2016 Blue Bird Vision problems

What is wrong

Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain 2013-2021 Vision school buses equipped with Ford 6.8L LPG engines. The LPG supply line may be damaged from contact with the RH park brake cable, which can result in a fuel leak.

Risk

A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect and repair the fuel lines and the park brake cable, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on November 18, 2022. Owners may contact Blue Bird's customer service at 1‑478‑822‑2242. Blue Bird's number for this recall is R22CA-SB.

Recall number 22V736000 · Recall details

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 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."

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 injury to bystanders.

Remedy

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.

Recall number 20V235000 · Recall details

What is wrong

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."

Risk

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.

Remedy

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.

Recall number 20V125000 · Recall details

What is wrong

Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain 2013-2020 Vision school buses equipped with Ford engines. The brake light switch mounting bracket may have caused the brake light switch to be incorrectly adjusted at installation and/or the brake light switch mounting bracket may deform when the driver allows the brake pedal to return forcibly. An incorrectly adjusted brake light switch or deformed brake light switch mounting bracket may cause the brake lights to illuminate continuously.

Risk

Improperly functioning brake lights could confuse following motorists and fail to warn them that the bus may be stopping, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Blue Bird distributed owners an interim notification on December 10, 2019. Dealers will install a new, redesigned brake light switch mounting bracket along with a new brake light switch, free of charge. The recall began March 6, 2020. Owners may contact Blue Bird customer service at 1‑478‑822‑2242. Blue Bird's number for this recall is S19AI-SB.

Recall number 19V795000 · Recall details

What is wrong

Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain 2013-2020 Vision transit buses equipped with Ford engines. The brake light switch mounting bracket may have caused the brake light switch to be incorrectly adjusted at installation and/or the brake light switch mounting bracket may deform when the driver allows the brake pedal to return forcibly. An incorrectly adjusted brake light switch or deformed brake light switch mounting bracket may cause the brake lights to illuminate continuously.

Risk

Improperly functioning brake lights could confuse following motorists and fail to warn them that the bus may be stopping, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Blue Bird issued owners an interim notification December 10, 2019. Dealers will install a new, redesigned brake light switch mounting bracket along with a new brake light switch, free of charge. The recall began March 6, 2020. Owners may contact Blue Bird customer service at 1‑478‑822‑2242. Blue Bird's number for this recall is R19AI-NSB.

Recall number 19V796000 · Recall details

What is wrong

Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Vision and All American school buses equipped with Bendix ADB22X air brakes. The driver side rear brakes may drag.

Risk

A dragging brake may cause damage to the brake components, which may activate the ABS warning light. The warning light may cause the driver to immediately stop the vehicle and transfer occupants. Additionally, the high temperatures at the wheel end can increase the risk of a fire. Either condition increases the risk of injury.

Remedy

Blue Bird will notify owners, and dealers will install a new caliper with an updated clearance adjustment mechanism, free of charge. Blue Bird issued owners interim notification on July 18, 2019. The recall began August 28, 2019. Owners may contact Blue Bird customer service at 1‑478‑822‑2242. Blue Bird's number for this recall is R19AA - SB.

Recall number 19V391000 · Recall details

What is wrong

Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain 2016-2020 Vision and 2015-2020 All American non-school buses equipped with ADB22X disc brakes. The driver side rear brakes may drag.

Risk

A dragging brake may cause damage to the brake components, which may activate the ABS warning light. The warning light may cause the driver to immediately stop the vehicle and transfer occupants. Additionally, the high temperatures at the wheel end can increasing the risk of a fire. Either condition increases the risk of injury.

Remedy

Blue Bird will notify owners, and dealers will install a new caliper with an updated clearance adjustment mechanism, free of charge. Blue Bird issued owners interim notification on July 18, 2019. The recall began August 28, 2019. Owners may contact Blue Bird customer service at 1‑478‑822‑2242. Blue Bird's number for this recall is R19AA - NSB.

Recall number 19V393000 · Recall details

What is wrong

Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Vision and All American school buses equipped with Ricon S-Series Titanium Wheelchair lifts. The wheelchair lift positioning input cam may fail while the lift is in use, allowing the platform to travel higher than the vehicle's floor height. As such, this vehicle fails to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 403, "Platform Lift Systems."

Risk

If the wheelchair lift platform raises above the height of the vehicle floor, the wheelchair user could fall inwards toward the vehicle, increasing their risk of injury.

Remedy

Blue Bird will notify owners, and Ricon dealers will replace the wheelchair lift positioning input cam, free of charge. The recall began March 4, 2019. Owners may contact Ricon customer service at 1‑800‑322‑2884. Blue Bird's number for this recall is R19ZP-SB.

