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2009 Blue Bird Micro Bird

Component

Exterior Lighting:Turn Signal

Consequence of Defect

blue bird is recalling 45 my 2008-2009 micro-bird school buses manufactured from october 1, 2007 through january 28, 2008, mounted on general motors chassis with option 3016-05 or 30117-05 led rear turn signals. these buses fail to comply with the flash rate requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." the subject lights operate at approximately 180 flashes per minute and the standard requirement is 60-120 flashes per minute.

Corrective Action

this standard specifies requirements for required original and replacement lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment and their installation. the purpose is to reduce traffic crashes, deaths and injuries resulting from crashes by providing adequate illumination of the roadway, and enhancing the conspicuity of motor vehicles on the public roads so that their presence is perceived and their signals understood, both in daylight and in darkness or other conditions of reduced visibility.

Recall Notes

owners will be provided with a resistor to be installed in the turn signal circuit which will bring the led rear turn signal flash rate with standard requirements. the recall is expected to begin during february 2008. owners may contact blue bird at 1-478-822-2242.

2008 Blue Bird Micro Bird

Component

Equipment

Consequence of Defect

certain 2008 blue bird micro bird school buses manufactured between september 5 and october 15, 2007. the subject buses were manufactured without a rear emergency door audible alarm/buzzer which fails to comply with federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 217, 'bus emergency exits and window retention and release.'

Corrective Action

the manufacturer has not yet provided the agency with a description of the consequence as it relates to motor vehicle safety.

Recall Notes

blue bird will notify owners and repair the buses free of charge. the recall began on february 4, 2008. owners can contact blue bird at 478-822-2242.

2008 Blue Bird Micro Bird

Component

Exterior Lighting:Turn Signal

Consequence of Defect

blue bird is recalling 45 my 2008-2009 micro-bird school buses manufactured from october 1, 2007 through january 28, 2008, mounted on general motors chassis with option 3016-05 or 30117-05 led rear turn signals. these buses fail to comply with the flash rate requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." the subject lights operate at approximately 180 flashes per minute and the standard requirement is 60-120 flashes per minute.

Corrective Action

this standard specifies requirements for required original and replacement lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment and their installation. the purpose is to reduce traffic crashes, deaths and injuries resulting from crashes by providing adequate illumination of the roadway, and enhancing the conspicuity of motor vehicles on the public roads so that their presence is perceived and their signals understood, both in daylight and in darkness or other conditions of reduced visibility.

Recall Notes

owners will be provided with a resistor to be installed in the turn signal circuit which will bring the led rear turn signal flash rate with standard requirements. the recall is expected to begin during february 2008. owners may contact blue bird at 1-478-822-2242.

2007 Blue Bird Micro Bird

Component

Electrical System:Fuses And Circuit Breakers

Consequence of Defect

certain my 2001 through 2007 blue bird micro bird model school buses mounted on ford diesel chassis produced with an optional battery compartment manufactured from december 14, 2000, through september 5, 2007. a fusible link provided on the ford chassis pdu power cable was removed when the cable was shortened to accommodate an optional battery compartment.

Corrective Action

a vehicle fire can occur.

Recall Notes

blue bird will notify owners and repair the buses by installing a fusible link in the pdu power cable circuit and will also provide protective loom to be used as temporary protection around any sections of the power cable that the owner identifies as being damaged or chafed. the recall is expected to begin on or about december 20, 2007. owners can contact blue bird at 478-822-2242.

2007 Blue Bird Micro Bird

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 Micro Bird

Component

Electrical System:Fuses And Circuit Breakers

Consequence of Defect

certain my 2001 through 2007 blue bird micro bird model school buses mounted on ford diesel chassis produced with an optional battery compartment manufactured from december 14, 2000, through september 5, 2007. a fusible link provided on the ford chassis pdu power cable was removed when the cable was shortened to accommodate an optional battery compartment.

Corrective Action

a vehicle fire can occur.

Recall Notes

blue bird will notify owners and repair the buses by installing a fusible link in the pdu power cable circuit and will also provide protective loom to be used as temporary protection around any sections of the power cable that the owner identifies as being damaged or chafed. the recall is expected to begin on or about december 20, 2007. owners can contact blue bird at 478-822-2242.

