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NHTSA vehicle safety data

2004 Blue Bird All American Recalls & Complaints

The 2004 Blue Bird All American has 15 NHTSA recall campaigns and 10 owner complaints 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 2004 Blue Bird All American. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

Pre-purchase inspection checklist → Reliability & 5-year cost forecast →

2004 Blue Bird All American owner complaints

Owners have filed 10 complaints with NHTSA about the 2004 Blue Bird All American, describing incidents dated May 21, 2003 to April 16, 2007.

Most-cited components

  • Fuel/Propulsion System 9 complaints
  • Power Train 1 complaint

Newest complaints

  • ODI #10188269 · Filed

    TL*THE SCHOOL BUS IS A 2004 BLUEBIRD A3FE. THE BUS WAS TAKEN TO THE CATERPILLAR DEALER BECAUSE OF A WARRANTY ISSUE ON THE ENGINE. THEY STATED THAT WHEN THE DRIVELINE ON THE TRANSMISSION WAS NOT WELDED PROPERLY. THEY STATED THE FOLLOWING TWO PARTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED PART# 815782-5507 LOT # V…

  • ODI #10171329 · Filed

    WE PURCHASE 10 NEW BLUE BIRD ALL AMERICAN SCHOOL BUSES THROUGH OUR LOCAL AUTHORIZED DEALER, WITHIN A MONTH OF RECEIVING THE 10 UNIT THEY STARTED PRESENTING CODE 368 RED FAILURE, CAUSING LOSS OF POWER, WHITE SMOKE AND STALLING, THIS WAS REPORTER TO THE DISTRIBUTOR AND THEY REPLACED FUEL FILTERS AND…

  • ODI #10171327 · Filed

    WE PURCHASE 10 NEW BLUE BIRD ALL AMERICAN SCHOOL BUSES THROUGH OUR LOCAL AUTHORIZED DEALER, WITHIN A MONTH OF RECEIVING THE 10 UNIT THEY STAR PRESENTING CODE 368 RED FAILURE, CAUSING LOSS OF POWER, WHITE SMOKE AND STALLING, THIS WAS REPORTER TO THE DISTRIBUTOR AND THEY REPLACED FUEL FILTERS AND…

Read all 10 complaints

NHTSA defect investigations

NHTSA's investigations file lists the 2004 Blue Bird All American in 1 investigation. A listed model year means only that an investigation names it; it says nothing about any particular vehicle. An open investigation is not a finding that a safety defect exists, and NHTSA can close one without a recall.

Open and recently closed NHTSA defect investigations

OFFSET LEG BARRIER PADS OR 2/3 SEAT BACK/FMVSS 222

NHTSA #09V328000 · Seats · NHTSA notice

Reported August 13, 2009 · BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANY

Potentially affected: 37,095 vehicles

Blue Bird campaign R09PM · Owners notified September 18, 2009 · Vehicles built January 30, 2003 – May 7, 2009 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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."

Safety consequence

IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THERE IS AN INCREASED RISK OF INJURY TO THE SEAT OCCUPANT(S).

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

BLUE BIRD'S RECALL CAMPAIGN NUMBER IS R09PM.OWNERS 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 <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A> .

FMVSS 217/PLUG STYLE VANDAL LOCK WIRING

NHTSA #09V205000 · Electrical System — Ignition · NHTSA notice

Reported June 9, 2009 · BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANY

Potentially affected: 2,203 vehicles

Blue Bird campaign R09PE · Owners notified June 25, 2009 · Vehicles built July 16, 2003 – April 10, 2009 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

BLUE BIRD IS RECALLING 2,203 MODEL YEAR 2003 THROUGH 2010 ALL AMERICAN REAR ENGINE SCHOOL BUSES EQUIPPED WITH OPTIONAL PLUG STYLE VANDAL LOCKS MANUFACTURED FROM JULY 16, 2003 THROUGH APRIL 10, 2009. THE PLUG STYLE VANDAL LOCK IS NOT WIRED TO INHIBIT THE STARTER AT THE IGNITION SWITCH WHEN THE VANDAL LOCK IS IN THE LOCKED POSITION. THESE BUSES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 217, "BUS EMERGENCY EXITS AND WINDOW RETENTION AND RELEASE."

Safety consequence

THE VEHICLES CAN BE STARTED AND DRIVEN EVEN WHEN AN OWNER MAY THINK THEY CANNOT.

