Blue Bird All American 2009

Model All American made in 2009 by Blue Bird got 6 consumer complains there are 17 recalls as well as 13 service bulletins. Consumer complaints with reference, among others things, to engine and engine cooling, seats. Technical service bulletines regarding engine and engine cooling, equipment and seats. There were some recalls concerningelectrical system, engine and engine cooling and equipment adaptive.

Model 2009

Recalls


CampaignManufacturerManufacturing dateType# of units affectedDate Owner notified MfgRecall Initiated byManufacturers of recalled vehicles/productsReport Recieved DateRecord Creation DateRegulation Part NumberFMVSS Number
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - IGNITION
09V205000BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANYfrom 07/16/2003 to 04/10/2009V (Vehicle)220306/25/2009MFRBLUE BIRD BODY COMPANY06/09/200906/09/2009571217
Defect SummaryBlue bird is recalling 2,203 model year 2003 through 2010 all american rear engine school buses equipped with optional plug style vandal locks manufactured from july 16, 2003 through april 10, 2009. the plug style vandal lock is not wired to inhibit the starter at the ignition switch when the vandal lock is in the locked position. these buses fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 217, bus emergency exits and window retention and release.
Consequence SummaryThe vehicles can be started and driven even when an owner may think they cannot.
Corrective SummaryBlue bird will notify owners and repair the buses free of charge. the safety recall began on june 25, 2009. owner may contact blue bird at 1-478-422-2242.
NotesBlue bird's recall campaign no. r09pe.owners 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 .
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
10V380000BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANYfrom 07/16/2006 to 08/03/2010V (Vehicle)46609/24/2010MFRBLUE BIRD BODY COMPANY08/20/201008/20/2010
Defect SummaryBlue bird is recalling certain model year 2007 through 2010 all american non school buses manufactured from july 16, 2006 through august 3, 2010 equipped with cummins isb-02, isb-07, and isb-10 engines. an incorrect combination of flat washer and serrated nut was installed on the bolt that secures the starter cable retaining clamp to its attaching bracket at the front of the engine above the engine cooling fan. the flat washer prevents the serrated nut from locking against the attaching bracket. over time, the serrated nut may back off allowing the starter cable to fall and contact the fan hub while in operation.
Consequence SummaryIf the starter cable contacts the fan hub while the fan hub is in operation, the cable covering may abrade which could result in a direct short. a short could potentially result in a vehicle fire.
Corrective SummaryBlue bird will notify owners and repair the buses free of charge. the safety recall began on september 24, 2010. owners may contact blue bird at 1-478-822-2242.
NotesBlue bird's recall campaign number is r10sl.owners 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 .
10V379000BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANYfrom 05/29/2006 to 08/07/2010V (Vehicle)399209/24/2010MFRBLUE BIRD BODY COMPANY08/20/201008/20/2010
Defect SummaryBlue bird is recalling certain model year 2007 through 2010 all american school buses manufactured from may 29, 2006 through august 7, 2010 equipped with cummins isb-02, isb-07, and isb-10 engines. an incorrect combination of flat washer and serrated nut was installed on the bolt that secures the starter cable retaining clamp to its attaching bracket at the front of the engine above the engine cooling fan. the flat washer prevents the serrated nut from locking against the attaching bracket. over time, the serrated nut may back off allowing the starter cable to fall and contact the fan hub while in operation.
Consequence SummaryIf the starter cable contacts the fan hub while the fan hub is in operation, the cable covering may abrade which could result in a direct short. a short could potentially result in a vehicle fire.
Corrective SummaryBlue bird will notify owners and repair the buses free of charge. the safety recall began on september 24, 2010. owners may contact blue bird at 1-478-822-2242.
NotesBlue bird's recall campaign number is r10sl.owners 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 .
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE - DIESEL
08V309000BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANYfrom 05/23/2007 to 07/04/2008V (Vehicle)1824MFRBLUE BIRD BODY COMPANY07/10/200807/11/2008
Defect SummaryA plug on the outlet side of the fuel pump can crack on certain 2008 and 2009 my blue bird all american and vision school buses manufactured from may 23, 2007 through july 4, 2008, equipped with caterpillar c7 engines.
Consequence SummaryA 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.
Corrective SummaryBlue 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.
NotesBlue bird's recall no. r08ng.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.
EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE
12V153000BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANYfrom 01/17/2008 to 10/21/2010V (Vehicle)12504/26/2012MFRBLUE BIRD BODY COMPANY04/05/201204/09/2012
Defect SummaryBlue bird is recalling certain model year 2009 through 2011 all american, vision, and micro bird school buses equipped with braun vista-2 wheelchair lifts. over time and with frequent use, the roll stop latches on the outer barrier may become bent or misaligned.
Consequence SummaryA wheelchair occupant may defeat or ride over the insufficiently latched roll stop. if this occurs when the lift platform is in an elevated position, the wheelchair
Corrective SummaryBlue 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.
NotesBlue bird's recall campaign number is r12tu.owners 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 .
10V133000BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANYfrom 12/13/2007 to 01/18/2010V (Vehicle)162204/27/2010MFRBLUE BIRD BODY COMPANY04/05/201004/06/2010