2006 Blue Bird Micro Bird

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 Micro Bird

Component

Equipment

Consequence of Defect

certain 2006 my blue bird microbird school buses equipped with a wheelchair lift manufactured from july 1 and november 14, 2005. the shift interlock system was not installed during production which fails to conform to federal motor vehicle safety standard nos. 403, "platform lift systems for motor vehicles, and 404, "platform lift installations in motor vehicles."

Corrective Action

the transmission shift selector may be moved into a drive gear allowing the vehicle to move and thereby endangering wheelchair occupants on the lift and persons outside the bus in the vicinity of the wheelchair lift.

Recall Notes

blue bird will notify owners and repair the buses by installing the required shift interlock system free of charge. the recall began on november 29, 2005. owners may contact blue bird at 478-822-2242.

2006 Blue Bird Micro Bird

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 Micro Bird

Component

Structure:Body

Consequence of Defect

certain blue bird my 2006 micro bird school buses fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 301, "fuel system integrity." the affected buses were produced with an 8 inch bumper rather than a 10 inch bumper.

Corrective Action

in the event of a crash, the bumper may inadequately protect components of the fuel system. this could result in a post-crash fuel leak which, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.

Recall Notes

blue bird will notify its customers and replace the bumper free of charge. the recall began on march 13, 2006. owners may contact blue bird at 478-822-2242.

2006 Blue Bird Micro Bird

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 Micro Bird

Component

Electrical System:Fuses And Circuit Breakers

Consequence of Defect

certain my 2001 through 2007 blue bird micro bird model school buses mounted on ford diesel chassis produced with an optional battery compartment manufactured from december 14, 2000, through september 5, 2007. a fusible link provided on the ford chassis pdu power cable was removed when the cable was shortened to accommodate an optional battery compartment.

Corrective Action

a vehicle fire can occur.

Recall Notes

blue bird will notify owners and repair the buses by installing a fusible link in the pdu power cable circuit and will also provide protective loom to be used as temporary protection around any sections of the power cable that the owner identifies as being damaged or chafed. the recall is expected to begin on or about december 20, 2007. owners can contact blue bird at 478-822-2242.

2005 Blue Bird Micro Bird

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 Micro Bird

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 Micro Bird

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 Micro Bird

Component

Electrical System:Fuses And Circuit Breakers

Consequence of Defect

certain my 2001 through 2007 blue bird micro bird model school buses mounted on ford diesel chassis produced with an optional battery compartment manufactured from december 14, 2000, through september 5, 2007. a fusible link provided on the ford chassis pdu power cable was removed when the cable was shortened to accommodate an optional battery compartment.

Corrective Action

a vehicle fire can occur.

Recall Notes

blue bird will notify owners and repair the buses by installing a fusible link in the pdu power cable circuit and will also provide protective loom to be used as temporary protection around any sections of the power cable that the owner identifies as being damaged or chafed. the recall is expected to begin on or about december 20, 2007. owners can contact blue bird at 478-822-2242.

2004 Blue Bird Micro Bird

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 Micro Bird

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 Micro Bird

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 Micro Bird

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 Micro Bird

Component

Electrical System:Fuses And Circuit Breakers

Consequence of Defect

certain my 2001 through 2007 blue bird micro bird model school buses mounted on ford diesel chassis produced with an optional battery compartment manufactured from december 14, 2000, through september 5, 2007. a fusible link provided on the ford chassis pdu power cable was removed when the cable was shortened to accommodate an optional battery compartment.

Corrective Action

a vehicle fire can occur.

Recall Notes

blue bird will notify owners and repair the buses by installing a fusible link in the pdu power cable circuit and will also provide protective loom to be used as temporary protection around any sections of the power cable that the owner identifies as being damaged or chafed. the recall is expected to begin on or about december 20, 2007. owners can contact blue bird at 478-822-2242.

2003 Blue Bird Micro Bird

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 Micro Bird

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 Micro Bird

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 Micro Bird

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 Micro Bird

Component

Electrical System:Fuses And Circuit Breakers

Consequence of Defect

certain my 2001 through 2007 blue bird micro bird model school buses mounted on ford diesel chassis produced with an optional battery compartment manufactured from december 14, 2000, through september 5, 2007. a fusible link provided on the ford chassis pdu power cable was removed when the cable was shortened to accommodate an optional battery compartment.

