2007 Blue Bird All American problems

What is wrong

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."

Risk

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.

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.

Recall number 20V234000 · Recall details

What is wrong

Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain 2007-2019 Blue Bird All American ambulance buses. The clamps that secure the stacked stretchers may fail from repeated use or from high loads.

Risk

If the clamps fail with patients in the stretchers, it can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy

Blue Bird will notify owners, and dealers will install redesigned clamps, free of charge. The recall began December 12, 2018. Owners may contact Blue Bird customer service at 1‑478‑822‑2242. Blue Bird's number for this recall is R18ZQ-NSB.

Recall number 18V801000 · Recall details

What is wrong

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.

Risk

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.

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.

Recall number 15V730000 · Recall details

What is wrong

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.

Risk

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.

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.

Recall number 15V731000 · Recall details

What is wrong

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.

Risk

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.

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.

Recall number 14V510000 · Recall details

What is wrong

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.

Risk

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.

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.

Recall number 14V511000 · Recall details

What is wrong

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."

Risk

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

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.

Recall number 13V332000 · Recall details

What is wrong

Blue bird is recalling certain model year 2007 through 2012 all american rear engine school buses manufactured from april 12, 2006, through june 27, 2011, and equipped with a 60 gallon fuel tank. The tank return line can develop a leak that exceeds the amount of fuel spillage allowed. Accordingly, these buses fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 301, "fuel system integrity."

Risk

A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can result in a fire.

Remedy

Blue bird will notify owners, and dealers will repair the buses free of charge. The safety recall began on march 9, 2012. Owners may contact blue bird at 1‑478‑822‑2242.

Recall number 11V569000 · Recall details

What is wrong

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."

Risk

The seat occupants may be seriously injured in the event of a crash.

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.

Recall number 11V499000 · Recall details

What is wrong

Blue bird is recalling certain model year 2007 through 2011 all american school buses manufactured from september 22, 2006, through august 7, 2010, and equipped with optional park brake valve interlock feature. The optional park brake interlock valve may have been plumbed incorrectly which could result in inadvertent park brake application without prior warning.

Risk

Inadvertent application of the park brake valve could cause a vehicle crash which could result in property damage, personal injury, or death.

Remedy

Blue bird will notify owners and dealers will repair the buses free of charge. All of the buses have been inspected and, if needed, repaired. Therefore, an owner notification letter will not be issued for this campaign. Owners may contact blue bird at 1‑478‑822‑2242.

Recall number 11V351000 · Recall details

What is wrong

Blue bird is recalling certain model year 2007 through 2010 all american school buses manufactured from may 29, 2006 through august 7, 2010 equipped with cummins isb-02, isb-07, and isb-10 engines. An incorrect combination of flat washer and serrated nut was installed on the bolt that secures the starter cable retaining clamp to its attaching bracket at the front of the engine above the engine cooling fan. The flat washer prevents the serrated nut from locking against the attaching bracket. Over time, the serrated nut may back off allowing the starter cable to fall and contact the fan hub while in operation.

Risk

If the starter cable contacts the fan hub while the fan hub is in operation, the cable covering may abrade which could result in a direct short. A short could potentially result in a vehicle fire.

Remedy

Blue bird will notify owners and repair the buses free of charge. The safety recall began on september 24, 2010. Owners may contact blue bird at 1‑478‑822‑2242.

Recall number 10V379000 · Recall details

What is wrong

Blue bird is recalling certain model year 2007 through 2010 all american non school buses manufactured from july 16, 2006 through august 3, 2010 equipped with cummins isb-02, isb-07, and isb-10 engines. An incorrect combination of flat washer and serrated nut was installed on the bolt that secures the starter cable retaining clamp to its attaching bracket at the front of the engine above the engine cooling fan. The flat washer prevents the serrated nut from locking against the attaching bracket. Over time, the serrated nut may back off allowing the starter cable to fall and contact the fan hub while in operation.

Risk

If the starter cable contacts the fan hub while the fan hub is in operation, the cable covering may abrade which could result in a direct short. A short could potentially result in a vehicle fire.

Remedy

Blue bird will notify owners and repair the buses free of charge. The safety recall began on september 24, 2010. Owners may contact blue bird at 1‑478‑822‑2242.

Recall number 10V380000 · Recall details

What is wrong

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."

Risk

In the event of a crash, there is an increased risk of injury to the seat occupant(s).

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.

Recall number 09V328000 · Recall details

What is wrong

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."

Risk

The vehicles can be started and driven even when an owner may think they cannot.

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.

Recall number 09V205000 · Recall details

What is wrong

Blue bird is recalling 2,503 my 2006-2008 all american, conventional, and micro bird school and transit buses equipped with ricon platform style wheelchair lifts. These lifts fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 403, "platform lift systems for motor vehicles." the anti-stow interlock may not detect the presence of a wheelchair or mobility aid user. The pressure sensing switch that detects the presence of weight on the platform was not adjusted to the necessary sensitivity level. The lift could stow even though someone or something is still on the lift.

