2008 Blue Bird ALL American Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Problem: Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain 2006-2021 Vision and 2007-2013 All American school buses. The floor-mounted parking brake may fail to hold the vehicle stationary on an incline when the vehicle is loaded to its maximum weight, due to an insufficient application force. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 105, "Hydraulic and Electric Brake Systems."

Risk: A parking brake system that is set to an insufficient application force may result in an increased possibility of unintended vehicle movement, which increases the risk of a crash.

Fix: Blue Bird will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the floor mounted park brake application force hand lever assembly and correct the application force, as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin June 24, 2020. Owners may contact Blue Bird customer service at 478-822-2242. Blue Bird's number for this recall is R20AO-SB.

Problem: Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain 2008-2021 Vision and All American school buses. The seat barrier behind the driver seat with an integrated 3-point seat belt may have been installed incorrectly and may be missing the reinforcing bracket. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 222, "School Bus Passenger Seating and Crash Protection."

Risk: In the event of a crash, the seat barrier may not adequately protect the occupant seated behind the seat barrier separating them from the driver seat with integrated 3-point seat belt, increasing the risk of injury.

Fix: Blue Bird will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and properly install the seat barrier including adding reinforcing bracket, as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin April 23, 2020. Owners may contact Blue Bird customer service at 1-478-822-2242. Blue Bird's number for this recall is R20AM-SB.

Problem: Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain 2007-2019 Blue Bird All American ambulance buses. The clamps that secure the stacked stretchers may fail from repeated use or from high loads.

Risk: If the clamps fail with patients in the stretchers, it can increase the risk of injury.

Fix: Blue Bird will notify owners, and dealers will install redesigned clamps, free of charge. The recall began December 12, 2018. Owners may contact Blue Bird customer service at 1-478-822-2242. Blue Bird's number for this recall is R18ZQ-NSB.

Problem: Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain model year 2007-2015 All American, Vision, 2007-2011 Micro Bird, and 2007-2008 Conventional school buses, equipped with certain model S2005, S2010, S5005, S5010, S5505, and S5510 wheelchair lifts manufactured January 1, 2006, to August 25, 2014 by the Ricon Corporation. The affected lifts are equipped with folding link arms that may have pivot holes that are too big, allowing the bearings to move out of position.

Risk: If the bearings move out of position, the stowed platform may have excessive movement resulting in failure of the platform mounting. This failure could cause the wheel chair lift platform to fall out of the vehicle when the doors are opened, increasing the risk of injury for the lift operator.

Fix: Blue Bird will notify owners, and Ricon dealers will inspect the link arms for damage or for displaced bearings. The platform will be inspected for cracks. Any damaged parts will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began on December 1, 2015. Owners may contact Blue Bird customer service at 1-478-822-2242, or Ricon Customer Service at 1-800-322-2884.

Problem: Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain model year 2007-2015 All American and Vision and 2007-2011 Micro Bird transit buses equipped with certain model S2005, S2010, S5005, S5010, S5505, and S5510 wheelchair lifts manufactured January 1, 2006, to August 25, 2014 by the Ricon Corporation. The affected lifts are equipped with folding link arms that may have pivot holes that are too big, allowing the bearings to move out of position.

Risk: If the bearings move out of position, the stowed platform may have excessive movement resulting in failure of the platform mounting. This failure could cause the wheel chair lift platform to fall out of the vehicle when the doors are opened, increasing the risk of injury for the lift operator.

Fix: Blue Bird will notify owners, and Ricon dealers will inspect the link arms for damage or for displaced bearings. The platform will be inspected for cracks. Any damaged parts will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began on December 1, 2015. Owners may contact Blue Bird customer service at 1-478-822-2242, or Ricon Customer Service at 1-800-322-2884.

Problem: Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain model year 2007-2015 All American and Vision, 2007-2011 Micro Bird, and 2007-2008 Conventional school buses equipped with certain model S2005, S2010, S5005, S5010, S5505, and S5510 wheelchair lifts manufactured by Ricon Corporation. The platform side plate of the affected wheelchair lifts may crack.

Risk: If the platform side plates crack, the lift platform can separate from the lift and come to rest against the vehicle's lift door. When the doors are opened, the platform may fall out, increasing the risk of injury to the lift operator.

