT.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL ADD LOOM AND REROUTE THE ELECTRICAL POWER CABLE FROM THE ALTERNATOR OUTPUT TO STARING MOTOR. ANY CABLES FOUND WITH ABRASIONS WILL BE REPLACED.
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.
98V313000 Dec 14, 1998
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD
Defect Description
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SCHOOL AND TRANSIT FORWARD AND REAR ENGINE BUSES EQUIPPED WITH CUMMINS ISB AND ISC ENGINES. THE WIRING HARNESS TO THE COMBUSTION AIR INTAKE GRID HEATER CAN CHAFE AGAINST THE ENGINE AND WEAR THROUGH CAUSING AN ELECTRICAL SHORT IN THE GRID HEATER POWER SUPPLY. THE SHORT CAUSES ... Read more
Consequence
WHEN THE FUSIBLE LINK FAILS, INSULATION ON THE FUSIBLE LINK CAN IGNITE, CREATING A FIRE RISK IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.
Remedy
OWNERS WILL BE ADVISED TO REPLACE THE ORIGINAL GRID HEATER POWER SUPPLY HARNESS WITH FUSIBLE LINKS WITH A NEW GRID HEATER POWER SUPPLY HARNESS EQUIPPED WITH FUSES. IN ADDITION, A CLAMP WILL BE ADDED TO SUPPORT THE HARNESS AWAY FROM THE ENGINE COMPONENTS.
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.
98V043000 Mar 2, 1998
INTERIOR LIGHTING
Defect Description
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SCHOOL AND TRANSIT BUSES. THE PARKING BRAKE INDICATOR LIGHT CAN ILLUMINATE WITHOUT THE PARKING BRAKE BEING SET.
Consequence
A DRIVER MAY SEE THE PARKING BRAKE INDICATOR LIGHT ON AND LEAVE THE BUS. THE BUS MAY THEN ROLL INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY AND/OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL ADD A DIODE TO THE STOP LIGHT CIRCUIT TO PREVENT ILLUMINATION OF THE PARKING BRAKE INDICATOR UNLESS THE PARKING BRAKE HAS BEEN SET.
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.
No complaints found for this vehicle.
Technical Service Bulletins, 1998 BLUE BIRD TC2000
6 manufacturer communications from 6 unique bulletins. TSBs describe known problems and recommended fixes from the manufacturer.
Most Affected Components
| Component | Bulletins |
|---|---|
| 980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 3 |
| 114000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING | 1 |
| 114400 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS | 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.
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
R98CH
Dec 16, 1998
114000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
SUBJECT REGARDING RECALL R98CH CUMMINS ELECTRONIC ENGINES COMBUSTION AIR INTAKE GRID HEATER WIRING MODIFICATION. *TT
S98CE
Nov 12, 1998
980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER
BUSES MAY EXPERIENCE A FALSE WARNING LIGHT, ALARM AND RAPID SWITCHING OF MULTI-FUNCTION GAUGE ON DASH. *TT
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 (current) | 17 | 0 | |
| 1997 | 8 | 0 | View |
| 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 |