Risk

A lift occupant can be injured should the lift begin to stow unintentionally.

Remedy

Blue bird is working with ricon to correct the wheelchair lifts (please see 07e097). The recall began on september 30, 2008. Owners may contact ricon at 1‑818‑267‑3000 or blue bird at 1‑478‑822‑2242.

Recall number 08V395000 · Recall details

What is wrong

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."

Risk

In the event of a crash, these panels may separate exposing the occupants to increased risk of injury.

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.

Recall number 08V229000 · Recall details

What is wrong

Blue bird is recalling 2,129 my 2006-2008 all american, conventional, and micro bird school and transit buses manufactured between may 3, 2005 and february 15, 2008, equipped with ricon model 1200, 2000, and 5500 platform style wheel chair lifts. These buses fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 404, "platform lift installations in motor vehicles." the threshold warning system may not detect the presence of a wheelchair or mobility aid user in a certain spot within the defined threshold area.

Risk

The user of the lift could be injured should the lift move unintentionally.

Remedy

Blue bird is working with ricon to correct the wheelchair lifts free of charge (please see 07e095). The recall is expected to begin on or about april 28, 2008. Owners may contact ricon at 1‑800‑322‑2884 or blue bird at 1‑478‑822‑2242.

Recall number 08V163000 · Recall details

What is wrong

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.

Risk

This condition creates the potential for a risk of fire in the engine compartment should the atomized diesel fuel vapor contact an ignition source.

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.

Recall number 08V077000 · Recall details

What is wrong

Certain 2006 and 2007 my blue bird all american, conventional, and micro bird school buses manufactured from july 16, 2005 through august 29, 2006, equipped with model 900 series wheelchair lifts manufactured by the braun corporation. The threshold warning system may not activate as designed which fails to conform to federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 404, platform lift installations for motor vehicles.

Risk

Should the threshold warning system fail to operate, the lift user can fall from the vehicle and be seriously injured.

Remedy

Owners will be notified by blue bird instructing them to contact braun for free repair. The recall january 16, 2008. Owners can contact either blue bird at 478‑822‑2242 or braun product support at 1‑800‑946‑7513.

Recall number 07V556000 · Recall details

What is wrong

Certain my 2006 through 2008 blue bird all american rear engine school and transit buses manufactured from january 14, 2005, through march 13, 2007, equipped with emergency push out windows. The subject buses were manufactured with incorrect number of emergency exits which does not comply with federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 217, bus emergency exits and window retention and release.

Risk

The purpose of this standard is to minimize the likelihood of occupants being thrown from the bus and to provide a means of readily accessible emergency egress.

Remedy

Blue bird will notify owners and install additional emergency exit windows on each side of the subject buses free of charge. The recall began on april 7, 2008. Owners can contact blue bird at 478‑822‑2242.

Recall number 07V292000 · Recall details

What is wrong

Certain my 2007 and 2008 blue bird vision and all american school and transit buses manufactured between december 1, 2005, and may 24, 2007, and equipped with bendix sr-7 spring brake modulating valves. The internal rubber check valve may leak causing a delay in the application of the spring brakes to park the vehicle after the operator pulls the dash valve button.

Risk

The delayed parking brake application can occur without warning, leading to unintended vehicle rollaway.

Remedy

Blue bird will notify owners and provide a free remedy. The recall began on september 30, 2007. Owners can contact blue bird at 478‑822‑2242.

Recall number 07V275000 · Recall details

This investigation was opened after odi received notification from two fleets (totaling seven complaints) alleging the air lines connecting to the dash air gauge were leaking air and setting off the low pressure air buzzer. During the course of this investigation, odi interviewed the involved fleets, conducted field trips to examine similar buses, visited dealers and reviewed data furnished by blue bird in response to an information request.while bird bird was unable to determine a definitive cause for the reported failures, they believe the lownumber of complaints indicates an anomaly and the leaks may have been caused by the unintentional positioning of the hose during dash installation.blue bird theorizes that as the 1/4 dash gauge air line tubing was installed behind the dash, the tubing entering the push-in quick disconnect fittingmay have been positioned at an angle putting stress on the plastic movable part of the fitting. Over time this stress may have caused the plastic part of the fitting to deteriorate,resulting in an air leak.based on the results of an air brake system test conducted by blue bird, complete disconnection of the ? Air line at the dash air gauge does not deplete the brake air system to the point where the brakes will not operate as designed. The test showed that even with the air line disconnected, normal operation of the bus will continue to charge the air system reservoir, allowing for safe operation until the bus can be checked. Nevertheless, although blue bird's test data and customer information confirms there is no loss of brakes when the dash air gauge lines leak or become disconnected, blue bird intends to develop a service bulletin to inspect this air line connection. The service bulletin will be sent to owners of all 2006 and 2007 model year blue bird all american school buses.based on this information, a safety related defect trend does not exist at this time and further use of agency resources is not warranted. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by the federal safety agency that no safety defect exists.the agency reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances. This investigation is closed.

PE07050