Fix: Blue Bird will notify owners to take buses to a Ricon dealer or service center who will install supplemental platform support bumpers. Any platform that has already started cracking will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began on October 1, 2014. Owners may contact Blue Bird customer service at 1-478-822-2242 or Ricon customer service at 1-800-322-2884. Blue Bird's number for this recall is R14XN.

Problem: Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain model year 2007-2015 All American, 2007-2010 Micro Bird, and 2007-2014 Vision non-school buses equipped with certain model S2005, S2010, S5005, S5010, S5505, and S5510 wheelchair lifts manufactured by Ricon Corporation. The platform side plate of the affected wheelchair lifts may crack.

Risk: If the platform side plates crack, the lift platform can separate from the lift and come to rest against the vehicle's lift door. When the doors are opened, the platform may fall out, increasing the risk of injury to the lift operator.

Fix: Blue Bird will notify owners to take buses to a Ricon dealer or service center who will install supplemental platform support bumpers. Any platform that has already started cracking will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began on October 1, 2014. Owners may contact Blue Bird customer service at 1-478-822-2242 or Ricon customer service at 1-800-322-2884. Blue Bird's number for this recall is R14XN.

Problem: Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain model year 2008-2013 All American rear engine school buses manufactured April 3, 2007, to December 15, 2012. Due to the design of the thermostat, a heater hose may rupture which could result in hot coolant entering the passenger compartment.

Risk: Hot coolant leaking into the passenger compartment increases the risk of injury to the passengers.

Fix: Blue Bird will notify owners, and dealers will replace the thermostat and change the passenger compartment heater supply hose, free of charge. The recall began on July 15, 2014. Owners may contact Blue Bird customer service at 1-478-822-2242. Blue Bird's number for this recall is R14XF.

Problem: Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain model year 2008-2013 All American rear engine non-school buses manufactured May 9, 2007, to November 12, 2012. Due to the design of the thermostat, a heater hose may rupture which could result in hot coolant entering the passenger compartment.

Risk: Hot coolant leaking into the passenger compartment increases the risk of injury to the passengers.

Fix: Blue Bird will notify owners, and dealers will replace the thermostat and change the passenger compartment heater supply hose, free of charge. The recall began on July 15, 2014. Owners may contact Blue Bird customer service at 1-478-822-2242. Blue Bird's number for this recall is R14XF.

Problem: Blue Bird Body Company is recalling certain model year 2007-2014 All American and Vision school buses manufactured March 10, 2006, through June 18, 2013; and equipped with optional transit sliding windows. Joint adhesive may not have been applied at the interior and exterior body window panel joints. Without the adhesive, these vehicles fail to conform to the standards of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 221, "School Bus Body Joint Strength."

Risk: In the event of a vehicle crash, there is an increased risk that the window panels may separate and fall onto occupants causing injury.

Fix: Blue Bird will notify owners, and dealers will install additional rivets at the window panel joints, free of charge. The recall began on August 28, 2013. Owners may contact Blue Bird at 1-478-825-2021. Blue Bird's recall number is R13WM.

Problem: Blue Bird is recalling certain model year 2008 through 2011 All American rear engine school buses manufactured from August 9, 2007, through June 9, 2010, powered by Cummins ISB07 engines. In the affected vehicles, the grid heater power cable may be improperly routed, which could result in contact with the chassis frame rail.

Risk: If the cable contacts the chassis frame rail it could potentially chafe against the frame thereby creating a direct short which could result in a fire.

Fix: Blue Bird will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the buses for proper positioning of the grid heater power cable. Any cables found contacting the chassis frame rail will have the grid heater cable repositioned to prevent further contact. Any damaged cables found will be replaced. The repairs will be made free of charge. The recall began on May 3, 2013. On August 15, 2014, Blue Bird sent out renoticiation letters to owners regarding the recall. Owners may contact Blue Bird at 1-478-822-2242. Blue Bird's recall campaign number is R13WD.

Problem: Blue Bird is recalling certain model year 2008 through 2011 All American rear engine, non-school, transit buses manufactured from August 9, 2007, through June 9, 2010, and powered by Cummins ISB07 engines. In the affected vehicles, the grid heater power cable may be improperly routed, which could result in contact with the chassis frame rail.

