2013 Blue Bird VISION: complaints, problems and recalls

2012 & 2013 BLUE BIRD VISION. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO SCHOOL BUSES STRUCTURAL FAILURE. *SMD THE CONSUMER ENCLOSED PICTURES OF METAL CRACKING UNDER THE DASH SUPPORT AND CRACKING OF THE OUTER BODY.

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10551300 at NHTSA ↗

CRACKS IN STRUCTURE BEAM UNDER DASH ALSO CAUSING THE BODY OUTER SKIN TO CRACK ON A 2013 BLUE BIRD VISION

Owner-reported narrative. 19,256 miles reported. Look up ODI 10568434 at NHTSA ↗

Reported: 2012-05-15 (May 15, 2012)

BLUE BIRD CORPORATION (BLUE BIRD) IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 THROUGH 2013 ALL AMERICAN AND VISION SCHOOL BUSES MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 30, 2009, THROUGH APRIL 4, 2012 AND EQUIPPED WITH AIR BRAKES. THE PRIMARY AND SECONDARY AIR BRAKE LINES MAY HAVE BEEN CROSSED AT THE BRAKE TREADLE VALVE. INCORRECT INSTALLATION OF THE AIR BRAKE LINES AT THE AIR BRAKE TREADLE VALVE FAILS TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 121, "AIR BRAKE SYSTEMS."

Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A BRAKE SYSTEM PROBLEM, INCORRECT INSTALLATION OF THE AIR BRAKE LINES COULD RESULT IN A REDUCTION OR COMPLETE LOSS OF BRAKE ACTION, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: BLUE BIRD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE BUSES FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 23, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BLUE BIRD AT 1-478-822-2242.

Reported: 2012-05-15 (May 15, 2012)

BLUE BIRD CORPORATION (BLUE BIRD) IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 THROUGH 2013 ALL AMERICAN AND VISION NON SCHOOL BUSES MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 30, 2009, THROUGH APRIL 4, 2012 AND EQUIPPED WITH AIR BRAKES. THE PRIMARY AND SECONDARY AIR BRAKE LINES MAY HAVE BEEN CROSSED AT THE BRAKE TREADLE VALVE. INCORRECT INSTALLATION OF THE AIR BRAKE LINES AT THE AIR BRAKE TREADLE VALVE FAILS TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 121, "AIR BRAKE SYSTEMS."

Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A BRAKE SYSTEM PROBLEM, INCORRECT INSTALLATION OF THE AIR BRAKE LINES COULD RESULT IN A REDUCTION OR COMPLETE LOSS OF BRAKE ACTION, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: BLUE BIRD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE BUSES FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 23, , 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BLUE BIRD AT 1-478-822-2242.

Reported: 2012-06-08 (June 8, 2012)

BLUE BIRD CORPORATION (BLUE BIRD) IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 THROUGH 2013 ALL AMERICAN AND VISION SCHOOL BUSES MANUFACTURED FROM APRIL 7, 2011, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2012, EQUIPPED WITH SPECIALTY MANUFACTURING INC. (SMI) PROLO ROOF HATCHES. INCREASED FRICTION BETWEEN THE REAR PLATE ASSEMBLIES, P/NO. 009327, AND THE NYLON REAR POP-UP SUPPORT, P/NO. 008956, MAY RESULT IN AN OPENING FORCE OF THE PROLO ROOF HATCHES THAT EXCEEDS FEDERAL STANDARD REQUIREMENTS. THUS, THESE HATCHES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 217, "BUS EMERGENCY EXITS AND WINDOW RETENTION AND RELEASE."

Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY, EGRESS OF THE BUS MAY BE HINDERED POSSIBLY RESULTING IN INJURY TO THE VEHICLE OCCUPANTS.

Remedy: BLUE BIRD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS. SMI WILL PROVIDE SERVICE KITS ALONG WITH REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS TO DEALERS AND OWNERS, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 21, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BLUE BIRD AT 1-478-822-2242 OR SMI AT 1-800-951-7867.

Reported: 2012-07-24 (July 24, 2012)

Blue Bird is recalling certain model year 2013 Vision school buses manufactured from May 10, 2012, through June 7, 2012. The electronic module that activates the hydraulic brake pressure indicator light on the dash instrument panel when there is little, or no, pressure in the hydraulic brake system may have been omitted during manufacturing. Therefore, these buses fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 105, "Hydraulic and Electric Brake Systems," Section 5.3 "Brake System Indicator Lamps".

Consequence: In the event that a loss of pressure occurs in the hydraulic brake system and the brake pressure monitor does not activate, the operator of the bus may not be aware of the subsequent reduced braking capacity which could result in a vehicle crash with potential for personal injury and/or property damage.

Remedy: Blue Bird will notify owners, and dealers will repair the buses free of charge. The safety recall began on August 9, 2012. Owners may contact Blue Bird at 1-478-822-2242.

Reported: 2012-07-25 (July 25, 2012)

Blue Bird is recalling model year 2013 All American and Vision school buses manufactured from April 30, 2012, through June 23, 2012. Driver's seat belts may have been inadvertently installed with mismatched buckles which fails to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 209, "Seat Belt Assemblies." The latch plate (tongue) on one style buckle may mate up to another style buckle receiver, but the latch plate may not be properly engaged.