Recall number 19V082000 · Recall details

What is wrong

Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain 2013-2020 Blue Bird Vision school buses equipped with the Ford 6.8L V10 engines. The hydraulic brake lines or transmission shifter cable may have been improperly routed, causing the brake line to be exposed to excessive heat, and leak hydraulic brake fluid. Additionally, the transmission shifter cable could contact the gasoline fuel supply line to the engine which may result in a fuel leak.

Risk

A hydraulic brake fluid leak or a fuel line failure can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy

Blue Bird will notify owners, and dealers will install a bracket which will insulate the brake lines from excessive heat, control routing of the brake lines, and secure the transmission shifter cable away from the fuel line, free of charge. The recall began February 7, 2019. Owners may contact Blue Bird customer service at 1‑478‑822‑2242. Blue Bird's number for this recall is R19ZV-SB.

Recall number 18V884000 · Recall details

What is wrong

Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain 2016-2020 Blue Bird Vision transit buses equipped with the Ford 6.8L V10 engines. The hydraulic brake lines or transmission shifter cable may have been improperly routed, causing the brake line to be exposed to excessive heat, and leak hydraulic brake fluid. Additionally, the transmission shifter cable could contact the gasoline fuel supply line to the engine which may result in a fuel leak.

Risk

A hydraulic brake fluid leak or a fuel line failure can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy

Blue Bird will notify owners, and dealers will install a bracket which will insulate the brake lines from excessive heat, control routing of the brake lines, and secure the transmission shifter cable away from the fuel line, free of charge. The recall began February 7, 2019. Owners may contact Blue Bird customer service at 1‑478‑822‑2242. Blue Bird's number for this recall is R19ZV-NSB.

Recall number 18V885000 · Recall details

What is wrong

Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain model year 2015-2019 Vision and model year 2016 All American school buses equipped with certain QS11 series convertible school bus seats supplied by CE White/HSM Solutions. The integral D-Ring mounting stud located in the upper area of the seat back frame does not provide an adequate padding surface between the seat occupant and the D-Ring mounting stud.

Risk

In a rear crash event, the occupant's head may contact the D-Ring mounting stud, resulting in a head injury or even death.

Remedy

Blue Bird will notify owners, and dealers will equip the Integra D-Ring mounting studs with the proper padding, free of charge. The recall began on September 15, 2017. Owners may contact Blue Bird customer service at 1‑478‑822‑2242. Blue Bird's number for this recall is R17ZB-SB.

Recall number 17V510000 · Recall details

What is wrong

Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain 2016 Vision and All American school buses, equipped with certain QS11, QSCR11, QSJ11, and Davenport school bus seats that include three-point lap/shoulder seat belts. These seats may have a loose or missing D-ring mounting nut, allowing the shoulder belt D-ring to detach in a crash.

Risk

A loose or missing shoulder belt D-ring may prevent the seat belt from adequately restraining the seat occupant in the event of a crash, increasing their risk of injury.

Remedy

Blue Bird will notify owners, and personnel from the school bus seat manufacturer will inspect and repair the affected seats, free of charge. The recall began on April 12, 2017. Owners may contact Blue Bird Campaigns Administration at 1‑478‑822‑2242. Blue Bird's number for this recall is R17YZ (SB).

Recall number 17V202000 · Recall details

What is wrong

Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Vision school buses manufactured February 19, 2014, through March 3, 2017, equipped with a frame mounted battery box. The support brackets for these battery boxes may crack causing the battery box to separate from the chassis.

Risk

If the battery box detaches, it can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Blue Bird will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and repair the buses, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on March 20, 2017. Owners may contact Blue Bird customer service at 1‑478‑822‑2242. Blue Bird's number for this recall is R17YY-SB.

Recall number 17V100000 · Recall details

What is wrong

Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Vision transit buses equipped with frame mounted battery boxes. The support brackets for these battery boxes may crack causing the battery box to separate from the chassis.

Risk

If the battery box detaches, it can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Blue Bird will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and repair the buses, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on March 20, 2017. Owners may contact Blue Bird customer service at 1‑478‑822‑2242. Blue Bird's number for this recall is R17YY-NSB.

Recall number 17V101000 · Recall details

What is wrong

Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain model year 2015-2017 Vision school buses manufactured July 3, 2014, to June 24, 2016, equipped with 6.8L Ford engines and Gen 3 propane units. The affected vehicles have propane fuel lines that may rub or are crossed and secured together, possibly resulting in line damage and a propane fuel leak.

Risk

A propane leak in the presence of an ignition source may increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy

Blue Bird will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and reroute any Gen 3 propane lines that are not parallel. If damaged, the fuel line(s) will be replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on August 15, 2016. Owners may contact Blue Bird customer service at 1‑478‑822‑2242. Blue Bird's number for this recall is R16YT-SB.

