2009 Blue Bird Vision recalls and problems

The 2009 Blue Bird Vision has 28 recalls and 6 owner complaints on file with NHTSA; the most reported problem area is fuel system.

How the 2009 compares

Highest

Fewest complaintsMost complaints

Highest complaint count among 10 Vision model years — the most of any year.

28recalls

6complaints

0crashes

1fires

0injuries

8,350median miles

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not verified and not adjusted for sales. Ranking compares this model's own years only.

Does your car have an open recall?
Recalls apply to specific vehicles. Only a VIN lookup on NHTSA's official site shows whether yours is affected and still unrepaired.

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28 recalls

Parking Brake

Apr 27, 2020 · NHTSA campaign 20V235000 · 3 vehicles

Problem: 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 & notes

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.

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Parking Brake

Apr 27, 2020 · NHTSA campaign 20V234000 · 2,264 vehicles

Problem: 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 & notes

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.

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Seats

Mar 3, 2020 · NHTSA campaign 20V125000 · 2,790 vehicles

Problem: 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 & notes

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.

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Electrical System

Feb 23, 2016 · NHTSA campaign 16V101000 · 2 vehicles

Problem: Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain model year 2009 Vision transit buses manufactured from November 27, 2007, through February 18, 2008, and equipped with Caterpillar C707 engines. In the affected buses, the positive starter cable may be incorrectly attached to the same Power Distribution Unit (PDU) stud as the battery cable, exposing the smaller battery cable to a higher current draw during cranking.

Risk: Exposure to high current draw may cause the battery cable to overheat, melt the wire insulation and increase the risk of a short circuit and a fire.

Remedy & notes

Blue Bird will notify owners, and dealers will relocate the starter cable to the chassis power stud. Any damaged battery cables will be replaced. These repairs will be made free of charge. The recall began on March 10, 2016. Owners may contact Blue Bird customer service at 1-478-822-2242. Blue Bird's recall number for this campaign is R16YL-NSB.

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Electrical System

Feb 23, 2016 · NHTSA campaign 16V100000 · 733 vehicles

Problem: Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain model year 2008-2009 Vision school buses manufactured from May 10, 2007, through March 5, 2008 and equipped with Caterpillar C707 engines. In the affected buses, the positive starter cable may be incorrectly attached to the same Power Distribution Unit (PDU) stud as the battery cable, exposing the smaller battery cable to a higher current draw during cranking.

Risk: Exposure to high current draw may cause the battery cable to overheat, melt the wire insulation and increase the risk of a short circuit and a fire.

Remedy & notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Equipment

Nov 4, 2015 · NHTSA campaign 15V731000 · 90 vehicles

Problem: 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 & notes

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.

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Equipment

Nov 4, 2015 · NHTSA campaign 15V730000 · 5,114 vehicles

Problem: 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.

Remedy & notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Equipment

Aug 19, 2014 · NHTSA campaign 14V511000 · 90 vehicles

Problem: 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 & notes

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.

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Equipment

Aug 19, 2014 · NHTSA campaign 14V510000 · 5,114 vehicles

Problem: 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.

Remedy & notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Structure

Jul 31, 2013 · NHTSA campaign 13V332000 · 172 vehicles

Problem: 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 & notes

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.

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Equipment

Apr 5, 2012 · NHTSA campaign 12V153000 · 125 vehicles

Problem: 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.

Original NHTSA wording

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.

Risk: 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 wheelchairâs occupant could fall and sustain injury.

Original NHTSA wording

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 WHEELCHAIRÂS OCCUPANT COULD FALL AND SUSTAIN INJURY.

Remedy & notes

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.

Blue Bird's recall campaign number is R12TU.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> .

Seats

Oct 14, 2011 · NHTSA campaign 11V499000 · 54 vehicles

Problem: 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."

Original NHTSA wording

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.

Original NHTSA wording

THE SEAT OCCUPANTS MAY BE SERIOUSLY INJURED IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.

Remedy & notes

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.