Manufacturer remedy

BLUE BIRD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPAIR THE BUSES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 25, 2009. OWNER MAY CONTACT BLUE BIRD AT 1-478-422-2242.

Notes

BLUE BIRD'S RECALL CAMPAIGN NO. R09PE.OWNERS 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 <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A> .

FMVSS 221/ROOF JOINT STRENGTH

NHTSA #08V229000 · Structure — Body — Roof and Pillars · NHTSA notice

Reported May 20, 2008 · BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANY

Potentially affected: 23,464 vehicles

Blue Bird campaign R08NC · Owners notified September 18, 2008 · Vehicles built March 6, 2003 – March 28, 2008 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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."

Safety consequence

IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THESE PANELS MAY SEPARATE EXPOSING THE OCCUPANTS TO INCREASED RISK OF INJURY.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

BLUE BIRD RECALL NO. R08NC.CUSTOMERS MAY 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.

ENGINE FAILURE/CUMMINS

NHTSA #08V077000 · Engine and Engine Cooling — Engine — Diesel · NHTSA notice

Reported February 21, 2008 · BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANY

Potentially affected: 607 vehicles

Blue Bird campaign R08MZ · Owners notified February 28, 2008 · Vehicles built February 20, 2004 – April 15, 2007 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Defect description

BLUE BIRD IS RECALLING 607 MY 2004-2007 ALL AMERICAN REAR ENGINE SCHOOL BUSES AND MY 2006-2007 XCEL 102 COMMERCIAL SERIES TRANSIT BUSES EQUIPPED WITH CUMMINS ISC ENGINES. THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL LINE MAY CRACK, ALLOWING HIGH PRESSURE DIESEL FUEL INTO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.

Safety consequence

THIS CONDITION CREATES THE POTENTIAL FOR A RISK OF FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT SHOULD THE ATOMIZED DIESEL FUEL VAPOR CONTACT AN IGNITION SOURCE.

Manufacturer remedy

OWNERS WILL BE ADVISED TO CONTACT THEIR CUMMINS DEALERS TO HAVE THE REPAIR WORK PERFORMED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 28, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BLUE BIRD AT 1-478-822-2242.

Notes

BLUE BIRD RECALL NO. R08MZ.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.

BATTERY DISCONNECT SWITCH

NHTSA #05V382000 · Electrical System — 12V/24V/48V Battery · NHTSA notice

Reported August 31, 2005 · BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANY

Potentially affected: 5,863 vehicles

Blue Bird campaign R05KA · Owners notified October 19, 2005 · Vehicles built January 9, 2001 – June 18, 2005 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Defect description

CERTAIN 2001 THROUGH 2006 MY BLUE BIRD ALL AMERICAN, TC2000, AND VISION TRANSIT SCHOOL BUSES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN JANUARY 5, 2001, AND JULY 15, 2005. THESE BUSES ARE EQUIPPED WITH A BATTERY DISCONNECT SWITCH THAT HAS CONNECTIONS THAT MAY BE LOOSE ON THE BATTERY SWITCH STUDS CREATING THE POTENTIAL FOR THE BUS TO SHUT DOWN WHILE IN OPERATION.

Safety consequence

SHOULD THE BUS SHUT DOWN WHILE IN OPERATION, A VEHICLE CRASH COULD OCCUR.

Manufacturer remedy

BLUE BIRD WILL NOTIFY ITS OWNERS AND INSTRUCT THEM ON HOW TO REPAIR THE SWITCH. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 19 , 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BLUE BIRD AT 478-822-2242.

Notes

BLUE BIRD RECALL NO. R05KA.CUSTOMERS MAY 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.

STOP ARM MALFUNCTIONS

NHTSA #05V251000 · Other — School Bus Stop Arm Assembly · NHTSA notice

Reported May 20, 2005 · BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANY

Potentially affected: 3,121 vehicles

Blue Bird campaign R05JW · Owners notified August 12, 2005 · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Defect description

CERTAIN BLUE BIRD 2002 THROUGH 2006 MY ALL AMERICAN, CONVENTIONAL, MINIBIRD, MICROBIRD, VISION, AND TC2000 SCHOOL BUSES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN STATES OTHER THAN THE FOLLOWING STATES: ALASKA, COLORADO, CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, IDAHO, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, KANSAS, KENTUCKY, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, MONTANA, NEBRASKA, NEVADA, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW MEXICO, NEW YORK, NORTH DAKOTA, OHIO, OREGON, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, SOUTH DAKOTA, TENNESSEE, UTAH, VERMONT, VIRGINIA, WASHINGTON, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, WYOMING, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. IN EXTREMELY COLD WEATHER, THE MICROSWITCHES USED INTERNALLY TO POSITION THE SIGN IN THE OPEN AND CLOSED POSITIONS MAY MALFUNCTION, CAUSING THE SIGN TO OPEN OR CLOSE IN AN IMPROPER POSITION, OR TO NOT OPEN AT ALL.

