Auto Recall Watch
U.S. public vehicle records

2009 Blue Bird VISION: complaints, problems and recalls

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

6 owner complaints analyzed

28 distinct recall campaigns

8,350 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 2009 model year. Data updated: . 5 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Fuel System, Diesel is the most frequently named component, appearing in 2 of 6 complaints (33.3%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
TopicMatching reportsShare of complaints
Fuel system concerns116.7%

Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.

Component breakdown

Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.

Fuel System, Diesel
2
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Diesel
1
Structure:Frame And Members
1
Vehicle Speed Control
1
Visibility:Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System:Fan/Motor
1
Component breakdown data
CategoryCount
Fuel System, Diesel2
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Diesel1
Structure:Frame And Members1
Vehicle Speed Control1
Visibility:Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System:Fan/Motor1

Fuel System, Diesel: 2; Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Diesel: 1; Structure:Frame And Members: 1; Vehicle Speed Control: 1; Visibility:Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System:Fan/Motor: 1

Reported problems by failure mileage

Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.

Under 25,000
4
25,000 to 49,999
0
50,000 to 74,999
1
75,000 to 99,999
0
100,000 to 149,999
0
150,000 and above
0
Reported problems by failure mileage data
CategoryCount
Under 25,0004
25,000 to 49,9990
50,000 to 74,9991
75,000 to 99,9990
100,000 to 149,9990
150,000 and above0

Under 25,000: 4; 25,000 to 49,999: 0; 50,000 to 74,999: 1; 75,000 to 99,999: 0; 100,000 to 149,999: 0; 150,000 and above: 0

Under 25,000 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (4). 1 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.

Complaints over time

Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.

2009
3
2010
2
2012
1
Complaints over time data
CategoryCount
20093
20102
20121

2009: 3; 2010: 2; 2012: 1

Pattern summary

Fuel System, Diesel leads the component reports. Fuel system concerns appears in 1 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.

Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.

Examples from the source records

Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.

Owner report 10262535 · 2009-03-20 (March 20, 2009)

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 BLUE BIRD VISION SCHOOL BUS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ACTIVATED, THE DRIVER OBSERVED THAT WHENEVER THE DECREASE CONTROL MODE WAS SELECTED THERE WAS AN INCREASE IN THE ENGINE SET CRUISING SPEED. THE DECREASE SELECTION RESPONSE FAILURE OCCURRED CONTINUOUSLY AND WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING AND THEY STATED THAT THERE WAS NO DEFECT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2934 AND CURRENT MILEAGE IS 7493. UPDATED 05/08/09. *LJ UPDATED 05/11/0…

Owner-reported narrative. 2,934 miles reported. Look up ODI 10262535 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10269625 · 2009-05-21 (May 21, 2009)

A 2009 BLUEBIRD VISION SCHOOL BUS DEVELOPED A FUEL (DIESEL) LEAK AND CAUGHT FIRE. IT FULLY ENGULFED THE BUS BURNING IT TO A TOTAL LOSS. ONE SPECIAL NEEDS STUDENT, A TRANSPORTATION AIDE, AND THE DRIVER WERE ON BOARD. ALL EVACUATED SAFELY. WE RECENTLY RECEIVED 46 OF THESE BUSES (ALL CONFIGURED THE SAME) AND WE HAVE HAD 8 INCIDENTS OF FUEL LEAKS INVOLVING 6 OF THESE UNITS, NOT INCLUDING THE BUS WHICH CAUGHT FIRE. OUR DISTRICT HAS MET WITH BLUEBIRD AND CATERPILLAR (ENGINE SUPPLIER) AND LOOKED AT THE BURNED UNIT. WE ARE WAITING FOR THEIR COMMENTS …

Owner-reported narrative. 8,350 miles reported. Look up ODI 10269625 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10289489 · 2009-10-23 (October 23, 2009)

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 BLUEBIRD VISION. WHILE EXAMINING THE VEHICLE HE NOTICED THAT THE RUBBER ON THE FLOOR BEGAN TO SEPARATE FROM THE BASE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER AND THERE WERE NO PRIOR WARNINGS. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 8200. UPDATED 11/10/09 *CN THE CONSUMER HAS OTHER BLUE BIRD'S THAT HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. UPDATED 11/13/09.*JB

Owner-reported narrative. 8,200 miles reported. Look up ODI 10289489 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10302333 · 2010-01-26 (January 26, 2010)

HIGH FAILURE RATE FOR HEATER MOTOR BLOWER CAGE FOR SCHOOLBUS STEP WELL. BLOWER CAGE DESTRUCTS. THIS HAPPENS FREQUENTLY. THIS CREATES A SAFETY DEFECT BECAUSE THE HEAT IS NEEDED TO KEEP STEPS FREE OF ICE AND SNOW. THIS HAS HAPPENED MANY TIMES IN THE LAST YEAR AND PARTS ARE NOT ALWAYS AVAILABLE DUE TO HIGH DEMAND TO REPLACE. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 68,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10302333 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10339346 · 2010-06-21 (June 21, 2010)

