NHTSA vehicle safety data
1998 Blue Bird All American Recalls & Complaints
The 1998 Blue Bird All American has 9 NHTSA recall campaigns and 1 owner complaint on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Blue Bird dealer.
NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 1998 Blue Bird All American. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
1998 Blue Bird All American owner complaints
Owners have filed 1 complaint with NHTSA about the 1998 Blue Bird All American, describing incidents dated April 21, 2000.
Most-cited components
- Service Brakes 1 complaint
Newest complaints
ODI #552396 · Filed
BENDIX ABS ANTI-LOCK BRKING SYSTEM FAILED PRIOR TO RECALL NOTICE 00V-051. NLM
FUEL LIFT PUMP/CUMMINS/ENGINE STALLING
NHTSA #05V062000 · Fuel System, Diesel · NHTSA notice
Reported February 22, 2005 · BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANY
Potentially affected: 18,891 vehicles
Blue Bird campaign R05JL · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation
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.
Safety consequence
SHOULD THE ENGINE STALL WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN USE, A POSSIBLE VEHICLE CRASH COULD OCCUR.
Manufacturer 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.
Notes
CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.
BLUE BIRD/ALTERNATOR SUPPORT BRACKETS
NHTSA #03V085000 · Electrical System — Alternator/Generator/Regulator · NHTSA notice
Reported March 28, 2003 · BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANY
Potentially affected: 4,302 vehicles
Vehicles built March 5, 1998 – June 3, 1999 (per NHTSA)
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.
Safety consequence
IN THIS EVENT, THE ELECTRICAL WIRING HARNESS MAY BE DAMAGED AND THE POSSIBILITY OF FIRE MAY EXIST.
Manufacturer 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 BIRD AT 478-822-2242.
Notes
ALSO, CUSTOMERS CAN CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
BLUE BIRD/FMVSS 101/LABEL
NHTSA #02V185000 · Equipment — Other — Labels · NHTSA notice
Reported July 15, 2002 · BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANY
Potentially affected: 408 vehicles
Blue Bird campaign R02GB · Owners notified August 29, 2002 · Vehicles built November 30, 1995 – April 23, 2002 (per NHTSA)
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.
Safety consequence
THE OPERATOR COULD PLACE THE ENGINE SWITCH IN A POSITION OTHER THAN THAT INTENDED, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Manufacturer 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.
Notes
ALSO, CUSTOMERS CAN CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
BLUE BIRD/12-VOLT POWER SUPPLY CABLE
NHTSA #01V191000 · Electrical System — Wiring · NHTSA notice
Reported June 11, 2001 · BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANY
Potentially affected: 5,631 vehicles
Blue Bird campaign R01FF · Owners notified July 30, 2001 · Vehicles built June 1, 1995 – May 31, 2001 (per NHTSA)
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.
Safety consequence
THIS CONDITION CAN RESULT IN POWER FAILURE AND/OR RISK OF FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.
Manufacturer 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 WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT BLUE BIRD AT 1-912-822-2242.
Notes
BLUE BIRD RECALL NO. R01FF.ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
BLUE BIRD/ABS ECU
NHTSA #00V232005 · Service Brakes, Air — Antilock · NHTSA notice
Reported September 8, 2000 · BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANY
Potentially affected: 10,918 vehicles
Blue Bird campaign R00EE · Owners notified September 5, 2000 · Vehicles built January 1, 1998 – August 24, 2000 (per NHTSA)
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 THAT GENERATES A CERTAIN TYPE OF ERRATIC SENSOR SIGNAL.
Safety 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.
Manufacturer remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ABS ECU.
Notes
OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 5,2000.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 AT 1-912-825-2021. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
BLUE BIRD/BENDIX AIR BRAKE VALVE
NHTSA #00V162000 · Service Brakes, Air — Controls — Foot Control/Valve · NHTSA notice
Reported June 12, 2000 · BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANY
Potentially affected: 9,687 vehicles
Blue Bird campaign R00DX · Owners notified June 14, 2000 · Vehicles built October 15, 1997 – May 31, 2000 (per NHTSA)
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.
Safety 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.
Manufacturer remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE DIAPHRAGMS WITH HOLES WITH SOLID DIAPHRAGMS FOR THE QR1C VALVES.
Notes
OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JUNE 14, 2000.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 AT 1-912-825-2021. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
BLUE BIRD/PDU CABLE
NHTSA #00V071000 · Steering — Hydraulic Power Assist System · NHTSA notice
Reported March 6, 2000 · BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANY
Potentially affected: 779 vehicles
Blue Bird campaign R00DS · Owners notified April 13, 2000 · Vehicles built March 19, 1998 – February 3, 2000 (per NHTSA)
Defect description
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: FRONT ENGINE SCHOOL AND TRANSIT BUSES. THE POWER DISTRIBUTION UNIT (PDU) CABLES ARE INADEQUATELY SUPPORTED OR ROUTED IN CLOSE PROXIMITY TO THE STEERING PITMAN ARM.
Safety consequence
THE CABLE CAN CHAFE RESULTING IN AN ELECTRICAL SHORT, INCREASING THE RISK OF A FIRE.
Manufacturer remedy
OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH STEP BY STEP REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS FOR RE-ROUTING THE WIRES.
Notes
OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN APRIL 13, 2000. OWNERS WHO DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REPAIR KITWITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT BLUE BIRD AT 1-912-822-2242. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
BLUE BIRD/BRAKE LINES
NHTSA #00V051000 · Service Brakes, Air — Supply — Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings · NHTSA notice
Reported February 22, 2000 · BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANY
Potentially affected: 3,113 vehicles
Blue Bird campaign 400DR · Owners notified March 8, 2000 · Vehicles built March 19, 1998 – February 3, 2000 (per NHTSA)
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.
Safety 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.
Manufacturer remedy
DEALERS WILL CORRECT THE AIR LINE PLUMBING AT THE BENDIX R12DC RELAY VALVE.
Notes
OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 8, 2000.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 AT 1-912-825-2021. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
BLUE BIRD/HAND THROTTLE CABLE
NHTSA #98V153000 · Vehicle Speed Control · NHTSA notice
Reported July 2, 1998 · BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANY
Potentially affected: 1,896 vehicles
Owners notified August 24, 1998 · Vehicles built September 1, 1991 – June 30, 1998 (per NHTSA)
Defect description
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: TRANSIT AND SCHOOL BUSES. MOVEMENT OF THE HAND THROTTLE CABLE IN THE ACCELERATOR BRACKET RUBS A GROOVE IN THE BRACKET. THE HAND THROTTLE CABLE CAN BECOME WEDGED IN THIS GROOVE PREVENTING THE ACCELERATOR FROM RETURNING TO THE IDLE POSITION.
Safety consequence
THE THROTTLE CABLE WOULD NOT RETURN TO THE IDLE POSITION, INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
Manufacturer remedy
OWNERS WILL BE CONTACTED AND ADVISED TO DISCONNECT THE HAND THROTTLE CABLE UNTIL REPLACEMENT PARTS ARE AVAILABLE.
Notes
OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 24, 1998. OWNERS WHO DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE MODIFICATION KIT WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT BLUE BIRD AT 1-912-825-2021.ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
Other Blue Bird All American model years
Check your 1998 Blue Bird All American VIN
Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your Blue Bird All American at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.
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