Blue Bird's recall campaign number is R11TQ.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> .

Fuel System

Apr 22, 2011 · NHTSA campaign 11V247000 · 507 vehicles

Problem: 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.

Original NHTSA wording

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.

Risk: This condition could potentially result in a fuel leak and possibly result in a fire.

Original NHTSA wording

THIS CONDITION COULD POTENTIALLY RESULT IN A FUEL LEAK AND POSSIBLY RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy & notes

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.

Blue Bird's recall campaign number is R11TB.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> .

Electrical System

Mar 15, 2011 · NHTSA campaign 11V175000 · 61 vehicles

Problem: Blue Bird is recalling certain model year 2008 through 2010 vision non 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."

Original NHTSA wording

BLUE BIRD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008 THROUGH 2010 VISION NON 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."

Risk: 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.

Original NHTSA wording

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.

Remedy & notes

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.

Blue Bird's recall campaign number is R11SZ.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> .

Electrical System

Mar 15, 2011 · NHTSA campaign 11V174000 · 13,645 vehicles

Problem: 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."

Original NHTSA wording

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."

Original NHTSA wording

Remedy & notes

Engine

Jun 28, 2010 · NHTSA campaign 10V290000 · 103 vehicles

Problem: Blue Bird is recalling certain model year 2008 through 2010 all american, vision, and excel 102 model non school buses manufactured from May 17, 2007 through November 13, 2008, equipped with caterpillar C7 engines. The #5 and #6 fuel lines May crack at the fastening point to the common fuel rail and cause a fuel leak.

Original NHTSA wording

BLUE BIRD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008 THROUGH 2010 ALL AMERICAN, VISION, AND EXCEL 102 MODEL NON SCHOOL BUSES MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 17, 2007 THROUGH NOVEMBER 13, 2008, EQUIPPED WITH CATERPILLAR C7 ENGINES. THE #5 AND #6 FUEL LINES MAY CRACK AT THE FASTENING POINT TO THE COMMON FUEL RAIL AND CAUSE A FUEL LEAK.

Risk: A fuel leak, in the presence of an ignition source, can result in a vehicle fire.

Original NHTSA wording

A FUEL LEAK, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, CAN RESULT IN A VEHICLE FIRE.

Remedy & notes

Blue Bird is working with caterpillar to notify owners and repairs will be performed by authorized caterpillar dealers free of charge. The safety recall began on September 9, 2010. Owners May contact caterpillar toll-free at 1-800-447-4986 or Blue Bird at 1-478-822-2242.

Blue Bird's recall campaign number is R10RZ.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> .

Engine

Jun 28, 2010 · NHTSA campaign 10V289000 · 3,686 vehicles

Problem: Blue Bird is recalling certain model year 2008 through 2010 all american and vision model school buses manufactured from May 23, 2007 through March 9, 2010, equipped with caterpillar C7 engines. The #5 and #6 fuel lines May crack at the fastening point to the common fuel rail and cause a fuel leak.

Original NHTSA wording

BLUE BIRD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008 THROUGH 2010 ALL AMERICAN AND VISION MODEL SCHOOL BUSES MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 23, 2007 THROUGH MARCH 9, 2010, EQUIPPED WITH CATERPILLAR C7 ENGINES. THE #5 AND #6 FUEL LINES MAY CRACK AT THE FASTENING POINT TO THE COMMON FUEL RAIL AND CAUSE A FUEL LEAK.

Risk: A fuel leak, in the presence of an ignition source, can result in a vehicle fire.

Original NHTSA wording

A FUEL LEAK, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, CAN RESULT IN A VEHICLE FIRE.

Remedy & notes

Blue Bird is working with caterpiller to notify owners and repairs will be performed by authorized caterpillar dealers free of charge. Owners May contact caterpillar toll-free at 1-800-447-4986 or Blue Bird at 1-478-822-2242.

