Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2016 Blue Bird All American
The 2016 Blue Bird All American faces several serious recall issues, particularly involving the braking system, seat and safety restraints, and engine. These concerns necessitate thorough inspection and testing to ensure safety and reliability. Verify compliance with recalls, especially related to the seating and braking system, for optimal peace of mind in a school or transit bus purchase.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2016 Blue Bird All American has 20 NHTSA recall campaigns and 1 owner complaint on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #23V778000 High Back Seat Restraining Barriers/FMVSS 222 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #20V125000 Seat Barrier Incorrectly Installed/FMVSS 222 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #19V391000 Left, Rear Brake Caliper may Drag NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #19V393000 Left, Rear Brake Caliper may Drag NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #19V082000 Wheelchair Lift may Raise too High/FMVSS 403 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #18V801000 Stretchers may Fall due to Clamp Failure NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #17V510000 Inadequate Padding Near Seat Back Studs NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #17V202000 Shoulder Seat Belt D-Ring may Detach in a Crash NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #16V405000 Wheel Chair Lift Platform Cracking/Big Pivot Holes NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #16V172000 Seat Leg may Detach, Seat may Give/FMVSS 210 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #16V006000 Stop Arm Reflective Decal May be Loose/FMVSS 131 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #15V294000 Vent Tube May Detach from Engine Breather NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #15V293000 Vent Tube May Detach from Engine Breather NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #15V277000 School Bus Seats may be too Flammable/FMVSS 302 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #15V136000 Incorrect Fasteners on Seat Gusset/FMVSS 210 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #15V124000 Steering Shaft Interference may Affect Steering NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #15V118000 Steering Shaft Interference may Affect Steering NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #15V060000 Exhaust Hanger Failure NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #15V059000 Exhaust Hanger Failure NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #14V798000 Parking Brake Pedal Separation NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Unknown or Other 1 complaint
Known issues to inspect
Seat restraints may detach
How to check: Look for missing or loose seat restraint bolts and brackets.
Rear brakes may drag
How to check: Inspect rear brake condition and watch for abnormal wear.
Engine vent tube may detach
How to check: Check for secure connections on vent tube assembly.
Steering shaft clamp interference
How to check: Inspect steering shaft and rubber boot for contact issues.
Stop arm decal may peel
How to check: Examine stop arm decals for peeling or damage.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for unusual engine noises upon starting.
Red flag: Persistent knocking or hissing
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Check for dashboard warning lights.
Red flag: Illuminated warning lights
- 03
Initial acceleration
What to check: Feel for smooth gear transitions and no hesitation.
Red flag: Jerky or delayed acceleration
- 04
City driving
What to check: Test braking response and noise level.
Red flag: Squealing or sluggish brakes
- 05
Highway acceleration
What to check: Observe stability and steering control at speed.
Red flag: Vibrations or drift
- 06
Deceleration to stop
What to check: Assess brake pedal feel for firmness.
Red flag: Soft or spongy pedal sensation
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the seat restraining recall been fixed?
- Are service records available for brake maintenance?
- Is the engine vent tube in original condition?
- Were there any steering repairs performed?
- Is the stop arm decal intact and readable?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Completed recall repair records
- Brake maintenance history
- Engine vent system service records
- Seat and seatbelt inspection report
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2016 Blue Bird All American at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
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