Home > Blue Bird

2007 Blue Bird Conventional

Component

Equipment Adaptive

Consequence of Defect

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

Corrective Action

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

Recall Notes

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

2006 Blue Bird Conventional

Component

Equipment Adaptive

Consequence of Defect

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

Corrective Action

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

Recall Notes

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

2006 Blue Bird Conventional

Component

Engine And Engine Cooling

Consequence of Defect

certain 2002-2006 my blue bird all american school and transit buses, conventional school buses, and commercial series transit buses manufactured between december 21, 2002, and february 24, 2005. these buses are equipped with webasto coolant heaters, model dbw 2010, assembled with webasto burner tubes, p/n 303046/26533a manufactured between november 2002 and february 2005. the stainless steel burner tube is made out of a material that is not to specification and could fail prematurely.

Corrective Action

should the burner tube fail, the coolant heater could overheat, possibly resulting in a fire.

Recall Notes

blue bird will notify its customers and replace the burner tubes free of charge. the recall began on march 31, 2005. owners may contact blue bird at 478-822-2242.

2006 Blue Bird Conventional

Component

Other:School Bus Stop Arm Assembly

Consequence of Defect

this is not a safety recall in accordance with the safety act. however, it is deemed a safety improvement campaign by the agency. certain blue bird 2002 through 2006 my all american, conventional, minibird, microbird, vision, and tc2000 school buses originally sold in or currently registered in states other than the following states: alaska, colorado, connecticut, delaware, idaho, illinois, indiana, iowa, kansas, kentucky, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, missouri, montana, nebraska, nevada, new hampshire, new jersey, new mexico, new york, north dakota, ohio, oregon, pennsylvania, rhode island, south dakota, tennessee, utah, vermont, virginia, washington, west virginia, wisconsin, wyoming, and the district of columbia. in extremely cold weather, the microswitches used internally to position the sign in the open and closed positions may malfunction, causing the sign to open or close in an improper position, or to not open at all.

Corrective Action

should the stop arm not perform properly, a child or pedestrian may be endangered by passing motorists should the motorist not stop at the correct location.

Recall Notes

blue bird will notify all its customers of this campaign. for those buses operated in or near any of the states listed above, blue bird is encouraging the bus owners to obtain the replacement switch. for those buses operated in the warmer states, blue bird will replace the switch upon owner request. for those customers who request the remedy, blue bird will replace the original switch with a switch pack that is not sensitive to extreme cold weather and will inspect to ensure the microswitch heater wiring is properly connected. the safety improvement campaign began on august 12, 2005. owners may contact blue bird at 478-822-2242.

2006 Blue Bird Conventional

Component

Other:School Bus Stop Arm Assembly

Consequence of Defect

certain school buses originally sold in or currently registered in the following states: alaska, colorado, connecticut, delaware, idaho, illinois, indiana, iowa, kansas, kentucky, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, missouri, montana, nebraska, nevada, new hampshire, new jersey, new mexico, new york, north dakota, ohio, oregon, pennsylvania, rhode island, south dakota, tennessee, utah, vermont, virginia, washington, west virginia, wisconsin, wyoming, and the district of columbia. in extremely cold weather, the microswitches used internally to position the stop arm sign in the open and closed positions may malfunction, causing the sign to open or close in an improper position, or to not open at all.

Corrective Action

should the stop arm not perform properly, a child or pedestrian may be endangered by passing vehicles should the motorist not stop at the correct location.

Recall Notes

blue bird will notify its customers and replace the original switch with a switch pack that is not sensitive to extreme cold weather and will inspect to ensure the microswitch heater wiring is properly connected free of charge. the recall began on august 12, 2005. owners may contact blue bird at 478-822-2242.

2005 Blue Bird Conventional

Component

Engine And Engine Cooling

Consequence of Defect

certain 2002-2006 my blue bird all american school and transit buses, conventional school buses, and commercial series transit buses manufactured between december 21, 2002, and february 24, 2005. these buses are equipped with webasto coolant heaters, model dbw 2010, assembled with webasto burner tubes, p/n 303046/26533a manufactured between november 2002 and february 2005. the stainless steel burner tube is made out of a material that is not to specification and could fail prematurely.

Corrective Action

should the burner tube fail, the coolant heater could overheat, possibly resulting in a fire.

Recall Notes

blue bird will notify its customers and replace the burner tubes free of charge. the recall began on march 31, 2005. owners may contact blue bird at 478-822-2242.

2005 Blue Bird Conventional

Component

Other:School Bus Stop Arm Assembly

Consequence of Defect

this is not a safety recall in accordance with the safety act. however, it is deemed a safety improvement campaign by the agency. certain blue bird 2002 through 2006 my all american, conventional, minibird, microbird, vision, and tc2000 school buses originally sold in or currently registered in states other than the following states: alaska, colorado, connecticut, delaware, idaho, illinois, indiana, iowa, kansas, kentucky, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, missouri, montana, nebraska, nevada, new hampshire, new jersey, new mexico, new york, north dakota, ohio, oregon, pennsylvania, rhode island, south dakota, tennessee, utah, vermont, virginia, washington, west virginia, wisconsin, wyoming, and the district of columbia. in extremely cold weather, the microswitches used internally to position the sign in the open and closed positions may malfunction, causing the sign to open or close in an improper position, or to not open at all.

Corrective Action

should the stop arm not perform properly, a child or pedestrian may be endangered by passing motorists should the motorist not stop at the correct location.

Recall Notes

blue bird will notify all its customers of this campaign. for those buses operated in or near any of the states listed above, blue bird is encouraging the bus owners to obtain the replacement switch. for those buses operated in the warmer states, blue bird will replace the switch upon owner request. for those customers who request the remedy, blue bird will replace the original switch with a switch pack that is not sensitive to extreme cold weather and will inspect to ensure the microswitch heater wiring is properly connected. the safety improvement campaign began on august 12, 2005. owners may contact blue bird at 478-822-2242.

2005 Blue Bird Conventional

Component

Tires:Markings

Consequence of Defect

certain my 2003 thru 2005 blue bird micro bird and conventional school buses. these buses do not have the tire load range on both the tire information label and certification decal as required by federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 120, tire selection and rims for motor vehicles other than passenger cars.

Corrective Action

omission of the tire load range may lead to the installation of tires with load ranges not appropriate for vehicle use. a failure occurring in tires due to inappropriate load range may result in loss of control of the vehicle and a crash can occur.

Recall Notes

blue bird will mail to final stage manufacturers, certification decals with the tire load rating indicated to its customers. the recall began on may 6, 2005. owners may contact blue bird at 478-822-2242.

2005 Blue Bird Conventional

Component

Other:School Bus Stop Arm Assembly

Consequence of Defect

certain school buses originally sold in or currently registered in the following states: alaska, colorado, connecticut, delaware, idaho, illinois, indiana, iowa, kansas, kentucky, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, missouri, montana, nebraska, nevada, new hampshire, new jersey, new mexico, new york, north dakota, ohio, oregon, pennsylvania, rhode island, south dakota, tennessee, utah, vermont, virginia, washington, west virginia, wisconsin, wyoming, and the district of columbia. in extremely cold weather, the microswitches used internally to position the stop arm sign in the open and closed positions may malfunction, causing the sign to open or close in an improper position, or to not open at all.

