Blue Bird All American 2001

Model All American made in 2001 by Blue Bird got 2 consumer complains, 1 investigation there are 14 recalls as well as 6 service bulletins. Consumer complaints with reference, among others things, to fuel system, gasoline, fuel system, other. Technical service bulletines regarding engine and engine cooling, seats. The car had one investigation (electrical system). There were some recalls concerningelectrical system, equipment and fuel system, diesel.

Model 2001

Recalls


CampaignManufacturerManufacturing dateType# of units affectedDate Owner notified MfgRecall Initiated byManufacturers of recalled vehicles/productsReport Recieved DateRecord Creation DateRegulation Part NumberFMVSS Number
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - BATTERY
05V382000BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANYfrom 01/09/2001 to 06/18/2005V (Vehicle)586310/19/2005ODIBLUE BIRD BODY COMPANY08/31/200508/31/2005
Defect SummaryCertain 2001 through 2006 my blue bird all american, tc2000, and vision transit school buses manufactured between january 5, 2001, and july 15, 2005. these buses are equipped with a battery disconnect switch that has connections that may be loose on the battery switch studs creating the potential for the bus to shut down while in operation.
Consequence SummaryShould the bus shut down while in operation, a vehicle crash could occur.
Corrective SummaryBlue bird will notify its owners and instruct them on how to repair the switch. the recall began on october 19 , 2005. owners may contact blue bird at 478-822-2242.
NotesBlue bird recall no. r05ka.customers may contact the national highway traffic safety administration's vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236; (tty:1-800-424-9153); or go to http://www.safercar.gov.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - WIRING
01V191000BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANYfrom 06/01/1995 to 05/31/2001V (Vehicle)563107/30/2001MFRBLUE BIRD BODY COMPANY06/11/200106/14/2001
Defect SummaryVehicle description: school and transit buses equipped with rear mounted engines. the 12-volt power supply cable(s) may be chaffed by hoses, harnesses, frame components, or clamps.
Consequence SummaryThis condition can result in power failure and/or risk of fire in the engine compartment.
Corrective SummaryDealers will remove and inspect the 12-volt power cable(s) from the battery to the starter and, if necessary, will replace the cables. owner notification began july 30, 2001. owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact blue bird at 1-912-822-2242.
NotesBlue bird recall no. r01ff.also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-888-dash-2-dot (1-888-327-4236).
EQUIPMENT - OTHER - LABELS
02V185000BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANYfrom 11/30/1995 to 04/23/2002V (Vehicle)40808/29/2002MFRBLUE BIRD BODY COMPANY07/15/200207/23/2002571101
Defect SummaryCertain transit buses fail to comply with requirements of federal motor vehicle standard no. 101, controls and displays. this standard requires specific labeling for engine start and engine stop. the wording of the labels on these vehicles do not meet the requirements of the standard.
Consequence SummaryThe operator could place the engine switch in a position other than that intended, increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective SummaryOwners will be provided with new decals and installation instructions. owner notification began august 29, 2002. owners who do not receive the free label and installation instructions within a reasonable time should contact blue bird at 1-478-822-2242.
NotesAlso, customers can contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-888-dash-2-dot (1-888-327-4236).
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL
05V062000BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANY V (Vehicle)18891ODIBLUE BIRD BODY COMPANY02/22/200502/28/2005
Defect SummaryCertain 1998 through 2002 blue bird all american, tc2000 school and transit buses, and commercial series buses equipped with cummins isb diesel engines. the fuel pump could fail to transfer fuel appropriately creating an engine stall condition.
Consequence SummaryShould the engine stall while the vehicle is in use, a possible vehicle crash could occur.
Corrective SummaryCustomers will be notified by cummins to bring their vehicles to an authorized dealer to have the fuel lift pump replaced free of charge. for more information, customers may contact cummins at 1-800-diesels.
NotesCustomers may also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (tty 1-800-424-9153), or go to http://www.safercar.gov.
SEAT BELTS - FRONT - ANCHORAGE
03V362000BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANYfrom 10/01/2002 to 08/16/2003V (Vehicle)23311/20/2003MFRBLUE BIRD BODY COMPANY10/08/200310/08/2003
