RecallRadar

HomeBlue BirdVision → 2012

2012 Blue Bird Vision Recalls & Complaints

19

open safety recalls on record

Critical

1 owner complaints filed · Severity Index 0.00 · updated 2026-08-07

The recalls

Critical14V297000

Fuel System, Other:Delivery:Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings

propane leak in the presence of an ignition source raises the risk of a fire.

Remedy & full details

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.

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.

Critical11V423000

Engine And Engine Cooling

IF THE INLET OR OUTLET SECTIONS DISCONNECT, HOT EXHAUST GASES CAN VENT PRIOR TO EXITING THE TAILPIPE, CREATING THE RISK OF COMBUSTION AND A FIRE.

Remedy & full details

BLUE BIRD IS WORKING WITH CUMMINS TO IDENTIFY AND NOTIFY OWNERS OF THE RECALL CAMPAIGN. REPAIRS WILL BE PERFORMED BY AUTHORIZED CUMMINS DEALERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 10, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CUMMINS AT 1-812-377-5000 OR BLUE BIRD AT 1-478-822-2242.

BLUE BIRD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 AND 2012 ALL AMERICAN SCHOOL BUSES MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 13, 2010, THROUGH MARCH 8, 2011, AND VISION SCHOOL BUSES MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 2, 2010, THROUGH FEBRUARY 2, 2011, EQUIPPED WITH A CUMMINS DIESEL ENGINE. THE V-BAND CLAMP ASSEMBLY, PART NUMBERS Q187684, Q187685, AND Q187686, USED TO CONNECT THE INLET AND OUTLET CONE SECTIONS TO THE DIESEL OXIDATION CATALYST (DOC)/DIESEL PARTICULATE FILTER (DPF) INCLUDE A T-BOLT WHICH CAN FRACTURE AND FAIL WHEN SUBJECTED TO STRESS OR LOAD. A FRACTURE OR FAILURE OF THE T-BOLT MAY CAUSE THE CLAMP TO LOOSEN AND THE INLET OR OUTLET SECTIONS ATTACHED TO THE DOC/DPF HOUSING TO DISCONNECT.

Critical11V247000

Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings

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

Remedy & full details

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

Critical11V424000

Engine And Engine Cooling

IF THE INLET OR OUTLET SECTIONS DISCONNECT, HOT EXHAUST GASES CAN VENT PRIOR TO EXITING THE TAILPIPE, CREATING THE RISK OF COMBUSTION AND A FIRE.

Remedy & full details

BLUE BIRD IS WORKING WITH CUMMINS TO IDENTIFY AND NOTIFY OWNERS OF THE RECALL CAMPAIGN. REPAIRS WILL BE PERFORMED BY AUTHORIZED CUMMINS DEALERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 10, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CUMMINS AT 1-812-377-5000 OR BLUE BIRD AT 1-478-822-2242.

BLUE BIRD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 AND 2012 ALL AMERICAN NON-SCHOOL BUSES MANUFACTURED FROM NOVEMBER 2, 2010, THROUGH MARCH 17, 2011, AND VISION CONVENTIONAL NON-NOVEMBER 2, 2010, THROUGH MARCH 17, 2011, EQUIPPED WITH A CUMMINS DIESEL ENGINE. THE V-BAND CLAMP ASSEMBLY, PART NUMBERS Q187684, Q187685, AND Q187686, USED TO CONNECT THE INLET AND OUTLET CONE SECTIONS TO THE DIESEL OXIDATION CATALYST (DOC)/DIESEL PARTICULATE FILTER (DPF) INCLUDE A T-BOLT WHICH CAN FRACTURE AND FAIL WHEN SUBJECTED TO STRESS OR LOAD. A FRACTURE OR FAILURE OF THE T-BOLT MAY CAUSE THE CLAMP TO LOOSEN AND THE INLET OR OUTLET SECTIONS ATTACHED TO THE DOC/DPF HOUSING TO DISCONNECT.

Serious20V125000

Seats:Barriers

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, raises the risk of injury.

Remedy & full details

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 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."

Serious20V234000

Parking Brake

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

Remedy & full details

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 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."

Serious15V730000

Equipment Adaptive/Mobility

If the bearings move out of position, the stowed platform may have excessive movement resulting in failure of the platform mounting.

Remedy & full details

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, 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.

Serious14V510000

Equipment Adaptive/Mobility

If the platform side plates crack, the lift platform can separate from the lift and come to rest against the vehicle's lift door.

Remedy & full details

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 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.

Serious13V200000

Seats

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.

Remedy & full details

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.

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").

Serious13V332000

Structure

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 & full details

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 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."

Serious11V086000

Structure:Body

IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY, PASSENGERS COULD BE INJURED IF THEY ARE UNABLE TO QUICKLY EXIT THE BUS.

Remedy & full details

BLUE BIRD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE BUSES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEHAN ON MARCH 15, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BLUE BIRD AT 1-478-822-2242.