Safety consequence

SHOULD THE STOP ARM NOT PERFORM PROPERLY, A CHILD OR PEDESTRIAN MAY BE ENDANGERED BY PASSING MOTORISTS SHOULD THE MOTORIST NOT STOP AT THE CORRECT LOCATION.

Manufacturer remedy

BLUE BIRD WILL NOTIFY ALL ITS CUSTOMERS OF THIS CAMPAIGN. FOR THOSE BUSES OPERATED IN OR NEAR ANY OF THE STATES LISTED ABOVE, BLUE BIRD IS ENCOURAGING THE BUS OWNERS TO OBTAIN THE REPLACEMENT SWITCH. FOR THOSE BUSES OPERATED IN THE WARMER STATES, BLUE BIRD WILL REPLACE THE SWITCH UPON OWNER REQUEST. FOR THOSE CUSTOMERS WHO REQUEST THE REMEDY, BLUE BIRD WILL REPLACE THE ORIGINAL SWITCH WITH A SWITCH PACK THAT IS NOT SENSITIVE TO EXTREME COLD WEATHER AND WILL INSPECT TO ENSURE THE MICROSWITCH HEATER WIRING IS PROPERLY CONNECTED. THE SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BEGAN ON AUGUST 12, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BLUE BIRD AT 478-822-2242.

Notes

BLUE BIRD CAMPAIGN NO. R05JW.THIS ACTION IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN AND IS NOT BEING CONDUCTED UNDER THE SAFETY ACT.CUSTOMERS CAN CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236.

STOP ARM MALFUNCTIONS

NHTSA #05V239000 · Other — School Bus Stop Arm Assembly · NHTSA notice

Reported May 20, 2005 · BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANY

Potentially affected: 8,894 vehicles

Blue Bird campaign R05JV · Owners notified August 12, 2005 · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Defect description

CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE FOLLOWING STATES: ALASKA, COLORADO, CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, IDAHO, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, KANSAS, KENTUCKY, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, MONTANA, NEBRASKA, NEVADA, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW MEXICO, NEW YORK, NORTH DAKOTA, OHIO, OREGON, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, SOUTH DAKOTA, TENNESSEE, UTAH, VERMONT, VIRGINIA, WASHINGTON, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, WYOMING, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. IN EXTREMELY COLD WEATHER, THE MICROSWITCHES USED INTERNALLY TO POSITION THE STOP ARM SIGN IN THE OPEN AND CLOSED POSITIONS MAY MALFUNCTION, CAUSING THE SIGN TO OPEN OR CLOSE IN AN IMPROPER POSITION, OR TO NOT OPEN AT ALL.

Safety consequence

SHOULD THE STOP ARM NOT PERFORM PROPERLY, A CHILD OR PEDESTRIAN MAY BE ENDANGERED BY PASSING VEHICLES SHOULD THE MOTORIST NOT STOP AT THE CORRECT LOCATION.

Manufacturer remedy

BLUE BIRD WILL NOTIFY ITS CUSTOMERS AND REPLACE THE ORIGINAL SWITCH WITH A SWITCH PACK THAT IS NOT SENSITIVE TO EXTREME COLD WEATHER AND WILL INSPECT TO ENSURE THE MICROSWITCH HEATER WIRING IS PROPERLY CONNECTED FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 12, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BLUE BIRD AT 478-822-2242.

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.

ENGINE SURGING/JOHN DEERE

NHTSA #05V152000 · Vehicle Speed Control · NHTSA notice

Reported April 7, 2005 · BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANY

Potentially affected: 486 vehicles

Blue Bird campaign R05JP

Defect description

CERTAIN 2001 THROUGH 2005 ALL AMERICAN, COMMERCIAL SERIES, AND Q-BUS SCHOOL AND TRANSIT BUSES EQUIPPED WITH JOHN DEERE 8.1 CNG ENGINES. THE SUBJECT BUSES EQUIPPED WITH THE JOHN DEERE ENGINES MAY SURGE INAPPROPRIATELY DUE TO ERRACTIC OPERATION OF THE AIR THROTTLE IF THE ENGINE IS TAKEN FROM FULL TO ZERO LOAD.

