2011 Blue Bird Vision recalls

Defect: 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.".

Why it matters: A parking brake system that is set to an insufficient application force may result in an increased possibility of unintended vehicle movement, which increases the risk of injury to bystanders.

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.

Owner notification: June 9, 2020 · Filing manufacturer: Blue Bird Body Company

Defect: 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.".

Why it matters: A parking brake system that is set to an insufficient application force may result in an increased possibility of unintended vehicle movement, which increases the risk of a crash.

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.

Owner notification: June 9, 2020 · Filing manufacturer: Blue Bird Body Company

Defect: 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.".

Why it matters: In the event of a crash, the seat barrier may not adequately protect the occupant seated behind the seat barrier separating them from the driver seat with integrated 3-point seat belt, increasing the risk of injury.

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.

Owner notification: April 22, 2020 · Filing manufacturer: Blue Bird Body Company

Defect: 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.

Why it matters: If the bearings move out of position, the stowed platform may have excessive movement resulting in failure of the platform mounting. This failure could cause the wheel chair lift platform to fall out of the vehicle when the doors are opened, increasing the risk of injury for the lift operator.

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.

Owner notification: December 1, 2015 · Filing manufacturer: Blue Bird Body Company

Defect: 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.

Why it matters: If the bearings move out of position, the stowed platform may have excessive movement resulting in failure of the platform mounting. This failure could cause the wheel chair lift platform to fall out of the vehicle when the doors are opened, increasing the risk of injury for the lift operator.

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.

Owner notification: December 1, 2015 · Filing manufacturer: Blue Bird Body Company

Defect: 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.

Why it matters: If the platform side plates crack, the lift platform can separate from the lift and come to rest against the vehicle's lift door. When the doors are opened, the platform may fall out, increasing the risk of injury to the lift operator.

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.

Owner notification: October 1, 2014 · Filing manufacturer: Blue Bird Body Company

Defect: 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.

Why it matters: If the platform side plates crack, the lift platform can separate from the lift and come to rest against the vehicle's lift door. When the doors are opened, the platform may fall out, increasing the risk of injury to the lift operator.

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.

Owner notification: October 1, 2014 · Filing manufacturer: Blue Bird Body Company

Defect: 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.".

Why it matters: In the event of a vehicle crash, there is an increased risk that the window panels may separate and fall onto occupants causing injury.

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.

Owner notification: August 28, 2013 · Filing manufacturer: Blue Bird Body Company

Defect: Blue Bird is recalling certain model year 2010 through 2014 All American and Vision model school buses manufactured from August 25, 2009, through March 19, 2013, and equipped with C. E. White Inc. Flip Seats models Quasi Static "QSJ11" (30", 36", 39" and 45"), Student Safety Seat "SSSJ" (30", 36", 39" and 45"), or School Bus Seat "SBJ" (30", 36", 39" and 45").

Why it matters: When a Flip Seat is installed in front of another passenger seat, it is possible for the occupant of the rearward passenger seat to insert their toes and/or foot into the lower frame area of the Flip Seat. When a vehicle passenger occupies the Flip Seat, pushing the seat bottom downward to the horizontal position to sit in the seat, the occupant of the rearward seat could suffer a pinch point injury to their toes and/or foot.

Blue Bird will notify owners, and dealers will install a safety guard to prevent passengers from placing their toes or feet in the opening on the back of the subject Flip Seats, free of charge. The recall began on June 14, 2013. Owners may contact Blue Bird at 1-478-822-2242 for more information. Blue Bird's number for this campaign is R13WF.

Owner notification: June 14, 2013 · Filing manufacturer: Blue Bird Body Company

Defect: Blue bird corporation (blue bird) is recalling certain model year 2010 through 2013 all american and vision non school buses manufactured from may 30, 2009, through april 4, 2012 and equipped with air brakes. the primary and secondary air brake lines may have been crossed at the brake treadle valve. incorrect installation of the air brake lines at the air brake treadle valve fails to conform with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 121, "air brake systems.".

Why it matters: In the event of a brake system problem, incorrect installation of the air brake lines could result in a reduction or complete loss of brake action, increasing the risk of a crash.

