2009 BLUE BIRD VISION

36 recalls — 6 complaints

20V234000 Apr 27, 2020
PARKING BRAKE
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."
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.
2,264 vehicles affected
20V234000 Apr 27, 2020
PARKING BRAKE
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."
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.
2,264 vehicles affected
20V235000 Apr 27, 2020
PARKING BRAKE
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."
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.
3 vehicles affected
20V125000 Mar 3, 2020
SEATS:BARRIERS
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."
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.
2,790 vehicles affected
20V125000 Mar 3, 2020
SEATS:BARRIERS
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."
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.
2,790 vehicles affected
16V100000 Feb 23, 2016
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain model year 2008-2009 Vision school buses manufactured from May 10, 2007, through March 5, 2008 and equipped with Caterpillar C707 engines. In the affected buses, the positive starter cable may be incorrectly attached to the same Power Distribution Unit (PDU) stud as the battery cable, exposing the smaller battery cable to a higher current draw during cranking.
Remedy: Blue Bird will notify owners, and dealers will relocate the starter cable to the chassis power stud. Any damaged battery cables will be replaced. These repairs will be made free of charge. The recall began on March 10, 2016. Owners may contact Blue Bird customer service at 1-478-822-2242. Blue Bird's recall number for this campaign is R16YL-SB.
733 vehicles affected
16V100000 Feb 23, 2016
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY
Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain model year 2008-2009 Vision school buses manufactured from May 10, 2007, through March 5, 2008 and equipped with Caterpillar C707 engines. In the affected buses, the positive starter cable may be incorrectly attached to the same Power Distribution Unit (PDU) stud as the battery cable, exposing the smaller battery cable to a higher current draw during cranking.
Remedy: Blue Bird will notify owners, and dealers will relocate the starter cable to the chassis power stud. Any damaged battery cables will be replaced. These repairs will be made free of charge. The recall began on March 10, 2016. Owners may contact Blue Bird customer service at 1-478-822-2242. Blue Bird's recall number for this campaign is R16YL-SB.
733 vehicles affected
16V100000 Feb 23, 2016
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY:CABLES
Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain model year 2008-2009 Vision school buses manufactured from May 10, 2007, through March 5, 2008 and equipped with Caterpillar C707 engines. In the affected buses, the positive starter cable may be incorrectly attached to the same Power Distribution Unit (PDU) stud as the battery cable, exposing the smaller battery cable to a higher current draw during cranking.
Remedy: Blue Bird will notify owners, and dealers will relocate the starter cable to the chassis power stud. Any damaged battery cables will be replaced. These repairs will be made free of charge. The recall began on March 10, 2016. Owners may contact Blue Bird customer service at 1-478-822-2242. Blue Bird's recall number for this campaign is R16YL-SB.
733 vehicles affected
16V101000 Feb 23, 2016
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain model year 2009 Vision transit buses manufactured from November 27, 2007, through February 18, 2008, and equipped with Caterpillar C707 engines. In the affected buses, the positive starter cable may be incorrectly attached to the same Power Distribution Unit (PDU) stud as the battery cable, exposing the smaller battery cable to a higher current draw during cranking.
Remedy: Blue Bird will notify owners, and dealers will relocate the starter cable to the chassis power stud. Any damaged battery cables will be replaced. These repairs will be made free of charge. The recall began on March 10, 2016. Owners may contact Blue Bird customer service at 1-478-822-2242. Blue Bird's recall number for this campaign is R16YL-NSB.
2 vehicles affected
16V101000 Feb 23, 2016
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY
Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain model year 2009 Vision transit buses manufactured from November 27, 2007, through February 18, 2008, and equipped with Caterpillar C707 engines. In the affected buses, the positive starter cable may be incorrectly attached to the same Power Distribution Unit (PDU) stud as the battery cable, exposing the smaller battery cable to a higher current draw during cranking.
Remedy: Blue Bird will notify owners, and dealers will relocate the starter cable to the chassis power stud. Any damaged battery cables will be replaced. These repairs will be made free of charge. The recall began on March 10, 2016. Owners may contact Blue Bird customer service at 1-478-822-2242. Blue Bird's recall number for this campaign is R16YL-NSB.