Electrical System

Apr 23, 2010 · NHTSA campaign 10V170000 · 195 vehicles

Problem: Blue Bird is recalling certain model year 2004 through 2009 vision non-school buses manufactured from September 19, 2003 through July 2, 2008. The power cables running to the power distribution unit stud and driver's control module stud May have been installed with the lug (eyelet) flat side up. When this condition exists, vibration May wear the insulation permitting direct contact between the bare lug and the pdu or dcm which could cause a direct short in the electrical system.

Original NHTSA wording

BLUE BIRD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004 THROUGH 2009 VISION NON-SCHOOL BUSES MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 19, 2003 THROUGH JULY 2, 2008. THE POWER CABLES RUNNING TO THE POWER DISTRIBUTION UNIT STUD AND DRIVER'S CONTROL MODULE STUD MAY HAVE BEEN INSTALLED WITH THE LUG (EYELET) FLAT SIDE UP. WHEN THIS CONDITION EXISTS, VIBRATION MAY WEAR THE INSULATION PERMITTING DIRECT CONTACT BETWEEN THE BARE LUG AND THE PDU OR DCM WHICH COULD CAUSE A DIRECT SHORT IN THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.

Risk: This condition could result in a fire.

Original NHTSA wording

THIS CONDITION COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy & notes

Blue Bird will notify owners and repair the buses as necessary free of charge. The safety recall began on May 26, 2020. Owners May contact Blue Bird at 1-478-822-2242.

Blue Bird's recall campaign number is R10RW. 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> .

Electrical System

Apr 23, 2010 · NHTSA campaign 10V169000 · 18,821 vehicles

Problem: Blue Bird is recalling certain model year 2004 through 2009 vision school buses manufactured from January 30, 2003 through September 24, 2008. The power cables running to the power distribution unit stud and driver's control module stud May have been installed with the lug (eyelet) flat side up. When this condition exists, vibration May wear the insulation permitting direct contact between the bare lug and the pdu or dcm which could cause a direct short in the electrical system.

Original NHTSA wording

BLUE BIRD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004 THROUGH 2009 VISION SCHOOL BUSES MANUFACTURED FROM JANUARY 30, 2003 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 24, 2008. THE POWER CABLES RUNNING TO THE POWER DISTRIBUTION UNIT STUD AND DRIVER'S CONTROL MODULE STUD MAY HAVE BEEN INSTALLED WITH THE LUG (EYELET) FLAT SIDE UP. WHEN THIS CONDITION EXISTS, VIBRATION MAY WEAR THE INSULATION PERMITTING DIRECT CONTACT BETWEEN THE BARE LUG AND THE PDU OR DCM WHICH COULD CAUSE A DIRECT SHORT IN THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.

Risk: This condition could result in a fire.

Original NHTSA wording

THIS CONDITION COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy & notes

Blue Bird will notify owners and repair the buses as necessary free of charge. The safety recall began May 26, 2020. Owners May contact Blue Bird at 1-478-822-2242.

Blue Bird's recall campaign number is R10RW.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> .

Unknown or other

Aug 25, 2009 · NHTSA campaign 09V335000 · 3,736 vehicles

Problem: Blue Bird is recalling certain model year 2008 and 2009 all american, vision, and micro bird school buses manufactured between April 18, 2008 and February 11, 2009, equipped with specialty manufacturing, INC. (smi) 000290 LED light kits. A change to the wire used in the LED light kits May reduce the effective life of the lights used on the stop arms. The lights May stop functioning without warning.

Original NHTSA wording

BLUE BIRD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008 AND 2009 ALL AMERICAN, VISION, AND MICRO BIRD SCHOOL BUSES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN APRIL 18, 2008 AND FEBRUARY 11, 2009, EQUIPPED WITH SPECIALTY MANUFACTURING, INC. (SMI) 000290 LED LIGHT KITS. A CHANGE TO THE WIRE USED IN THE LED LIGHT KITS MAY REDUCE THE EFFECTIVE LIFE OF THE LIGHTS USED ON THE STOP ARMS. THE LIGHTS MAY STOP FUNCTIONING WITHOUT WARNING.