Corrective Action

should the stop arm not perform properly, a child or pedestrian may be endangered by passing vehicles should the motorist not stop at the correct location.

Recall Notes

blue bird will notify its customers and replace the original switch with a switch pack that is not sensitive to extreme cold weather and will inspect to ensure the microswitch heater wiring is properly connected free of charge. the recall began on august 12, 2005. owners may contact blue bird at 478-822-2242.

2004 Blue Bird Conventional

Component

Seats

Consequence of Defect

on certain school buses equipped with optional seat belts or seat belt øreadyø seats, some belts were installed with only two bolts rather than the required three (3) bolts.

Corrective Action

these seats could detach from the wall side attachment points in the event of a vehicle crash, increasing the risk of injury to the seat occupant.

Recall Notes

blue bird will furnish to distributors and owners, parts and instructions necessary to install the missing bolt free of charge. owner notification is expected to on november 3, 2003. owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact blue bird at 478-822-2242.

2004 Blue Bird Conventional

Component

Engine And Engine Cooling

Consequence of Defect

certain 2002-2006 my blue bird all american school and transit buses, conventional school buses, and commercial series transit buses manufactured between december 21, 2002, and february 24, 2005. these buses are equipped with webasto coolant heaters, model dbw 2010, assembled with webasto burner tubes, p/n 303046/26533a manufactured between november 2002 and february 2005. the stainless steel burner tube is made out of a material that is not to specification and could fail prematurely.

Corrective Action

should the burner tube fail, the coolant heater could overheat, possibly resulting in a fire.

Recall Notes

blue bird will notify its customers and replace the burner tubes free of charge. the recall began on march 31, 2005. owners may contact blue bird at 478-822-2242.

2004 Blue Bird Conventional

Component

Other:School Bus Stop Arm Assembly

Consequence of Defect

this is not a safety recall in accordance with the safety act. however, it is deemed a safety improvement campaign by the agency. certain blue bird 2002 through 2006 my all american, conventional, minibird, microbird, vision, and tc2000 school buses originally sold in or currently registered in states other than the following states: alaska, colorado, connecticut, delaware, idaho, illinois, indiana, iowa, kansas, kentucky, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, missouri, montana, nebraska, nevada, new hampshire, new jersey, new mexico, new york, north dakota, ohio, oregon, pennsylvania, rhode island, south dakota, tennessee, utah, vermont, virginia, washington, west virginia, wisconsin, wyoming, and the district of columbia. in extremely cold weather, the microswitches used internally to position the sign in the open and closed positions may malfunction, causing the sign to open or close in an improper position, or to not open at all.

Corrective Action

should the stop arm not perform properly, a child or pedestrian may be endangered by passing motorists should the motorist not stop at the correct location.

Recall Notes

blue bird will notify all its customers of this campaign. for those buses operated in or near any of the states listed above, blue bird is encouraging the bus owners to obtain the replacement switch. for those buses operated in the warmer states, blue bird will replace the switch upon owner request. for those customers who request the remedy, blue bird will replace the original switch with a switch pack that is not sensitive to extreme cold weather and will inspect to ensure the microswitch heater wiring is properly connected. the safety improvement campaign began on august 12, 2005. owners may contact blue bird at 478-822-2242.

2004 Blue Bird Conventional

Component

Tires:Markings

Consequence of Defect

certain my 2003 thru 2005 blue bird micro bird and conventional school buses. these buses do not have the tire load range on both the tire information label and certification decal as required by federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 120, tire selection and rims for motor vehicles other than passenger cars.

Corrective Action

omission of the tire load range may lead to the installation of tires with load ranges not appropriate for vehicle use. a failure occurring in tires due to inappropriate load range may result in loss of control of the vehicle and a crash can occur.

Recall Notes

blue bird will mail to final stage manufacturers, certification decals with the tire load rating indicated to its customers. the recall began on may 6, 2005. owners may contact blue bird at 478-822-2242.

2004 Blue Bird Conventional

Component

Other:School Bus Stop Arm Assembly

Consequence of Defect

certain school buses originally sold in or currently registered in the following states: alaska, colorado, connecticut, delaware, idaho, illinois, indiana, iowa, kansas, kentucky, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, missouri, montana, nebraska, nevada, new hampshire, new jersey, new mexico, new york, north dakota, ohio, oregon, pennsylvania, rhode island, south dakota, tennessee, utah, vermont, virginia, washington, west virginia, wisconsin, wyoming, and the district of columbia. in extremely cold weather, the microswitches used internally to position the stop arm sign in the open and closed positions may malfunction, causing the sign to open or close in an improper position, or to not open at all.

Corrective Action

should the stop arm not perform properly, a child or pedestrian may be endangered by passing vehicles should the motorist not stop at the correct location.

Recall Notes

blue bird will notify its customers and replace the original switch with a switch pack that is not sensitive to extreme cold weather and will inspect to ensure the microswitch heater wiring is properly connected free of charge. the recall began on august 12, 2005. owners may contact blue bird at 478-822-2242.

2004 Blue Bird Conventional

Component

Equipment Adaptive

Consequence of Defect

certain blue bird 1999-2005 all american, tc/2000, micro bird, vision, conventional, and commercial series school buses equipped with sure-loc wheelchair securement systems and manufactured between february 17, 1999, and august 13, 2004. certain sure-lok wheelchair tie-down securement assemblies p/n 8625-13. the sprocket teeth of the retractor assembly may be out of alignment causing the load pawl not to fully seat in the sprocket teeth.

Corrective Action

in the event of a vehicle crash, the wheelchair may not be adequately secured possibly resulting in injuries.

Recall Notes

blue bird will notify its customers and replace the defective part free of charge. the recall began september 21, 2004. owners who take their buses to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact at blue bird at 478-822-2242.

2003 Blue Bird Conventional

Component

Seats

Consequence of Defect

on certain school buses equipped with optional seat belts or seat belt øreadyø seats, some belts were installed with only two bolts rather than the required three (3) bolts.

Corrective Action

these seats could detach from the wall side attachment points in the event of a vehicle crash, increasing the risk of injury to the seat occupant.

Recall Notes

blue bird will furnish to distributors and owners, parts and instructions necessary to install the missing bolt free of charge. owner notification is expected to on november 3, 2003. owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact blue bird at 478-822-2242.

2003 Blue Bird Conventional

Component

Engine And Engine Cooling

Consequence of Defect

certain 2002-2006 my blue bird all american school and transit buses, conventional school buses, and commercial series transit buses manufactured between december 21, 2002, and february 24, 2005. these buses are equipped with webasto coolant heaters, model dbw 2010, assembled with webasto burner tubes, p/n 303046/26533a manufactured between november 2002 and february 2005. the stainless steel burner tube is made out of a material that is not to specification and could fail prematurely.

Corrective Action

should the burner tube fail, the coolant heater could overheat, possibly resulting in a fire.

Recall Notes

blue bird will notify its customers and replace the burner tubes free of charge. the recall began on march 31, 2005. owners may contact blue bird at 478-822-2242.