CLARK COUNTY SCHOOL BUS 29429 DEVELOPED A FUEL LEAK AT THE #6 INJECTOR WHILE IN OPERATION. THE FUEL LEAK WAS ATOMIZING FUEL IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE BUS IS A 2009 BLUEBIRD VISION SCHOOL BUS EQUIPPED WITH A C7 CATERPILLAR ENGINE. THE CCSD HAS HAD SEVERAL OF THESE UNITS DEVELOP SIMILAR LEAKS. ONCE THE LEAK WAS FOUND ON THE OTHER BUSES THEY WERE SENT TO THE LOCAL CATERPILLAR DEALER. 29429 HAS NOT YET BEEN SENT. INJECTOR LINES, TUBES AND INJECTORS HAVE BEEN REPLACED IN THE PAST TO CORRECT THIS CONDITION. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 23,311 miles reported. Look up ODI 10339346 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10446420 · 2012-01-27 (January 27, 2012)

OF THE SIX THEY OPERATE ALL HAVE FAILED, WITH AN AVERAGE MILEAGE OF 29,000 AND 500 DAYS IN SERVICE FOR THE FIRST FAILURE. SECOND FAILURES HAVE OCCURRED ON TWO OF THE BUSES: BOTH AT ABOUT 300 DAYS AND 19,000 MILES SINCE THE PREVIOUS FAILURE. WHEN THE HOSE FAILS IT IS A MAJOR LEAK AND THE VEHICLES HAVE HAD TO BE TOWED. ALL PARTS HAVE BEEN RETURNED UNDER WARRANTY, SO CURRENTLY THERE ARE NO PARTS FOR US TO LOOK AT. HOWEVER HE STATED THAT THE FAILURE APPEARS TO INITIATE FROM THE INSIDE OF THE HOSE THEREFORE MAKING IT IMPOSSIBLE TO CATCH PRIOR TO THE…

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10446420 at NHTSA ↗

Recall history

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

08V229000 · Structure:Body:Roof And Pillars

Reported: 2008-05-20 (May 20, 2008)

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."

Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THESE PANELS MAY SEPARATE EXPOSING THE OCCUPANTS TO INCREASED RISK OF INJURY.

Remedy: 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.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
08V309000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Diesel

Reported: 2008-07-10 (July 10, 2008)

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.

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
08V312000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic

Reported: 2008-07-11 (July 11, 2008)

THE HYDRAULIC BRAKE HOSES FROM THE MASTER CYLINDER TO THE CHASSIS FRAME MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY ROUTED OR RETAINED ON CERTAIN 2004 THROUGH 2009 MY BLUE BIRD VISION CONVENTIONAL SCHOOL AND TRANSIT BUSES MANUFACTURED FROM JANUARY 11, 2004 THROUGH APRIL 22, 2008.

Consequence: IMPROPER ROUTING OR RETENTION OF THE HYDRAULIC BRAKE HOSES MAY RESULT IN BRAKE HOSES CHAFFING AGAINST THE BUS BODY AND/OR CHASSIS COMPONENTS WHICH COULD CAUSE A LEAK IN THE HYDRAULIC BRAKE SYSTEM RESULTING IN REDUCED BRAKING CAPACITY WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.

Remedy: BLUE BIRD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND INSPECT AND REPAIR THE BUSES FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 8, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BLUE BIRD AT 1-478-822-2242.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
09V075000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System:Fan

Reported: 2009-03-09 (March 9, 2009)

BLUE BIRD IS RECALLING 3,419 MY 2008 AND 2009 VISION CONVENTIONAL SCHOOL BUSES MANUFACTURED FROM JANUARY 18, 2007 THROUGH OCTOBER 29, 2008, EQUIPPED WITH CATERPILLAR C7 AND C7 07 ENGINES. INCORRECT BOLTS AND/OR SPACERS MAY HAVE BEEN INSTALLED TO ATTACH THE FAN BLADE TO THE FAN CLUTCH.

Consequence: AS A RESULT, THE FAN BLADE MAY SEPARATE FROM THE CLUTCH AND POTENTIALLY CAUSE PROPERTY DAMAGE OR PERSONAL INJURY TO PERSONS IN OR NEAR THE FRONT OF THE BUS. THE VEHICLE SHOULD NOT BE SERVICED WITH THE HOOD OPEN AND THE ENGINE RUNNING UNTIL THE BOLTS/SPACERS HAVE BEEN INSPECTED AND, IF NEEDED, REPLACED.