Risk: Should the LED lights stop functioning, visibility of a stopped bus would be decreased, possibly endangering a child or pedestrian to injury by passing vehicles.

Original NHTSA wording

SHOULD THE LED LIGHTS STOP FUNCTIONING, VISIBILITY OF A STOPPED BUS WOULD BE DECREASED, POSSIBLY ENDANGERING A CHILD OR PEDESTRIAN TO INJURY BY PASSING VEHICLES.

Remedy & notes

Blue Bird will notify owners and the buses will be repaired free of charge. Repairs will be performed by smi. The safety recall began on September 24, 2009. Owners May contact smi warranty service at 1-800-951-7867 or Blue Bird at 1-478-822-2242.

Blue Bird's recall campaign number R09PS.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> .

Seats

Aug 13, 2009 · NHTSA campaign 09V328000 · 37,095 vehicles

Problem: 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."

Original NHTSA wording

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).

Original NHTSA wording

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

Remedy & notes

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.

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> .

Steering

Jul 23, 2009 · NHTSA campaign 09V284000 · 7,772 vehicles

Problem: Blue Bird is recalling 7,772 model year 2008 through 2010 vision school buses manufactured from March 27, 2007 through June 10, 2009. The lid gasket on the power steering reservoir May deteriorate and contaminate the power steering fluid which could result in a loss of power steering assist.

Original NHTSA wording

BLUE BIRD IS RECALLING 7,772 MODEL YEAR 2008 THROUGH 2010 VISION SCHOOL BUSES MANUFACTURED FROM MARCH 27, 2007 THROUGH JUNE 10, 2009. THE LID GASKET ON THE POWER STEERING RESERVOIR MAY DETERIORATE AND CONTAMINATE THE POWER STEERING FLUID WHICH COULD RESULT IN A LOSS OF POWER STEERING ASSIST.

Risk: Loss of power steering assist could result in a vehicle crash.

Original NHTSA wording

LOSS OF POWER STEERING ASSIST COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy & notes

Blue Bird will notify owners and repair the buses free of charge. The safety recall campaign began on August 11, 2009. Owners May contact Blue Bird at 1-478-822-2242.

Blue Bird recall campaign no. R09ph.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> .

Seats

Jul 6, 2009 · NHTSA campaign 09V251000 · 69 vehicles

Problem: Blue Bird is recalling 69 model year 2008 through 2010 micro bird and vision school buses manufactured from September 29, 2007 through May 2, 2009, equipped with optional 34 inch offset barrier. The offset leg of the barrier frame May have been located incorrectly and incorrect padding May have been installed on the 34 inch offset barriers which fails to comply with the leg protection zone requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 222, "school bus passenger seating and crash protection."

Original NHTSA wording

BLUE BIRD IS RECALLING 69 MODEL YEAR 2008 THROUGH 2010 MICRO BIRD AND VISION SCHOOL BUSES MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 29, 2007 THROUGH MAY 2, 2009, EQUIPPED WITH OPTIONAL 34 INCH OFFSET BARRIER. THE OFFSET LEG OF THE BARRIER FRAME MAY HAVE BEEN LOCATED INCORRECTLY AND INCORRECT PADDING MAY HAVE BEEN INSTALLED ON THE 34 INCH OFFSET BARRIERS WHICH FAILS TO COMPLY WITH THE LEG PROTECTION ZONE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 222, "SCHOOL BUS PASSENGER SEATING AND CRASH PROTECTION."

Risk: Vehicle occupants May suffer injuries in the event of a vehicle crash.

Original NHTSA wording

VEHICLE OCCUPANTS MAY SUFFER INJURIES IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy & notes

Blue Bird will notify owners and replace the barrier pads with a new designed pad free of charge. The safety recall began on August 12, 2009. Owners May contact Blue Bird at 1-478-822-2242.

Blue Bird's recall campaign no. R09pj.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> .