Defect SummaryOn certain rear engine (a3re) school buses, the type and location of the fasteners used to retain the seat belt in the last row of seats does not conform to blue bird engineering specifications.
Consequence SummaryThis installation may not adequately retain seat belts in the event of a severe crash.
Corrective SummaryBlue bird will provide its distributors and owners the parts and instructions to install the correct fasteners free of charge. owner notification is expected to begin november 20, 2003. owners who do not receive the parts and installation instructions within a reasonable time should contact blue bird at 1-478-822-2242.
NotesBlue bird recall no. r03hc.also, customers can contact the national highway traffic safety administration
SEAT BELTS - FRONT - RETRACTOR
02V160002BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANYfrom 05/13/2000 to 06/25/2002V (Vehicle)5809/27/2002MFRBLUE BIRD BODY COMPANY09/05/200209/05/2002
Defect SummaryOn certain school and transit buses equipped with passenger seat belts with retractors, the cover halves for the retractable portion of the belt can separate completely and release the seat belt connector. if this occurs, one of the load bearing pins in the connector could separate from the connector and render the seat belt unusable. in the event of a crash, the seat occupant would not be properly restrained resulting in an injury. the seat belt supplier, am-safe, will provide a snap on over-cover to owners to prevent the seat belt cover from separating.
Consequence SummaryIf this occurs, one of the load bearing pins in the connector could separate from the connector and render the seat belt unusable. in the event of a crash, the seat occupant would not be properly restrained resulting in an injury.
Corrective SummaryOwners will be provided a snap-on over-cover to prevent the seat belt cover from separating. owner notification is expected to begin on or about september 27, 2002. owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact blue bird at 1-478-822-2242.
NotesAlso, customers can contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-888-dash-2-dot (1-888-327-4236).
SEATS
03V364000BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANYfrom 08/03/2000 to 08/26/2003V (Vehicle)382511/03/2003MFRBLUE BIRD BODY COMPANY10/08/200310/10/2003
Defect SummaryOn certain school buses equipped with optional seat belts or seat belt
Consequence SummaryThese seats could detach from the wall side attachment points in the event of a vehicle crash, increasing the risk of injury to the seat occupant.
Corrective SummaryBlue bird will furnish to distributors and owners, parts and instructions necessary to install the missing bolt free of charge. owner notification is expected to on november 3, 2003. owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact blue bird at 478-822-2242.
NotesBlue bird recall no. r03hb.also, customers can contact the national highway traffic safety administration
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR - ANTILOCK
00V279004BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANYfrom 01/01/1999 to 12/15/2000V (Vehicle)126902/12/2001ODIBLUE BIRD BODY COMPANY12/18/200001/26/2001571105
Defect SummaryVehicle description: transit and school buses equipped with meritor wabco phase 1, d-version antilock brake system (abs), fail to comply to the requirements of fmvss no. 105, hydraulic and electric brake systems. an internal diagnostic system in the abs may not detect an extreme wheel speed sensor air gap. such a condition could possibly occur during (1) original assembly or (2) subsequent wheel end service.
Consequence SummaryFailure of the electronic control unit to detect an extreme wheel speed sensor air gap can result in the loss of antilock braking function on the wheel(s) where the air gap exists, increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective SummaryThe abs ecu will be removed and replaced or the ecu will be reprogrammed.
NotesOwner notification began february 12, 2001. owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact blue bird at . also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-888-dash-2-dot (1-888-327-4236).
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR - DRUM - CHAMBER
01V320000BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANYfrom 02/14/2001 to 10/04/2001V (Vehicle)150011/16/2001MFRBLUE BIRD BODY COMPANY10/05/200110/10/2001
Defect SummaryVehicle description: school and transit buses. insufficient torque on the arvin-meritor air brake chamber mounting nuts can allow the nuts to loosen over time.
Consequence SummaryThis condition could reduce braking of the vehicle, possibly resulting in a crash.
Corrective SummaryDealers will inspect the torque values on each brake chamber nut and tighten to specifications. owner notification began november 16, 2001. owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact blue bird at 1-912-822-2242.