2003 Blue Bird Conventional

Component

Other:School Bus Stop Arm Assembly

Consequence of Defect

this is not a safety recall in accordance with the safety act. however, it is deemed a safety improvement campaign by the agency. certain blue bird 2002 through 2006 my all american, conventional, minibird, microbird, vision, and tc2000 school buses originally sold in or currently registered in states other than the following states: alaska, colorado, connecticut, delaware, idaho, illinois, indiana, iowa, kansas, kentucky, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, missouri, montana, nebraska, nevada, new hampshire, new jersey, new mexico, new york, north dakota, ohio, oregon, pennsylvania, rhode island, south dakota, tennessee, utah, vermont, virginia, washington, west virginia, wisconsin, wyoming, and the district of columbia. in extremely cold weather, the microswitches used internally to position the sign in the open and closed positions may malfunction, causing the sign to open or close in an improper position, or to not open at all.

Corrective Action

should the stop arm not perform properly, a child or pedestrian may be endangered by passing motorists should the motorist not stop at the correct location.

Recall Notes

blue bird will notify all its customers of this campaign. for those buses operated in or near any of the states listed above, blue bird is encouraging the bus owners to obtain the replacement switch. for those buses operated in the warmer states, blue bird will replace the switch upon owner request. for those customers who request the remedy, blue bird will replace the original switch with a switch pack that is not sensitive to extreme cold weather and will inspect to ensure the microswitch heater wiring is properly connected. the safety improvement campaign began on august 12, 2005. owners may contact blue bird at 478-822-2242.

2003 Blue Bird Conventional

Component

Tires:Markings

Consequence of Defect

certain my 2003 thru 2005 blue bird micro bird and conventional school buses. these buses do not have the tire load range on both the tire information label and certification decal as required by federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 120, tire selection and rims for motor vehicles other than passenger cars.

Corrective Action

omission of the tire load range may lead to the installation of tires with load ranges not appropriate for vehicle use. a failure occurring in tires due to inappropriate load range may result in loss of control of the vehicle and a crash can occur.

Recall Notes

blue bird will mail to final stage manufacturers, certification decals with the tire load rating indicated to its customers. the recall began on may 6, 2005. owners may contact blue bird at 478-822-2242.

2003 Blue Bird Conventional

Component

Other:School Bus Stop Arm Assembly

Consequence of Defect

certain school buses originally sold in or currently registered in the following states: alaska, colorado, connecticut, delaware, idaho, illinois, indiana, iowa, kansas, kentucky, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, missouri, montana, nebraska, nevada, new hampshire, new jersey, new mexico, new york, north dakota, ohio, oregon, pennsylvania, rhode island, south dakota, tennessee, utah, vermont, virginia, washington, west virginia, wisconsin, wyoming, and the district of columbia. in extremely cold weather, the microswitches used internally to position the stop arm sign in the open and closed positions may malfunction, causing the sign to open or close in an improper position, or to not open at all.

Corrective Action

should the stop arm not perform properly, a child or pedestrian may be endangered by passing vehicles should the motorist not stop at the correct location.

Recall Notes

blue bird will notify its customers and replace the original switch with a switch pack that is not sensitive to extreme cold weather and will inspect to ensure the microswitch heater wiring is properly connected free of charge. the recall began on august 12, 2005. owners may contact blue bird at 478-822-2242.

2003 Blue Bird Conventional

Component

Equipment Adaptive

Consequence of Defect

certain blue bird 1999-2005 all american, tc/2000, micro bird, vision, conventional, and commercial series school buses equipped with sure-loc wheelchair securement systems and manufactured between february 17, 1999, and august 13, 2004. certain sure-lok wheelchair tie-down securement assemblies p/n 8625-13. the sprocket teeth of the retractor assembly may be out of alignment causing the load pawl not to fully seat in the sprocket teeth.

Corrective Action

in the event of a vehicle crash, the wheelchair may not be adequately secured possibly resulting in injuries.

Recall Notes

blue bird will notify its customers and replace the defective part free of charge. the recall began september 21, 2004. owners who take their buses to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact at blue bird at 478-822-2242.

2002 Blue Bird Conventional

Component

Seats

Consequence of Defect

on certain school buses equipped with optional seat belts or seat belt øreadyø seats, some belts were installed with only two bolts rather than the required three (3) bolts.

Corrective Action

these seats could detach from the wall side attachment points in the event of a vehicle crash, increasing the risk of injury to the seat occupant.

Recall Notes

blue bird will furnish to distributors and owners, parts and instructions necessary to install the missing bolt free of charge. owner notification is expected to on november 3, 2003. owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact blue bird at 478-822-2242.

2002 Blue Bird Conventional

Component

Seats

Consequence of Defect

certain school buses equipped with optional high back seats with 9" split sash, pushout windows fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 217, "bus emergency exits and window retention and release." the affected units have seats located incorrectly with respect to the pushout window openings.

Corrective Action

in the event of an emergency, an occupant may not be able to properly exit the vehicle.

Recall Notes

dealers will relocate the seats and pushout windows. owner notification began july 24, 2002. owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact blue bird at 1-478-825-2021.

2002 Blue Bird Conventional

Component

Other:School Bus Stop Arm Assembly

Consequence of Defect

this is not a safety recall in accordance with the safety act. however, it is deemed a safety improvement campaign by the agency. certain blue bird 2002 through 2006 my all american, conventional, minibird, microbird, vision, and tc2000 school buses originally sold in or currently registered in states other than the following states: alaska, colorado, connecticut, delaware, idaho, illinois, indiana, iowa, kansas, kentucky, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, missouri, montana, nebraska, nevada, new hampshire, new jersey, new mexico, new york, north dakota, ohio, oregon, pennsylvania, rhode island, south dakota, tennessee, utah, vermont, virginia, washington, west virginia, wisconsin, wyoming, and the district of columbia. in extremely cold weather, the microswitches used internally to position the sign in the open and closed positions may malfunction, causing the sign to open or close in an improper position, or to not open at all.

Corrective Action

should the stop arm not perform properly, a child or pedestrian may be endangered by passing motorists should the motorist not stop at the correct location.

Recall Notes

blue bird will notify all its customers of this campaign. for those buses operated in or near any of the states listed above, blue bird is encouraging the bus owners to obtain the replacement switch. for those buses operated in the warmer states, blue bird will replace the switch upon owner request. for those customers who request the remedy, blue bird will replace the original switch with a switch pack that is not sensitive to extreme cold weather and will inspect to ensure the microswitch heater wiring is properly connected. the safety improvement campaign began on august 12, 2005. owners may contact blue bird at 478-822-2242.

2002 Blue Bird Conventional

Component

Seat Belts:Front:Retractor

Consequence of Defect

on certain school and transit buses equipped with passenger seat belts with retractors, the cover halves for the retractable portion of the belt can separate completely and release the seat belt connector. if this occurs, one of the load bearing pins in the connector could separate from the connector and render the seat belt unusable. in the event of a crash, the seat occupant would not be properly restrained resulting in an injury. the seat belt supplier, am-safe, will provide a snap on "over-cover" to owners to prevent the seat belt cover from separating.

Corrective Action

if this occurs, one of the load bearing pins in the connector could separate from the connector and render the seat belt unusable. in the event of a crash, the seat occupant would not be properly restrained resulting in an injury.

