1999 Blue Bird Commercial Series Recalls

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NHTSA Campaign Number: 05V062000
Manufacturer: BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANY
Manufacturer Campaign Number: R05JL

Defect Summary:
CERTAIN 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 Summary:
SHOULD THE ENGINE STALL WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN USE, A POSSIBLE VEHICLE CRASH COULD OCCUR.

Corrective Summary:
CUSTOMERS 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.

Recall Notes:
CUSTOMERS 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.

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NHTSA Campaign Number: 04V426000
Manufacturer: BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANY
Manufacturer Campaign Number: R04JB
Manufactured Begin Date: February 17th, 1999
Manufactured End Date: June 29th, 2004
Date of Owner Notification: September 21st, 2004

Defect Summary:
CERTAIN BLUE BIRD 1999-2005 ALL AMERICAN, TC/2000, MICRO BIRD, VISION, CONVENTIONAL, AND COMMERCIAL SERIES SCHOOL BUSES EQUIPPED WITH SURE-LOC WHEELCHAIR SECUREMENT SYSTEMS AND MANUFACTURED BETWEEN FEBRUARY 17, 1999, AND AUGUST 13, 2004. CERTAIN SURE-LOK WHEELCHAIR TIE-DOWN SECUREMENT ASSEMBLIES P/N 8625-13. THE SPROCKET TEETH OF THE RETRACTOR ASSEMBLY MAY BE OUT OF ALIGNMENT CAUSING THE LOAD PAWL NOT TO FULLY SEAT IN THE SPROCKET TEETH.

Consequence Summary:
IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE WHEELCHAIR MAY NOT BE ADEQUATELY SECURED POSSIBLY RESULTING IN INJURIES.

Corrective Summary:
BLUE BIRD WILL NOTIFY ITS CUSTOMERS AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE PART FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN SEPTEMBER 21, 2004. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR BUSES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT AT BLUE BIRD AT 478-822-2242.

Recall Notes:
ALSO, CUSTOMERS CAN CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

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NHTSA Campaign Number: 03V085000
Manufacturer: BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANY
Manufactured Begin Date: March 5th, 1998
Manufactured End Date: June 3rd, 1999

Defect Summary:
ON CERTAIN SCHOOL AND TRANSIT BUSES EQUIPPED WITH CUMMINS ISB 6 CYLINDER ENGINES, THE LOWER ALTERNATOR SUPPORT BRACE OR MOUNTING HARDWARE CAN LOOSEN OR BREAK WHICH WILL ALLOW THE ALTERNATOR TO DROP ONTO THE ENGINE.

Consequence Summary:
IN THIS EVENT, THE ELECTRICAL WIRING HARNESS MAY BE DAMAGED AND THE POSSIBILITY OF FIRE MAY EXIST.

Corrective Summary:
CUMMINS WILL NOTIFY CUSTOMERS AND REPLACE THE UPPER AND LOWER ALTERNATOR SUPPORT BRACKETS FREE OF CHARGE. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLE TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT CUMMINS AT 1-800-343-7357 OR BLUE BIRD AT 478-822-2242.

Recall Notes:
ALSO, CUSTOMERS CAN CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

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NHTSA Campaign Number: 01V338000
Manufacturer: BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANY
Manufacturer Campaign Number: R01FL
Manufactured Begin Date: September 9th, 1998
Manufactured End Date: October 11th, 2001
Date of Owner Notification: January 18th, 2002

Defect Summary:
VEHICLE 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 Summary:
INSUFFICIENT TIGHTENING PERMITS MOVEMENT BETWEEN THE COMPONENTS THAT COULD RESULT IN BOLTS AND STUDS BREAKING, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Corrective Summary:
DEALERS 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.

Recall Notes:
ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

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NHTSA Campaign Number: 01V191000
Manufacturer: BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANY
Manufacturer Campaign Number: R01FF
Manufactured Begin Date: June 1st, 1995
Manufactured End Date: May 31st, 2001
Date of Owner Notification: July 30th, 2001

Defect Summary:
VEHICLE 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 Summary:
THIS CONDITION CAN RESULT IN POWER FAILURE AND/OR RISK OF FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.

Corrective Summary:
DEALERS 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.

Recall Notes:
BLUE 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).

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NHTSA Campaign Number: 01V044003
Manufacturer: BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANY
Manufacturer Campaign Number: R01ET
Manufactured Begin Date: August 3rd, 1999
Manufactured End Date: January 12th, 2000
Date of Owner Notification: March 30th, 2001

Defect Summary:
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SCHOOL AND TRANSIT BUSES AND MOTOR HOME CHASSIS EQUIPPED WITH TIE ROD ASSEMBLIES MANUFACTURED BY TRW. THE SUSPECT TIE RODS CONTAIN 24-DL MODEL BALL SOCKETS. CERTAIN OF THE TIE ROD BALL-SOCKET BEARINGS HAVE A BELOW-SPECIFICATION CASE DEPTH AND/OR HARDNESS, WHICH CAN LEAD TO PREMATURE WEAR OF THE SOCKET.

Consequence Summary:
IF THIS CONDITION OCCURS, THE DRIVER CAN LOSE PARTIAL CONTROL OF THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH.