2 vehicles affected
16V101000 Feb 23, 2016
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY:CABLES
Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain model year 2009 Vision transit buses manufactured from November 27, 2007, through February 18, 2008, and equipped with Caterpillar C707 engines. In the affected buses, the positive starter cable may be incorrectly attached to the same Power Distribution Unit (PDU) stud as the battery cable, exposing the smaller battery cable to a higher current draw during cranking.
Remedy: Blue Bird will notify owners, and dealers will relocate the starter cable to the chassis power stud. Any damaged battery cables will be replaced. These repairs will be made free of charge. The recall began on March 10, 2016. Owners may contact Blue Bird customer service at 1-478-822-2242. Blue Bird's recall number for this campaign is R16YL-NSB.
2 vehicles affected
15V730000 Nov 4, 2015
EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY
Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain model year 2007-2015 All American, Vision, 2007-2011 Micro Bird, and 2007-2008 Conventional school buses, equipped with certain model S2005, S2010, S5005, S5010, S5505, and S5510 wheelchair lifts manufactured January 1, 2006, to August 25, 2014 by the Ricon Corporation. The affected lifts are equipped with folding link arms that may have pivot holes that are too big, allowing the bearings to move out of position.
Remedy: Blue Bird will notify owners, and Ricon dealers will inspect the link arms for damage or for displaced bearings. The platform will be inspected for cracks. Any damaged parts will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began on December 1, 2015. Owners may contact Blue Bird customer service at 1-478-822-2242, or Ricon Customer Service at 1-800-322-2884.
5,114 vehicles affected
15V731000 Nov 4, 2015
EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY
Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain model year 2007-2015 All American and Vision and 2007-2011 Micro Bird transit buses equipped with certain model S2005, S2010, S5005, S5010, S5505, and S5510 wheelchair lifts manufactured January 1, 2006, to August 25, 2014 by the Ricon Corporation. The affected lifts are equipped with folding link arms that may have pivot holes that are too big, allowing the bearings to move out of position.
Remedy: Blue Bird will notify owners, and Ricon dealers will inspect the link arms for damage or for displaced bearings. The platform will be inspected for cracks. Any damaged parts will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began on December 1, 2015. Owners may contact Blue Bird customer service at 1-478-822-2242, or Ricon Customer Service at 1-800-322-2884.
90 vehicles affected
14V510000 Aug 19, 2014
EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY
Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain model year 2007-2015 All American and Vision, 2007-2011 Micro Bird, and 2007-2008 Conventional school buses equipped with certain model S2005, S2010, S5005, S5010, S5505, and S5510 wheelchair lifts manufactured by Ricon Corporation. The platform side plate of the affected wheelchair lifts may crack.
Remedy: Blue Bird will notify owners to take buses to a Ricon dealer or service center who will install supplemental platform support bumpers. Any platform that has already started cracking will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began on October 1, 2014. Owners may contact Blue Bird customer service at 1-478-822-2242 or Ricon customer service at 1-800-322-2884. Blue Bird's number for this recall is R14XN.
5,114 vehicles affected
14V511000 Aug 19, 2014
EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY
Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain model year 2007-2015 All American, 2007-2010 Micro Bird, and 2007-2014 Vision non-school buses equipped with certain model S2005, S2010, S5005, S5010, S5505, and S5510 wheelchair lifts manufactured by Ricon Corporation. The platform side plate of the affected wheelchair lifts may crack.
Remedy: Blue Bird will notify owners to take buses to a Ricon dealer or service center who will install supplemental platform support bumpers. Any platform that has already started cracking will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began on October 1, 2014. Owners may contact Blue Bird customer service at 1-478-822-2242 or Ricon customer service at 1-800-322-2884. Blue Bird's number for this recall is R14XN.
90 vehicles affected
13V332000 Jul 31, 2013
STRUCTURE
Blue Bird Body Company is recalling certain model year 2007-2014 All American and Vision school buses manufactured March 10, 2006, through June 18, 2013; and equipped with optional transit sliding windows. Joint adhesive may not have been applied at the interior and exterior body window panel joints. Without the adhesive, these vehicles fail to conform to the standards of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 221, "School Bus Body Joint Strength."
Remedy: Blue Bird will notify owners, and dealers will install additional rivets at the window panel joints, free of charge. The recall began on August 28, 2013. Owners may contact Blue Bird at 1-478-825-2021. Blue Bird's recall number is R13WM.