Recall number 16V542000 · Recall details

What is wrong

Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Vision transit buses manufactured September 24, 2015, to May 21, 2016, equipped with 6.8L Ford engines and Gen 3 propane units. The affected vehicles have propane fuel lines that may rub or are crossed and secured together, possibly resulting in line damage and a propane fuel leak.

Risk

A propane leak In the presence of an ignition source may increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy

Blue Bird will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and reroute any Gen 3 propane lines that are not parallel. If damaged, the fuel line(s) will be replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on August 15, 2016. Owners may contact Blue Bird customer service at 1‑478‑822‑2242. Blue Bird's number for this recall is R16YT-NSB.

Recall number 16V543000 · Recall details

What is wrong

Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain model year 2015-2017 All American transit buses manufactured from November 13, 2014, through May 4, 2016, and 2016-2017 Vision transit buses manufactured from May 30, 2015, through February 2, 2016, equipped with Ricon S-Series (S2005 and S5510) wheelchair lifts. In the affected vehicles the platform side plate on the wheelchair lifts may crack. Additionally, the 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 platform side plates crack or the platform mounting fails from out-of-position bearings, the lift platform can separate from the lift and come to rest against the vehicle's lift door. When the vehicle's doors are opened, the platform may fall onto the lift operator, increasing their risk of injury.

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 June 27, 2016. Owners may contact Blue Bird customer service at 1‑478‑822‑2242 or Ricon Customer Service at 1‑800‑322‑2884. The recall number for Blue Bird is R16YR-NSB.

Recall number 16V405000 · Recall details

What is wrong

Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 All American school buses manufactured May 18, 2015, to November 9, 2015, and Vision school buses manufactured May 8, 2015, to October 27, 2015, equipped with certain Transpec T6000, T6100, and T7000 series school bus stop arms. The affected stop arms have a reflective decal that may peel loose from the stop arm. As such, these stop arms fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 131, "School Bus Pedestrian Safety Devices."

Risk

Without a reflective decal, the stop arms would have reduced visibility to other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Blue Bird will notify owners, and dealers will replace the stop arm blade assembly, free of charge. The recall began on January 28, 2016. Owners may contact Blue Bird customer service at 1‑478‑822‑2242 or the manufacturer of the stop arms at 1‑800‑951‑7867. Blue Birds number for this recall is R16YK-SB.

Recall number 16V006000 · Recall details

What is wrong

Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Vision school buses manufactured September 3, 2015, to September 18, 2015. In the affected vehicles, the windshield wiper motor harness connector may have been installed incorrectly, causing the wiper system to stop without warning.

Risk

An inoperative windshield wiper may reduce the driver's visibility during inclement weather, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Blue Bird will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and correct the wiper motor connection, free of charge. The recall began on November 18, 2015. Owners may contact Blue Bird customer service at 1‑478‑822‑2242. Blue Bird's number for this recall is R15YH-SB.

Recall number 15V691000 · Recall details

What is wrong

Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling one 2017 Vision transit bus. In the affected vehicle, the windshield wiper motor harness connector may have been installed incorrectly, causing the wiper system to stop without warning.

Risk

Inoperative windshield wipers may decrease the driver's visibility during inclement weather, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Blue Bird will notify the owner, and a dealer will inspect and repair the wiper motor connection, free of charge. The recall began on November 18, 2015. Owners may contact Blue Bird customer service at 1‑478‑822‑2242. Blue Bird's number for this recall is R15YH-NSB.

Recall number 15V696000 · Recall details

What is wrong

Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain model year 2016 Vision school buses manufactured on August 16, 2015. In the affected vehicles, the Engine Control Module (ECM) may short circuit, causing the engine to stall without warning.

Risk

An engine that stalls without warning increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy

The affected buses have been corrected. Therefore, an owner notification letter will not be issued for this campaign. Owners may contact Blue Bird's customer service number at 1‑478‑822‑2242. Blue Bird's recall number is R15YG-SB.

Recall number 15V591000 · Recall details

What is wrong

Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain model year 2016 Vision and All American rear engine school buses manufactured February 11, 2015, to April 2, 2015. The affected vehicles have seat bottoms whose foam core may not meet the flammability requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 302, "Flammability of Interior Materials."

Risk

If the seats are built with this seat bottom foam core, the seats may not resist catching fire in the presence of an ignition source, increasing the risk that a fire may start or spread.

Remedy

Blue Bird will notify owners, and dealers will replace the school bus seat bottoms with foam that is compliant to the safety standard, free of charge. The recall began on June 9, 2015. Owners may contact Blue Bird customer service at 1‑478‑822‑2242. Blue Bird's number for this recall is R15YD-SB.