Remedy: BLUE BIRD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE BUSES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 7, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BLUE BIRD AT 1-478-822-2242.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
09V214000 · Steering:Hydraulic Power Assist System

Reported: 2009-06-11 (June 11, 2009)

BLUE BIRD IS RECALLING 377 MODEL YEAR 2009 AND 2010 VISION CONVENTIONAL SCHOOL BUSES MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 13, 2008 THROUGH MAY 17, 2009, EQUIPPED WITH PROPANE ENGINES. THE POWER STEERING RETURN HOSE MAY LEAK AND/OR FAIL RESULTING IN LOSS OF HYDRAULIC STEERING ASSIST.

Consequence: LOSS OF POWER STEERING ASSIST COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy: BLUE BIRD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPAIR THE BUSES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 30, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BLUE BIRD AT 1-478-422-2242.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
09V251000 · Seats

Reported: 2009-07-06 (July 6, 2009)

BLUE BIRD IS RECALLING 69 MODEL YEAR 2008 THROUGH 2010 MICRO BIRD AND VISION SCHOOL BUSES MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 29, 2007 THROUGH MAY 2, 2009, EQUIPPED WITH OPTIONAL 34 INCH OFFSET BARRIER. THE OFFSET LEG OF THE BARRIER FRAME MAY HAVE BEEN LOCATED INCORRECTLY AND INCORRECT PADDING MAY HAVE BEEN INSTALLED ON THE 34 INCH OFFSET BARRIERS WHICH FAILS TO COMPLY WITH THE LEG PROTECTION ZONE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 222, "SCHOOL BUS PASSENGER SEATING AND CRASH PROTECTION."

Consequence: VEHICLE OCCUPANTS MAY SUFFER INJURIES IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy: BLUE BIRD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE BARRIER PADS WITH A NEW DESIGNED PAD FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 12, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BLUE BIRD AT 1-478-822-2242.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
09V284000 · Steering:Hydraulic Power Assist System

Reported: 2009-07-23 (July 23, 2009)

BLUE BIRD IS RECALLING 7,772 MODEL YEAR 2008 THROUGH 2010 VISION SCHOOL BUSES MANUFACTURED FROM MARCH 27, 2007 THROUGH JUNE 10, 2009. THE LID GASKET ON THE POWER STEERING RESERVOIR MAY DETERIORATE AND CONTAMINATE THE POWER STEERING FLUID WHICH COULD RESULT IN A LOSS OF POWER STEERING ASSIST.

Consequence: LOSS OF POWER STEERING ASSIST COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy: BLUE BIRD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPAIR THE BUSES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN BEGAN ON AUGUST 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BLUE BIRD AT 1-478-822-2242.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
09V328000 · Seats

Reported: 2009-08-13 (August 13, 2009)

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."

Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THERE IS AN INCREASED RISK OF INJURY TO THE SEAT OCCUPANT(S).

Remedy: 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.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
09V335000 · Other:School Bus Stop Arm Assembly

Reported: 2009-08-25 (August 25, 2009)

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.

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
10V169000 · Electrical System

Reported: 2010-04-23 (April 23, 2010)

BLUE BIRD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004 THROUGH 2009 VISION SCHOOL BUSES MANUFACTURED FROM JANUARY 30, 2003 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 24, 2008. THE POWER CABLES RUNNING TO THE POWER DISTRIBUTION UNIT STUD AND DRIVER'S CONTROL MODULE STUD MAY HAVE BEEN INSTALLED WITH THE LUG (EYELET) FLAT SIDE UP. WHEN THIS CONDITION EXISTS, VIBRATION MAY WEAR THE INSULATION PERMITTING DIRECT CONTACT BETWEEN THE BARE LUG AND THE PDU OR DCM WHICH COULD CAUSE A DIRECT SHORT IN THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.

Consequence: THIS CONDITION COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy: BLUE BIRD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPAIR THE BUSES AS NECESSARY FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN MAY 26, 2020. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BLUE BIRD AT 1-478-822-2242.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
10V170000 · Electrical System

Reported: 2010-04-23 (April 23, 2010)

BLUE BIRD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004 THROUGH 2009 VISION NON-SCHOOL BUSES MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 19, 2003 THROUGH JULY 2, 2008. THE POWER CABLES RUNNING TO THE POWER DISTRIBUTION UNIT STUD AND DRIVER'S CONTROL MODULE STUD MAY HAVE BEEN INSTALLED WITH THE LUG (EYELET) FLAT SIDE UP. WHEN THIS CONDITION EXISTS, VIBRATION MAY WEAR THE INSULATION PERMITTING DIRECT CONTACT BETWEEN THE BARE LUG AND THE PDU OR DCM WHICH COULD CAUSE A DIRECT SHORT IN THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.

