2000 BLUE BIRD TC2000
12 recalls, 1 complaints - 4 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
02V160002 Sep 5, 2002
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR
Defect Description
ON CERTAIN SCHOOL AND TRANSIT BUSES EQUIPPED WITH PASSENGER SEAT BELTS WITH RETRACTORS, THE COVER HALVES FOR THE RETRACTABLE PORTION OF THE BELT CAN SEPARATE COMPLETELY AND RELEASE THE SEAT BELT CONNECTOR. IF THIS OCCURS, ONE OF THE LOAD BEARING PINS IN THE CONNECTOR COULD SEPARATE FROM THE CONNEC... Read more
Consequence
IF THIS OCCURS, ONE OF THE LOAD BEARING PINS IN THE CONNECTOR COULD SEPARATE FROM THE CONNECTOR AND RENDER THE SEAT BELT UNUSABLE. IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SEAT OCCUPANT WOULD NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED RESULTING IN AN INJURY.
Remedy
OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED A SNAP-ON "OVER-COVER" TO PREVENT THE SEAT BELT COVER FROM SEPARATING. OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR ABOUT SEPTEMBER 27, 2002. OWNERS WHO DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT BLUE BIRD AT 1-478-822-2242.
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.
01V338000 Nov 2, 2001
SUSPENSION
Defect Description
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SCHOOL BUSES EQUIPPED WITH HENDRICKSON REAR AIR SUSPENSION. INADEQUATE TIGHTENING OF THE 5/8" BOLTS ON THE REAR AIR SUSPENSION HANGER BOLTS AND ON REAR AXLE TORQUE ARM AXLE SEAT STUDS.
Consequence
INSUFFICIENT TIGHTENING PERMITS MOVEMENT BETWEEN THE COMPONENTS THAT COULD RESULT IN BOLTS AND STUDS BREAKING, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE 5/8" GRADE 8-HANGER BOLTS. IN ADDITION, AXLE SPRING SEAT FASTENERS WILL BE CHECKED FOR PROPER TIGHTNESS AND, IF NEEDED, TIGHTENED TO SPECIFICATIONS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JANUARY 18, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE... Read more
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
01V060000 Feb 23, 2001
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:SLACK ADJUSTERS
Defect Description
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SCHOOL AND TRANSIT BUSES EQUIPPED WITH A COMBINATION SPICER J230 REAR AXLE, SPRING SUSPENSION, AND CREWSON BRUNNER AUTOMATIC SLACK ADJUSTERS. THE CREWSON BRUNNER SLACK ADJUSTER CONTACTS A U-BOLT MOUNTING BRACKET WHEN A COMBINATION OF THE LISTED COMPONENTS ARE INSTALLED. THE C... Read more
Consequence
THIS CAN CAUSE A POTENTIAL FOR REDUCED BRAKING EFFORT, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSTALL MODIFIED U-BOLT BRACKETS THAT WILL PROVIDE THE NEEDED CLEARANCE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 15, 2001. 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
00V279004 Dec 18, 2000
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:ANTILOCK
Defect Description
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: TRANSIT AND SCHOOL BUSES EQUIPPED WITH MERITOR WABCO PHASE 1, D-VERSION ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS), FAIL TO COMPLY TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 105, "HYDRAULIC AND ELECTRIC BRAKE SYSTEMS." AN INTERNAL DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM IN THE ABS MAY NOT DETECT AN EXTREME WHEEL SPEED SEN... Read more
Consequence
FAILURE OF THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT TO DETECT AN EXTREME WHEEL SPEED SENSOR AIR GAP CAN RESULT IN THE LOSS OF ANTILOCK BRAKING FUNCTION ON THE WHEEL(S) WHERE THE AIR GAP EXISTS, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy
THE ABS ECU WILL BE REMOVED AND REPLACED OR THE ECU WILL BE REPROGRAMMED.
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.
00V230001 Aug 17, 2000
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
Defect Description
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SCHOOL AND TRANSIT BUSES EQUIPPED WITH ELECTRONIC ENGINES AND FELSTED ELECTRONIC ACCELERATOR PEDALS. THE RETURN SPRINGS CAN BREAK ON THE ACCELERATOR PEDALS THAT ARE EQUIPPED WITH STAINLESS STEEL OR ELECTROPLATED MUSIC WIRE RETURN SPRINGS.
Consequence
THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE THE PEDAL TO GO TO FULL THROTTLE IF BOTH RETURN SPRINGS BREAK, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy
REPLACEMENT ACCELERATOR PEDALS EQUIPPED WITH RETURN SPRINGS MANUFACTURED OF MUSIC WIRE WITH ONE ADDITIONAL COIL ON EACH SPRING AND WITH AN ORGANIC COATING, ELIMINATING ELECTROPLATING WILL BE INSTALLED.
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.
Complaint Statistics
1 total complaints
Top Reported Components
| Component | Complaints |
|---|---|
| EQUIPMENT | 1 |
EQUIPMENT
Feb 3, 2004
Incident date: Feb 3, 2004
WHILE DRIVING THE BUS AIR TANK WHICH OPENED DOORS, AND AIR SEAT BLEW OUT. DEALER NOTIFIED. INDEPENDENT SHOP WILL FIX IT THE BUS AT THE SCHOOL BOARD EXPENSES.*AK
Technical Service Bulletins, 2000 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 |
|---|---|
| 355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL | 2 |
| 980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 2 |
SM1608
Dec 8, 2016
355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL
New Blue Bird Support Center - Technical Bus Support: Dealer memo to announce the new on-line Blue Bird Support Center for technical bus support requests.
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.
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 (current) | 12 | 1 | |
| 1999 | 15 | 5 | View |
| 1998 | 17 | 0 | View |
| 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 |