Recall number 15V277000 · Recall details

What is wrong

Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Vision non-school transit buses manufactured June 19, 2014, to December 11, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the voltage inverter for the illumination of the driver's heater control panel may fail.

Risk

An inverter failure may produce smoke and increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy

Blue Bird will notify owners, and dealers will replace the inverter with an inverter from an alternate vendor, free of charge. The recall began on April 23, 2015. Owners may contact Blue Bird customer service at 1‑478‑822‑2242. Blue Bird's number for this recall is R15YA-NSB.

Recall number 15V180000 · Recall details

What is wrong

Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Vision school buses manufactured June 19, 2014, to December 11, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the voltage inverter for the illumination of the driver's heater control panel may fail.

Risk

An inverter failure may produce smoke and increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy

Blue Bird will notify owners, and dealers will replace the inverter with an inverter from an alternate vendor, free of charge. The recall began on April 23, 2015. Owners may contact Blue Bird customer service at 1‑478‑822‑2242. Blue Bird's number for this recall is R15YA-SB.

Recall number 15V181000 · Recall details

What is wrong

Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain model year 2013-2016 All American A3FE, A3RE, T3FE, T3RE, and D3RE school buses manufactured June 28, 2012, to September 25, 2014, and 2013-2016 Vision BBCV school buses manufactured June 9, 2012, to September 30, 2014. Incorrect fasteners may have been used to secure the seat gusset reinforcement to the side wall resulting in the seat belts being improperly anchored. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 210, "Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages."

Risk

If the seat belts are improperly anchored, there is an increased risk of occupant injury in the event of a crash.

Remedy

Blue Bird will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the the seat gusset reinforcement mounting fasteners, and will install an additional gusset reinforcement bracket, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on April 2, 2015. Owners may contact Blue Bird customer service at 1‑478‑822‑2242. Blue Birds number for this recall is R15YC-SB.

Recall number 15V136000 · Recall details

What is wrong

Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Vision and All American school buses manufactured July 8, 2014, to September 22, 2014. These buses, equipped with hydraulic brakes, may have an incorrectly manufactured parking brake pedal assembly which could separate and bend causing the parking brake not to engage properly.

Risk

If the parking brake does not engage properly, the vehicle may unexpectedly move, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.

Remedy

Blue Bird will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the date code on the parking brake pedal assembly and will replace the assembly if it is within that date range, free of charge. The recall began on January 29, 2015. Owners may contact Blue Bird customer service at 1‑478‑822‑2242. Blue Bird's number for this recall is R14XR.

Recall number 14V798000 · Recall details

On March 17, 2023, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE23-004 to investigate instances of drag link separation in model year (MY) 2016-2020 Vision school buses manufactured by Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird). Since drag links are serviceable items that can wear out, ODI opened this investigation to understand why two drag links separated at the steering arm end shortly after having passed a routine inspection by multiple qualified entities.Two buses used in the same rural school district, owned and maintained by different bus contractors, had both undergone similar annual and semi-annual inspections prior to the start of the school year.Both failed within a week of each other, approximately a month into the school year. ODI interviewed the bus contractors and surveyed the industry to learn what inspection methods were being used and which ones were best at detecting wear in the components.ODI learned that the failed buses had not been inspected using the most thorough methods. ODI collected the drag links from each of the failed buses. Assisted by the Pennsylvania State Police Motor Carrier Enforcement Division and using best practice inspection methods, ODI identified and collected a pre-separation drag link from a neighboring school district. Â The drag links underwent a teardown inspection at the Vehicle Research and Test Center (VRTC) jointly with Blue Bird and THK-Rhythm Automotive, the drag link manufacturer.In all cases, the visual analysis of each drag link end revealed that the grease at the steering arm end was dirty, discolored, and dry in texture, while the pitman arm end was still clean looking and fluid. ODI reviewed the information request data submitted by Blue Bird.No other separations had been reported.ODI contacted additional fleets to determine whether any other separations had occurred that had not been included in the submitted warranty and claim data.None were found. The grease fitting on the steering arm end is obscured by the steering arm itself.Therefore it is believed that inadequate maintenance resulted in the failures that had not been detected during the less-thorough prior inspections.Blue Bird has agreed to issue a notification to all owners to clearly identify all lubrication points and ensure all owners understand the proper lubrication and inspection methods.Blue Bird will also update their service manuals to convey the industry best practices of having someone turn the steering wheel while someone else inspects the drag links while the wheels are on the ground. Since the drag link failures appear to be caused by maintenance and inspection deficiencies and not due to a design, material or manufacturing issue, this investigation is closed.The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by the federal safety agency that a safety-related defect does not exist. The Agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances.

PE23004