2013 Blue Bird VISION: complaints, problems and recalls
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
2 owner complaints analyzed
25 distinct recall campaigns
19,256 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2013 model year. Data updated: . 1 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.
Most common problems
Structure is the most frequently named component, appearing in 1 of 2 complaints (50.0%). A complaint can name multiple components.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Structure | 1 |
| Structure:Body | 1 |
Structure: 1; Structure:Body: 1
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 1 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 0 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 0 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 0 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 0 |
| 150,000 and above | 0 |
Under 25,000: 1; 25,000 to 49,999: 0; 50,000 to 74,999: 0; 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 (1). 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.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 2013 | 1 |
| 2014 | 1 |
2013: 1; 2014: 1
Pattern summary
Structure leads the component reports. 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 10551300 · 2013-11-06 (November 6, 2013)
2012 & 2013 BLUE BIRD VISION. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO SCHOOL BUSES STRUCTURAL FAILURE. *SMD THE CONSUMER ENCLOSED PICTURES OF METAL CRACKING UNDER THE DASH SUPPORT AND CRACKING OF THE OUTER BODY.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10551300 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10568434 · 2014-02-27 (February 27, 2014)
CRACKS IN STRUCTURE BEAM UNDER DASH ALSO CAUSING THE BODY OUTER SKIN TO CRACK ON A 2013 BLUE BIRD VISION
Owner-reported narrative. 19,256 miles reported. Look up ODI 10568434 at NHTSA ↗
Recall history
25 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.
12V217000 · Service Brakes, Air
Reported: 2012-05-15 (May 15, 2012)
BLUE BIRD CORPORATION (BLUE BIRD) IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 THROUGH 2013 ALL AMERICAN AND VISION SCHOOL BUSES MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 30, 2009, THROUGH APRIL 4, 2012 AND EQUIPPED WITH AIR BRAKES. THE PRIMARY AND SECONDARY AIR BRAKE LINES MAY HAVE BEEN CROSSED AT THE BRAKE TREADLE VALVE. INCORRECT INSTALLATION OF THE AIR BRAKE LINES AT THE AIR BRAKE TREADLE VALVE FAILS TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 121, "AIR BRAKE SYSTEMS."
Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A BRAKE SYSTEM PROBLEM, INCORRECT INSTALLATION OF THE AIR BRAKE LINES COULD RESULT IN A REDUCTION OR COMPLETE LOSS OF BRAKE ACTION, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: BLUE BIRD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE BUSES FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 23, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BLUE BIRD AT 1-478-822-2242.
NHTSA campaign record ↗12V218000 · Service Brakes, Air
Reported: 2012-05-15 (May 15, 2012)
BLUE BIRD CORPORATION (BLUE BIRD) IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 THROUGH 2013 ALL AMERICAN AND VISION NON SCHOOL BUSES MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 30, 2009, THROUGH APRIL 4, 2012 AND EQUIPPED WITH AIR BRAKES. THE PRIMARY AND SECONDARY AIR BRAKE LINES MAY HAVE BEEN CROSSED AT THE BRAKE TREADLE VALVE. INCORRECT INSTALLATION OF THE AIR BRAKE LINES AT THE AIR BRAKE TREADLE VALVE FAILS TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 121, "AIR BRAKE SYSTEMS."
Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A BRAKE SYSTEM PROBLEM, INCORRECT INSTALLATION OF THE AIR BRAKE LINES COULD RESULT IN A REDUCTION OR COMPLETE LOSS OF BRAKE ACTION, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: BLUE BIRD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE BUSES FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 23, , 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BLUE BIRD AT 1-478-822-2242.
NHTSA campaign record ↗12V261000 · Structure:Body:Roof And Pillars
Reported: 2012-06-08 (June 8, 2012)
BLUE BIRD CORPORATION (BLUE BIRD) IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 THROUGH 2013 ALL AMERICAN AND VISION SCHOOL BUSES MANUFACTURED FROM APRIL 7, 2011, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2012, EQUIPPED WITH SPECIALTY MANUFACTURING INC. (SMI) PROLO ROOF HATCHES. INCREASED FRICTION BETWEEN THE REAR PLATE ASSEMBLIES, P/NO. 009327, AND THE NYLON REAR POP-UP SUPPORT, P/NO. 008956, MAY RESULT IN AN OPENING FORCE OF THE PROLO ROOF HATCHES THAT EXCEEDS FEDERAL STANDARD REQUIREMENTS. THUS, THESE HATCHES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 217, "BUS EMERGENCY EXITS AND WINDOW RETENTION AND RELEASE."
Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY, EGRESS OF THE BUS MAY BE HINDERED POSSIBLY RESULTING IN INJURY TO THE VEHICLE OCCUPANTS.