Recall Notes

owners will be provided a snap-on "over-cover" to prevent the seat belt cover from separating. owner notification is expected to begin on or about september 27, 2002. owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact blue bird at 1-478-822-2242.

2002 Blue Bird Conventional

Component

Other:School Bus Stop Arm Assembly

Consequence of Defect

certain school buses originally sold in or currently registered in the following states: alaska, colorado, connecticut, delaware, idaho, illinois, indiana, iowa, kansas, kentucky, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, missouri, montana, nebraska, nevada, new hampshire, new jersey, new mexico, new york, north dakota, ohio, oregon, pennsylvania, rhode island, south dakota, tennessee, utah, vermont, virginia, washington, west virginia, wisconsin, wyoming, and the district of columbia. in extremely cold weather, the microswitches used internally to position the stop arm sign in the open and closed positions may malfunction, causing the sign to open or close in an improper position, or to not open at all.

Corrective Action

should the stop arm not perform properly, a child or pedestrian may be endangered by passing vehicles should the motorist not stop at the correct location.

Recall Notes

blue bird will notify its customers and replace the original switch with a switch pack that is not sensitive to extreme cold weather and will inspect to ensure the microswitch heater wiring is properly connected free of charge. the recall began on august 12, 2005. owners may contact blue bird at 478-822-2242.

2002 Blue Bird Conventional

Component

Equipment Adaptive

Consequence of Defect

certain blue bird 1999-2005 all american, tc/2000, micro bird, vision, conventional, and commercial series school buses equipped with sure-loc wheelchair securement systems and manufactured between february 17, 1999, and august 13, 2004. certain sure-lok wheelchair tie-down securement assemblies p/n 8625-13. the sprocket teeth of the retractor assembly may be out of alignment causing the load pawl not to fully seat in the sprocket teeth.

Corrective Action

in the event of a vehicle crash, the wheelchair may not be adequately secured possibly resulting in injuries.

Recall Notes

blue bird will notify its customers and replace the defective part free of charge. the recall began september 21, 2004. owners who take their buses to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact at blue bird at 478-822-2242.

2001 Blue Bird Conventional

Component

Seats

Consequence of Defect

on certain school buses equipped with optional seat belts or seat belt øreadyø seats, some belts were installed with only two bolts rather than the required three (3) bolts.

Corrective Action

these seats could detach from the wall side attachment points in the event of a vehicle crash, increasing the risk of injury to the seat occupant.

Recall Notes

blue bird will furnish to distributors and owners, parts and instructions necessary to install the missing bolt free of charge. owner notification is expected to on november 3, 2003. owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact blue bird at 478-822-2242.

2001 Blue Bird Conventional

Component

Seat Belts:Front:Anchorage

Consequence of Defect

vehicle description: school buses equipped with option 2836-02 driver's seat belts. the seat belts are too long preventing the belt from retracting properly and fitting the occupant as designed.

Corrective Action

in the event of a crash, the driver may not be properly restrained increasing the risk of injury.

Recall Notes

the belts will be replaced with belts of proper shoulder harness length. owner notification began november 15, 2001. owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact blue bird at 1-478-822-2242.

2001 Blue Bird Conventional

Component

Seats

Consequence of Defect

certain school buses equipped with optional high back seats with 9" split sash, pushout windows fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 217, "bus emergency exits and window retention and release." the affected units have seats located incorrectly with respect to the pushout window openings.

Corrective Action

in the event of an emergency, an occupant may not be able to properly exit the vehicle.

Recall Notes

dealers will relocate the seats and pushout windows. owner notification began july 24, 2002. owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact blue bird at 1-478-825-2021.

2001 Blue Bird Conventional

Component

Seat Belts:Front:Retractor

Consequence of Defect

on certain school and transit buses equipped with passenger seat belts with retractors, the cover halves for the retractable portion of the belt can separate completely and release the seat belt connector. if this occurs, one of the load bearing pins in the connector could separate from the connector and render the seat belt unusable. in the event of a crash, the seat occupant would not be properly restrained resulting in an injury. the seat belt supplier, am-safe, will provide a snap on "over-cover" to owners to prevent the seat belt cover from separating.

Corrective Action

if this occurs, one of the load bearing pins in the connector could separate from the connector and render the seat belt unusable. in the event of a crash, the seat occupant would not be properly restrained resulting in an injury.

Recall Notes

owners will be provided a snap-on "over-cover" to prevent the seat belt cover from separating. owner notification is expected to begin on or about september 27, 2002. owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact blue bird at 1-478-822-2242.

2001 Blue Bird Conventional

Component

Equipment Adaptive

Consequence of Defect

certain blue bird 1999-2005 all american, tc/2000, micro bird, vision, conventional, and commercial series school buses equipped with sure-loc wheelchair securement systems and manufactured between february 17, 1999, and august 13, 2004. certain sure-lok wheelchair tie-down securement assemblies p/n 8625-13. the sprocket teeth of the retractor assembly may be out of alignment causing the load pawl not to fully seat in the sprocket teeth.

Corrective Action

in the event of a vehicle crash, the wheelchair may not be adequately secured possibly resulting in injuries.

Recall Notes

blue bird will notify its customers and replace the defective part free of charge. the recall began september 21, 2004. owners who take their buses to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact at blue bird at 478-822-2242.

2000 Blue Bird Conventional

Component

Seat Belts:Front:Anchorage

Consequence of Defect

vehicle description: school buses equipped with option 2836-02 driver's seat belts. the seat belts are too long preventing the belt from retracting properly and fitting the occupant as designed.

Corrective Action

in the event of a crash, the driver may not be properly restrained increasing the risk of injury.

Recall Notes

the belts will be replaced with belts of proper shoulder harness length. owner notification began november 15, 2001. owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact blue bird at 1-478-822-2242.

2000 Blue Bird Conventional

Component

Seat Belts:Front:Retractor

Consequence of Defect

on certain school and transit buses equipped with passenger seat belts with retractors, the cover halves for the retractable portion of the belt can separate completely and release the seat belt connector. if this occurs, one of the load bearing pins in the connector could separate from the connector and render the seat belt unusable. in the event of a crash, the seat occupant would not be properly restrained resulting in an injury. the seat belt supplier, am-safe, will provide a snap on "over-cover" to owners to prevent the seat belt cover from separating.

Corrective Action

if this occurs, one of the load bearing pins in the connector could separate from the connector and render the seat belt unusable. in the event of a crash, the seat occupant would not be properly restrained resulting in an injury.

Recall Notes

owners will be provided a snap-on "over-cover" to prevent the seat belt cover from separating. owner notification is expected to begin on or about september 27, 2002. owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact blue bird at 1-478-822-2242.

1999 Blue Bird Conventional

Component

Electrical System:Battery:Cables

Consequence of Defect

vehicle description: school and transit buses mounted on chassis equipped with an option for three batteries. the battery cables may not have been routed properly allowing the cable to be chafed or pinched.

Corrective Action

this condition can cause the positive cable to short out creating the potential for a fire.

Recall Notes

dealers will plug the hole in the back of the battery compartment that is located directly behind the battery hold down clamp. a new hole will be added directly below the rearmost battery cable hole and the positive cable will be re-routed through the new hole.

1999 Blue Bird Conventional

Component

Structure:Body

Consequence of Defect

vehicle description: school buses. these buses fail to meet the 60 percent joint strength requirements of fmvss no. 221, "school bus body joint strength."