172 vehicles affected
12V153000 Apr 5, 2012
EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY
BLUE BIRD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009 THROUGH 2011 ALL AMERICAN, VISION, AND MICRO BIRD SCHOOL BUSES EQUIPPED WITH BRAUN VISTA-2 WHEELCHAIR LIFTS. OVER TIME AND WITH FREQUENT USE, THE ROLL STOP LATCHES ON THE OUTER BARRIER MAY BECOME BENT OR MISALIGNED.
Remedy: BLUE BIRD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND THE REPAIRS WILL BE PERFORMED BY AUTHORIZED BRAUN DEALERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 26, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BLUE BIRD AT 1-478-822-2242.
125 vehicles affected
11V499000 Oct 14, 2011
SEATS:BARRIERS
BLUE BIRD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006 THROUGH 2012 ALL AMERICAN, 2006 THROUGH 2011 VISION, AND 2006 CONVENTIONAL SCHOOL BUSES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 19, 2005, AND MAY 3, 2011, EQUIPPED WITH 2-PASSENGER SEATS INSTALLED FORWARD OF THE 39" BARRIER. IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE BARRIER MAY MAKE CONTACT WITH THE 2-PASSENGER SEAT INSTALLED FORWARD OF THE BARRIER. ACCORDINGLY, THESE BUSES FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 222, "SCHOOL BUS PASSENGER SEATING AND CRASH PROTECTION."
Remedy: BLUE BIRD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE BUSES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 18, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BLUE BIRD AT 1-478-822-2242.
54 vehicles affected
11V247000 Apr 22, 2011
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
BLUE BIRD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009 THROUGH 2012 VISION SCHOOL BUSES MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 7, 2008, THROUGH JANUARY 19, 2011, EQUIPPED WITH AN OPTIONAL FUEL FILTER LOCATED ON THE DRIVER'S CONTROL MODULE. DUE TO ROUTING AND CLAMPING VARIATIONS, THE FUEL LINE ON UNITS EQUIPPED WITH AN OPTIONAL RELOCATED FUEL FILTER MAY CONTACT THE BODY MOUNTED TRANSMISSION COVER AND CHAFE AGAINST THE COVER.
Remedy: BLUE BIRD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL INSPECT FOR CONTACT/RUBBING WITH THE TRANSMISSION COVER. FUEL LINES FOUND TO BE CONTACTING OR RUBBING WILL BE REPOSITIONED. ANY DAMAGED FUEL FILTER HOSES FOUND WILL BE REPLACED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 25, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BLUE BIRD AT 1-478-822-2242.
507 vehicles affected
11V175000 Mar 15, 2011
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
BLUE BIRD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008 THROUGH 2010 VISION NON SCHOOL BUSES. THE DASH INSTRUMENT PANEL ABS INDICATOR LIGHT DOES NOT ILLUMINATE WHEN THE ABS CIRCUIT IS DISCONNECTED AT THE MAIN ABS MODULE. ACCORDINGLY, THESE BUSES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 105, "HYDRAULIC AND ELECTRIC BRAKE SYSTEMS," AND FMVSS NO. 121, "AIR BRAKE SYSTEMS."
Remedy: BLUE BIRD IS CURRENTLY WORKING WITH STONERIDGE TO PRODUCE SOFTWARE THAT DEALERS CAN USE TO REPROGRAM THE DASH INSTRUMENT PANEL. BLUE BIRD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS ONCE THE SOFTWARE UPDATE BECOMES AVAILABLE. THE AFFECTED BUSES WILL BE REPAIRED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 23, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BLUE BIRD AT 1-478-822-2242.
61 vehicles affected
11V174000 Mar 15, 2011
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
BLUE BIRD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2007 THROUGH 2011 VISION SCHOOL BUSES. THE DASH INSTRUMENT PANEL ABS INDICATOR LIGHT DOES NOT ILLUMINATE WHEN THE ABS CIRCUIT IS DISCONNECTED AT THE MAIN ABS MODULE. ACCORDINGLY, THESE BUSES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 105, "HYDRAULIC AND ELECTRIC BRAKE SYSTEMS," AND FMVSS NO. 121, "AIR BRAKE SYSTEMS."
Remedy: BLUE BIRD IS CURRENTLY WORKING WITH STONERIDGE TO PRODUCE SOFTWARE THAT DEALERS CAN USE TO REPROGRAM THE DASH INSTRUMENT PANEL. BLUE BIRD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS ONCE THE SOFTWARE UPDATE BECOMES AVAILABLE. THE AFFECTED BUSES WILL BE REPAIRED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 23, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BLUE BIRD AT 1-478-822-2242.