Consequence: THIS CONDITION COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy: BLUE BIRD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPAIR THE BUSES AS NECESSARY FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 26, 2020. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BLUE BIRD AT 1-478-822-2242.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
10V289000 · Engine And Engine Cooling

Reported: 2010-06-28 (June 28, 2010)

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.

Consequence: A FUEL LEAK, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, CAN RESULT IN A VEHICLE FIRE.

Remedy: 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.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
10V290000 · Engine And Engine Cooling

Reported: 2010-06-28 (June 28, 2010)

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.

Consequence: A FUEL LEAK, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, CAN RESULT IN A VEHICLE FIRE.

Remedy: 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.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
11V174000 · Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/Panel

Reported: 2011-03-15 (March 15, 2011)

BLUE BIRD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2007 THROUGH 2011 VISION SCHOOL BUSES. THE DASH INSTRUMENT PANEL ABS INDICATOR LIGHT DOES NOT ILLUMINATE WHEN THE ABS CIRCUIT IS DISCONNECTED AT THE MAIN ABS MODULE. ACCORDINGLY, THESE BUSES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 105, "HYDRAULIC AND ELECTRIC BRAKE SYSTEMS," AND FMVSS NO. 121, "AIR BRAKE SYSTEMS."

Consequence: IN THE EVENT THE ABS CIRCUIT DISCONNECTS FROM THE MAIN ABS MODULE, THE BUS OPERATOR WOULD BE UNAWARE OF THE FAILURE OF THE ABS SYSTEM AND THE ASSOCIATED REDUCED BRAKING FUNCTION, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: BLUE BIRD IS CURRENTLY WORKING WITH STONERIDGE TO PRODUCE SOFTWARE THAT DEALERS CAN USE TO REPROGRAM THE DASH INSTRUMENT PANEL. BLUE BIRD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS ONCE THE SOFTWARE UPDATE BECOMES AVAILABLE. THE AFFECTED BUSES WILL BE REPAIRED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 23, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BLUE BIRD AT 1-478-822-2242.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
11V175000 · Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/Panel

Reported: 2011-03-15 (March 15, 2011)

BLUE BIRD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008 THROUGH 2010 VISION NON SCHOOL BUSES. THE DASH INSTRUMENT PANEL ABS INDICATOR LIGHT DOES NOT ILLUMINATE WHEN THE ABS CIRCUIT IS DISCONNECTED AT THE MAIN ABS MODULE. ACCORDINGLY, THESE BUSES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 105, "HYDRAULIC AND ELECTRIC BRAKE SYSTEMS," AND FMVSS NO. 121, "AIR BRAKE SYSTEMS."

Consequence: IN THE EVENT THE ABS CIRCUIT DISCONNECTS FROM THE MAIN ABS MODULE, THE BUS OPERATOR WOULD BE UNAWARE OF THE FAILURE OF THE ABS SYSTEM AND THE ASSOCIATED REDUCED BRAKING FUNCTION, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: BLUE BIRD IS CURRENTLY WORKING WITH STONERIDGE TO PRODUCE SOFTWARE THAT DEALERS CAN USE TO REPROGRAM THE DASH INSTRUMENT PANEL. BLUE BIRD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS ONCE THE SOFTWARE UPDATE BECOMES AVAILABLE. THE AFFECTED BUSES WILL BE REPAIRED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 23, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BLUE BIRD AT 1-478-822-2242.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
11V247000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings

Reported: 2011-04-22 (April 22, 2011)

BLUE BIRD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009 THROUGH 2012 VISION SCHOOL BUSES MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 7, 2008, THROUGH JANUARY 19, 2011, EQUIPPED WITH AN OPTIONAL FUEL FILTER LOCATED ON THE DRIVER'S CONTROL MODULE. DUE TO ROUTING AND CLAMPING VARIATIONS, THE FUEL LINE ON UNITS EQUIPPED WITH AN OPTIONAL RELOCATED FUEL FILTER MAY CONTACT THE BODY MOUNTED TRANSMISSION COVER AND CHAFE AGAINST THE COVER.

Consequence: THIS CONDITION COULD POTENTIALLY RESULT IN A FUEL LEAK AND POSSIBLY RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy: BLUE BIRD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL INSPECT FOR CONTACT/RUBBING WITH THE TRANSMISSION COVER. FUEL LINES FOUND TO BE CONTACTING OR RUBBING WILL BE REPOSITIONED. ANY DAMAGED FUEL FILTER HOSES FOUND WILL BE REPLACED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 25, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BLUE BIRD AT 1-478-822-2242.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
11V499000 · Seats:Barriers

Reported: 2011-10-14 (October 14, 2011)

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."

Consequence: THE SEAT OCCUPANTS MAY BE SERIOUSLY INJURED IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.