Corrective Action

in the event of a vehicle crash, the roof may not be supported sufficiently, causing personal injury to bus occupants.

Recall Notes

owners will be contacted and advised to inspect each roof joint. owners will install repair rivets in each joint found to have insufficient quantity of rivets in each examined 8 inch section.

1999 Blue Bird Conventional

Component

Visibility:Rearview Mirrors/Devices:Exterior

Consequence of Defect

vehicle description: school buses mounted on navistar chassis. the standard cross view mirror assemblies installed on these buses do not conform to the requirements of fmvss no. 111, "rearview mirrors."

Corrective Action

the school bus driver may not be able to see certain portions of the bus, increasing the risk of a crash or personal injury to persons near the bus.

Recall Notes

blue bird will furnish to distributors and owners, parts and instructions necessary to modify the cross view mirror assemblies.

1999 Blue Bird Conventional

Component

Seats

Consequence of Defect

vehicle description: school buses. the wall side attaching bolts for some of the passenger seats may have been installed too close to the edge of the seat ledge and in the wrong attaching hole resulting in weakening of the seat ledge at the attachment points.

Corrective Action

in the event of a frontal crash, the rear attaching bolt of these seats could pull out of the seat ledge increasing the risk of injury to the seat occupant.

Recall Notes

blue bird will furnish to distributors and owners, parts and instructions necessary to strengthen the passenger seat attachment at the wall side.

1998 Blue Bird Conventional

Component

Electrical System:Battery:Cables

Consequence of Defect

vehicle description: school and transit buses mounted on chassis equipped with an option for three batteries. the battery cables may not have been routed properly allowing the cable to be chafed or pinched.

Corrective Action

this condition can cause the positive cable to short out creating the potential for a fire.

Recall Notes

dealers will plug the hole in the back of the battery compartment that is located directly behind the battery hold down clamp. a new hole will be added directly below the rearmost battery cable hole and the positive cable will be re-routed through the new hole.

1998 Blue Bird Conventional

Component

Structure:Body

Consequence of Defect

vehicle description: school buses. these buses fail to meet the 60 percent joint strength requirements of fmvss no. 221, "school bus body joint strength."

Corrective Action

in the event of a vehicle crash, the roof may not be supported sufficiently, causing personal injury to bus occupants.

Recall Notes

owners will be contacted and advised to inspect each roof joint. owners will install repair rivets in each joint found to have insufficient quantity of rivets in each examined 8 inch section.

1998 Blue Bird Conventional

Component

Visibility:Rearview Mirrors/Devices:Exterior

Consequence of Defect

vehicle description: school buses mounted on navistar chassis. the standard cross view mirror assemblies installed on these buses do not conform to the requirements of fmvss no. 111, "rearview mirrors."

Corrective Action

the school bus driver may not be able to see certain portions of the bus, increasing the risk of a crash or personal injury to persons near the bus.

Recall Notes

blue bird will furnish to distributors and owners, parts and instructions necessary to modify the cross view mirror assemblies.

1998 Blue Bird Conventional

Component

Seats

Consequence of Defect

vehicle description: school buses. the wall side attaching bolts for some of the passenger seats may have been installed too close to the edge of the seat ledge and in the wrong attaching hole resulting in weakening of the seat ledge at the attachment points.

Corrective Action

in the event of a frontal crash, the rear attaching bolt of these seats could pull out of the seat ledge increasing the risk of injury to the seat occupant.

Recall Notes

blue bird will furnish to distributors and owners, parts and instructions necessary to strengthen the passenger seat attachment at the wall side.

1997 Blue Bird Conventional

Component

Electrical System:Battery:Cables

Consequence of Defect

vehicle description: school and transit buses mounted on chassis equipped with an option for three batteries. the battery cables may not have been routed properly allowing the cable to be chafed or pinched.

Corrective Action

this condition can cause the positive cable to short out creating the potential for a fire.

Recall Notes

dealers will plug the hole in the back of the battery compartment that is located directly behind the battery hold down clamp. a new hole will be added directly below the rearmost battery cable hole and the positive cable will be re-routed through the new hole.

1997 Blue Bird Conventional

Component

Structure:Body

Consequence of Defect

vehicle description: school buses. these buses fail to meet the 60 percent joint strength requirements of fmvss no. 221, "school bus body joint strength."

Corrective Action

in the event of a vehicle crash, the roof may not be supported sufficiently, causing personal injury to bus occupants.

Recall Notes

owners will be contacted and advised to inspect each roof joint. owners will install repair rivets in each joint found to have insufficient quantity of rivets in each examined 8 inch section.

1997 Blue Bird Conventional

Component

Visibility:Rearview Mirrors/Devices:Exterior

Consequence of Defect

vehicle description: school buses mounted on navistar chassis. the standard cross view mirror assemblies installed on these buses do not conform to the requirements of fmvss no. 111, "rearview mirrors."

Corrective Action

the school bus driver may not be able to see certain portions of the bus, increasing the risk of a crash or personal injury to persons near the bus.

Recall Notes

blue bird will furnish to distributors and owners, parts and instructions necessary to modify the cross view mirror assemblies.

1997 Blue Bird Conventional

Component

Seats

Consequence of Defect

vehicle description: school buses. the wall side attaching bolts for some of the passenger seats may have been installed too close to the edge of the seat ledge and in the wrong attaching hole resulting in weakening of the seat ledge at the attachment points.

Corrective Action

in the event of a frontal crash, the rear attaching bolt of these seats could pull out of the seat ledge increasing the risk of injury to the seat occupant.

Recall Notes

blue bird will furnish to distributors and owners, parts and instructions necessary to strengthen the passenger seat attachment at the wall side.

1996 Blue Bird Conventional

Component

Electrical System:Battery:Cables

Consequence of Defect

vehicle description: school and transit buses mounted on chassis equipped with an option for three batteries. the battery cables may not have been routed properly allowing the cable to be chafed or pinched.

Corrective Action

this condition can cause the positive cable to short out creating the potential for a fire.

Recall Notes

dealers will plug the hole in the back of the battery compartment that is located directly behind the battery hold down clamp. a new hole will be added directly below the rearmost battery cable hole and the positive cable will be re-routed through the new hole.

1996 Blue Bird Conventional

Component

Structure:Body

Consequence of Defect

passenger's clothing can unknowingly become caught in the forward handrails at bus doors when exiting the bus.

Corrective Action

when a passenger's clothing becomes caught in the handrail, and the bus driver closes the door and puts the vehicle in motion, the individual is subject to being dragged by the bus. this can result in serious injury or death.

Recall Notes

owners will be directed to remove all forward handrails. provisions will be made for those owners operating in states which mandate a forward handrail that a replacement handrail will be provided.

1996 Blue Bird Conventional

Component

Structure:Body

Consequence of Defect

vehicle description: school buses. these buses fail to meet the 60 percent joint strength requirements of fmvss no. 221, "school bus body joint strength."

Corrective Action

in the event of a vehicle crash, the roof may not be supported sufficiently, causing personal injury to bus occupants.

Recall Notes

owners will be contacted and advised to inspect each roof joint. owners will install repair rivets in each joint found to have insufficient quantity of rivets in each examined 8 inch section.