13,645 vehicles affected
10V290000 Jun 28, 2010
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
BLUE BIRD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008 THROUGH 2010 ALL AMERICAN, VISION, AND EXCEL 102 MODEL NON SCHOOL BUSES MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 17, 2007 THROUGH NOVEMBER 13, 2008, EQUIPPED WITH CATERPILLAR C7 ENGINES. THE #5 AND #6 FUEL LINES MAY CRACK AT THE FASTENING POINT TO THE COMMON FUEL RAIL AND CAUSE A FUEL LEAK.
Remedy: BLUE BIRD IS WORKING WITH CATERPILLAR TO NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPAIRS WILL BE PERFORMED BY AUTHORIZED CATERPILLAR DEALERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 9, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CATERPILLAR TOLL-FREE AT 1-800-447-4986 OR BLUE BIRD AT 1-478-822-2242.
103 vehicles affected
10V289000 Jun 28, 2010
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
BLUE BIRD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008 THROUGH 2010 ALL AMERICAN AND VISION MODEL SCHOOL BUSES MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 23, 2007 THROUGH MARCH 9, 2010, EQUIPPED WITH CATERPILLAR C7 ENGINES. THE #5 AND #6 FUEL LINES MAY CRACK AT THE FASTENING POINT TO THE COMMON FUEL RAIL AND CAUSE A FUEL LEAK.
Remedy: BLUE BIRD IS WORKING WITH CATERPILLER TO NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPAIRS WILL BE PERFORMED BY AUTHORIZED CATERPILLAR DEALERS FREE OF CHARGE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CATERPILLAR TOLL-FREE AT 1-800-447-4986 OR BLUE BIRD AT 1-478-822-2242.
3,686 vehicles affected
10V170000 Apr 23, 2010
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
BLUE BIRD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004 THROUGH 2009 VISION NON-SCHOOL BUSES MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 19, 2003 THROUGH JULY 2, 2008. THE POWER CABLES RUNNING TO THE POWER DISTRIBUTION UNIT STUD AND DRIVER'S CONTROL MODULE STUD MAY HAVE BEEN INSTALLED WITH THE LUG (EYELET) FLAT SIDE UP. WHEN THIS CONDITION EXISTS, VIBRATION MAY WEAR THE INSULATION PERMITTING DIRECT CONTACT BETWEEN THE BARE LUG AND THE PDU OR DCM WHICH COULD CAUSE A DIRECT SHORT IN THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.
Remedy: BLUE BIRD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPAIR THE BUSES AS NECESSARY FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 26, 2020. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BLUE BIRD AT 1-478-822-2242.
195 vehicles affected
10V169000 Apr 23, 2010
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
BLUE BIRD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004 THROUGH 2009 VISION SCHOOL BUSES MANUFACTURED FROM JANUARY 30, 2003 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 24, 2008. THE POWER CABLES RUNNING TO THE POWER DISTRIBUTION UNIT STUD AND DRIVER'S CONTROL MODULE STUD MAY HAVE BEEN INSTALLED WITH THE LUG (EYELET) FLAT SIDE UP. WHEN THIS CONDITION EXISTS, VIBRATION MAY WEAR THE INSULATION PERMITTING DIRECT CONTACT BETWEEN THE BARE LUG AND THE PDU OR DCM WHICH COULD CAUSE A DIRECT SHORT IN THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.
Remedy: BLUE BIRD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPAIR THE BUSES AS NECESSARY FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN MAY 26, 2020. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BLUE BIRD AT 1-478-822-2242.
18,821 vehicles affected
09V335000 Aug 25, 2009
OTHER:SCHOOL BUS STOP ARM ASSEMBLY
BLUE BIRD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008 AND 2009 ALL AMERICAN, VISION, AND MICRO BIRD SCHOOL BUSES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN APRIL 18, 2008 AND FEBRUARY 11, 2009, EQUIPPED WITH SPECIALTY MANUFACTURING, INC. (SMI) 000290 LED LIGHT KITS. A CHANGE TO THE WIRE USED IN THE LED LIGHT KITS MAY REDUCE THE EFFECTIVE LIFE OF THE LIGHTS USED ON THE STOP ARMS. THE LIGHTS MAY STOP FUNCTIONING WITHOUT WARNING.
