2016 Blue Bird VISION: complaints, problems and recalls

FAILURE OF THE PROPORTIONING VALVE WHICH IS CAUSING PREMATURE BRAKE PAD WEAR ON THE REAR. THE VEHICLE HAS AIR DISC BRAKES. WE HAVE SEVERAL IN OUR FLEET THAT HAS THIS ISSUE. WE BROUGHT THE BUS IN FOR SERVICE AND UPON INSPECTING THE BRAKES WE DISCOVERED THE ISSUE. WE HAVE CONTACTED THE COMPANY WE PURCHASED THE BUSES FROM AND I WAS TOLD THEY KNEW THERE WAS AN ISSUE AND THEY HAD A FIX BUT IT WOULD COST US $250. MY QUESTION IS WHO APPROVED THE FIX AND WHERE CAN I FIND IT IN WRITING. THEY ARE NOT REPLACING THE VALVE, THEY ARE PUTTING ON A QUICK REL…

Owner-reported narrative. 30,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11110684 at NHTSA ↗

SCHOOL BUS DRIVER REPORTED AN OIL LEAK AT THE REAR OF THE LEFT SIDE VALVE COVER. I INSPECTED THE BUS AND SAW A LOT OF OIL ON THE FRAME AREA ON THE LEFT SIDE ENGINE AREA. CHECKED THE VALVE COVER BOLTS FOR TIGHTNESS AND FOUND THE BOLTS TO BE TIGHT. AT THE REAR OF THIS VALVE COVER THE AREA IS VERY TIGHT AND THERE ARE HOSES AND WIRES RAN BETWEEN THE VALVE COVER AND THE FIREWALL. I WAS ABLE TO PHYSICALLY MOVE THESE AND FEEL AROUND THE AREA AND DISCOVERED THAT A HOLE HAS BEEN RUBBED COMPLETELT THROUGH THE FIREWALL, THIS IS WHERE THE OIL IS COMING FR…

Owner-reported narrative. 120,186 miles reported. Look up ODI 11311782 at NHTSA ↗

Reported: 2014-12-17 (December 17, 2014)

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.

Consequence: 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.

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: 2015-03-27 (March 27, 2015)

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.

Consequence: 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.

Reported: 2015-03-27 (March 27, 2015)

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.

Consequence: 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.

Reported: 2015-05-12 (May 12, 2015)

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."

Consequence: 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.

Reported: 2015-09-23 (September 23, 2015)

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.

Consequence: 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.

Reported: 2015-10-23 (October 23, 2015)

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.

Consequence: 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.

Reported: 2015-10-23 (October 23, 2015)

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.

Consequence: 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.

Reported: 2016-01-08 (January 8, 2016)

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."

Consequence: 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.

Reported: 2016-06-06 (June 6, 2016)

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.

Consequence: 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.

Reported: 2016-07-19 (July 19, 2016)

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.

Consequence: 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.

Reported: 2016-07-19 (July 19, 2016)

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.

Consequence: 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.

Reported: 2017-02-15 (February 15, 2017)

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.

Consequence: 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.

Reported: 2017-02-15 (February 15, 2017)

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.

Consequence: 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.

Reported: 2017-03-23 (March 23, 2017)

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.

Consequence: 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).

Reported: 2017-08-17 (August 17, 2017)

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.

Consequence: 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.

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

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.

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-NSB.

Reported: 2019-02-11 (February 11, 2019)

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."

Consequence: 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.

Reported: 2019-05-24 (May 24, 2019)

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.

Consequence: 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.

Reported: 2019-05-24 (May 24, 2019)

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.

Consequence: 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.

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.