Risk: If the cable contacts the chassis frame rail it could potentially chafe against the frame thereby creating a direct short which could result in a fire.

Fix: Blue Bird will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the buses for proper positioning of the grid heater power cable. Any cables found contacting the chassis frame rail will have the grid heater cable repositioned to prevent further contact. Any damaged cables found will be replaced. The repairs will be made free of charge. Notification to owners began on May 3, 2013. On August 15, 2014, Blue Bird sent out renoticiation letters to owners regarding the recall. Owners may contact Blue Bird at 1-478-822-2242. Blue Bird's recall campaign number is R13WD.

Problem: Blue bird is recalling certain model year 2007 through 2012 all american rear engine school buses manufactured from april 12, 2006, through june 27, 2011, and equipped with a 60 gallon fuel tank. The tank return line can develop a leak that exceeds the amount of fuel spillage allowed. Accordingly, these buses fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 301, "fuel system integrity."

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

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

Problem: Blue bird is recalling certain model year 2006 through 2012 all american, 2006 through 2011 vision, and 2006 conventional school buses manufactured between september 19, 2005, and may 3, 2011, equipped with 2-passenger seats installed forward of the 39" barrier. In the event of a crash, the barrier may make contact with the 2-passenger seat installed forward of the barrier. Accordingly, these buses fail to conform with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 222, "school bus passenger seating and crash protection."

Risk: The seat occupants may be seriously injured in the event of a crash.

Fix: Blue bird will notify owners, and dealers will repair the buses free of charge. The safety recall began on january 18, 2012. Owners may contact blue bird at 1-478-822-2242.

Problem: Blue bird is recalling certain model year 2007 through 2011 all american school buses manufactured from september 22, 2006, through august 7, 2010, and equipped with optional park brake valve interlock feature. The optional park brake interlock valve may have been plumbed incorrectly which could result in inadvertent park brake application without prior warning.

Risk: Inadvertent application of the park brake valve could cause a vehicle crash which could result in property damage, personal injury, or death.

Fix: Blue bird will notify owners and dealers will repair the buses free of charge. All of the buses have been inspected and, if needed, repaired. Therefore, an owner notification letter will not be issued for this campaign. Owners may contact blue bird at 1-478-822-2242.

Problem: Blue bird is recalling certain model year 2007 through 2010 all american school buses manufactured from may 29, 2006 through august 7, 2010 equipped with cummins isb-02, isb-07, and isb-10 engines. An incorrect combination of flat washer and serrated nut was installed on the bolt that secures the starter cable retaining clamp to its attaching bracket at the front of the engine above the engine cooling fan. The flat washer prevents the serrated nut from locking against the attaching bracket. Over time, the serrated nut may back off allowing the starter cable to fall and contact the fan hub while in operation.

Risk: If the starter cable contacts the fan hub while the fan hub is in operation, the cable covering may abrade which could result in a direct short. A short could potentially result in a vehicle fire.

Fix: Blue bird will notify owners and repair the buses free of charge. The safety recall began on september 24, 2010. Owners may contact blue bird at 1-478-822-2242.

Problem: Blue bird is recalling certain model year 2007 through 2010 all american non school buses manufactured from july 16, 2006 through august 3, 2010 equipped with cummins isb-02, isb-07, and isb-10 engines. An incorrect combination of flat washer and serrated nut was installed on the bolt that secures the starter cable retaining clamp to its attaching bracket at the front of the engine above the engine cooling fan. The flat washer prevents the serrated nut from locking against the attaching bracket. Over time, the serrated nut may back off allowing the starter cable to fall and contact the fan hub while in operation.

Risk: If the starter cable contacts the fan hub while the fan hub is in operation, the cable covering may abrade which could result in a direct short. A short could potentially result in a vehicle fire.

Fix: Blue bird will notify owners and repair the buses free of charge. The safety recall began on september 24, 2010. Owners may contact blue bird at 1-478-822-2242.

Problem: Blue bird is recalling certain model year 2008 through 2010 all american and vision model school buses manufactured from may 23, 2007 through march 9, 2010, equipped with caterpillar c7 engines. The #5 and #6 fuel lines may crack at the fastening point to the common fuel rail and cause a fuel leak.