Remedy: BLUE BIRD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND THE BUSES WILL BE REPAIRED FREE OF CHARGE. REPAIRS WILL BE PERFORMED BY SMI. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 24, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SMI WARRANTY SERVICE AT 1-800-951-7867 OR BLUE BIRD AT 1-478-822-2242.
3,736 vehicles affected
09V328000 Aug 13, 2009
SEATS
BLUE BIRD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004 THROUGH 2010 ALL AMERICAN, VISION, MICRO BIRD, AND CONVENTIONAL SCHOOL BUSES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN JANUARY 30, 2003 AND MAY 7, 2009. INCORRECT OFFSET LEG BARRIER PADS OR 2/3 SEAT BACK PADS MAY HAVE BEEN INSTALLED. BUSES WITH INCORRECT PADS INSTALLED FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 222, "SCHOOL BUS PASSENGER SEATING AND CRASH PROTECTION."
Remedy: BLUE BIRD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND THE BUSES WILL BE REPAIRED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 18, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BLUE BIRD AT 1-478-822-2242.
37,095 vehicles affected
09V284000 Jul 23, 2009
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
BLUE BIRD IS RECALLING 7,772 MODEL YEAR 2008 THROUGH 2010 VISION SCHOOL BUSES MANUFACTURED FROM MARCH 27, 2007 THROUGH JUNE 10, 2009. THE LID GASKET ON THE POWER STEERING RESERVOIR MAY DETERIORATE AND CONTAMINATE THE POWER STEERING FLUID WHICH COULD RESULT IN A LOSS OF POWER STEERING ASSIST.
Remedy: BLUE BIRD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPAIR THE BUSES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN BEGAN ON AUGUST 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BLUE BIRD AT 1-478-822-2242.
7,772 vehicles affected
09V251000 Jul 6, 2009
SEATS
BLUE BIRD IS RECALLING 69 MODEL YEAR 2008 THROUGH 2010 MICRO BIRD AND VISION SCHOOL BUSES MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 29, 2007 THROUGH MAY 2, 2009, EQUIPPED WITH OPTIONAL 34 INCH OFFSET BARRIER. THE OFFSET LEG OF THE BARRIER FRAME MAY HAVE BEEN LOCATED INCORRECTLY AND INCORRECT PADDING MAY HAVE BEEN INSTALLED ON THE 34 INCH OFFSET BARRIERS WHICH FAILS TO COMPLY WITH THE LEG PROTECTION ZONE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 222, "SCHOOL BUS PASSENGER SEATING AND CRASH PROTECTION."
Remedy: BLUE BIRD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE BARRIER PADS WITH A NEW DESIGNED PAD FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 12, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BLUE BIRD AT 1-478-822-2242.
69 vehicles affected
09V214000 Jun 11, 2009
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
BLUE BIRD IS RECALLING 377 MODEL YEAR 2009 AND 2010 VISION CONVENTIONAL SCHOOL BUSES MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 13, 2008 THROUGH MAY 17, 2009, EQUIPPED WITH PROPANE ENGINES. THE POWER STEERING RETURN HOSE MAY LEAK AND/OR FAIL RESULTING IN LOSS OF HYDRAULIC STEERING ASSIST.
Remedy: BLUE BIRD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPAIR THE BUSES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 30, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BLUE BIRD AT 1-478-422-2242.
377 vehicles affected
09V075000 Mar 9, 2009
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:FAN
BLUE BIRD IS RECALLING 3,419 MY 2008 AND 2009 VISION CONVENTIONAL SCHOOL BUSES MANUFACTURED FROM JANUARY 18, 2007 THROUGH OCTOBER 29, 2008, EQUIPPED WITH CATERPILLAR C7 AND C7 07 ENGINES. INCORRECT BOLTS AND/OR SPACERS MAY HAVE BEEN INSTALLED TO ATTACH THE FAN BLADE TO THE FAN CLUTCH.
Remedy: BLUE BIRD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE BUSES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 7, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BLUE BIRD AT 1-478-822-2242.
3,419 vehicles affected
08V312000 Jul 11, 2008
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
THE HYDRAULIC BRAKE HOSES FROM THE MASTER CYLINDER TO THE CHASSIS FRAME MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY ROUTED OR RETAINED ON CERTAIN 2004 THROUGH 2009 MY BLUE BIRD VISION CONVENTIONAL SCHOOL AND TRANSIT BUSES MANUFACTURED FROM JANUARY 11, 2004 THROUGH APRIL 22, 2008.