Remedy: 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.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
12V153000 · Equipment Adaptive/Mobility

Reported: 2012-04-05 (April 5, 2012)

BLUE BIRD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009 THROUGH 2011 ALL AMERICAN, VISION, AND MICRO BIRD SCHOOL BUSES EQUIPPED WITH BRAUN VISTA-2 WHEELCHAIR LIFTS. OVER TIME AND WITH FREQUENT USE, THE ROLL STOP LATCHES ON THE OUTER BARRIER MAY BECOME BENT OR MISALIGNED.

Consequence: A WHEELCHAIR OCCUPANT MAY DEFEAT OR RIDE OVER THE INSUFFICIENTLY LATCHED ROLL STOP. IF THIS OCCURS WHEN THE LIFT PLATFORM IS IN AN ELEVATED POSITION, THE WHEELCHAIR’S OCCUPANT COULD FALL AND SUSTAIN INJURY.

Remedy: BLUE BIRD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND THE REPAIRS WILL BE PERFORMED BY AUTHORIZED BRAUN DEALERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 26, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BLUE BIRD AT 1-478-822-2242.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
13V332000 · Structure

Reported: 2013-07-31 (July 31, 2013)

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."

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

Remedy: 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.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
14V510000 · Equipment Adaptive/Mobility

Reported: 2014-08-19 (August 19, 2014)

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.

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
14V511000 · Equipment Adaptive/Mobility

Reported: 2014-08-19 (August 19, 2014)

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.

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
15V730000 · Equipment Adaptive/Mobility

Reported: 2015-11-04 (November 4, 2015)

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.

Consequence: 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.

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

NHTSA campaign record ↗
15V731000 · Equipment Adaptive/Mobility

Reported: 2015-11-04 (November 4, 2015)

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.

Consequence: 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.

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

NHTSA campaign record ↗
16V100000 · Electrical System:Wiring | Electrical System:Starter Assembly | Electrical System:12v/24v/48v Battery:Cables

Reported: 2016-02-23 (February 23, 2016)

Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain model year 2008-2009 Vision school buses manufactured from May 10, 2007, through March 5, 2008 and equipped with Caterpillar C707 engines. In the affected buses, the positive starter cable may be incorrectly attached to the same Power Distribution Unit (PDU) stud as the battery cable, exposing the smaller battery cable to a higher current draw during cranking.

Consequence: Exposure to high current draw may cause the battery cable to overheat, melt the wire insulation and increase the risk of a short circuit and a fire.

Remedy: Blue Bird will notify owners, and dealers will relocate the starter cable to the chassis power stud. Any damaged battery cables will be replaced. These repairs will be made free of charge. The recall began on March 10, 2016. Owners may contact Blue Bird customer service at 1-478-822-2242. Blue Bird's recall number for this campaign is R16YL-SB.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
16V101000 · Electrical System:Wiring | Electrical System:Starter Assembly | Electrical System:12v/24v/48v Battery:Cables

Reported: 2016-02-23 (February 23, 2016)

Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain model year 2009 Vision transit buses manufactured from November 27, 2007, through February 18, 2008, and equipped with Caterpillar C707 engines. In the affected buses, the positive starter cable may be incorrectly attached to the same Power Distribution Unit (PDU) stud as the battery cable, exposing the smaller battery cable to a higher current draw during cranking.

Consequence: Exposure to high current draw may cause the battery cable to overheat, melt the wire insulation and increase the risk of a short circuit and a fire.

Remedy: Blue Bird will notify owners, and dealers will relocate the starter cable to the chassis power stud. Any damaged battery cables will be replaced. These repairs will be made free of charge. The recall began on March 10, 2016. Owners may contact Blue Bird customer service at 1-478-822-2242. Blue Bird's recall number for this campaign is R16YL-NSB.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
20V125000 · Seats:Barriers

Reported: 2020-03-03 (March 3, 2020)

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

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

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

NHTSA campaign record ↗
20V234000 · Parking Brake

Reported: 2020-04-27 (April 27, 2020)

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

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

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

NHTSA campaign record ↗
20V235000 · Parking Brake

Reported: 2020-04-27 (April 27, 2020)

Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain 2009-2019 Vision transit buses. The floor-mounted parking brake may fail to hold the vehicle stationary on an incline when the vehicle is loaded to its maximum weight, due to an insufficient application force. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 105 "Hydraulic and Electric Brake Systems."

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

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

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

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

83.3%Usable mileage5 / 6 records
100.0%Valid incident date6 / 6 records
100.0%Valid filing date6 / 6 records
100.0%Ordered incident and filing dates6 / 6 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
Component200520062007200820092010201120122013201420152016201720182019
Electrical System
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

250.0%
ODI 11046297 · 43,000 mi

BRAKE LIGHTS MAY REMAIN ILLUMINATED AFTER BRAKE PEDAL HAS BEEN RELEASED. WHEN DRIVING, "MISSING BRAKE INPUT" FAULT CODE MAY BE DISPLAYED. HAS SIMILAR SYMPTOMS OF PREVIOUS RECALL R13WG.