Steering

Jun 11, 2009 · NHTSA campaign 09V214000 · 377 vehicles

Problem: Blue Bird is recalling 377 model year 2009 and 2010 vision conventional school buses manufactured from May 13, 2008 through May 17, 2009, equipped with propane engines. The power steering return hose May leak and/or fail resulting in loss of hydraulic steering assist.

Original NHTSA wording

BLUE BIRD IS RECALLING 377 MODEL YEAR 2009 AND 2010 VISION CONVENTIONAL SCHOOL BUSES MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 13, 2008 THROUGH MAY 17, 2009, EQUIPPED WITH PROPANE ENGINES. THE POWER STEERING RETURN HOSE MAY LEAK AND/OR FAIL RESULTING IN LOSS OF HYDRAULIC STEERING ASSIST.

Risk: Loss of power steering assist could result in a vehicle crash.

Original NHTSA wording

LOSS OF POWER STEERING ASSIST COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy & notes

Blue Bird will notify owners and repair the buses free of charge. The safety recall began on July 30, 2009. Owners May contact Blue Bird at 1-478-422-2242.

Blue Bird's recall campaign no. R09pg.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> .

Engine

Mar 9, 2009 · NHTSA campaign 09V075000 · 3,419 vehicles

Problem: Blue Bird is recalling 3,419 my 2008 and 2009 vision conventional school buses manufactured from January 18, 2007 through October 29, 2008, equipped with caterpillar C7 and C7 07 engines. Incorrect bolts and/or spacers May have been installed to attach the fan blade to the fan clutch.

Original NHTSA wording

BLUE BIRD IS RECALLING 3,419 MY 2008 AND 2009 VISION CONVENTIONAL SCHOOL BUSES MANUFACTURED FROM JANUARY 18, 2007 THROUGH OCTOBER 29, 2008, EQUIPPED WITH CATERPILLAR C7 AND C7 07 ENGINES. INCORRECT BOLTS AND/OR SPACERS MAY HAVE BEEN INSTALLED TO ATTACH THE FAN BLADE TO THE FAN CLUTCH.

Risk: As a result, the fan blade May separate from the clutch and potentially cause property damage or personal injury to persons in or near the front of the bus. The vehicle should not be serviced with the hood open and the engine running until the bolts/spacers have been inspected and, if needed, replaced.

Original NHTSA wording

AS A RESULT, THE FAN BLADE MAY SEPARATE FROM THE CLUTCH AND POTENTIALLY CAUSE PROPERTY DAMAGE OR PERSONAL INJURY TO PERSONS IN OR NEAR THE FRONT OF THE BUS. THE VEHICLE SHOULD NOT BE SERVICED WITH THE HOOD OPEN AND THE ENGINE RUNNING UNTIL THE BOLTS/SPACERS HAVE BEEN INSPECTED AND, IF NEEDED, REPLACED.

Remedy & notes

Blue Bird will notify owners and dealers will repair the buses free of charge. The safety recall began on April 7, 2009. Owners May contact Blue Bird at 1-478-822-2242.

Blue Bird's recall number R09PD.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> .

Service Brakes

Jul 11, 2008 · NHTSA campaign 08V312000 · 5,422 vehicles

Problem: The hydraulic brake hoses from the master cylinder to the chassis frame May have been improperly routed or retained on certain 2004 through 2009 my Blue Bird vision conventional school and transit buses manufactured from January 11, 2004 through April 22, 2008.

Original NHTSA wording

THE HYDRAULIC BRAKE HOSES FROM THE MASTER CYLINDER TO THE CHASSIS FRAME MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY ROUTED OR RETAINED ON CERTAIN 2004 THROUGH 2009 MY BLUE BIRD VISION CONVENTIONAL SCHOOL AND TRANSIT BUSES MANUFACTURED FROM JANUARY 11, 2004 THROUGH APRIL 22, 2008.

Risk: Improper routing or retention of the hydraulic brake hoses May result in brake hoses chaffing against the bus body and/or chassis components which could cause a leak in the hydraulic brake system resulting in reduced braking capacity which could result in a crash.