Remedy: BLUE BIRD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND INSPECT AND REPAIR THE BUSES FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 8, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BLUE BIRD AT 1-478-822-2242.
5,422 vehicles affected
08V312000 Jul 11, 2008
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
THE HYDRAULIC BRAKE HOSES FROM THE MASTER CYLINDER TO THE CHASSIS FRAME MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY ROUTED OR RETAINED ON CERTAIN 2004 THROUGH 2009 MY BLUE BIRD VISION CONVENTIONAL SCHOOL AND TRANSIT BUSES MANUFACTURED FROM JANUARY 11, 2004 THROUGH APRIL 22, 2008.
Remedy: BLUE BIRD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND INSPECT AND REPAIR THE BUSES FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 8, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BLUE BIRD AT 1-478-822-2242.
5,422 vehicles affected
08V309000 Jul 10, 2008
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL
A PLUG ON THE OUTLET SIDE OF THE FUEL PUMP CAN CRACK ON CERTAIN 2008 AND 2009 MY BLUE BIRD ALL AMERICAN AND VISION SCHOOL BUSES MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 23, 2007 THROUGH JULY 4, 2008, EQUIPPED WITH CATERPILLAR C7 ENGINES.
Remedy: BLUE BIRD IS WORKING IN CONJUNCTION WITH CATERPILLAR TO NOTIFY OWNERS TO CONTACT THEIR LOCAL CATERPILLAR DEALER FOR A FREE REMEDY. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JULY 2008. OWNERS CAN CONTACT CATERPILLAR AT 1-800-447-4986 OR BLUE BIRD AT 1-478-822-2242.
1,824 vehicles affected
08V229000 May 20, 2008
STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS
BLUE BIRD IS RECALLING 23,464 MY 2005 THROUGH 2009 ALL AMERICAN AND VISION SCHOOL AND TRANSIT MODEL BUSES MANUFACTURED FROM JANUARY 22, 2004, AND MARCH 28, 2008, AND MY 2004 THROUGH 2007 ALL AMERICAN SCHOOL BUSES AND CONVENTIONAL MODEL SCHOOL BUSES MANUFACTURED FROM MARCH 6, 2003, THROUGH JUNE 16, 2006. THE RIVET PATTERN MAY BE INCORRECT IN SECTIONS OF THE REAR ROOF SHEET JOINT THAT ATTACHES TO THE REAR ROOF CAP. WITHOUT THE APPROPRIATE AMOUNT OF ROOF RIVETS, THE BUSES FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO 221, "JOINT STRENGTH."
Remedy: BLUE BIRD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND INSPECT AND REPAIR THE BUSES BY ADDING ADDITIONAL RIVETS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 18, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BLUE BIRD AT 478-822-2242.
23,464 vehicles affected
08V229000 May 20, 2008
STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS
BLUE BIRD IS RECALLING 23,464 MY 2005 THROUGH 2009 ALL AMERICAN AND VISION SCHOOL AND TRANSIT MODEL BUSES MANUFACTURED FROM JANUARY 22, 2004, AND MARCH 28, 2008, AND MY 2004 THROUGH 2007 ALL AMERICAN SCHOOL BUSES AND CONVENTIONAL MODEL SCHOOL BUSES MANUFACTURED FROM MARCH 6, 2003, THROUGH JUNE 16, 2006. THE RIVET PATTERN MAY BE INCORRECT IN SECTIONS OF THE REAR ROOF SHEET JOINT THAT ATTACHES TO THE REAR ROOF CAP. WITHOUT THE APPROPRIATE AMOUNT OF ROOF RIVETS, THE BUSES FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO 221, "JOINT STRENGTH."
Remedy: BLUE BIRD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND INSPECT AND REPAIR THE BUSES BY ADDING ADDITIONAL RIVETS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 18, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BLUE BIRD AT 478-822-2242.