NotesBlue bird recall no. r01fk.also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-888-dash-2-dot (1-888-327-4236).
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR - SLACK ADJUSTERS
01V060000BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANYfrom 01/28/2000 to 10/02/2000V (Vehicle)46003/15/2001MFRBLUE BIRD BODY COMPANY02/23/200103/01/2001
Defect SummaryVehicle description: school and transit buses equipped with a combination spicer j230 rear axle, spring suspension, and crewson brunner automatic slack adjusters. the crewson brunner slack adjuster contacts a u-bolt mounting bracket when a combination of the listed components are installed. the combination does not allow for full extension of the slack adjuster when brakes are applied.
Consequence SummaryThis can cause a potential for reduced braking effort, increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective SummaryDealers will install modified u-bolt brackets that will provide the needed clearance. owner notification began march 15, 2001. owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact blue bird at 1-912-825-2021.
NotesAlso contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-888-dash-2-dot (1-888-327-4236).
STEERING - GEAR BOX (OTHER THAN RACK AND PINION)
00V245000BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANYfrom 02/10/1999 to 08/24/2000V (Vehicle)158109/06/2000MFRBLUE BIRD BODY COMPANY08/30/200008/30/2000
Defect SummaryVehicle description: school and transit buses. these buses could have improperly installed or missing pinch bolts in the steering shaft assemblies.
Consequence SummaryThis can result in disengagement of the steering slip shaft assembly and loss of steering.
Corrective SummaryOwners will be provided with installation instructions and new replacement bolts and locking nuts for the steering shaft assemblies.
NotesOwner notification began september 6, 2000. owners do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact blue bird at 1-912-825-2021. also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-888-dash-2-dot (1-888-327-4236).
STRUCTURE - BODY
03V363000BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANYfrom 10/02/1998 to 08/22/2003V (Vehicle)808811/20/2003MFRBLUE BIRD BODY COMPANY10/08/200310/23/2003571221
Defect SummaryCertain school buses fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 221, school bus body joint strength. one or more of the bolts attaching the driver's platform to the floor structure was omitted.
Consequence SummaryThe rear of the driver's platform may not be properly retained in the event of a crash which could increase the risk of injury or death to passengers.
Corrective SummaryBlue bird will notify its customers and inspect and repair the affected units. owner notification began on november 20, 2003. owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact blue bird at 478-822-2242.
NotesAlso, customers can contact the national highway traffic safety administration
SUSPENSION
01V338000BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANYfrom 09/09/1998 to 10/11/2001V (Vehicle)269201/18/2002MFRBLUE BIRD BODY COMPANY11/02/200111/05/2001
Defect SummaryVehicle description: school buses equipped with hendrickson rear air suspension. inadequate tightening of the 5/8 bolts on the rear air suspension hanger bolts and on rear axle torque arm axle seat studs.
Consequence SummaryInsufficient tightening permits movement between the components that could result in bolts and studs breaking, increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective SummaryDealers will replace the 5/8 grade 8-hanger bolts. in addition, axle spring seat fasteners will be checked for proper tightness and, if needed, tightened to specifications. owner notification began january 18, 2002. owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact blue bird at 1-478-822-2242.
NotesAlso contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-888-dash-2-dot (1-888-327-4236).
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
05V152000BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANY V (Vehicle)486MFRBLUE BIRD BODY COMPANY04/07/200504/15/2005
Defect SummaryCertain 2001 through 2005 all american, commercial series, and q-bus school and transit buses equipped with john deere 8.1 cng engines. the subject buses equipped with the john deere engines may surge inappropriately due to erractic operation of the air throttle if the engine is taken from full to zero load.
Consequence SummaryUnexpected engine surge could result in a vehicle crash, possibly resulting in personal injury.
Corrective SummaryJohn deere will notify blue bird's customers and repair the engines free of charge. customers are being instructed to contact john deere at 1-800-jd-engine.
NotesCustomers may also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (tty 1-800-424-9153), or go to http://www.safercar.gov.