Defect SummaryBlue bird has notified nhtsa about a defect in certain model year 2008 through 2011 all american, conventional, and micro bird school buses manufactured from december 13, 2007 through january 18, 2010 equipped with ricon model s or k series public use wheelchair lifts. the restraint belt on these lifts was designed to prevent the lift from moving, unless the tongue of the belt is fully engaged and latched in the buckle. ricon has discovered, however, that it is possible for the operator to insert the belt tongue into the buckle without fully engaging the latching mechanism. in this case, the restraint belt would appear to be latched, and the operator could run the lift. if the restraint belt tongue is not fully engaged into the restraint belt buckle, and latched, the lift may operate with an occupant on the platform.
Consequence SummaryThe user of the lift could be injured should the lift move without the restraint belt properly buckled.
Corrective SummaryBlue bird is working with ricon and ricon will be handling the remedy for this campaign. please see ricon's defect report 09e-060. ricon will provide customers with a warning decal and a dvd-based training aid. the safety recall began on april 27, 2010. owners may contact ricon at 1-818-267-3000 or blue bird at 1-478-822-2242.
NotesBlue bird's recall campaign number is r10rt.owners 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 .
10V134000BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANYfrom 12/16/2007 to 12/21/2009V (Vehicle)2304/27/2010MFRBLUE BIRD BODY COMPANY04/05/201004/06/2010
Defect SummaryBlue bird has notified nhtsa about a defect in certain model year 2008 through 2010 all american, conventional, and micro bird transi buses manufactured from december 16, 2007 through december 21, 2009 equipped with ricon model s or k series public use wheelchair lifts. the restraint belt on these lifts was designed to prevent the lift from moving, unless the tongue of the belt is fully engaged and latched in the buckle. ricon has discovered, however, that it is possible for the operator to insert the belt tongue into the buckle without fully engaging the latching mechanism. in this case, the restraint belt would appear to be latched, and the operator could run the lift. if the restraint belt tongue is not fully engaged into the restraint belt buckle, and latched, the lift may operate with an occupant on the platform.
Consequence SummaryThe user of the lift could be injured should the lift move without the restraint belt properly buckled.
Corrective SummaryBlue bird is working with ricon and ricon will be handling the remedy for this campaign. please see ricon's defect report 09e-060. ricon will provide customers with a warning decal and a dvd-based training aid. the safety recall began on april 27, 2010. owners may contact ricon at 1-818-267-3000 or blue bird at 1-478-822-2242.
NotesBlue bird's recall campaign number is r10rt.owners 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 .
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL
11V569000BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANYfrom 04/12/2006 to 06/27/2011V (Vehicle)25003/09/2012MFRBLUE BIRD BODY COMPANY12/02/201112/02/2011571301
Defect SummaryBlue bird is recalling certain model year 2007 through 2012 all american rear engine school buses manufactured from april 12, 2006, through june 27, 2011, and equipped with a 60 gallon fuel tank. the tank return line can develop a leak that exceeds the amount of fuel spillage allowed. accordingly, these buses fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 301, fuel system integrity.
Consequence SummaryA fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can result in a fire.
Corrective SummaryBlue bird will notify owners, and dealers will repair the buses free of charge. the safety recall began on march 9, 2012. owners may contact blue bird at 1-478-822-2242.
NotesBlue bird's recall campaign number is r11tr.owners 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 .
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE - DELIVERY - HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
10V290000BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANYfrom 05/17/2007 to 11/13/2008V (Vehicle)10309/09/2010ODIBLUE BIRD BODY COMPANY06/28/201006/28/2010
Defect SummaryBlue bird is recalling certain model year 2008 through 2010 all american, vision, and excel 102 model non school buses manufactured from may 17, 2007 through november 13, 2008, equipped with caterpillar c7 engines. the #5 and #6 fuel lines may crack at the fastening point to the common fuel rail and cause a fuel leak.
Consequence SummaryA fuel leak, in the presence of an ignition source, can result in a vehicle fire.
Corrective SummaryBlue 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.
NotesBlue bird's recall campaign number is r10rz.owners 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 .
10V289000BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANYfrom 05/23/2007 to 03/09/2010V (Vehicle)368609/09/2010ODIBLUE BIRD BODY COMPANY06/28/201006/28/2010
Defect SummaryBlue bird is recalling certain model year 2008 through 2010 all american and vision model school buses manufactured from may 23, 2007 through march 9, 2010, equipped with caterpillar c7 engines. the #5 and #6 fuel lines may crack at the fastening point to the common fuel rail and cause a fuel leak.
Consequence SummaryA fuel leak, in the presence of an ignition source, can result in a vehicle fire.
Corrective SummaryBlue 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.
NotesBlue bird's recall campaign number is r10rz.owners 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 .
OTHER - SCHOOL BUS STOP ARM ASSEMBLY
09V335000BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANYfrom 04/18/2008 to 02/11/2009V (Vehicle)373609/24/2009MFRBLUE BIRD BODY COMPANY08/25/200908/25/2009
Defect SummaryBlue bird is recalling certain model year 2008 and 2009 all american, vision, and micro bird school buses manufactured between april 18, 2008 and february 11, 2009, equipped with specialty manufacturing, inc. (smi) 000290 led light kits. a change to the wire used in the led light kits may reduce the effective life of the lights used on the stop arms. the lights may stop functioning without warning.
Consequence SummaryShould the led lights stop functioning, visibility of a stopped bus would be decreased, possibly endangering a child or pedestrian to injury by passing vehicles.