Look up ODI 11046297 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

Engine
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

150.0%
ODI 11311782 · 120,186 mi

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

Look up ODI 11311782 at NHTSA ↗

1100.0%
ODI 11163621 · 6,000 mi

VEHICLE FLIPS COMPRESSOR BELTS OFF FREQUENTLY BRAKE PEDDLE SWITCH FAILS AND BENDS MOUNTING BRACKETS CAUSING BRAKE LIGHT FAILURE AND VEHICLE TO GO INTO DERATE MODE IN MOTION FOR BOTH. */BF.. *DT *DT*JB *TR*JB *DT*JB *DT

Look up ODI 11163621 at NHTSA ↗

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

Exterior Lighting
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

250.0%
ODI 11123880 · 42,000 mi

HEADLIGHTS HAVE A REFLECTOR OVER THE 9007 TYPE BULB THAT IS HELD ON BY AN UPPER AND LOWER SCREW. DURING INSPECTION, IT WAS NOTED THAT THE UPPER SCREWS OF BOTH LEFT AND RIGHT HEADLIGHTS CAME OUT. SHORTLY THEREAFTER, THE LOWER SCREW OF THE LEFT HEADLIGHT CAME OUT, LEAVING THE REFLECTOR LYING LOOSE INSIDE. THIS NECESSITATED PURCHASING A NEW HEADLIGHT. THIS EXACT SAME PROBLEM IS ALSO OCCURRING ON OUR OTHER BUS OF THIS TYPE, THAT IS VIN NUMBER PRIOR. THE NEW HEADLIGHT PURCHASED DOES NOT USE THE SCREWS, BUT INSTEAD HAS A REFLECTOR THAT LOOKS LIKE …

Look up ODI 11123880 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

Fuel System, Diesel
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

233.3%
ODI 10269625 · 8,350 mi

A 2009 BLUEBIRD VISION SCHOOL BUS DEVELOPED A FUEL (DIESEL) LEAK AND CAUGHT FIRE. IT FULLY ENGULFED THE BUS BURNING IT TO A TOTAL LOSS. ONE SPECIAL NEEDS STUDENT, A TRANSPORTATION AIDE, AND THE DRIVER WERE ON BOARD. ALL EVACUATED SAFELY. WE RECENTLY RECEIVED 46 OF THESE BUSES (ALL CONFIGURED THE SAME) AND WE HAVE HAD 8 INCIDENTS OF FUEL LEAKS INVOLVING 6 OF THESE UNITS, NOT INCLUDING THE BUS WHICH CAUGHT FIRE. OUR DISTRICT HAS MET WITH BLUEBIRD AND CATERPILLAR (ENGINE SUPPLIER) AND LOOKED AT THE BURNED UNIT. WE ARE WAITING FOR THEIR COMMENTS …

Look up ODI 10269625 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

Service Brakes
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

150.0%
ODI 11110684 · 30,000 mi

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

Look up ODI 11110684 at NHTSA ↗

1100.0%
ODI 11163621 · 6,000 mi

VEHICLE FLIPS COMPRESSOR BELTS OFF FREQUENTLY BRAKE PEDDLE SWITCH FAILS AND BENDS MOUNTING BRACKETS CAUSING BRAKE LIGHT FAILURE AND VEHICLE TO GO INTO DERATE MODE IN MOTION FOR BOTH. */BF.. *DT *DT*JB *TR*JB *DT*JB *DT

Look up ODI 11163621 at NHTSA ↗

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

Service Brakes, Air
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

1100.0%
ODI 10239186 · 3,422 mi

TL*THE SCHOOL OWNS A 2008 BLUE BIRD VISION SCHOOL BUS. THE SCHOOL BUS WAS INSPECTED BY THE DEALER BECAUSE IT WAS VIBRATING. WHILE DRIVING GREATER THAN 60 MPH, ONE OF THE FRONT WHEELS WOULD RUB AGAINST AND RUPTURE THE BRAKE LINE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 3,422.