BLUE BIRD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 AND 2012 VISION AND ALL AMERICAN MODEL SCHOOL BUSES MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2010, THROUGH JANUARY 6, 2011. THE SHEET METAL RAIN VISORS OVER THE PUSHOUT SIDE WINDOW ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE BUS MAY PROHIBIT THE EMERGENCY EXIT WINDOW FROM OPENING SUFFICIENTLY WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM TO THE EMERGENCY EGRESS REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 217, "BUS EMERGENCY EXISTS AND WINDOW RETENTION AND RELEASE."

Serious12V218000

Service Brakes, Air

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, raises the risk of A CRASH.

Remedy & full details

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.

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."

Serious12V217000

Service Brakes, Air

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, raises the risk of A CRASH.

Remedy & full details

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.

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."

Serious12V262000

Structure:Body:Roof And Pillars

IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY, EGRESS OF THE BUS MAY BE HINDERED POSSIBLY RESULTING IN INJURY TO THE VEHICLE OCCUPANTS.

Remedy & full details

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.

BLUE BIRD CORPORATION (BLUE BIRD) IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 ALL AMERICAN AND VISION NON-SCHOOL BUSES MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 20, 2011, THROUGH OCTOBER 20, 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."

Serious12V261000

Structure:Body:Roof And Pillars

IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY, EGRESS OF THE BUS MAY BE HINDERED POSSIBLY RESULTING IN INJURY TO THE VEHICLE OCCUPANTS.

Remedy & full details

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.

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."

Serious20V235000

Parking Brake

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

Remedy & full details

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 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."

Serious15V731000

Equipment Adaptive/Mobility

If the bearings move out of position, the stowed platform may have excessive movement resulting in failure of the platform mounting.

Remedy & full details

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 arms that may have pivot holes that are too big, allowing the bearings to move out of position.

Serious14V511000

Equipment Adaptive/Mobility

If the platform side plates crack, the lift platform can separate from the lift and come to rest against the vehicle's lift door.

Remedy & full details

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.

Moderate11V504000

Structure:Body:Door:Hinge And Attachments

IF THE HANDLE IS ACTUATED DURING A NON-EMERGENCY SITUATION AND DETACHES, THE EMERGENCY WINDOW CANNOT BE RE-SECURED, POSING A RISK THAT CHILDREN MAY FALL OR CLIMB OUT.

Remedy & full details

BLUE BIRD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND PROVIDE REPAIR KITS, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR ABOUT NOVEMBER 14, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BLUE BIRD AT 1-478-822-2242.

BLUE BIRD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 ALL AMERICAN AND VISION SCHOOL BUSES MANUFACTURED FROM AUGUST 2, 2011, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 14, 2011, EQUIPPED WITH SPECTAL INDUSTRIES VERTICAL EMERGENCY EXIT WINDOWS. INCORRECT RIVETS MAY HAVE BEEN USED TO ATTACH THE HANDLES THAT AN OCCUPANT WOULD USE TO OPEN THE WINDOW IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY. THE PART NUMBERS FOR THE BLUE BIRD BUSES ARE AS FOLLOWS: 129185, 129195, 129197, 129199, 129201, 129202, 129203, 129205, 129207, 129209, 129210, 129228, 129230, 129232, 129234, 129236, 129238, 129240, 129242, AND 129243.

Complaint volume

1 this model-year 10 median, same year

Volume alone is not a fault rate — popular vehicles attract more reports. Read it next to the severity mix below.

Complaints filed1
Reporting a crash0
Reporting a fire0
Injuries reported0
Deaths reported0
Severity Index0.00

Severity Index weights each complaint's reported outcome (death ×10, injury ×4, fire ×3, crash ×2) and divides by total complaints. It measures how severe reports are, not how often faults occur.

What owners report most

  1. Parking Brake — 1 reports

What to do

  1. Find your 17-character VIN on the driver's door jamb or the base of the windscreen.
  2. Check it against NHTSA's official lookup at nhtsa.gov/recalls — the authoritative record for your exact car.
  3. Book the repair with any franchised dealer. Safety recall work is free, with no time limit and regardless of who owns the car now.

Other model years

2005 · 2007 · 2008 · 2009 · 2010 · 2012 · 2013 · 2015 · 2016 · 2017

Questions

Does an open recall mean the car is unsafe to drive?

Not usually. NHTSA issues a "do not drive" or "park outside" advisory when a defect is dangerous enough to keep you out of the car — those are flagged Critical above. Everything else should be repaired promptly but is not an immediate stop-driving order.

Do I pay for recall repairs?

No. Federal law requires the manufacturer to fix a safety recall free of charge, including parts and labour, whether or not you are the original owner.

Why are there complaints but no recalls?

Complaints are unverified reports filed by owners. They can prompt an investigation, but many never become recalls — either the fault isn't safety-related or it isn't widespread.