Auto Recall Watch
U.S. public vehicle records

Blue Bird SBCV recalls by model year

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

1 owner complaints analyzed

9 distinct recall campaigns

Not available median reported failure mileage

Scope: 1980 to 1998 model years. Data updated: . 0 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Compare model years

Recalls by model year

All campaigns in the snapshot affecting each model year, including recalls announced years later.

Recall campaigns

Shared campaigns appear once in each affected model year.

1982
1
1983
1
1984
1
1985
1
1986
1
1987
1
1988
2
1989
1
1990
1
1991
1
1992
2
1993
3
1994
5
1995
7
1996
4
1997
1
1998
1
Recall campaigns data
CategoryCount
19821
19831
19841
19851
19861
19871
19882
19891
19901
19911
19922
19933
19945
19957
19964
19971
19981

1982: 1; 1983: 1; 1984: 1; 1985: 1; 1986: 1; 1987: 1; 1988: 2; 1989: 1; 1990: 1; 1991: 1; 1992: 2; 1993: 3; 1994: 5; 1995: 7; 1996: 4; 1997: 1; 1998: 1

Year-by-year records

Blue Bird SBCV model-year comparison
Model yearComplaintsRecallsChange in recalls
198001Not available
1981010
1982010
1983010
1984010
1985010
1986010
1987010
198802+1
198901-1
1990010
1991010
199202+1
199303+1
199405+2
199507+2
199604-3
199711-3
1998010

Recall history

9 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.

95V187000 · Structure:Body

Reported: 1995-10-02 (October 2, 1995) · Model years: 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988

PASSENGERS CLOTHING CAN UNKNOWINGLY BECOME CAUGHT IN THE HANDRAILS AT THE BUS DOORS WHEN EXITING THE BUS.

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE EXISTING FLOOR LINE HANDRAIL ATTACHMENT BRACKET WITH THE CURRENT PRODUCTION DESIGN FLOOR LINE BRACKET.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
96V073000 · Structure:Body

Reported: 1996-05-03 (May 3, 1996) · Model years: 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996

PASSENGER'S CLOTHING CAN UNKNOWINGLY BECOME CAUGHT IN THE FORWARD HANDRAILS AT BUS DOORS WHEN EXITING THE BUS.

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
95V051000 · Air Bags:Knee Bolster

Reported: 1995-03-14 (March 14, 1995) · Model years: 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995

THE AISLE SIDE STYROFOAM KNEE PADS ON THE SUBJECT BARRIERS ARE 11" WIDE AND NOT 14.5" AS REQUIRED BY FMVSS NO. 222, "SCHOOL BUS PASSENGER SEATING AND CRASH PROTECTION."

Consequence: CONSEQUENCE OF NON-COMPLIANCE: THIS CONDITION COULD INCREASE THE POTENTIAL FOR INJURY IN A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE INCORRECT PAD WITH THE CORRECT 14.5" KNEE PAD.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
96V126001 · Seats

Reported: 1996-07-11 (July 11, 1996) · Model years: 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SCHOOL BUSES EQUIPPED WITH BOSTROM DRIVER'S SEAT MODEL F222 OR BOSTRUM "ROUTEMASTER" SEAT. BLUE BIRD OPTION 2821 OR 2824. THE SEAT PEDESTALS ARE FATIGUE CRACKING ADJACENT TO THE WELD WHICH SECURES THE PEDESTAL'S UPPER PLATE TO THE UPPER, TELESCOPING PORTION OF THE ADJUSTABLE COLUMN SUPPORT.

Consequence: THE UPPER MOUNTING PLATE AND SEAT UPPER GRADUALLY BECOMES LOOSE RESULTING IN THE UPPER PLATE DETACHING FROM THE SUPPORTING COLUMN AND THE SEAT CAN FALL FROM ITS MOUNTING. THIS CAN RESULT IN PERSONAL INJURY TO THE DRIVER.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPAIR THESE PEDESTALS WITH A NEWLY DESIGNED PEDESTAL BRACKET KIT.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
95V150000 · Structure:Body

Reported: 1995-08-07 (August 7, 1995) · Model years: 1994, 1995, 1996

THE FLOOR LINE HANDRAIL BRACKET CAN EXPAND DURING USE AND CREATE AN OPENING WHICH COULD ENTRAP COAT STRINGS, ETC. AND OTHER ARTICLES OF CLOTHING.

Consequence: 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 COULD BE DRAGGED BY THE BUS. THIS CAN RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FLAT SPLIT FLOOR LINE BRACKET WITH A ROUND TUBULAR BRACKET.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
96V078000 · Structure:Body

Reported: 1996-05-03 (May 3, 1996) · Model years: 1994, 1995, 1996

PASSENGER'S CLOTHING CAN UNKNOWINGLY BECOME CAUGHT IN THE HANDRAILS AT BUS DOORS WHEN EXITING THE BUS.

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: REPLACE OR REPOSITION THE HANDRAILS TO STOP CLOTHING FROM BEING CAUGHT.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
96V011000 · Electrical System:Wiring:Fuses And Circuit Breakers

Reported: 1996-01-23 (January 23, 1996) · Model years: 1995

THE WRONG CIRCUIT BREAKER WAS INSTALLED IN THE ELECTRICAL PANEL WHICH COULD CAUSE AN INTERRUPTION OF THE 8-LIGHT WARNING SYSTEM.