Blue bird will notify owners, and dealers will repair the buses free of charge. the recall began on may 23, , 2012. owners may contact blue bird at 1-478-822-2242.

Owner notification: May 23, 2012 · Filing manufacturer: BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANY

Defect: Blue bird corporation (blue bird) is recalling certain model year 2010 through 2013 all american and vision school buses manufactured from may 30, 2009, through april 4, 2012 and equipped with air brakes. the primary and secondary air brake lines may have been crossed at the brake treadle valve. incorrect installation of the air brake lines at the air brake treadle valve fails to conform with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 121, "air brake systems.".

Why it matters: In the event of a brake system problem, incorrect installation of the air brake lines could result in a reduction or complete loss of brake action, increasing the risk of a crash.

Blue bird will notify owners, and dealers will repair the buses free of charge. the recall began on may 23, 2012. owners may contact blue bird at 1-478-822-2242.

Owner notification: May 23, 2012 · Filing manufacturer: BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANY

Defect: 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.

Why it matters: A wheelchair occupant may defeat or ride over the insufficiently latched roll stop. if this occurs when the lift platform is in an elevated position, the wheelchairâ’s occupant could fall and sustain injury.

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.

Owner notification: April 26, 2012 · Filing manufacturer: BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANY

Defect: 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.".

Why it matters: The seat occupants may be seriously injured in the event of a crash.

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.

Owner notification: January 18, 2012 · Filing manufacturer: BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANY

Defect: Blue bird is recalling certain model year 2011 and 2012 all american non-school buses manufactured from november 2, 2010, through march 17, 2011, and vision conventional non-november 2, 2010, through march 17, 2011, equipped with a cummins diesel engine. the v-band clamp assembly, part numbers q187684, q187685, and q187686, used to connect the inlet and outlet cone sections to the diesel oxidation catalyst (doc)/diesel particulate filter (dpf) include a t-bolt which can fracture and fail when subjected to stress or load. a fracture or failure of the t-bolt may cause the clamp to loosen and the inlet or outlet sections attached to the doc/dpf housing to disconnect.

Why it matters: If the inlet or outlet sections disconnect, hot exhaust gases can vent prior to exiting the tailpipe, creating the risk of combustion and a fire. if both clamps fail, there is a risk in some applications that the doc/dpf housing may detach completely, creating a road hazard.

Blue bird is working with cummins to identify and notify owners of the recall campaign. repairs will be performed by authorized cummins dealers free of charge. the safety recall began on october 10, 2011. owners may contact cummins at 1-812-377-5000 or blue bird at 1-478-822-2242.

Owner notification: October 10, 2011 · Filing manufacturer: BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANY

Defect: Blue bird is recalling certain model year 2011 and 2012 all american school buses manufactured from october 13, 2010, through march 8, 2011, and vision school buses manufactured from october 2, 2010, through february 2, 2011, equipped with a cummins diesel engine. the v-band clamp assembly, part numbers q187684, q187685, and q187686, used to connect the inlet and outlet cone sections to the diesel oxidation catalyst (doc)/diesel particulate filter (dpf) include a t-bolt which can fracture and fail when subjected to stress or load. a fracture or failure of the t-bolt may cause the clamp to loosen and the inlet or outlet sections attached to the doc/dpf housing to disconnect.

Why it matters: If the inlet or outlet sections disconnect, hot exhaust gases can vent prior to exiting the tailpipe, creating the risk of combustion and a fire. if both clamps fail, there is a risk in some applications that the doc/dpf housing may detach completely, creating a road hazard.

Blue bird is working with cummins to identify and notify owners of the recall campaign. repairs will be performed by authorized cummins dealers free of charge. the safety recall began on october 10, 2011. owners may contact cummins at 1-812-377-5000 or blue bird at 1-478-822-2242.

Owner notification: October 10, 2011 · Filing manufacturer: BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANY

Defect: 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.

Why it matters: This condition could potentially result in a fuel leak and possibly result in a fire.

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.

Owner notification: May 25, 2011 · Filing manufacturer: BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANY

Defect: 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.".