1996 Blue Bird Conventional

Component

Visibility:Rearview Mirrors/Devices:Exterior

Consequence of Defect

vehicle description: school buses mounted on navistar chassis. the standard cross view mirror assemblies installed on these buses do not conform to the requirements of fmvss no. 111, "rearview mirrors."

Corrective Action

the school bus driver may not be able to see certain portions of the bus, increasing the risk of a crash or personal injury to persons near the bus.

Recall Notes

blue bird will furnish to distributors and owners, parts and instructions necessary to modify the cross view mirror assemblies.

1996 Blue Bird Conventional

Component

Seats

Consequence of Defect

vehicle description: school buses. the wall side attaching bolts for some of the passenger seats may have been installed too close to the edge of the seat ledge and in the wrong attaching hole resulting in weakening of the seat ledge at the attachment points.

Corrective Action

in the event of a frontal crash, the rear attaching bolt of these seats could pull out of the seat ledge increasing the risk of injury to the seat occupant.

Recall Notes

blue bird will furnish to distributors and owners, parts and instructions necessary to strengthen the passenger seat attachment at the wall side.

1995 Blue Bird Conventional

Component

Structure:Body

Consequence of Defect

passenger's clothing can unknowingly become caught in the forward handrails at bus doors when exiting the bus.

Corrective Action

when a passenger's clothing becomes caught in the handrail, and the bus driver closes the door and puts the vehicle in motion, the individual is subject to being dragged by the bus. this can result in serious injury or death.

Recall Notes

owners will be directed to remove all forward handrails. provisions will be made for those owners operating in states which mandate a forward handrail that a replacement handrail will be provided.

1995 Blue Bird Conventional

Component

Structure:Body

Consequence of Defect

vehicle description: school buses. these buses fail to meet the 60 percent joint strength requirements of fmvss no. 221, "school bus body joint strength."

Corrective Action

in the event of a vehicle crash, the roof may not be supported sufficiently, causing personal injury to bus occupants.

Recall Notes

owners will be contacted and advised to inspect each roof joint. owners will install repair rivets in each joint found to have insufficient quantity of rivets in each examined 8 inch section.

1995 Blue Bird Conventional

Component

Visibility:Rearview Mirrors/Devices:Exterior

Consequence of Defect

vehicle description: school buses mounted on navistar chassis. the standard cross view mirror assemblies installed on these buses do not conform to the requirements of fmvss no. 111, "rearview mirrors."

Corrective Action

the school bus driver may not be able to see certain portions of the bus, increasing the risk of a crash or personal injury to persons near the bus.

Recall Notes

blue bird will furnish to distributors and owners, parts and instructions necessary to modify the cross view mirror assemblies.

1995 Blue Bird Conventional

Component

Seats

Consequence of Defect

vehicle description: school buses. the wall side attaching bolts for some of the passenger seats may have been installed too close to the edge of the seat ledge and in the wrong attaching hole resulting in weakening of the seat ledge at the attachment points.

Corrective Action

in the event of a frontal crash, the rear attaching bolt of these seats could pull out of the seat ledge increasing the risk of injury to the seat occupant.

Recall Notes

blue bird will furnish to distributors and owners, parts and instructions necessary to strengthen the passenger seat attachment at the wall side.

1994 Blue Bird Conventional

Component

Structure:Body

Consequence of Defect

passenger's clothing can unknowingly become caught in the forward handrails at bus doors when exiting the bus.

Corrective Action

when a passenger's clothing becomes caught in the handrail, and the bus driver closes the door and puts the vehicle in motion, the individual is subject to being dragged by the bus. this can result in serious injury or death.

Recall Notes

owners will be directed to remove all forward handrails. provisions will be made for those owners operating in states which mandate a forward handrail that a replacement handrail will be provided.

1994 Blue Bird Conventional

Component

Structure:Body

Consequence of Defect

vehicle description: school buses. these buses fail to meet the 60 percent joint strength requirements of fmvss no. 221, "school bus body joint strength."

Corrective Action

in the event of a vehicle crash, the roof may not be supported sufficiently, causing personal injury to bus occupants.

Recall Notes

owners will be contacted and advised to inspect each roof joint. owners will install repair rivets in each joint found to have insufficient quantity of rivets in each examined 8 inch section.

1994 Blue Bird Conventional

Component

Visibility:Rearview Mirrors/Devices:Exterior

Consequence of Defect

vehicle description: school buses mounted on navistar chassis. the standard cross view mirror assemblies installed on these buses do not conform to the requirements of fmvss no. 111, "rearview mirrors."

Corrective Action

the school bus driver may not be able to see certain portions of the bus, increasing the risk of a crash or personal injury to persons near the bus.

Recall Notes

blue bird will furnish to distributors and owners, parts and instructions necessary to modify the cross view mirror assemblies.

1994 Blue Bird Conventional

Component

Seats

Consequence of Defect

vehicle description: school buses. the wall side attaching bolts for some of the passenger seats may have been installed too close to the edge of the seat ledge and in the wrong attaching hole resulting in weakening of the seat ledge at the attachment points.

Corrective Action

in the event of a frontal crash, the rear attaching bolt of these seats could pull out of the seat ledge increasing the risk of injury to the seat occupant.

Recall Notes

blue bird will furnish to distributors and owners, parts and instructions necessary to strengthen the passenger seat attachment at the wall side.

1993 Blue Bird Conventional

Component

Structure:Body

Consequence of Defect

passenger's clothing can unknowingly become caught in the forward handrails at bus doors when exiting the bus.

Corrective Action

when a passenger's clothing becomes caught in the handrail, and the bus driver closes the door and puts the vehicle in motion, the individual is subject to being dragged by the bus. this can result in serious injury or death.

Recall Notes

owners will be directed to remove all forward handrails. provisions will be made for those owners operating in states which mandate a forward handrail that a replacement handrail will be provided.

1993 Blue Bird Conventional

Component

Structure:Body

Consequence of Defect

vehicle description: school buses. these buses fail to meet the 60 percent joint strength requirements of fmvss no. 221, "school bus body joint strength."

Corrective Action

in the event of a vehicle crash, the roof may not be supported sufficiently, causing personal injury to bus occupants.

Recall Notes

owners will be contacted and advised to inspect each roof joint. owners will install repair rivets in each joint found to have insufficient quantity of rivets in each examined 8 inch section.

1993 Blue Bird Conventional

Component

Visibility:Rearview Mirrors/Devices:Exterior

Consequence of Defect

vehicle description: school buses mounted on navistar chassis. the standard cross view mirror assemblies installed on these buses do not conform to the requirements of fmvss no. 111, "rearview mirrors."

Corrective Action

the school bus driver may not be able to see certain portions of the bus, increasing the risk of a crash or personal injury to persons near the bus.

Recall Notes

blue bird will furnish to distributors and owners, parts and instructions necessary to modify the cross view mirror assemblies.

1993 Blue Bird Conventional

Component

Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System:Hose

Consequence of Defect

certain blue bird conventional school buses built with an optional firewall heater hose connector on the driver's side of the bus and manufactured from november 21, 1985, through september 14, 1993.

Corrective Action

in the event the heater hose rupture sor the hose connection separates, hot engine coolant may contact the driver and may cause injury.