Safety consequence

UNEXPECTED ENGINE SURGE COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN PERSONAL INJURY.

Manufacturer remedy

JOHN DEERE WILL NOTIFY BLUE BIRD'S CUSTOMERS AND REPAIR THE ENGINES FREE OF CHARGE. CUSTOMERS ARE BEING INSTRUCTED TO CONTACT JOHN DEERE AT 1-800-JD-ENGINE.

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.

BURNER TUBES/WEBASTO

NHTSA #05V074000 · Engine and Engine Cooling · NHTSA notice

Reported March 1, 2005 · BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANY

Potentially affected: 416 vehicles

Blue Bird campaign R05JM · Owners notified March 31, 2005 · Vehicles built December 21, 2002 – February 25, 2005 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

CERTAIN 2002-2006 MY BLUE BIRD ALL AMERICAN SCHOOL AND TRANSIT BUSES, CONVENTIONAL SCHOOL BUSES, AND COMMERCIAL SERIES TRANSIT BUSES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN DECEMBER 21, 2002, AND FEBRUARY 24, 2005. THESE BUSES ARE EQUIPPED WITH WEBASTO COOLANT HEATERS, MODEL DBW 2010, ASSEMBLED WITH WEBASTO BURNER TUBES, P/N 303046/26533A MANUFACTURED BETWEEN NOVEMBER 2002 AND FEBRUARY 2005. THE STAINLESS STEEL BURNER TUBE IS MADE OUT OF A MATERIAL THAT IS NOT TO SPECIFICATION AND COULD FAIL PREMATURELY.

Safety consequence

SHOULD THE BURNER TUBE FAIL, THE COOLANT HEATER COULD OVERHEAT, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.

Manufacturer remedy

BLUE BIRD WILL NOTIFY ITS CUSTOMERS AND REPLACE THE BURNER TUBES FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 31, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BLUE BIRD AT 478-822-2242.

Notes

FREE OF CHARGE.THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 7, 2005.OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO AIR AT 574-970-0744.

BLUE BIRD/SURE-LOC/WHEELCHAIR SECUREMENT SYSTEM

NHTSA #04V426000 · Equipment Adaptive/Mobility · NHTSA notice

Reported August 30, 2004 · BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANY

Potentially affected: 372 vehicles

Blue Bird campaign R04JB · Owners notified September 21, 2004 · Vehicles built February 12, 2004 – May 5, 2004 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

CERTAIN BLUE BIRD 1999-2005 ALL AMERICAN, TC/2000, MICRO BIRD, VISION, CONVENTIONAL, AND COMMERCIAL SERIES SCHOOL BUSES EQUIPPED WITH SURE-LOC WHEELCHAIR SECUREMENT SYSTEMS AND MANUFACTURED BETWEEN FEBRUARY 17, 1999, AND AUGUST 13, 2004. CERTAIN SURE-LOK WHEELCHAIR TIE-DOWN SECUREMENT ASSEMBLIES P/N 8625-13. THE SPROCKET TEETH OF THE RETRACTOR ASSEMBLY MAY BE OUT OF ALIGNMENT CAUSING THE LOAD PAWL NOT TO FULLY SEAT IN THE SPROCKET TEETH.

Safety consequence

IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE WHEELCHAIR MAY NOT BE ADEQUATELY SECURED POSSIBLY RESULTING IN INJURIES.

Manufacturer remedy

BLUE BIRD WILL NOTIFY ITS CUSTOMERS AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE PART FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN SEPTEMBER 21, 2004. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR BUSES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT AT 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/3-POINT SEAT BELT

NHTSA #04V222000 · Seat Belts · NHTSA notice

Reported May 7, 2004 · BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANY

Potentially affected: 291 vehicles

Blue Bird campaign R04HT · Owners notified June 8, 2004 · Vehicles built March 3, 2003 – April 5, 2004 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

SCHOOL AND TRANSIT BUSES EQUIPPED WITH DRIVER'S 3-POINT SEAT BELTS WITH INCORRECT FASTENERS.

Safety consequence

IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE SHOULDER STRAP CAN FAIL, AND THE DRIVER COULD BE SERIOUSLY INJURED.