Corrective SummaryBlue 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.
NotesBlue bird's recall campaign number r09ps.owners 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 .
PARKING BRAKE
11V351000BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANYfrom 09/22/2006 to 08/07/2010V (Vehicle)12107/24/2011MFRBLUE BIRD BODY COMPANY07/08/201107/11/2011
Defect SummaryBlue bird is recalling certain model year 2007 through 2011 all american school buses manufactured from september 22, 2006, through august 7, 2010, and equipped with optional park brake valve interlock feature. the optional park brake interlock valve may have been plumbed incorrectly which could result in inadvertent park brake application without prior warning.
Consequence SummaryInadvertent application of the park brake valve could cause a vehicle crash which could result in property damage, personal injury, or death.
Corrective SummaryBlue bird will notify owners and dealers will repair the buses free of charge. all of the buses have been inspected and, if needed, repaired. therefore, an owner notification letter will not be issued for this campaign. owners may contact blue bird at 1-478-822-2242.
NotesBlue bird's recall campaign number is r11tf.owners 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 .
SEATS
09V328000BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANYfrom 01/30/2003 to 05/07/2009V (Vehicle)3709509/18/2009MFRBLUE BIRD BODY COMPANY08/13/200908/13/2009571222
Defect SummaryBlue bird is recalling certain model year 2004 through 2010 all american, vision, micro bird, and conventional school buses manufactured between january 30, 2003 and may 7, 2009. incorrect offset leg barrier pads or 2/3 seat back pads may have been installed. buses with incorrect pads installed fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 222, school bus passenger seating and crash protection.
Consequence SummaryIn the event of a crash, there is an increased risk of injury to the seat occupant(s).
Corrective SummaryBlue 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.
NotesBlue bird's recall campaign number is r09pm.owners 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 .
SEATS - BARRIERS
11V499000BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANYfrom 11/15/2005 to 05/03/2011V (Vehicle)5401/18/2012OVSCBLUE BIRD BODY COMPANY10/14/201110/14/2011571222
Defect SummaryBlue bird is recalling certain model year 2006 through 2012 all american, 2006 through 2011 vision, and 2006 conventional school buses manufactured between september 19, 2005, and may 3, 2011, equipped with 2-passenger seats installed forward of the 39 barrier. in the event of a crash, the barrier may make contact with the 2-passenger seat installed forward of the barrier. accordingly, these buses fail to conform with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 222, school bus passenger seating and crash protection.
Consequence SummaryThe seat occupants may be seriously injured in the event of a crash.
Corrective SummaryBlue 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.
NotesBlue bird's recall campaign number is r11tq.owners 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 .
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR - SUPPLY - HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
09V285000BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANYfrom 02/27/2007 to 07/02/2009V (Vehicle)170909/23/2009MFRBLUE BIRD BODY COMPANY07/23/200907/23/2009
Defect SummaryBlue bird is recalling 1,709 model year 2009 and 2010 all american front engine school buses manufactured from february 27, 2007 through july 2, 2009, equipped with 07 engines, air brakes and spring suspensions. when the bus is loaded with passengers, the springs compress which could allow the air brake hose to contact the drive line.
Consequence SummaryRepeated contact of the air brake hose on the drive line may cause the air brake hose to rupture reducing the braking capacity which could result in a vehicle crash.
Corrective SummaryBlue bird will notify owners and repair the buses free of charge. the safety recall began on september 23, 2009. owners may contact blue bird at 1-478-422-2242.
NotesBlue bird's recall campaign no. r09pr.owners 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 .
STEERING
09V213000BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANYfrom 07/22/2008 to 11/22/2008V (Vehicle)44206/30/2009MFRBLUE BIRD BODY COMPANY06/11/200906/11/2009
Defect SummaryBlue bird is recalling 442 model year 2008 and 2009 all american school buses manufactured from july 22 to november 22, 2008. the bolts that mount the steering gear to the frame may not have been properly torqued.
Consequence SummaryImproperly torqued bolts may cause the steering gear to separate from the chassis frame resulting in a loss of steering control, possibly resulting in a crash.
Corrective SummaryBlue bird will notify owners and repair the buses free of charge. the safety recall began on june 30, 2009. owners may contact blue bird at 1-478-422-2242.
NotesBlue bird's recall campaign no. r09pf.owners 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 .
STRUCTURE - BODY - ROOF AND PILLARS
08V229000BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANYfrom 03/06/2003 to 03/28/2008V (Vehicle)2346409/18/2008MFRBLUE BIRD BODY COMPANY05/20/200805/20/2008571221
Defect SummaryBlue bird is recalling 23,464 my 2005 through 2009 all american and vision school and transit model buses manufactured from january 22, 2004, and march 28, 2008, and my 2004 through 2007 all american school buses and conventional model school buses manufactured from march 6, 2003, through june 16, 2006. the rivet pattern may be incorrect in sections of the rear roof sheet joint that attaches to the rear roof cap. without the appropriate amount of roof rivets, the buses fail to conform with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no 221, joint strength.
Consequence SummaryIn the event of a crash, these panels may separate exposing the occupants to increased risk of injury.
Corrective SummaryBlue 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.
NotesBlue bird recall no. r08nc.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.