Consequence: THE 8-LIGHT WARNING SYSTEM WOULD STOP FUNCTIONING WHILE DISCHARGING PASSENGERS INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE ACCIDENT OR AN EXITING PASSENGER BEING STRUCK BY AN ONCOMING VEHICLE.

Remedy: OWNERS WILL BE NOTIFIED TO CHECK AND REPLACE AS NECESSARY THE CIRCUIT BREAKERS. OWNERS CAN ALSO HAVE THESE CIRCUIT BREAKERS CHECKED AND REPLACED AT AN AUTHORIZED DEALER.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
96V023000 · Visibility:Glass, Side/Rear

Reported: 1996-01-01 (January 1, 1996) · Model years: 1995

THESE VEHICLES COULD HAVE A LATCH WHICH SCRAPES AN ALUMINUM TRIM PIECE INCREASING THE FORCE REQUIRED TO OPEN. THIS DOES NOT COMPLY WITH FMVSS NO. 217, "BUS WINDOW RETENTION AND RELEASE."

Consequence: CONSEQUENCE OF NON-COMPLIANCE: IN THE CASE OF AN EMERGENCY, AN OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE ABLE TO OPEN THE WINDOW TO USE AS AN EMERGENCY EXIT.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW CAM LOCK PLATE.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
98V037000 · Visibility:Rearview Mirrors/Devices:Exterior

Reported: 1998-02-23 (February 23, 1998) · Model years: 1997, 1998

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SCHOOL BUSES MOUNTED ON FREIGHTLINER FS-65 CHASSIS. BUSES EQUIPPED WITH SYSTEM "B" MIRRORS DO NOT FULLY COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 111, "REARVIEW MIRRORS."

Consequence: A 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.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THESE VEHICLES AND IF NECESSARY, CORRECT THE MIRROR INSTALLATIONS.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.

Data completeness

1 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-09-30.

0.0%Usable mileage0 / 1 records
100.0%Valid incident date1 / 1 records
100.0%Valid filing date1 / 1 records
100.0%Ordered incident and filing dates1 / 1 records

Missing, zero and invalid mileage is excluded. Dates after the snapshot are excluded. Examples are limited selections, not a representative sample.

Problems by model year

Model-wide comparison of the eight most reported components across the model. Cells show counts and shares within each model year. Open a cell for source examples.

Component complaint heatmap
Component198419851986198719881989199019911992199319941995199619971998
Structure:Frame And Members
0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

1100.0%
ODI 890686

COWLING SECTION WHERE BODY BRACKETS ARE MOUNTED TO FRAME IS CRACKING. IT IS FRONT PART OF BUS CHASSIS WHICH WAS MADE BY FORD. ALSO, IF CRACKED THOROUGHLY, IT COULD GIVE IN AND BODY WILL DROP ON FRAME. CONTACTED BLUEBIRD AND FORD, NO RESPONSE FROM EITHER. *AK THERE ARE A TOTAL OF 12 SCHOOL BUSES FROM PARKWAY SCHOOL DISTRICT THAT ARE EXPERIENCING THIS FAILURE. *SLC

Look up ODI 890686 at NHTSA ↗

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

Darker cells indicate a larger share of submitted complaints. Components overlap. This measures complaint composition, not failure probability.

Failure mileage by component

Median and middle 50% of usable owner-reported mileages. Ranges require at least five records.

Component failure mileage distribution
ComponentMileage range (25th–75th percentile)MedianUsable recordsExamples
No usable records for this analysis.

Complaint and recall timeline

Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.

1 reports2024-102026-09

Solid line: filed complaints. Dashed amber lines: recall announcement dates for this vehicle selection; markers include all recall components. The latest month is partial. Temporal proximity does not establish causation.

Monthly counts, recall campaigns and complaint examples
Monthly complaint and recall timeline
MonthComplaintsCampaigns announcedExamples
2024-100None

No examples available for this selection.

2024-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2024-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-090None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-100None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-09 (partial)0None

No examples available for this selection.

Emerging complaint spikes

Complete months in the latest six months with at least 10 complaints, at least twice the preceding 12-month average, and at least three square-root deviations above that average.

This is a descriptive screening rule, not a statistical defect finding. Publicity and reporting changes can increase submissions.

No complete months meet the spike thresholds for this selection.

Equal-age model-year comparison

Model-wide cumulative reports during the first three or five calendar years, starting with the model year (age 0). Only fully elapsed windows are compared.

Age 0Age 1Age 21 reports

1997: 0 complaints · 1998: 0 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model yearThrough age 0Through age 1Through age 2
1997000
1998000
Date coverage across each selected cohort
Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
YearIncident dates usedFiling date fallbacksExcluded dates
1997100
1998000

Incident date is preferred when valid and no later than filing; otherwise filing date is used. Model year approximates age. Equal observation time does not adjust for sales, distance driven or reporting delays. One complaint linked to multiple model years can appear in each cohort.

Components reported together

Each cell counts unique complaints naming both components. Open a nonzero cell for examples.

Component co-occurrence matrix
ComponentStructure:Frame And Members
Structure:Frame And Members—

Co-reporting does not establish that one component caused another concern.

Recurring narrative patterns

Specific keyword mentions beyond broad component labels. Matching includes negations and comparisons and does not confirm a diagnosis.

0 patterns with matching reports.

No narratives match the published patterns.