Manufacturer remedy

BLUE BIRD WILL NOTIFY ITS CUSTOMERS TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT WITH THEIR BLUE BIRD DISTRIBUTOR TO HAVE THE DRIVER'S 3-POINT SEAT BELT UPPER ATTACHING FASTENERS REPLACED FREE OF CHARGE. OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN JUNE 8, 2004. 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 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 221/FLOOR STRUCTURE BOLTS

NHTSA #03V363000 · Structure — Body · NHTSA notice

Reported October 8, 2003 · BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANY

Potentially affected: 8,088 vehicles

Blue Bird campaign R03GZ · Owners notified November 20, 2003 · Vehicles built October 2, 1998 – August 22, 2003 (per NHTSA)

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.

Safety 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.

Manufacturer 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 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/SEAT BELT BOLTS

NHTSA #03V362000 · Seat Belts — Front — Anchorage · NHTSA notice

Reported October 8, 2003 · BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANY

Potentially affected: 233 vehicles

Blue Bird campaign R03HC · Owners notified November 20, 2003 · Vehicles built October 1, 2002 – August 16, 2003 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

ON CERTAIN REAR ENGINE (A3RE) SCHOOL BUSES, THE TYPE AND LOCATION OF THE FASTENERS USED TO RETAIN THE SEAT BELT IN THE LAST ROW OF SEATS DOES NOT CONFORM TO BLUE BIRD ENGINEERING SPECIFICATIONS.

Safety consequence

THIS INSTALLATION MAY NOT ADEQUATELY RETAIN SEAT BELTS IN THE EVENT OF A SEVERE CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

BLUE BIRD WILL PROVIDE ITS DISTRIBUTORS AND OWNERS THE PARTS AND INSTRUCTIONS TO INSTALL THE CORRECT FASTENERS FREE OF CHARGE. OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN NOVEMBER 20, 2003. OWNERS WHO DO NOT RECEIVE THE PARTS AND INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT BLUE BIRD AT 1-478-822-2242.

Notes

BLUE BIRD RECALL NO. R03HC.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/SEATS EQUIPPED W/OPTIONAL SEAT BELTS

NHTSA #03V364000 · Seats · NHTSA notice

Reported October 8, 2003 · BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANY

Potentially affected: 3,825 vehicles

Blue Bird campaign R03HB · Owners notified November 3, 2003 · Vehicles built August 3, 2000 – August 26, 2003 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES EQUIPPED WITH OPTIONAL SEAT BELTS OR SEAT BELT "READY" SEATS, SOME BELTS WERE INSTALLED WITH ONLY TWO BOLTS RATHER THAN THE REQUIRED THREE (3) BOLTS.

Safety consequence

THESE SEATS COULD DETACH FROM THE WALL SIDE ATTACHMENT POINTS IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY TO THE SEAT OCCUPANT.

Manufacturer remedy

BLUE BIRD WILL FURNISH TO DISTRIBUTORS AND OWNERS, PARTS AND INSTRUCTIONS NECESSARY TO INSTALL THE MISSING BOLT FREE OF CHARGE. OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO ON NOVEMBER 3, 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 AT 1-478-822-2242.

Notes

BLUE BIRD RECALL NO. R03HB.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/BRAKE HOSE

NHTSA #02V302000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic — Foundation Components — Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings · NHTSA notice

Reported November 13, 2002 · BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANY

Potentially affected: 485 vehicles

Blue Bird campaign R02GR · Owners notified December 12, 2002 · Vehicles built December 17, 2001 – October 28, 2002 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

ON CERTAIN FRONT ENGINE SCHOOL AND TRANSIT BUSES EQUIPPED WITH HYDRAULIC BRAKES, THE REAR HYDRAULIC BRAKE HOSE COULD CONTACT THE FRAME RAIL AND ABRADE, ALLOWING BRAKE FLUID LEAKAGE.

Safety consequence

IF THIS OCCURS, VEHICLE BRAKING COULD BE AFFECTED, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE REAR BRAKE HOSE TO FRAME RAIL CLEARANCE AND REPOSITION THE BRAKE HOSE CLAMPS AT THE AXLE TO ENSURE ADEQUATE CLEARANCE. ANY CHAFED BRAKE HOSES WILL BE REPLACED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN DECEMBER 12, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY 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).

Other Blue Bird All American model years

Check your 2004 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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