Bulletins


BulletinBulletin dateReplacement BulletinItem no.SummaryAdded
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - COOLING SYSTEM
SB-S070106/06/200710032764Blue 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. *pe05/19/2010
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - COOLING SYSTEM - FAN
SB-S-70-LJ03/01/200710043209Blue 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. *pe03/02/2012
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - COOLING SYSTEM - RADIATOR ASSEMBLY
SB-S-70-LJ03/01/200710043209Blue 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. *pe03/02/2012
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE - DIESEL
SB-S070106/06/200710032764Blue 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. *pe05/19/2010
SEATS
SU-S-070608/08/200710043190Blue bird: information is being provided regarding maintenance for vehicles equipped with aluminum seat floor tracks. *pe02/29/2012
SEATS - BARRIERS
SU-S-070608/08/200710043190Blue bird: information is being provided regarding maintenance for vehicles equipped with aluminum seat floor tracks. *pe02/29/2012

Investigations


NHTSA IDManufacturerDate openDate closeSubjectRecall campaign
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - BATTERY - CABLES
PE05028BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANY05/25/200509/27/2005SCHOOL BUS STALLS05V382000
 This investigation was opened after odi received a complaint from a school bus fleet reporting that three separate buses had stalled unexpectedly while they were loaded with children.reportedly, each time the failure occurred the master battery shut-off switch was identified as being defective.odi opened this investigation to gather specific information and details into these allegations.as a result of odi

Consumer Complaints


Fail datemilesoccurencesPurchase date
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE - DELIVERY - FUEL PUMP
06/30/2005201/01/2001
 Dt: the caller received recall on cummins isb engine that involved engine stalling and fuel supply to the engine. but could not get the work done. this could result in loss of power. the recalls involved fuel pump and fuel pressure switch replacement. the caller had a total of 6 recalls, and first took one of the busses to the frieghtliner dealership, and they repaired one, but instructed the contact not to bring anymore back. also, the contact contacted cummins, who referred him to the peterbuilt dealer, but they advised the caller that they won't do the work because cummins was not paying for the repairs. they stated that cummins was only paying for 3 hours of labor and it took about 8 hours of labor to repair the problem. the contact had one bus at an authorized cummins dealer in another city, and they didn't know when they will be able to repair it, and won't be able to repair anymore. owner is concerned they won't be repaired and will have to be used even though they were recalled. there were six buses, and the contact did not wish to file a complaint on each individual vehicle. *ak
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
06/30/2005201/01/2001
 Dt: the caller received recall on cummins isb engine that involved engine stalling and fuel supply to the engine. but could not get the work done. this could result in loss of power. the recalls involved fuel pump and fuel pressure switch replacement. the caller had a total of 6 recalls, and first took one of the busses to the frieghtliner dealership, and they repaired one, but instructed the contact not to bring anymore back. also, the contact contacted cummins, who referred him to the peterbuilt dealer, but they advised the caller that they won't do the work because cummins was not paying for the repairs. they stated that cummins was only paying for 3 hours of labor and it took about 8 hours of labor to repair the problem. the contact had one bus at an authorized cummins dealer in another city, and they didn't know when they will be able to repair it, and won't be able to repair anymore. owner is concerned they won't be repaired and will have to be used even though they were recalled. there were six buses, and the contact did not wish to file a complaint on each individual vehicle. *ak

Car dealers selling


StateCityZipNamePhone
PALEBANON17042BRIGHT BILL BODY WORKS800-932-4625