Original NHTSA wording

IMPROPER ROUTING OR RETENTION OF THE HYDRAULIC BRAKE HOSES MAY RESULT IN BRAKE HOSES CHAFFING AGAINST THE BUS BODY AND/OR CHASSIS COMPONENTS WHICH COULD CAUSE A LEAK IN THE HYDRAULIC BRAKE SYSTEM RESULTING IN REDUCED BRAKING CAPACITY WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.

Remedy & notes

Blue Bird will notify owners and inspect and repair the buses free of charge. The recall began on August 8, 2008. Owners May contact Blue Bird at 1-478-822-2242.

Blue Bird recall no. R08nb.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

Jul 10, 2008 · NHTSA campaign 08V309000 · 1,824 vehicles

Problem: A plug on the outlet side of the fuel pump can crack on certain 2008 and 2009 my Blue Bird all american and vision school buses manufactured from May 23, 2007 through July 4, 2008, equipped with caterpillar C7 engines.

Original NHTSA wording

A PLUG ON THE OUTLET SIDE OF THE FUEL PUMP CAN CRACK ON CERTAIN 2008 AND 2009 MY BLUE BIRD ALL AMERICAN AND VISION SCHOOL BUSES MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 23, 2007 THROUGH JULY 4, 2008, EQUIPPED WITH CATERPILLAR C7 ENGINES.

Risk: A crack in this plug can result in a high pressure fuel spray or leak which, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.

Original NHTSA wording

A CRACK IN THIS PLUG CAN RESULT IN A HIGH PRESSURE FUEL SPRAY OR LEAK WHICH, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy & notes

Blue Bird is working in conjunction with caterpillar to notify owners to contact their local caterpillar dealer for a free remedy. The recall is expected to begin during July 2008. Owners can contact caterpillar at 1-800-447-4986 or Blue Bird at 1-478-822-2242.

Blue Bird's recall no. R08ng.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.

Structure

May 20, 2008 · NHTSA campaign 08V229000 · 23,464 vehicles

Problem: 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."

Original NHTSA wording

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.

Original NHTSA wording

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

Remedy & notes

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.

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.

Recall text as published by NHTSA and the manufacturer.

What owners complain about

Fuel System2

Engine1

Structure1

Vehicle Speed Control1

Visibility1

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA; one complaint can name several areas. Not verified by NHTSA.

Complaints by year filed

NHTSA investigations

Engine Compartment Fires

PE10018 · opened May 27, 2010 · closed Jul 9, 2010 · led to recall 10E025000

Summary

This investigation was opened after ODI became aware of four engine compartment fires allegedly related to fuel leakage from the engine's fuel injector system.ODI conducted field examinations and communicated the identified concerns to Blue Bird.ODI also had discussions with Caterpillar, the engine manufacturer.On June 28th, 2010, Blue Bird filed two safety defect reports with NHTSA to address fuel lines that may crack at the fastening point to the common fuel rail. Safety recall campaign 10V-289 involves 3,686 school buses and safety recall campaign 10V-290 involves 103 non-school bus vehicles. The subject vehicles were equipped with the Caterpillar C-7-07 engine and it was determined that clamping of the #5 fuel line to the #6 fuel line and assembly stresses caused the #6 fuel line to fail. The remedy consist of replacing the #5 and #6 fuel lines and adding a new clamp to # 5 fuel line. Simultaneously with Blue Bird's decision to conduct the above recalls, Caterpillar Inc. filed a safety recall (10E-025) with NHTSA to perform the same remedy on 5,920 C7 series engines.Blue Bird engines are included in the Caterpillar recall.These recalls resolve the issues raised by this investigation. Therefore, this investigation is closed.

SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER ASSIST STEERING

PE09029 · opened Jun 5, 2009 · closed Aug 28, 2009 · led to recall 09V284000

Summary

THIS INVESTIGATION WAS OPENED AFTER ODI RECEIVED SIX FLEET COMPLAINTS (19 BUSES TOTAL) ALLEGING REPEATED ISSUES OF THE POWER STEERING RESERVOIR GASKET FAILING.IT WAS ALLEGED THAT THE DEGRADED GASKET FELL INTO THE POWER STEERING PUMP, RESULTING IN AN INCREASEDSTEERING EFFORT.ODI IS AWARE OF TWO BUSES THAT, WITHOUT WARNING, LOST POWER ASSIST STEERING DURING NORMAL DRIVING OPERATIONS. REPORTEDLY, THE POWER STEERING GASKETS WERE MANUFACTURED WITH INCORRECT MATERIAL SUBSTITUTED BY ONE OF THE GASKET MATERIAL SUPPLIERS. AFTER ANEVALUATION INTO THIS ISSUE, BLUE BIRD AUTHORIZED A SAFETY RECALL. THE ORIGINAL POWER STEERING LID GASKET WILL BE REPLACED WITH NEW GASKET MATERIAL.THE ACTION TAKEN BY BLUE BIRD RESOLVES THE ISSUES RAISED BY THIS INVESTIGATION.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.

COOLING FAN SEPARATION

PE09007 · opened Feb 12, 2009 · closed Apr 9, 2009 · led to recall 09V075000

Summary

A BLUE BIRD CORPORATION SERVICE BULLETIN DATED DECEMBER 18, 2008, WARNS OWNERS THAT THE RADIATOR COOLING FAN ASSEMBLY MAY HAVE BEEN INSTALLED USINGINCORRECTLY SIZED BOLTS AND SPACERS ONMODEL YEARS 2008 AND 2009 VISION SCHOOL BUSES. THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT THE FAN BLADE MAY SEPARATE FROM THE CLUTCH MOUNTING POSITION. AFTER FURTHER REVIEW, ON MARCH 3, 2009, BLUE BIRD FILED A SAFETY RECALL TO INSPECT ALL INVOLVED BUSES. BLUE BIRD WILL REPLACED THE EXISTING SPACERS AND BOLTS IF FOUND TO BE THE INCORRECT HARDWARE.THIS RECALL ACTION RESOLVES THE ISSUES RAISED BY THIS INVESTIGATION. ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.

HYDRAULIC BRAKE HOSE CHAFING/LEAKING

PE08038 · opened Jun 4, 2008 · closed Aug 4, 2008 · led to recall 08V312000

Summary

IN APRIL, 2008, ODI RECEIVED A LETTER FROM THE MISSOURI STATE HIGHWAY PATROL ALLEGING THAT THEIR FIELD INSPECTORSWEREFINDING HYDRAULIC BRAKE HOSES THAT WEREBEING CUT OR CRUSHED BY THE SHARP EDGES OF THE BUS BODY AT THE FIREWALL.THEY ALSO SUPPLIED INFORMATION ON ONE BUS THAT EXPERIENCED TOTAL BRAKE LOSS DUE TO THE BRAKE HOSE BEING CUT. FURTHER FIELD WORK BY ODI INCREASED THENUMBER OF COMPLAINTS TO A TOTAL OF SEVEN.AFTER DISCUSSIONS WITH ODI AND FURTHER REVIEW OF FIELD INCIDENTS, BLUE BIRD HAS DECIDED TO INITIATE A SAFETY RECALL TO INSPECT, REPLACE AND OR REPOSITION THE BRAKE HOSES OF CONCERN. THIS RECALL ACTION RESOLVES THE ISSUES RAISED BY THIS INVESTIGATION. ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.

2009 vs. other Blue Bird Vision years

Owner complaints by model year; the darker bar is the 2009. Click a bar to switch year.

Questions

Does the 2009 Blue Bird Vision have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 28 recall campaigns covering the 2009 Blue Bird Vision, the latest from Apr 27, 2020 (parking brake). A recall applies to specific vehicles: enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours is affected and still open.

What are the most common problems with the 2009 Blue Bird Vision?

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA most often mention fuel system (2), engine (1), structure (1). Complaints are consumer reports and are not verified by NHTSA.