Remedy: BLUE BIRD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS. SMI WILL PROVIDE SERVICE KITS ALONG WITH REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS TO DEALERS AND OWNERS, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 21, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BLUE BIRD AT 1-478-822-2242 OR SMI AT 1-800-951-7867.
NHTSA campaign record ↗12V349000 · Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/Panel | Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Brake Fluid Low Warning: Lamp
Reported: 2012-07-24 (July 24, 2012)
Blue Bird is recalling certain model year 2013 Vision school buses manufactured from May 10, 2012, through June 7, 2012. The electronic module that activates the hydraulic brake pressure indicator light on the dash instrument panel when there is little, or no, pressure in the hydraulic brake system may have been omitted during manufacturing. Therefore, these buses fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 105, "Hydraulic and Electric Brake Systems," Section 5.3 "Brake System Indicator Lamps".
Consequence: In the event that a loss of pressure occurs in the hydraulic brake system and the brake pressure monitor does not activate, the operator of the bus may not be aware of the subsequent reduced braking capacity which could result in a vehicle crash with potential for personal injury and/or property damage.
Remedy: Blue Bird will notify owners, and dealers will repair the buses free of charge. The safety recall began on August 9, 2012. Owners may contact Blue Bird at 1-478-822-2242.
NHTSA campaign record ↗12V359000 · Seat Belts:Front:Buckle Assembly
Reported: 2012-07-25 (July 25, 2012)
Blue Bird is recalling model year 2013 All American and Vision school buses manufactured from April 30, 2012, through June 23, 2012. Driver's seat belts may have been inadvertently installed with mismatched buckles which fails to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 209, "Seat Belt Assemblies." The latch plate (tongue) on one style buckle may mate up to another style buckle receiver, but the latch plate may not be properly engaged.
Consequence: Should this condition occur, the seat occupant may not be properly restrained and could be injured in an accident or sudden stop.
Remedy: Blue Bird will notify owners, and dealers will repair the buses free of charge. The safety recall began on August 23, 2012. Owners may contact Blue Bird at 1-478-822-2242.
NHTSA campaign record ↗12V360000 · Seat Belts:Front
Reported: 2012-07-25 (July 25, 2012)
Blue Bird is recalling model year 2013 All American and Vision non-school buses manufactured from April 30, 2012, through June 23, 2012. Driver's seat belts may have been inadvertently installed with mismatched buckles. The latch plate (tongue) on one style buckle may mate up to another style buckle receiver but the latch plate may not be properly engaged. Therefore, they fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 209, "Seat Belt Assemblies."
Consequence: Should this condition occur, the seat occupant may not be properly restrained and could be injured in an accident or sudden stop.
Remedy: Blue Bird will notify owners, and dealers will repair the buses free of charge. The safety recall began on August 23, 2012. Owners may contact Blue Bird at 1-478-822-2242.
NHTSA campaign record ↗12V538000 · Exterior Lighting:Brake Lights:Switch
Reported: 2012-11-15 (November 15, 2012)
Blue Bird is recalling certain model year 2013 and 2014 Vision school buses manufactured from January 10, 2012, through November 01, 2012, and equipped with Ford 6.8L propane engines. The brake light switch mounting bracket may have caused the brake light switch to be incorrectly adjusted at installation and/or the brake light switch mounting bracket may deform when the driver allows the brake pedal to return forcibly. An incorrectly adjusted brake light switch or deformed brake light switch mounting bracket may cause the brake lights to illuminate continuously.
Consequence: Improperly functioning brake lights could confuse following motorists and fail to warn them that the bus may be stopping, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Blue Bird will notify owners, and dealers will install a new, redesigned brake light switch mounting bracket along with a new brake light switch, free of charge. The safety recall began on December 5, 2012. Owners may contact Blue Bird at 1-478-822-2242.
NHTSA campaign record ↗12V586000 · Steering:Linkages:Drag:Link:Connection
Reported: 2012-12-13 (December 13, 2012)
Blue Bird is recalling certain 2013 model year Vision conventional school buses manufactured from August 27, 2012, to November 06, 2012. The castle nut that attaches the drag link to the steering arm may not have been torqued to the proper specifications.
Consequence: Improperly torqued drag link castle nuts could cause excessive movement at the drag link to steering arm connection which could lead to potential separation of the drag link from the steering arm and loss of steering control, which may increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Blue Bird will notify owners, and dealers will check the torque on the drag link castle nuts. Any vehicle where the castle nuts are found to be loose will also have its steering arm inspected for wear. The recall began on December 28, 2012. Owners may contact Blue Bird at 1-478-822-2242.
NHTSA campaign record ↗13V200000 · Seats
Reported: 2013-05-15 (May 15, 2013)
Blue Bird is recalling certain model year 2010 through 2014 All American and Vision model school buses manufactured from August 25, 2009, through March 19, 2013, and equipped with C. E. White Inc. Flip Seats models Quasi Static "QSJ11" (30", 36", 39" and 45"), Student Safety Seat "SSSJ" (30", 36", 39" and 45"), or School Bus Seat "SBJ" (30", 36", 39" and 45").
Consequence: When a Flip Seat is installed in front of another passenger seat, it is possible for the occupant of the rearward passenger seat to insert their toes and/or foot into the lower frame area of the Flip Seat. When a vehicle passenger occupies the Flip Seat, pushing the seat bottom downward to the horizontal position to sit in the seat, the occupant of the rearward seat could suffer a pinch point injury to their toes and/or foot.
Remedy: Blue Bird will notify owners, and dealers will install a safety guard to prevent passengers from placing their toes or feet in the opening on the back of the subject Flip Seats, free of charge. The recall began on June 14, 2013. Owners may contact Blue Bird at 1-478-822-2242 for more information. Blue Bird's number for this campaign is R13WF.
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 ↗14V297000 · Fuel System, Other:Delivery:Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings
Reported: 2014-06-04 (June 4, 2014)
Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Vision school buses manufactured January 10, 2012, to April 24, 2013, and equipped with a Roush CleanTech LLC propane fuel system. Due to a reaction between the different metals, the affected vehicles may develop a propane leak where the aluminum fuel line fitting contacts the brass supply valve housing.
Consequence: A propane leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Blue Bird will notify owners, and dealers will replace the aluminum fuel line fitting with a new stainless steel fitting, free of charge. The recall began on July 3, 2014. Owners may contact Blue Bird customer service at 1-478-822-2242. Blue Bird's number for this recall is R14XD.
NHTSA campaign record ↗14V443000 · Fuel System, Other
Reported: 2014-07-22 (July 22, 2014)
Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Vision school buses manufactured December 5, 2011, to July 2, 2014, and equipped with the optional Roush CleanTech propane fuel system. In the affected vehicles, the return fuel line may crack near the support bracket.
Consequence: A propane leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Blue Bird will notify owners, and dealers will replace the existing fuel return line with a new line and support clamps, free of charge. The recall began on September 29, 2014. Owners may contact Blue Bird customer service at 1-478-822-2242. Blue Bird's number for this recall is R14XJ.
NHTSA campaign record ↗14V444000 · Fuel System, Other
Reported: 2014-07-22 (July 22, 2014)
Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Vision nonschool buses manufactured December 5, 2011, to July 2, 2014, and equipped with the optional Roush CleanTech propane fuel system. In the affected vehicles, the return fuel line may crack near the support bracket.
Consequence: A propane leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Blue Bird will notify owners, and dealers will replace the existing fuel return line with a new line and support clamps, free of charge. The recall began on September 29, 2014. Owners may contact Blue Bird customer service at 1-478-822-2242. Blue Bird's number for this recall is R14XJ.
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 ↗15V136000 · Seat Belts
Reported: 2015-03-10 (March 10, 2015)
Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain model year 2013-2016 All American A3FE, A3RE, T3FE, T3RE, and D3RE school buses manufactured June 28, 2012, to September 25, 2014, and 2013-2016 Vision BBCV school buses manufactured June 9, 2012, to September 30, 2014. Incorrect fasteners may have been used to secure the seat gusset reinforcement to the side wall resulting in the seat belts being improperly anchored. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 210, "Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages."
Consequence: If the seat belts are improperly anchored, there is an increased risk of occupant injury in the event of a crash.
Remedy: Blue Bird will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the the seat gusset reinforcement mounting fasteners, and will install an additional gusset reinforcement bracket, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on April 2, 2015. Owners may contact Blue Bird customer service at 1-478-822-2242. Blue Birds number for this recall is R15YC-SB.
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 ↗18V884000 · Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Lever And Linkage:Column Shift | Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Reported: 2018-12-12 (December 12, 2018)
Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain 2013-2020 Blue Bird Vision school buses equipped with the Ford 6.8L V10 engines. The hydraulic brake lines or transmission shifter cable may have been improperly routed, causing the brake line to be exposed to excessive heat, and leak hydraulic brake fluid. Additionally, the transmission shifter cable could contact the gasoline fuel supply line to the engine which may result in a fuel leak.
Consequence: A hydraulic brake fluid leak or a fuel line failure can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Blue Bird will notify owners, and dealers will install a bracket which will insulate the brake lines from excessive heat, control routing of the brake lines, and secure the transmission shifter cable away from the fuel line, free of charge. The recall began February 7, 2019. Owners may contact Blue Bird customer service at 1-478-822-2242. Blue Bird's number for this recall is R19ZV-SB.