Corrective Action

a vehicle fire can occur.

Recall Notes

blue bird will notify owners and repair the buses by installing a fusible link in the pdu power cable circuit and will also provide protective loom to be used as temporary protection around any sections of the power cable that the owner identifies as being damaged or chafed. the recall is expected to begin on or about december 20, 2007. owners can contact blue bird at 478-822-2242.

2002 Blue Bird Micro Bird

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 Micro Bird

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 Micro Bird

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 Micro Bird

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 Micro Bird

Component

Electrical System:Fuses And Circuit Breakers

Consequence of Defect

certain my 2001 through 2007 blue bird micro bird model school buses mounted on ford diesel chassis produced with an optional battery compartment manufactured from december 14, 2000, through september 5, 2007. a fusible link provided on the ford chassis pdu power cable was removed when the cable was shortened to accommodate an optional battery compartment.

Corrective Action

a vehicle fire can occur.

Recall Notes

blue bird will notify owners and repair the buses by installing a fusible link in the pdu power cable circuit and will also provide protective loom to be used as temporary protection around any sections of the power cable that the owner identifies as being damaged or chafed. the recall is expected to begin on or about december 20, 2007. owners can contact blue bird at 478-822-2242.

2001 Blue Bird Micro Bird

Component

Child Seat

Consequence of Defect

vehicle description: certain 10,000 lb. gvwr non-school buses with chassis fail to comply with the requirements of fmvss no. 225 "child restraint anchorage systems." these vehicles were manufactured without an upper tether anchorage as required by the standard.

Corrective Action

in the event of a crash, the child seat may not be properly attached increasing the risk of injury to the child.

Recall Notes

blue bird is designing an upper tether anchorage point to affix to seat frame. owner notification began january 30, 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 1-912-822-2242.

2001 Blue Bird Micro Bird

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.

2000 Blue Bird Micro Bird

Component

Child Seat

Consequence of Defect

vehicle description: certain 10,000 lb. gvwr non-school buses with chassis fail to comply with the requirements of fmvss no. 225 "child restraint anchorage systems." these vehicles were manufactured without an upper tether anchorage as required by the standard.

Corrective Action

in the event of a crash, the child seat may not be properly attached increasing the risk of injury to the child.

Recall Notes

blue bird is designing an upper tether anchorage point to affix to seat frame. owner notification began january 30, 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 1-912-822-2242.

2000 Blue Bird Micro Bird

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 Micro Bird

Component

Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings

Consequence of Defect

vehicle description: school buses equipped with 30-inch and 34-inch seats and barriers or 36, 39, and 45-inch seats and barriers with offset legs installed in the first body section behind the driver. when narrow seats and barriers (30" and 34") or seats and barriers with offset legs are installed, additional floor reinforcement is added. it was discovered this reinforcement interferes with and chafes the rubber fuel filler hose.

Corrective Action

this chafing could result in a fuel leakage. fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.

Recall Notes

dealers will place a shield over the additional floor reinforcement to protect the rubber fuel filler hose from chafing.

1999 Blue Bird Micro Bird

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 Micro Bird

Component

Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings

Consequence of Defect

vehicle description: school buses equipped with 30-inch and 34-inch seats and barriers or 36, 39, and 45-inch seats and barriers with offset legs installed in the first body section behind the driver. when narrow seats and barriers (30" and 34") or seats and barriers with offset legs are installed, additional floor reinforcement is added. it was discovered this reinforcement interferes with and chafes the rubber fuel filler hose.

Corrective Action

this chafing could result in a fuel leakage. fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.

Recall Notes

dealers will place a shield over the additional floor reinforcement to protect the rubber fuel filler hose from chafing.

1998 Blue Bird Micro Bird

Component

Structure:Body:Door

Consequence of Defect

vehicle description: school buses. these buses were not equipped with a positive hold open device (retainer) for the rear emergency door. this does not meet the requirements of fmvss no. 217, "bus window retention and release."

Corrective Action

the rear emergency door would not stay open until it was released, increasing the risk of personal injury in the event of an emergency.

Recall Notes

owners will be provided with free parts and instructions to install the rear emergency door retainer. owners can contact their dealers and have them install the retainer if they so desire.