Look up ODI 10239186 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

150.0%
ODI 10325049 · 9,175 mi

OUR BUS OPERATOR REPORTED THAT WHEN SHE WAS STOPPING FOR A TRAFFIC SIGNAL THE BRAKE PEDAL SUDDENLY WENT TO THE FLOOR, SHE PUT THE EMERGENCY BRAKE ON TO STOP THE BUS. THE BUS WAS TAKEN TO OUR MAINTENANCE SHOP, OUR MAINTENANCE SUPERVISOR TESTED THE BRAKES, HE ALSO REPORTED THAT WITH THE BUS IN REVERSE HE STEPPED ON THE BRAKE AND IT DID NOT APPLY THE BRAKES, HE HAD TO PULL THE EMERGENCY BRAKE. WE TRIED TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM AGAIN AND WERE NOT ABLE TO. WE CONTACTED OUR BLUE BIRD BUS DEALER AND SENT THE BUS TO THEM. *TR

Look up ODI 10325049 at NHTSA ↗

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

Structure:Body
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

133.3%
ODI 10593162 · 59,000 mi

BODY STRUCTURE BROKEN OR CRACKED AT A-PILLAR AND SEVERAL OTHER LOCATIONS ON LEFT SIDE. ROOF BOW CRACKED AT SIDE EMERGENCY EXIT AT LEFT SIDE. REAR ROOF CAP CRACKED AND PULLING AWAY FROM BODY AT RIVETS. BODY SEEMS TO FLEX AND TWIST CAUSING BREAKAGE ALONG THE BOTTOM OF WINDOWS ALONG LEFT SIDE. WE HAVE 2 VEHICLE OF THE SAME YEAR, MAKE AND MODEL AND BOTH HAVE DONE THE SAME THING AT ABOUT THE SAME MILEAGE. BOTH VEHICLES HAVE BEEN REPAIRED AT DEALER, WAS VERY EXPENSIVE ($21,000.00) FOR REPAIRS. COULD POSSIBLY CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY IN A ROLLOVER TYPE A…

Look up ODI 10593162 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

150.0%
ODI 10568434 · 19,256 mi

CRACKS IN STRUCTURE BEAM UNDER DASH ALSO CAUSING THE BODY OUTER SKIN TO CRACK ON A 2013 BLUE BIRD VISION

Look up ODI 10568434 at NHTSA ↗

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System
1100.0%
ODI 10450994

VOQ ENTERED BY MHDVD ON 8/22/2011 THE DRIVER NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE STEERING COLUMN AREA OF THE DASH OF THE SCHOOL BUS WHICH RAPIDLY DEVELOPED AND ENGULFED THE LEFT SIDE OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. CAUSE OF FIRE WAS UNDETERMINED AFTER INSPECTION. ELECTIRCAL HEATING WAS NOTED AT THE SOLENOID BUT DID NOT APPEAR TO BE SUFFICIENT TO ACT AS AN IGNITION SOURCE AND LACK OF FUEL IN THE AREA DOES NOT DEMONSTRATE A MEANS FOR A FIRE TO DEVELOP.

Look up ODI 10450994 at NHTSA ↗

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

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
Fuel System, DieselToo few reports for a range15,831 mi2 (sparse)
ODI 10269625 · 8,350 mi

A 2009 BLUEBIRD VISION SCHOOL BUS DEVELOPED A FUEL (DIESEL) LEAK AND CAUGHT FIRE. IT FULLY ENGULFED THE BUS BURNING IT TO A TOTAL LOSS. ONE SPECIAL NEEDS STUDENT, A TRANSPORTATION AIDE, AND THE DRIVER WERE ON BOARD. ALL EVACUATED SAFELY. WE RECENTLY RECEIVED 46 OF THESE BUSES (ALL CONFIGURED THE SAME) AND WE HAVE HAD 8 INCIDENTS OF FUEL LEAKS INVOLVING 6 OF THESE UNITS, NOT INCLUDING THE BUS WHICH CAUGHT FIRE. OUR DISTRICT HAS MET WITH BLUEBIRD AND CATERPILLAR (ENGINE SUPPLIER) AND LOOKED AT THE BURNED UNIT. WE ARE WAITING FOR THEIR COMMENTS …

Look up ODI 10269625 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10339346 · 23,311 mi

CLARK COUNTY SCHOOL BUS 29429 DEVELOPED A FUEL LEAK AT THE #6 INJECTOR WHILE IN OPERATION. THE FUEL LEAK WAS ATOMIZING FUEL IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE BUS IS A 2009 BLUEBIRD VISION SCHOOL BUS EQUIPPED WITH A C7 CATERPILLAR ENGINE. THE CCSD HAS HAD SEVERAL OF THESE UNITS DEVELOP SIMILAR LEAKS. ONCE THE LEAK WAS FOUND ON THE OTHER BUSES THEY WERE SENT TO THE LOCAL CATERPILLAR DEALER. 29429 HAS NOT YET BEEN SENT. INJECTOR LINES, TUBES AND INJECTORS HAVE BEEN REPLACED IN THE PAST TO CORRECT THIS CONDITION. *TR