Recall Notes

blue bird will notify owners and repair these buses by installing a metal protective shield over the heater hoses free of charge. the recall began on january 15, 2008. owners can contact blue bird at 478-822-2242.

1993 Blue Bird Conventional

Component

Seats

Consequence of Defect

vehicle description: school buses. the wall side attaching bolts for some of the passenger seats may have been installed too close to the edge of the seat ledge and in the wrong attaching hole resulting in weakening of the seat ledge at the attachment points.

Corrective Action

in the event of a frontal crash, the rear attaching bolt of these seats could pull out of the seat ledge increasing the risk of injury to the seat occupant.

Recall Notes

blue bird will furnish to distributors and owners, parts and instructions necessary to strengthen the passenger seat attachment at the wall side.

1992 Blue Bird Conventional

Component

Latches/Locks/Linkages:Doors:Latch

Consequence of Defect

the electric vandal lock center plunger can tap the control lock pin, of the outward opening door, which causes the door lock to become disengaged.

Corrective Action

the disengaged door lock allows the door to open withoutprior warning and endanger occupants near the door if the vehicle is in motion.

Recall Notes

modify the vandal door locks with blue bird supplied kits.

1992 Blue Bird Conventional

Component

Structure:Body

Consequence of Defect

passenger's clothing can unknowingly become caught in the forward handrails at bus doors when exiting the bus.

Corrective Action

when a passenger's clothing becomes caught in the handrail, and the bus driver closes the door and puts the vehicle in motion, the individual is subject to being dragged by the bus. this can result in serious injury or death.

Recall Notes

owners will be directed to remove all forward handrails. provisions will be made for those owners operating in states which mandate a forward handrail that a replacement handrail will be provided.

1992 Blue Bird Conventional

Component

Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System:Hose

Consequence of Defect

certain blue bird conventional school buses built with an optional firewall heater hose connector on the driver's side of the bus and manufactured from november 21, 1985, through september 14, 1993.

Corrective Action

in the event the heater hose rupture sor the hose connection separates, hot engine coolant may contact the driver and may cause injury.

Recall Notes

blue bird will notify owners and repair these buses by installing a metal protective shield over the heater hoses free of charge. the recall began on january 15, 2008. owners can contact blue bird at 478-822-2242.

1992 Blue Bird Conventional

Component

Seats

Consequence of Defect

vehicle description: school buses. the wall side attaching bolts for some of the passenger seats may have been installed too close to the edge of the seat ledge and in the wrong attaching hole resulting in weakening of the seat ledge at the attachment points.

Corrective Action

in the event of a frontal crash, the rear attaching bolt of these seats could pull out of the seat ledge increasing the risk of injury to the seat occupant.

Recall Notes

blue bird will furnish to distributors and owners, parts and instructions necessary to strengthen the passenger seat attachment at the wall side.

1992 Blue Bird Conventional

Component

Seat Belts:Front:Anchorage

Consequence of Defect

safety belt retractor locks up with the belt in the stowed position.

Corrective Action

when the retractor locks up with the belt in the stowedposition , the driver is unable to use the safety belts, resulting in increasedrisk of injury in a sudden stop or accident.

Recall Notes

modification kits will be shipped directly to the owner for modification of the safety belt retractor.

1991 Blue Bird Conventional

Component

Latches/Locks/Linkages:Doors:Latch

Consequence of Defect

the electric vandal lock center plunger can tap the control lock pin, of the outward opening door, which causes the door lock to become disengaged.

Corrective Action

the disengaged door lock allows the door to open withoutprior warning and endanger occupants near the door if the vehicle is in motion.

Recall Notes

modify the vandal door locks with blue bird supplied kits.

1991 Blue Bird Conventional

Component

Structure:Body

Consequence of Defect

passenger's clothing can unknowingly become caught in the forward handrails at bus doors when exiting the bus.

Corrective Action

when a passenger's clothing becomes caught in the handrail, and the bus driver closes the door and puts the vehicle in motion, the individual is subject to being dragged by the bus. this can result in serious injury or death.

Recall Notes

owners will be directed to remove all forward handrails. provisions will be made for those owners operating in states which mandate a forward handrail that a replacement handrail will be provided.

1991 Blue Bird Conventional

Component

Latches/Locks/Linkages:Doors:Latch

Consequence of Defect

a weld in the door lock assembly used on rear and/or side emergency doors can be overstressed and break. when this occurs, a closed door cannot be opened, or if open it cannot be latched.

Corrective Action

an emergency door that will not open presents anincreased risk of injury to passengers attempting to leave a bus in anemergency situation. a door lock which will not close presents a risk of apassenger accidentally falling out of the bus.

Recall Notes

replace the defective door locks.

1991 Blue Bird Conventional

Component

Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System:Hose

Consequence of Defect

certain blue bird conventional school buses built with an optional firewall heater hose connector on the driver's side of the bus and manufactured from november 21, 1985, through september 14, 1993.

Corrective Action

in the event the heater hose rupture sor the hose connection separates, hot engine coolant may contact the driver and may cause injury.

Recall Notes

blue bird will notify owners and repair these buses by installing a metal protective shield over the heater hoses free of charge. the recall began on january 15, 2008. owners can contact blue bird at 478-822-2242.

1991 Blue Bird Conventional

Component

Seats

Consequence of Defect

vehicle description: school buses. the wall side attaching bolts for some of the passenger seats may have been installed too close to the edge of the seat ledge and in the wrong attaching hole resulting in weakening of the seat ledge at the attachment points.

Corrective Action

in the event of a frontal crash, the rear attaching bolt of these seats could pull out of the seat ledge increasing the risk of injury to the seat occupant.

Recall Notes

blue bird will furnish to distributors and owners, parts and instructions necessary to strengthen the passenger seat attachment at the wall side.

1991 Blue Bird Conventional

Component

Seat Belts:Front:Anchorage

Consequence of Defect

safety belt retractor locks up with the belt in the stowed position.

Corrective Action

when the retractor locks up with the belt in the stowedposition , the driver is unable to use the safety belts, resulting in increasedrisk of injury in a sudden stop or accident.

Recall Notes

modification kits will be shipped directly to the owner for modification of the safety belt retractor.

1990 Blue Bird Conventional

Component

Latches/Locks/Linkages:Doors:Latch

Consequence of Defect

the electric vandal lock center plunger can tap the control lock pin, of the outward opening door, which causes the door lock to become disengaged.

Corrective Action

the disengaged door lock allows the door to open withoutprior warning and endanger occupants near the door if the vehicle is in motion.

Recall Notes

modify the vandal door locks with blue bird supplied kits.

1990 Blue Bird Conventional

Component

Structure:Body

Consequence of Defect

passenger's clothing can unknowingly become caught in the forward handrails at bus doors when exiting the bus.

Corrective Action

when a passenger's clothing becomes caught in the handrail, and the bus driver closes the door and puts the vehicle in motion, the individual is subject to being dragged by the bus. this can result in serious injury or death.

Recall Notes

owners will be directed to remove all forward handrails. provisions will be made for those owners operating in states which mandate a forward handrail that a replacement handrail will be provided.