Corrective Summary:
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE BALL SOCKETS AND/OR DRAG LINKS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 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 OR TRW CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-866-280-3287.

Recall Notes:
ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

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NHTSA Campaign Number: 00V279004
Manufacturer: BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANY
Manufacturer Campaign Number: R00EJ
Manufactured Begin Date: January 1st, 1999
Manufactured End Date: December 15th, 2000
Date of Owner Notification: February 12th, 2001

Defect Summary:
VEHICLE 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 Summary:
FAILURE 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 Summary:
THE ABS ECU WILL BE REMOVED AND REPLACED OR THE ECU WILL BE REPROGRAMMED.

Recall Notes:
OWNER 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).

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NHTSA Campaign Number: 00V230001
Manufacturer: BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANY
Manufacturer Campaign Number: R00EA
Manufactured Begin Date: February 2nd, 1999
Manufactured End Date: August 4th, 2000
Date of Owner Notification: August 18th, 2000

Defect Summary:
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SCHOOL AND TRANSIT BUSES EQUIPPED WITH ELECTRONIC ENGINES AND FELSTED ELECTRONIC ACCELERATOR PEDALS. THE RETURN SPRINGS CAN BREAK ON THE ACCELERATOR PEDALS THAT ARE EQUIPPED WITH STAINLESS STEEL OR ELECTROPLATED MUSIC WIRE RETURN SPRINGS.

Consequence Summary:
THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE THE PEDAL TO GO TO FULL THROTTLE IF BOTH RETURN SPRINGS BREAK, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Corrective Summary:
REPLACEMENT ACCELERATOR PEDALS EQUIPPED WITH RETURN SPRINGS MANUFACTURED OF MUSIC WIRE WITH ONE ADDITIONAL COIL ON EACH SPRING AND WITH AN ORGANIC COATING, ELIMINATING ELECTROPLATING WILL BE INSTALLED.

Recall Notes:
OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 18, 2000. 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.ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

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NHTSA Campaign Number: 00V162000
Manufacturer: BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANY
Manufacturer Campaign Number: R00DX
Manufactured Begin Date: October 15th, 1997
Manufactured End Date: May 31st, 2000
Date of Owner Notification: June 14th, 2000

Defect Summary:
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SCHOOL AND TRANSIT BUSES EQUIPPED WITH BENDIX AIR BRAKES. BENDIX CHANGED THE INTERNAL DESIGN OF THE QR1C RELAY VALVE BY ADDING A HOLE IN THE INTERNAL DIAPHRAGM. WHEN THE HOLE IN THE DIAPHRAGM ALIGNS WITH THE HOLE IN THE VALVE BODY, THE BRAKE APPLICATION TIME INCREASES.

Consequence Summary:
UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, SUCH AS PARKED ON AN INCLINE, DRIVER ACTIVATES THE PARKING BRAKE BUT REMOVES FOOT FROM THE THREADLE VALVE, THE BUS COULD ROLL BEFORE THE PARKING BRAKE IS FULLY ENGAGED.

Corrective Summary:
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE DIAPHRAGMS WITH HOLES WITH SOLID DIAPHRAGMS FOR THE QR1C VALVES.

Recall Notes:
OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JUNE 14, 2000.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. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

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NHTSA Campaign Number: 00V130000
Manufacturer: BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANY
Manufacturer Campaign Number: R00DV
Manufactured Begin Date: August 26th, 1994
Manufactured End Date: April 4th, 2000
Date of Owner Notification: May 25th, 2000

Defect Summary:
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SCHOOL BUSES EQUIPPED WITH TRANSIT SLIDING PUSHOUT WINDOWS. POTENTIAL STICKING AND/OR BINDING OF THE PUSHOUT WINDOW INNER FRAME WITHIN THE OUTER FRAME RESULTS IN OPENING FORCES EXCEEDING THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 217, "BUS WINDOW RETENTION AND RELEASE."

Consequence Summary:
PERSONAL INJURY COULD OCCUR IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.

Corrective Summary:
OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH STEP-BY-STEP PROCEDURES FOR MODIFYING THE TRANSIT SLIDING PUSHOUT WINDOWS TO CONFORM THE FMVSS 217 REQUIREMENTS.

Recall Notes:
OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MAY 25, 2000.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. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

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NHTSA Campaign Number: 00V051000
Manufacturer: BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANY
Manufacturer Campaign Number: 400DR
Manufactured Begin Date: March 19th, 1998
Manufactured End Date: February 3rd, 2000
Date of Owner Notification: March 8th, 2000

Defect Summary:
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SCHOOL AND TRANSIT BUSES EQUIPPED WITH BENDIX ABS ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM. THE PRIMARY AND SECONDARY BRAKE TREADLE VALVE AIR LINES WERE INSTALLED INCORRECTLY AT THE BENDIX R12DC RELAY VALVE.

Consequence Summary:
WITH THE BRAKE SYSTEM INSTALLED INCORRECTLY, FUTURE MAINTENANCE MIGHT BE AFFECTED BY THIS INCONSISTENCY, CAUSING THE BRAKES TO BE INSTALLED INCORRECT, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Corrective Summary:
DEALERS WILL CORRECT THE AIR LINE PLUMBING AT THE BENDIX R12DC RELAY VALVE.

Recall Notes:
OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 8, 2000.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. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).