Look up ODI 10339346 at NHTSA ↗

Structure:Frame And MembersToo few reports for a range8,200 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10289489 · 8,200 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 BLUEBIRD VISION. WHILE EXAMINING THE VEHICLE HE NOTICED THAT THE RUBBER ON THE FLOOR BEGAN TO SEPARATE FROM THE BASE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER AND THERE WERE NO PRIOR WARNINGS. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 8200. UPDATED 11/10/09 *CN THE CONSUMER HAS OTHER BLUE BIRD'S THAT HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. UPDATED 11/13/09.*JB

Look up ODI 10289489 at NHTSA ↗

Vehicle Speed ControlToo few reports for a range2,934 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10262535 · 2,934 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 BLUE BIRD VISION SCHOOL BUS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ACTIVATED, THE DRIVER OBSERVED THAT WHENEVER THE DECREASE CONTROL MODE WAS SELECTED THERE WAS AN INCREASE IN THE ENGINE SET CRUISING SPEED. THE DECREASE SELECTION RESPONSE FAILURE OCCURRED CONTINUOUSLY AND WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING AND THEY STATED THAT THERE WAS NO DEFECT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2934 AND CURRENT MILEAGE IS 7493. UPDATED 05/08/09. *LJ UPDATED 05/11/0…

Look up ODI 10262535 at NHTSA ↗

Visibility:Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System:Fan/MotorToo few reports for a range68,000 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10302333 · 68,000 mi

HIGH FAILURE RATE FOR HEATER MOTOR BLOWER CAGE FOR SCHOOLBUS STEP WELL. BLOWER CAGE DESTRUCTS. THIS HAPPENS FREQUENTLY. THIS CREATES A SAFETY DEFECT BECAUSE THE HEAT IS NEEDED TO KEEP STEPS FREE OF ICE AND SNOW. THIS HAS HAPPENED MANY TIMES IN THE LAST YEAR AND PARTS ARE NOT ALWAYS AVAILABLE DUE TO HIGH DEMAND TO REPLACE. *TR

Look up ODI 10302333 at NHTSA ↗

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

2018: 0 complaints · 2019: 0 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model yearThrough age 0Through age 1Through age 2
2018000
2019000
Date coverage across each selected cohort
Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
YearIncident dates usedFiling date fallbacksExcluded dates
2018000
2019000

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
ComponentFuel System, DieselEngine And Engine Cooling:Engine:DieselStructure:Frame And MembersVehicle Speed ControlVisibility:Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System:Fan/Motor
Fuel System, Diesel—0000
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Diesel0—000
Structure:Frame And Members00—00
Vehicle Speed Control000—0
Visibility:Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System:Fan/Motor0000—

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.

1 patterns with matching reports.

Fuel smell or leak mentions

2 mentions · 33.3% of complaints

Median mileage: 15,831 mi (2 usable records).

ODI 10269625 · 8,350 mi

A 2009 BLUEBIRD VISION SCHOOL BUS DEVELOPED A FUEL (DIESEL) LEAK AND CAUGHT FIRE. IT FULLY ENGULFED THE BUS BURNING IT TO A TOTAL LOSS. ONE SPECIAL NEEDS STUDENT, A TRANSPORTATION AIDE, AND THE DRIVER WERE ON BOARD. ALL EVACUATED SAFELY. WE RECENTLY RECEIVED 46 OF THESE BUSES (ALL CONFIGURED THE SAME) AND WE HAVE HAD 8 INCIDENTS OF FUEL LEAKS INVOLVING 6 OF THESE UNITS, NOT INCLUDING THE BUS WHICH CAUGHT FIRE. OUR DISTRICT HAS MET WITH BLUEBIRD AND CATERPILLAR (ENGINE SUPPLIER) AND LOOKED AT THE BURNED UNIT. WE ARE WAITING FOR THEIR COMMENTS …

Look up ODI 10269625 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10339346 · 23,311 mi

CLARK COUNTY SCHOOL BUS 29429 DEVELOPED A FUEL LEAK AT THE #6 INJECTOR WHILE IN OPERATION. THE FUEL LEAK WAS ATOMIZING FUEL IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE BUS IS A 2009 BLUEBIRD VISION SCHOOL BUS EQUIPPED WITH A C7 CATERPILLAR ENGINE. THE CCSD HAS HAD SEVERAL OF THESE UNITS DEVELOP SIMILAR LEAKS. ONCE THE LEAK WAS FOUND ON THE OTHER BUSES THEY WERE SENT TO THE LOCAL CATERPILLAR DEALER. 29429 HAS NOT YET BEEN SENT. INJECTOR LINES, TUBES AND INJECTORS HAVE BEEN REPLACED IN THE PAST TO CORRECT THIS CONDITION. *TR

Look up ODI 10339346 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(fuel leak\w*|gas leak\w*|gas(?:oline)? smell|smell\w* (?:of )?(?:fuel|gas))\b