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

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

Problem: Blue bird is recalling certain model year 2008 through 2010 all american, vision, and excel 102 model non school buses manufactured from may 17, 2007 through november 13, 2008, equipped with caterpillar c7 engines. The #5 and #6 fuel lines may crack at the fastening point to the common fuel rail and cause a fuel leak.

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

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

Problem: Blue bird has notified nhtsa about a defect in certain model year 2008 through 2011 all american, conventional, and micro bird school buses manufactured from december 13, 2007 through january 18, 2010 equipped with ricon model s or k series public use wheelchair lifts. The restraint belt on these lifts was designed to prevent the lift from moving, unless the tongue of the belt is fully engaged and latched in the buckle. Ricon has discovered, however, that it is possible for the operator to insert the belt tongue into the buckle without fully engaging the latching mechanism. In this case, the restraint belt would appear to be latched, and the operator could run the lift. If the restraint belt tongue is not fully engaged into the restraint belt buckle, and latched, the lift may operate with an occupant on the platform.

Risk: The user of the lift could be injured should the lift move without the restraint belt properly buckled.

Fix: Blue bird is working with ricon and ricon will be handling the remedy for this campaign. Please see ricon's defect report 09e-060. Ricon will provide customers with a warning decal and a dvd-based training aid. The safety recall began on april 27, 2010. Owners may contact ricon at 1-818-267-3000 or blue bird at 1-478-822-2242.

Problem: Blue bird has notified nhtsa about a defect in certain model year 2008 through 2010 all american, conventional, and micro bird transi buses manufactured from december 16, 2007 through december 21, 2009 equipped with ricon model s or k series public use wheelchair lifts. The restraint belt on these lifts was designed to prevent the lift from moving, unless the tongue of the belt is fully engaged and latched in the buckle. Ricon has discovered, however, that it is possible for the operator to insert the belt tongue into the buckle without fully engaging the latching mechanism. In this case, the restraint belt would appear to be latched, and the operator could run the lift. If the restraint belt tongue is not fully engaged into the restraint belt buckle, and latched, the lift may operate with an occupant on the platform.

Risk: The user of the lift could be injured should the lift move without the restraint belt properly buckled.

Fix: Blue bird is working with ricon and ricon will be handling the remedy for this campaign. Please see ricon's defect report 09e-060. Ricon will provide customers with a warning decal and a dvd-based training aid. The safety recall began on april 27, 2010. Owners may contact ricon at 1-818-267-3000 or blue bird at 1-478-822-2242.

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

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

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

Problem: Blue bird is recalling certain model year 2004 through 2010 all american, vision, micro bird, and conventional school buses manufactured between january 30, 2003 and may 7, 2009. Incorrect offset leg barrier pads or 2/3 seat back pads may have been installed. Buses with incorrect pads installed fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 222, "school bus passenger seating and crash protection."

Risk: In the event of a crash, there is an increased risk of injury to the seat occupant(s).

Fix: Blue bird will notify owners and the buses will be repaired free of charge. The safety recall began on september 18, 2009. Owners may contact blue bird at 1-478-822-2242.

Problem: Blue bird is recalling 442 model year 2008 and 2009 all american school buses manufactured from july 22 to november 22, 2008. The bolts that mount the steering gear to the frame may not have been properly torqued.

Risk: Improperly torqued bolts may cause the steering gear to separate from the chassis frame resulting in a loss of steering control, possibly resulting in a crash.

Fix: Blue bird will notify owners and repair the buses free of charge. The safety recall began on june 30, 2009. Owners may contact blue bird at 1-478-422-2242.

Problem: Blue bird is recalling 2,203 model year 2003 through 2010 all american rear engine school buses equipped with optional plug style vandal locks manufactured from july 16, 2003 through april 10, 2009. The plug style vandal lock is not wired to inhibit the starter at the ignition switch when the vandal lock is in the locked position. These buses fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 217, "bus emergency exits and window retention and release."

Risk: The vehicles can be started and driven even when an owner may think they cannot.