Bulletins


BulletinBulletin dateReplacement BulletinItem no.SummaryAdded
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - COOLING SYSTEM
SB-S-10-SA06/15/201010043406Blue 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 component03/27/2012
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
SB-S-10-SA06/15/201010043406Blue 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 component03/27/2012
SU-S-080209/28/200810043271Blue bird: update information on some model year buses regarding the electronic control modules (ecm) recalibration of isb and isc engines. *pe03/08/2012
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
EQUIPMENT - ELECTRICAL - AIR CONDITIONER
SB-S-10-SJ09/07/201010043415Blue bird bus: see document search button for owner letter. on some model year buses, an incorrect compressor oil type information may have been stamped on bitzer a/c compressor air conditioner data plate. *pe03/27/2012
SEATS
SB-S-10-SE07/15/201010043412Blue bird bus: see document search button for owner letter. on some rear engine buses, the center leg of c. e. white student safety seat, missing the required mounting bolt. *pe03/27/2012
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
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
SB-S-10-SB08/02/201010043414Blue 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. *pe03/27/2012
SUSPENSION - FRONT - WHEEL BEARING
SB-S-08-NT10/30/200810043270Blue bird: see document search button for owner letter. some model year buses may have an issue with installed petroleum wheelbearing lubricant instead of synthetic lubricant for front steer and/or rear drive axle wheelbearing.03/08/2012

Consumer Complaints


Fail datemilesoccurencesPurchase date
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE - DIESEL
11/01/20121
 2009 bluebird all american re bus. consumer writes in regards to engine problems. *smd the consumer stated six buses were equipped with the caterpillar c-7 engine and acert technology. the technology was used to make the engines comply with the emission standards. however, whenever the system had a problem, there was reduced power from the engine, which happened at any given time. over the past three years, the buses have been out of service over 1100 days. the buses would be picked up from the dealer and would break down before being returned to the school.
SEATS
12/27/201022250
 Tl- the contact owns a 2009 blue bird all american school bus. the contact stated the foam in all of the seats is coming out. the foam is coming out from behind the seat. the bottom and top of the seat seems to be ok the contact had not had the vehicle inspected at the time of the complaint. the failure mileage and the current mileages 22250.rl