Why it matters: In the event the abs circuit disconnects from the main abs module, the bus operator would be unaware of the failure of the abs system and the associated reduced braking function, increasing the risk of a crash.

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.

Owner notification: June 23, 2011 · Filing manufacturer: BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANY

Defect: Blue bird is recalling certain model year 2011 and 2012 vision and all american model school buses manufactured from october 18, 2010, through january 6, 2011. the sheet metal rain visors over the pushout side window on the left side of the bus may prohibit the emergency exit window from opening sufficiently which fails to conform to the emergency egress requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 217, "bus emergency exists and window retention and release.".

Why it matters: In the event of an emergency, passengers could be injured if they are unable to quickly exit the bus.

Blue bird will notify owners and dealers will repair the buses free of charge. the safety recall behan on march 15, 2011. owners may contact blue bird at 1-478-822-2242.

Owner notification: March 15, 2011 · Filing manufacturer: BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANY

Defect: Blue bird is recalling certain model year 2010 and 2011 model vision school buses manufactured from november 13, 2009, through december 15, 2010. on some buses, the hydraulic brake pedal may deform upon application which may prevent the parking brake from fully applying.

Why it matters: This condition may permit the bus to roll unexpectedly when parked which could result in property damage, personal injury, or death to an individual within the path of the rolling bus.

Blue bird will notify owners and dealers will repair the buses free of charge. the safety recall began on february 14, 2011. owners may contact blue bird at 1-478-822-2242.

Owner notification: February 14, 2011 · Filing manufacturer: BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANY

Defect: Blue bird is recalling certain model year 2010 and 2011 d3 all american non school buses manufactured from may 19, 2009 through june 15, 2010 and 2011 model year vision non school buses manufactured from april 9, 2009 through april 10, 2010. these buses are equipped with a cruise control feature which once activated may not de-activate when the service brakes are applied.

Why it matters: In the event the cruise control fails to de-activate when the service brakes are applied, the potential for a vehicle crash could occur.

Blue bird sent an interim letter to dealers and owners on july 1, 2010 instructing dealers to disable the cruise control mechanism until a permanent remedy is available. a decal wasl provided to affix to the dash advising operators that the cruise control has been disabled. a permanent repair has now been established. dealers will repair the buses by installing a failsafe curcuit in the cruise control system free of charge. all owners, regardless of whether they received the interim fix or not, will be notified and offered the permanent remedy. the safety recall began on august 5, 2010. owners may contact blue bird at 1-478-822-2242.

Owner notification: August 5, 2010 · Filing manufacturer: BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANY

Defect: Blue bird is recalling certain model year 2010 and 2011 d3 all american school buses manufactured from may 13, 2009 through june 25, 2010 and 2011 model year vision school buses manufactured from november 9, 2009 through june 24, 2010. these buses are equipped with a cruise control feature which once activated may not de-activate when the service brakes are applied.

Why it matters: In the event the cruise control fails to de-activate when the service brakes are applied, the potential for a vehicle crash could occur.

Blue bird sent an interim letter to dealers and owners on july 1, 2010 instructing dealers to disable the cruise control mechanism until a permanent remedy is available. a decal wasl provided to affix to the dash advising operators that the cruise control has been disabled. a permanent repair has now been established. dealers will repair the buses by installing a failsafe curcuit in the cruise control system free of charge. all owners, regardless of whether they received the interim fix or not, will be notified and offered the permanent remedy. the safety recall began on august 5, 2010. owners may contact blue bird at 1-478-822-2242.

Owner notification: August 5, 2010 · Filing manufacturer: BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANY

Defect: Blue bird is recalling certain model year 2010 and 2011 all american and vision model school buses manufactured from march 25, 2009 through january 12, 2010. the driver's seat shock damper may break allowing the driver's seat to unexpectedly drop to the floor without warning.

Why it matters: In the event this should occur while the bus is in operation, the driver may lose control of the vehicle, possibly resulting in a crash.

Blue bird will notify owners and replace the seat shock as necessary. the safety recall began on august 20, 2010. owners may contact blue bird at 1-478-822-2242.

Owner notification: August 16, 2010 · Filing manufacturer: BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANY