2009 Blue Bird Vision
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Blue Bird › Vision › 2009
These records cover every 2009 Blue Bird Vision. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
28 recalls name the 2009 Blue Bird Vision. Newest first.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
A parking brake system that is set to an insufficient application force may result in an increased possibility of unintended vehicle movement, which increases the risk of a crash.
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.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
A parking brake system that is set to an insufficient application force may result in an increased possibility of unintended vehicle movement, which increases the risk of 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.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
In the event of a crash, the seat barrier may not adequately protect the occupant seated behind the seat barrier separating them from the driver seat with integrated 3-point seat belt, increasing the risk of injury.
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.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
If the bearings move out of position, the stowed platform may have excessive movement resulting in failure of the platform mounting. This failure could cause the wheel chair lift platform to fall out of the vehicle when the doors are opened, increasing the risk of injury for the lift operator.
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.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
If the bearings move out of position, the stowed platform may have excessive movement resulting in failure of the platform mounting. This failure could cause the wheel chair lift platform to fall out of the vehicle when the doors are opened, increasing the risk of injury for the lift operator.
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.
Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain model year 2007-2015 All American and Vision, 2007-2011 Micro Bird, and 2007-2008 Conventional school buses equipped with certain model S2005, S2010, S5005, S5010, S5505, and S5510 wheelchair lifts manufactured by Ricon Corporation. The platform side plate of the affected wheelchair lifts may crack.
Risk and remedy
Risk
If the platform side plates crack, the lift platform can separate from the lift and come to rest against the vehicle's lift door. When the doors are opened, the platform may fall out, increasing the risk of injury to the lift operator.
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.
Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain model year 2007-2015 All American, 2007-2010 Micro Bird, and 2007-2014 Vision non-school buses equipped with certain model S2005, S2010, S5005, S5010, S5505, and S5510 wheelchair lifts manufactured by Ricon Corporation. The platform side plate of the affected wheelchair lifts may crack.
Risk and remedy
Risk
If the platform side plates crack, the lift platform can separate from the lift and come to rest against the vehicle's lift door. When the doors are opened, the platform may fall out, increasing the risk of injury to the lift operator.
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.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
In the event of a vehicle crash, there is an increased risk that the window panels may separate and fall onto occupants causing injury.
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.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
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 wheelchairs 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.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
Blue bird IS recalling certain model year 2008 through 2010 all american and vision model school buses manufactured from may 23, 2007 through march 9, 2010, equipped with caterpillar C7 engines. the #5 and #6 fuel lines may crack at the fastening point to the common fuel rail and cause a fuel leak.
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
Blue bird IS recalling certain model year 2008 through 2010 all american, vision, and excel 102 model non school buses manufactured from may 17, 2007 through november 13, 2008, equipped with caterpillar C7 engines. the #5 and #6 fuel lines may crack at the fastening point to the common fuel rail and cause a fuel leak.
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
Should the led lights stop functioning, visibility of a stopped bus would be decreased, possibly endangering a child or pedestrian to injury by passing vehicles.
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.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
A plug on the outlet side of the fuel pump can crack on certain 2008 and 2009 my blue bird all american and vision school buses manufactured from may 23, 2007 through july 4, 2008, equipped with caterpillar C7 engines.
Risk and remedy
Risk
A crack in this plug can result in a high pressure fuel spray or leak which, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.
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.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
Owner complaints
6 complaints1 involved a fire
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Diesel
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…
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 failure. Some of these buses are special needs buses. Updated 02/22/12*lj
- Fuel system, diesel
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.…
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
- Visibility › Defroster/defogger/hvac system › Fan/motor
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
- Structure › Frame and members
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
- Fuel system, diesel
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…
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 from this. We have examined all other similar units for fuel leaks and possible ignition sources. Repairs and corrections have been made as needed. *Tr
- Vehicle speed control
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…
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 05/11/09.*jb
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Engine Compartment Fires
This investigation was opened after ODI became aware of four engine compartment fires allegedly related to fuel leakage from the engine's fuel injector system.ODI conducted field examinations and communicated the identified concerns to Blue Bird.ODI also had discussions with Caterpillar, the engine manufacturer.On…
This investigation was opened after ODI became aware of four engine compartment fires allegedly related to fuel leakage from the engine's fuel injector system.ODI conducted field examinations and communicated the identified concerns to Blue Bird.ODI also had discussions with Caterpillar, the engine manufacturer.On June 28th, 2010, Blue Bird filed two safety defect reports with NHTSA to address fuel lines that may crack at the fastening point to the common fuel rail. Safety recall campaign 10V-289 involves 3,686 school buses and safety recall campaign 10V-290 involves 103 non-school bus vehicles. The subject vehicles were equipped with the Caterpillar C-7-07 engine and it was determined that clamping of the #5 fuel line to the #6 fuel line and assembly stresses caused the #6 fuel line to fail. The remedy consist of replacing the #5 and #6 fuel lines and adding a new clamp to # 5 fuel line. Simultaneously with Blue Bird's decision to conduct the above recalls, Caterpillar Inc. filed a safety recall (10E-025) with NHTSA to perform the same remedy on 5,920 C7 series engines.Blue Bird engines are included in the Caterpillar recall.These recalls resolve the issues raised by this investigation. Therefore, this investigation is closed.
- Sudden loss of power assist steering
This investigation was opened after odi received six fleet complaints (19 buses total) alleging repeated issues of the power steering reservoir gasket failing.it was alleged that the degraded gasket fell into the power steering pump, resulting in an increasedsteering effort.odi IS aware of two buses that, without…
This investigation was opened after odi received six fleet complaints (19 buses total) alleging repeated issues of the power steering reservoir gasket failing.it was alleged that the degraded gasket fell into the power steering pump, resulting in an increasedsteering effort.odi IS aware of two buses that, without warning, lost power assist steering during normal driving operations. Reportedly, the power steering gaskets were manufactured with incorrect material substituted by one of the gasket material suppliers. After anevaluation into this issue, blue bird authorized a safety recall. The original power steering lid gasket will be replaced with new gasket material.the action taken by blue bird resolves the issues raised by this investigation.accordingly, this investigation IS closed.
- Cooling fan separation
A blue bird corporation service bulletin dated december 18, 2008, warns owners that the radiator cooling fan assembly may have been installed usingincorrectly sized bolts and spacers onmodel years 2008 and 2009 vision school buses. There IS a possibility that the fan blade may separate from the clutch mounting…
A blue bird corporation service bulletin dated december 18, 2008, warns owners that the radiator cooling fan assembly may have been installed usingincorrectly sized bolts and spacers onmodel years 2008 and 2009 vision school buses. There IS a possibility that the fan blade may separate from the clutch mounting position. After further review, on march 3, 2009, blue bird filed a safety recall to inspect all involved buses. Blue bird will replaced the existing spacers and bolts if found to be the incorrect hardware.this recall action resolves the issues raised by this investigation. Accordingly, this investigation IS closed.
- Hydraulic brake hose chafing/leaking
In april, 2008, odi received a letter from the missouri state highway patrol alleging that their field inspectorswerefinding hydraulic brake hoses that werebeing cut or crushed by the sharp edges of the bus body at the firewall.they also supplied information on one bus that experienced total brake loss due to the…
In april, 2008, odi received a letter from the missouri state highway patrol alleging that their field inspectorswerefinding hydraulic brake hoses that werebeing cut or crushed by the sharp edges of the bus body at the firewall.they also supplied information on one bus that experienced total brake loss due to the brake hose being cut. Further field work by odi increased thenumber of complaints to a total of seven.after discussions with odi and further review of field incidents, blue bird has decided to initiate a safety recall to inspect, replace and or reposition the brake hoses of concern. This recall action resolves the issues raised by this investigation. Accordingly, this investigation IS closed.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10201696SM1905: Blue Bird Vantage Dash Fault Codes Website Blue Bird Vantage "Dash Fault Codes" website page has been updated to include additional new fault codes for all applicable system types (brake, engine, and transmission). Also, "Powertrain, Ford" has been added to the drop-down tab as a system type selection. "Powertrain Ford" system type is used to identify both Ford engine and transmission fault codes.
- 10128907New Blue Bird Support Center - Technical Bus Support: Dealer memo to announce the new on-line Blue Bird Support Center for technical bus support requests.
- 10128588Blue Bird Troubleshooting Guides: Blue Bird announcement of the addition of troubleshooting guides for assisting in the service of the Blue Bird products. These troubleshooting guides are available on the Vantage website.
- 10058965Blue bird: correct information provided for the front hub torque specification, not found in manuals for certain buses for hub and rotor assembly and front installation. Model 2005-14 vision, all-american and activity.
- 10044459Blue bird: click document search button for owner letter. Breakaway adapter fails to meet nfpa 58 requirements for 90 degree zinc. The new steel fitting and breakaway adapter would replace existing 90 degree zinc fitting.
- 10044143Blue bird bus: see document search button for owner letter. Due to clamps not being torqued to proper specification, clamps for power steering house may leak. Model years 2009-2013.
- 10043416Blue bird bus: see document search button for owner letter. Starter mounting bolts, on the flange, IS too large and not seating properly which causes it to be loose and have starting problems.
- 10043414Blue bird bus: see document search button for owner letter. On certain model year buses, the wabco hydraulic brake modulator motor may corrode due to motor cover filling up with water.
- 10043411Blue bird bus: see document search button for owner letter. Information regarding fuel lines and wiring harnesses be secured separately and not together above and over transmission and rear suspension.
- 10043407Blue bird bus: see document search button for owner letter. On certain model year buses, with track mounted modular seats, a decal may have been installed with incorrect track seating instructions.
- 10043406Blue bird bus: see document search button for owner letter. On certain model year buses, engine coolant may leak, due to low coolant sensor, from surge tank to engine harness connector and wick, through to engine ecm and other components, from harness.
- 10043403Blue bird bus: see document search button for owner letter. On certain model year buses equipped with propane engines, a battery drain might occur over time, when engine IS not being operated.
- 10043401Blue bird bus: see document search button for owner letter. On certain model year buses, the heat shields has been eliminated and may cause the knock sensor to fail due to excessive heat.
- 10043400Blue bird bus: see document search button for owner letter. The engine coolant and/or transmission may become contaminated due to high pressure cycling of internal transmission oil cooler of radiator assembly becoming fatigue.
- 10043392Blue bird bus: the electric door drive plate assembly has been updated for outward electric opening entrance door.
- 10043391Blue bird bus: on certain model year buses, the oil cooler line insulation or oil cooler lines, may become damaged if it comes in contact with engine exhaust down pipe.
- 10043387Blue bird: see document search button for owner letter. On certain model year buses, the wrong disconnect stud(s) switch may be connected to battery disconnect jumper cable switch.
- 10043385Blue bird: see document search button for owner letter. On certain model year buses, the fan blade was installed to the fan clutch with incorrect length bolts and/or spacers, which may separate from clutch and cause damage to blade.
- 10043272Blue bird: see document search button for owner letter. Some model year vehicle experience shutting down after starting up due to positive jumper cable being incorrectly routed to electrical power stud instead of chassis power stud.
- 10043271Blue bird: update information on some model year buses regarding the electronic control modules (ecm) recalibration of isb and isc engines.
- 10043269Blue bird: see document search button for owner letter. Some model year busses may have incorrectly routed grid heater power supply cable, that may need to be relocated to chassis power stud if on electronic power stud.
- 10043253Blue bird: for some model year buses, front axles undergone several changes regarding tie rods not being interchangeable when replacement service IS required.
- 10043251Blue bird: see document search button for owner letter. On model year buses, the bicycle crank arm, in wiper assembly, must be replaced due to design being out of specification.
- 10043225Blue bird: see document search button for owner letter. On some buses, a guard was designed to prevent the snagging of bag straps and jacket pockets on air power entrance doors' emergency release lever.
- 10043209Blue bird: see document search button for owner letter. Information on excessive cycling of engine cooling fan and shutter and how to install thermo switches for cooling system and charge air system.
- 10043190Blue bird: information IS being provided regarding maintenance for vehicles equipped with aluminum seat floor tracks.
- 10032764Blue bird bus: re-issue service update engine coolants. The cooling system on the buses be properly maintained and monitored to insure proper operation of your cooling system.
- 10032584Blue bird bus service campaign: see document search button for owner letter. The positive jumper cable IS routed incorrectly. As a result, the engine may experience shutdown after initial start up. To correct this condition the jumper cable should be moved from the electrical power stud to the chassis power stud.
Every Blue Bird Vision model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.