NHTSA campaign record ↗19V795000 · Exterior Lighting:Brake Lights:Switch
Reported: 2019-11-06 (November 6, 2019)
Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain 2013-2020 Vision school buses equipped with Ford engines. The brake light switch mounting bracket may have caused the brake light switch to be incorrectly adjusted at installation and/or the brake light switch mounting bracket may deform when the driver allows the brake pedal to return forcibly. An incorrectly adjusted brake light switch or deformed brake light switch mounting bracket may cause the brake lights to illuminate continuously.
Consequence: Improperly functioning brake lights could confuse following motorists and fail to warn them that the bus may be stopping, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Blue Bird distributed owners an interim notification on December 10, 2019. Dealers will install a new, redesigned brake light switch mounting bracket along with a new brake light switch, free of charge. The recall began March 6, 2020. Owners may contact Blue Bird customer service at 1-478-822-2242. Blue Bird's number for this recall is S19AI-SB.
NHTSA campaign record ↗19V796000 · Exterior Lighting:Brake Lights:Switch
Reported: 2019-11-06 (November 6, 2019)
Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain 2013-2020 Vision transit buses equipped with Ford engines. The brake light switch mounting bracket may have caused the brake light switch to be incorrectly adjusted at installation and/or the brake light switch mounting bracket may deform when the driver allows the brake pedal to return forcibly. An incorrectly adjusted brake light switch or deformed brake light switch mounting bracket may cause the brake lights to illuminate continuously.
Consequence: Improperly functioning brake lights could confuse following motorists and fail to warn them that the bus may be stopping, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Blue Bird issued owners an interim notification December 10, 2019. Dealers will install a new, redesigned brake light switch mounting bracket along with a new brake light switch, free of charge. The recall began March 6, 2020. Owners may contact Blue Bird customer service at 1-478-822-2242. Blue Bird's number for this recall is R19AI-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 ↗22V736000 · Fuel System, Other:Delivery:Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings
Reported: 2022-10-04 (October 4, 2022)
Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain 2013-2021 Vision school buses equipped with Ford 6.8L LPG engines. The LPG supply line may be damaged from contact with the RH park brake cable, which can result in a fuel leak.
Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and repair the fuel lines and the park brake cable, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on November 18, 2022. Owners may contact Blue Bird's customer service at 1-478-822-2242. Blue Bird's number for this recall is R22CA-SB.
NHTSA campaign record ↗Vehicle analysis explorer
Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.
Data completeness
2 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-10-01.
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 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo 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. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 250.0%ODI 11046297 · 43,000 miBRAKE 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. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. |
| Engine | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo 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. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 150.0%ODI 11311782 · 120,186 miSCHOOL 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… | 1100.0%ODI 11163621 · 6,000 miVEHICLE 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 | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. |
| Exterior Lighting | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo 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. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 250.0%ODI 11123880 · 42,000 miHEADLIGHTS 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 … | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. |
| Fuel System, Diesel | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo 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 miA 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 … | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo 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. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. |
| Service Brakes | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo 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. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 150.0%ODI 11110684 · 30,000 miFAILURE 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… | 1100.0%ODI 11163621 · 6,000 miVEHICLE 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 | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. |
| Service Brakes, Air | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 1100.0%ODI 10239186 · 3,422 miTL*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. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 150.0%ODI 10325049 · 9,175 miOUR 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 | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo 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. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. |
| Structure:Body | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 133.3%ODI 10593162 · 59,000 miBODY 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… | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 150.0%ODI 10568434 · 19,256 miCRACKS IN STRUCTURE BEAM UNDER DASH ALSO CAUSING THE BODY OUTER SKIN TO CRACK ON A 2013 BLUE BIRD VISION | 0UnavailableNo 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. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. |
| Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System | 1100.0%ODI 10450994VOQ 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. | 0UnavailableNo 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. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo 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. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo 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 | Mileage range (25th–75th percentile) | Median | Usable records | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Structure:Body | Too few reports for a range | 19,256 mi | 1 (sparse) | ODI 10568434 · 19,256 miCRACKS IN STRUCTURE BEAM UNDER DASH ALSO CAUSING THE BODY OUTER SKIN TO CRACK ON A 2013 BLUE BIRD VISION |
Complaint and recall timeline
Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.
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
| Month | Complaints | Campaigns announced | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-11 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2024-12 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-01 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-02 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-03 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-04 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-05 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-06 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-07 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-08 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-09 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-10 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-11 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-12 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-01 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-02 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-03 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-04 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-05 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-06 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-07 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-08 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-09 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-10 (partial) | 0 | None | 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.
2018: 0 complaints · 2019: 0 complaints
| Model year | Through age 0 | Through age 1 | Through age 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2019 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Date coverage across each selected cohort
| Year | Incident dates used | Filing date fallbacks | Excluded dates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2019 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
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 | Structure | Structure:Body |
|---|---|---|
| Structure | — | 0 |
| Structure:Body | 0 | — |
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.