23,464 vehicles affected
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL Jan 27, 2012
OF THE SIX THEY OPERATE ALL HAVE FAILED, WITH AN AVERAGE MILEAGE OF 29,000 AND 500 DAYS IN SERVICE FOR THE FIRST FAILURE. SECOND FAILURES HAVE OCCURRED ON TWO OF THE BUSES: BOTH AT ABOUT 300 DAYS AND 19,000 MILES SINCE THE PREVIOUS FAILURE. WHEN THE HOSE FAILS IT IS A MAJOR LEAK AND THE VEHICLES HAVE HAD TO BE TOWED. ALL PARTS HAVE BEEN RETURNED UNDER WARRANTY, SO CURRENTLY THERE ARE NO PARTS FOR US TO LOOK AT. HOWEVER HE STATED THAT THE FAILURE APPEARS TO INITIATE FROM THE INSIDE OF THE HOSE THEREFORE MAKING IT IMPOSSIBLE TO CATCH PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. SOME OF THESE BUSES ARE SPECIAL NEEDS BUSES. UPDATED 02/22/12*LJ
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL Jun 21, 2010
CLARK COUNTY SCHOOL BUS 29429 DEVELOPED A FUEL LEAK AT THE #6 INJECTOR WHILE IN OPERATION. THE FUEL LEAK WAS ATOMIZING FUEL IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE BUS IS A 2009 BLUEBIRD VISION SCHOOL BUS EQUIPPED WITH A C7 CATERPILLAR ENGINE. THE CCSD HAS HAD SEVERAL OF THESE UNITS DEVELOP SIMILAR LEAKS. ONCE THE LEAK WAS FOUND ON THE OTHER BUSES THEY WERE SENT TO THE LOCAL CATERPILLAR DEALER. 29429 HAS NOT YET BEEN SENT. INJECTOR LINES, TUBES AND INJECTORS HAVE BEEN REPLACED IN THE PAST TO CORRECT THIS CONDITION. *TR
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:FAN/MOTOR Jan 26, 2010
HIGH FAILURE RATE FOR HEATER MOTOR BLOWER CAGE FOR SCHOOLBUS STEP WELL. BLOWER CAGE DESTRUCTS. THIS HAPPENS FREQUENTLY. THIS CREATES A SAFETY DEFECT BECAUSE THE HEAT IS NEEDED TO KEEP STEPS FREE OF ICE AND SNOW. THIS HAS HAPPENED MANY TIMES IN THE LAST YEAR AND PARTS ARE NOT ALWAYS AVAILABLE DUE TO HIGH DEMAND TO REPLACE. *TR
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS Oct 23, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 BLUEBIRD VISION. WHILE EXAMINING THE VEHICLE HE NOTICED THAT THE RUBBER ON THE FLOOR BEGAN TO SEPARATE FROM THE BASE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER AND THERE WERE NO PRIOR WARNINGS. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 8200. UPDATED 11/10/09 *CN THE CONSUMER HAS OTHER BLUE BIRD'S THAT HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. UPDATED 11/13/09.*JB
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL May 21, 2009
A 2009 BLUEBIRD VISION SCHOOL BUS DEVELOPED A FUEL (DIESEL) LEAK AND CAUGHT FIRE. IT FULLY ENGULFED THE BUS BURNING IT TO A TOTAL LOSS. ONE SPECIAL NEEDS STUDENT, A TRANSPORTATION AIDE, AND THE DRIVER WERE ON BOARD. ALL EVACUATED SAFELY. WE RECENTLY RECEIVED 46 OF THESE BUSES (ALL CONFIGURED THE SAME) AND WE HAVE HAD 8 INCIDENTS OF FUEL LEAKS INVOLVING 6 OF THESE UNITS, NOT INCLUDING THE BUS WHICH CAUGHT FIRE. OUR DISTRICT HAS MET WITH BLUEBIRD AND CATERPILLAR (ENGINE SUPPLIER) AND LOOKED AT THE BURNED UNIT. WE ARE WAITING FOR THEIR COMMENTS FROM THIS. WE HAVE EXAMINED ALL OTHER SIMILAR UNITS FOR FUEL LEAKS AND POSSIBLE IGNITION SOURCES. REPAIRS AND CORRECTIONS HAVE BEEN MADE AS NEEDED. *TR
Fire
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL Mar 20, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 BLUE BIRD VISION SCHOOL BUS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ACTIVATED, THE DRIVER OBSERVED THAT WHENEVER THE DECREASE CONTROL MODE WAS SELECTED THERE WAS AN INCREASE IN THE ENGINE SET CRUISING SPEED. THE DECREASE SELECTION RESPONSE FAILURE OCCURRED CONTINUOUSLY AND WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING AND THEY STATED THAT THERE WAS NO DEFECT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2934 AND CURRENT MILEAGE IS 7493. UPDATED 05/08/09. *LJ UPDATED 05/11/09.*JB