1990 Blue Bird Conventional

Component

Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System:Hose

Consequence of Defect

certain blue bird conventional school buses built with an optional firewall heater hose connector on the driver's side of the bus and manufactured from november 21, 1985, through september 14, 1993.

Corrective Action

in the event the heater hose rupture sor the hose connection separates, hot engine coolant may contact the driver and may cause injury.

Recall Notes

blue bird will notify owners and repair these buses by installing a metal protective shield over the heater hoses free of charge. the recall began on january 15, 2008. owners can contact blue bird at 478-822-2242.

1990 Blue Bird Conventional

Component

Seats

Consequence of Defect

vehicle description: school buses. the wall side attaching bolts for some of the passenger seats may have been installed too close to the edge of the seat ledge and in the wrong attaching hole resulting in weakening of the seat ledge at the attachment points.

Corrective Action

in the event of a frontal crash, the rear attaching bolt of these seats could pull out of the seat ledge increasing the risk of injury to the seat occupant.

Recall Notes

blue bird will furnish to distributors and owners, parts and instructions necessary to strengthen the passenger seat attachment at the wall side.

1990 Blue Bird Conventional

Component

Seat Belts:Front:Anchorage

Consequence of Defect

safety belt retractor locks up with the belt in the stowed position.

Corrective Action

when the retractor locks up with the belt in the stowedposition , the driver is unable to use the safety belts, resulting in increasedrisk of injury in a sudden stop or accident.

Recall Notes

modification kits will be shipped directly to the owner for modification of the safety belt retractor.

1989 Blue Bird Conventional

Component

Latches/Locks/Linkages:Doors:Latch

Consequence of Defect

the electric vandal lock center plunger can tap the control lock pin, of the outward opening door, which causes the door lock to become disengaged.

Corrective Action

the disengaged door lock allows the door to open withoutprior warning and endanger occupants near the door if the vehicle is in motion.

Recall Notes

modify the vandal door locks with blue bird supplied kits.

1989 Blue Bird Conventional

Component

Structure:Body

Consequence of Defect

passenger's clothing can unknowingly become caught in the forward handrails at bus doors when exiting the bus.

Corrective Action

when a passenger's clothing becomes caught in the handrail, and the bus driver closes the door and puts the vehicle in motion, the individual is subject to being dragged by the bus. this can result in serious injury or death.

Recall Notes

owners will be directed to remove all forward handrails. provisions will be made for those owners operating in states which mandate a forward handrail that a replacement handrail will be provided.

1989 Blue Bird Conventional

Component

Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System:Hose

Consequence of Defect

certain blue bird conventional school buses built with an optional firewall heater hose connector on the driver's side of the bus and manufactured from november 21, 1985, through september 14, 1993.

Corrective Action

in the event the heater hose rupture sor the hose connection separates, hot engine coolant may contact the driver and may cause injury.

Recall Notes

blue bird will notify owners and repair these buses by installing a metal protective shield over the heater hoses free of charge. the recall began on january 15, 2008. owners can contact blue bird at 478-822-2242.

1989 Blue Bird Conventional

Component

Seats

Consequence of Defect

vehicle description: school buses. the wall side attaching bolts for some of the passenger seats may have been installed too close to the edge of the seat ledge and in the wrong attaching hole resulting in weakening of the seat ledge at the attachment points.

Corrective Action

in the event of a frontal crash, the rear attaching bolt of these seats could pull out of the seat ledge increasing the risk of injury to the seat occupant.

Recall Notes

blue bird will furnish to distributors and owners, parts and instructions necessary to strengthen the passenger seat attachment at the wall side.

1988 Blue Bird Conventional

Component

Structure:Body

Consequence of Defect

passenger's clothing can unknowingly become caught in the forward handrails at bus doors when exiting the bus.

Corrective Action

when a passenger's clothing becomes caught in the handrail, and the bus driver closes the door and puts the vehicle in motion, the individual is subject to being dragged by the bus. this can result in serious injury or death.

Recall Notes

owners will be directed to remove all forward handrails. provisions will be made for those owners operating in states which mandate a forward handrail that a replacement handrail will be provided.

1988 Blue Bird Conventional

Component

Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System:Hose

Consequence of Defect

certain blue bird conventional school buses built with an optional firewall heater hose connector on the driver's side of the bus and manufactured from november 21, 1985, through september 14, 1993.

Corrective Action

in the event the heater hose rupture sor the hose connection separates, hot engine coolant may contact the driver and may cause injury.

Recall Notes

blue bird will notify owners and repair these buses by installing a metal protective shield over the heater hoses free of charge. the recall began on january 15, 2008. owners can contact blue bird at 478-822-2242.

1988 Blue Bird Conventional

Component

Seats

Consequence of Defect

vehicle description: school buses. the wall side attaching bolts for some of the passenger seats may have been installed too close to the edge of the seat ledge and in the wrong attaching hole resulting in weakening of the seat ledge at the attachment points.

Corrective Action

in the event of a frontal crash, the rear attaching bolt of these seats could pull out of the seat ledge increasing the risk of injury to the seat occupant.

Recall Notes

blue bird will furnish to distributors and owners, parts and instructions necessary to strengthen the passenger seat attachment at the wall side.

1987 Blue Bird Conventional

Component

Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System:Hose

Consequence of Defect

certain blue bird conventional school buses built with an optional firewall heater hose connector on the driver's side of the bus and manufactured from november 21, 1985, through september 14, 1993.

Corrective Action

in the event the heater hose rupture sor the hose connection separates, hot engine coolant may contact the driver and may cause injury.

Recall Notes

blue bird will notify owners and repair these buses by installing a metal protective shield over the heater hoses free of charge. the recall began on january 15, 2008. owners can contact blue bird at 478-822-2242.

1987 Blue Bird Conventional

Component

Seats

Consequence of Defect

vehicle description: school buses. the wall side attaching bolts for some of the passenger seats may have been installed too close to the edge of the seat ledge and in the wrong attaching hole resulting in weakening of the seat ledge at the attachment points.

Corrective Action

in the event of a frontal crash, the rear attaching bolt of these seats could pull out of the seat ledge increasing the risk of injury to the seat occupant.

Recall Notes

blue bird will furnish to distributors and owners, parts and instructions necessary to strengthen the passenger seat attachment at the wall side.

1986 Blue Bird Conventional

Component

Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System:Hose

Consequence of Defect

certain blue bird conventional school buses built with an optional firewall heater hose connector on the driver's side of the bus and manufactured from november 21, 1985, through september 14, 1993.

Corrective Action

in the event the heater hose rupture sor the hose connection separates, hot engine coolant may contact the driver and may cause injury.

Recall Notes

blue bird will notify owners and repair these buses by installing a metal protective shield over the heater hoses free of charge. the recall began on january 15, 2008. owners can contact blue bird at 478-822-2242.

1985 Blue Bird Conventional

Component

Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System:Hose

Consequence of Defect

certain blue bird conventional school buses built with an optional firewall heater hose connector on the driver's side of the bus and manufactured from november 21, 1985, through september 14, 1993.

Corrective Action

in the event the heater hose rupture sor the hose connection separates, hot engine coolant may contact the driver and may cause injury.

Recall Notes

blue bird will notify owners and repair these buses by installing a metal protective shield over the heater hoses free of charge. the recall began on january 15, 2008. owners can contact blue bird at 478-822-2242.