1998 Blue Bird Micro Bird

Component

Fuel System, Gasoline:Storage:Tank Assembly:Mounting

Consequence of Defect

vehicle description: school and transit buses. the bolts retaining the fuel tank straps can loosen allowing the fuel tank to dislodge.

Corrective Action

this condition could allow the fuel tank to slip, increasing the risk of the tank hitting the ground, resulting in fuel leakage. fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source can result in a fire.

Recall Notes

owners will be advised to replace the original bolts and nuts in the fuel tank retaining straps with new bolts and nuts that will be provided.

1998 Blue Bird Micro Bird

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 Micro Bird

Component

Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings

Consequence of Defect

vehicle description: school buses equipped with 30-inch and 34-inch seats and barriers or 36, 39, and 45-inch seats and barriers with offset legs installed in the first body section behind the driver. when narrow seats and barriers (30" and 34") or seats and barriers with offset legs are installed, additional floor reinforcement is added. it was discovered this reinforcement interferes with and chafes the rubber fuel filler hose.

Corrective Action

this chafing could result in a fuel leakage. fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.

Recall Notes

dealers will place a shield over the additional floor reinforcement to protect the rubber fuel filler hose from chafing.

1997 Blue Bird Micro Bird

Component

Structure:Body:Door

Consequence of Defect

vehicle description: school buses. these buses were not equipped with a positive hold open device (retainer) for the rear emergency door. this does not meet the requirements of fmvss no. 217, "bus window retention and release."

Corrective Action

the rear emergency door would not stay open until it was released, increasing the risk of personal injury in the event of an emergency.

Recall Notes

owners will be provided with free parts and instructions to install the rear emergency door retainer. owners can contact their dealers and have them install the retainer if they so desire.

1997 Blue Bird Micro Bird

Component

Fuel System, Gasoline:Storage:Tank Assembly:Mounting

Consequence of Defect

vehicle description: school and transit buses. the bolts retaining the fuel tank straps can loosen allowing the fuel tank to dislodge.

Corrective Action

this condition could allow the fuel tank to slip, increasing the risk of the tank hitting the ground, resulting in fuel leakage. fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source can result in a fire.

Recall Notes

owners will be advised to replace the original bolts and nuts in the fuel tank retaining straps with new bolts and nuts that will be provided.

1997 Blue Bird Micro Bird

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 Micro Bird

Component

Structure:Body:Door

Consequence of Defect

vehicle description: school buses. these buses were not equipped with a positive hold open device (retainer) for the rear emergency door. this does not meet the requirements of fmvss no. 217, "bus window retention and release."

Corrective Action

the rear emergency door would not stay open until it was released, increasing the risk of personal injury in the event of an emergency.

Recall Notes

owners will be provided with free parts and instructions to install the rear emergency door retainer. owners can contact their dealers and have them install the retainer if they so desire.

1996 Blue Bird Micro Bird

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 Micro Bird

Component

Structure:Body:Door

Consequence of Defect

vehicle description: school buses. these buses were not equipped with a positive hold open device (retainer) for the rear emergency door. this does not meet the requirements of fmvss no. 217, "bus window retention and release."

Corrective Action

the rear emergency door would not stay open until it was released, increasing the risk of personal injury in the event of an emergency.

Recall Notes

owners will be provided with free parts and instructions to install the rear emergency door retainer. owners can contact their dealers and have them install the retainer if they so desire.

1995 Blue Bird Micro Bird

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 Micro Bird

Component

Structure:Body:Door

Consequence of Defect

vehicle description: school buses. these buses were not equipped with a positive hold open device (retainer) for the rear emergency door. this does not meet the requirements of fmvss no. 217, "bus window retention and release."

Corrective Action

the rear emergency door would not stay open until it was released, increasing the risk of personal injury in the event of an emergency.

Recall Notes

owners will be provided with free parts and instructions to install the rear emergency door retainer. owners can contact their dealers and have them install the retainer if they so desire.

1994 Blue Bird Micro Bird

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 Micro Bird

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 Micro Bird

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 Micro Bird

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 Micro Bird

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.

1989 Blue Bird Micro Bird

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 Micro Bird

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 Micro Bird

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.