Fix: Blue bird will notify owners and repair the buses free of charge. The safety recall began on june 25, 2009. Owner may contact blue bird at 1-478-422-2242.

Problem: Blue bird is recalling 2,503 my 2006-2008 all american, conventional, and micro bird school and transit buses equipped with ricon platform style wheelchair lifts. These lifts fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 403, "platform lift systems for motor vehicles." the anti-stow interlock may not detect the presence of a wheelchair or mobility aid user. The pressure sensing switch that detects the presence of weight on the platform was not adjusted to the necessary sensitivity level. The lift could stow even though someone or something is still on the lift.

Risk: A lift occupant can be injured should the lift begin to stow unintentionally.

Fix: Blue bird is working with ricon to correct the wheelchair lifts (please see 07e097). The recall began on september 30, 2008. Owners may contact ricon at 1-818-267-3000 or blue bird at 1-478-822-2242.

Problem: A plug on the outlet side of the fuel pump can crack on certain 2008 and 2009 my blue bird all american and vision school buses manufactured from may 23, 2007 through july 4, 2008, equipped with caterpillar c7 engines.

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

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

Problem: Blue bird is recalling 23,464 my 2005 through 2009 all american and vision school and transit model buses manufactured from january 22, 2004, and march 28, 2008, and my 2004 through 2007 all american school buses and conventional model school buses manufactured from march 6, 2003, through june 16, 2006. The rivet pattern may be incorrect in sections of the rear roof sheet joint that attaches to the rear roof cap. Without the appropriate amount of roof rivets, the buses fail to conform with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no 221, "joint strength."

Risk: In the event of a crash, these panels may separate exposing the occupants to increased risk of injury.

Fix: Blue bird will notify owners and inspect and repair the buses by adding additional rivets. The recall began on september 18, 2008. Owners may contact blue bird at 478-822-2242.

Problem: Blue bird is recalling 2,129 my 2006-2008 all american, conventional, and micro bird school and transit buses manufactured between may 3, 2005 and february 15, 2008, equipped with ricon model 1200, 2000, and 5500 platform style wheel chair lifts. These buses fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 404, "platform lift installations in motor vehicles." the threshold warning system may not detect the presence of a wheelchair or mobility aid user in a certain spot within the defined threshold area.

Risk: The user of the lift could be injured should the lift move unintentionally.

Fix: Blue bird is working with ricon to correct the wheelchair lifts free of charge (please see 07e095). The recall is expected to begin on or about april 28, 2008. Owners may contact ricon at 1-800-322-2884 or blue bird at 1-478-822-2242.

Problem: Certain blue bird my 2008 all american and vision school buses manufactured between june 6 and july 27, 2007. A fuel pump failure will dilute the engine oil with fuel and cause loss of throttle control and excessive smoke.

Risk: Either condition could result in a vehicle crash.

Fix: Blue bird is working in conjunction with caterpillar to notify owners to contact their local caterpillar dealer for a free remedy. The recall is expected to begin during august 2007. Owners can contact caterpillar at 1-800-447-4986 or blue bird at 478-822-2242.

Problem: Certain my 2006 through 2008 blue bird all american rear engine school and transit buses manufactured from january 14, 2005, through march 13, 2007, equipped with emergency push out windows. The subject buses were manufactured with incorrect number of emergency exits which does not comply with federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 217, bus emergency exits and window retention and release.

Risk: The purpose of this standard is to minimize the likelihood of occupants being thrown from the bus and to provide a means of readily accessible emergency egress.

Fix: Blue bird will notify owners and install additional emergency exit windows on each side of the subject buses free of charge. The recall began on april 7, 2008. Owners can contact blue bird at 478-822-2242.

Problem: Certain my 2007 and 2008 blue bird vision and all american school and transit buses manufactured between december 1, 2005, and may 24, 2007, and equipped with bendix sr-7 spring brake modulating valves. The internal rubber check valve may leak causing a delay in the application of the spring brakes to park the vehicle after the operator pulls the dash valve button.

Risk: The delayed parking brake application can occur without warning, leading to unintended vehicle rollaway.

Fix: Blue bird will notify owners and provide a free remedy. The recall began on september 30, 2007. Owners can contact blue bird at 478-822-2242.