Consequence: Should this condition occur, the seat occupant may not be properly restrained and could be injured in an accident or sudden stop.

Remedy: Blue Bird will notify owners, and dealers will repair the buses free of charge. The safety recall began on August 23, 2012. Owners may contact Blue Bird at 1-478-822-2242.

Reported: 2012-07-25 (July 25, 2012)

Blue Bird is recalling model year 2013 All American and Vision non-school buses manufactured from April 30, 2012, through June 23, 2012. Driver's seat belts may have been inadvertently installed with mismatched buckles. The latch plate (tongue) on one style buckle may mate up to another style buckle receiver but the latch plate may not be properly engaged. Therefore, they fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 209, "Seat Belt Assemblies."

Consequence: Should this condition occur, the seat occupant may not be properly restrained and could be injured in an accident or sudden stop.

Remedy: Blue Bird will notify owners, and dealers will repair the buses free of charge. The safety recall began on August 23, 2012. Owners may contact Blue Bird at 1-478-822-2242.

Reported: 2012-11-15 (November 15, 2012)

Blue Bird is recalling certain model year 2013 and 2014 Vision school buses manufactured from January 10, 2012, through November 01, 2012, and equipped with Ford 6.8L propane 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.

Consequence: 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 will notify owners, and dealers will install a new, redesigned brake light switch mounting bracket along with a new brake light switch, free of charge. The safety recall began on December 5, 2012. Owners may contact Blue Bird at 1-478-822-2242.

Reported: 2012-12-13 (December 13, 2012)

Blue Bird is recalling certain 2013 model year Vision conventional school buses manufactured from August 27, 2012, to November 06, 2012. The castle nut that attaches the drag link to the steering arm may not have been torqued to the proper specifications.

Consequence: Improperly torqued drag link castle nuts could cause excessive movement at the drag link to steering arm connection which could lead to potential separation of the drag link from the steering arm and loss of steering control, which may increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Blue Bird will notify owners, and dealers will check the torque on the drag link castle nuts. Any vehicle where the castle nuts are found to be loose will also have its steering arm inspected for wear. The recall began on December 28, 2012. Owners may contact Blue Bird at 1-478-822-2242.

Reported: 2013-05-15 (May 15, 2013)

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

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

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

Reported: 2013-07-31 (July 31, 2013)

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."

Consequence: 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.

Reported: 2014-06-04 (June 4, 2014)

Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Vision school buses manufactured January 10, 2012, to April 24, 2013, and equipped with a Roush CleanTech LLC propane fuel system. Due to a reaction between the different metals, the affected vehicles may develop a propane leak where the aluminum fuel line fitting contacts the brass supply valve housing.

Consequence: A propane leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Blue Bird will notify owners, and dealers will replace the aluminum fuel line fitting with a new stainless steel fitting, free of charge. The recall began on July 3, 2014. Owners may contact Blue Bird customer service at 1-478-822-2242. Blue Bird's number for this recall is R14XD.

Reported: 2014-07-22 (July 22, 2014)

Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Vision school buses manufactured December 5, 2011, to July 2, 2014, and equipped with the optional Roush CleanTech propane fuel system. In the affected vehicles, the return fuel line may crack near the support bracket.

Consequence: A propane leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Blue Bird will notify owners, and dealers will replace the existing fuel return line with a new line and support clamps, free of charge. The recall began on September 29, 2014. Owners may contact Blue Bird customer service at 1-478-822-2242. Blue Bird's number for this recall is R14XJ.

Reported: 2014-07-22 (July 22, 2014)

Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Vision nonschool buses manufactured December 5, 2011, to July 2, 2014, and equipped with the optional Roush CleanTech propane fuel system. In the affected vehicles, the return fuel line may crack near the support bracket.

Consequence: A propane leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Blue Bird will notify owners, and dealers will replace the existing fuel return line with a new line and support clamps, free of charge. The recall began on September 29, 2014. Owners may contact Blue Bird customer service at 1-478-822-2242. Blue Bird's number for this recall is R14XJ.

Reported: 2014-08-19 (August 19, 2014)

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.

Consequence: 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.

Reported: 2014-08-19 (August 19, 2014)

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.

Consequence: 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.

Reported: 2015-03-10 (March 10, 2015)

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."

Consequence: 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.

Reported: 2015-11-04 (November 4, 2015)

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.

Consequence: 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.

Reported: 2015-11-04 (November 4, 2015)

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.

Consequence: 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.

Reported: 2018-12-12 (December 12, 2018)

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.

Consequence: 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.

Reported: 2019-11-06 (November 6, 2019)

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.

Consequence: 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.

Reported: 2019-11-06 (November 6, 2019)

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.

Consequence: 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.

Reported: 2020-03-03 (March 3, 2020)

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."

Consequence: 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.

Reported: 2020-04-27 (April 27, 2020)

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."

Consequence: 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.

Reported: 2020-04-27 (April 27, 2020)

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."

Consequence: 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.

Reported: 2022-10-04 (October 4, 2022)

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.

Consequence: 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.