2004 Blue Bird Express 4000 Recalls

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NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V480000
Manufacturer: BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANY
Manufacturer Campaign Number: R13WN
Date of Owner Notification: December 17th, 2013

Defect Summary:
Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain model year 2004 Ultra LMB, 2003-2006 Ultra LF and 2004-2007 Express commercial buses equipped with Sure Power-brand battery equalizers containing a particular epoxy sealing, aka 'potting', compound. The specific potting compound used in the subject products for insulation was found to be capable of conducting electricity after being exposed to heat.

Consequence Summary:
Once electrically conductive, the material is capable of melting and burning, increasing the risk of a fire.

Corrective Summary:
Blue Bird will notify owners, and dealers will replace the equalizers, free of charge. The recall began on December 17, 2013. Owners may contact Blue Bird at 1-478-825-2021. Blue Bird's recall number is R13WN.

Recall Notes:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

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NHTSA Campaign Number: 04V388000
Manufacturer: BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANY
Manufacturer Campaign Number: R04HW
Manufactured Begin Date: July 31st, 2003
Manufactured End Date: June 25th, 2004
Date of Owner Notification: August 10th, 2004

Defect Summary:
CERTAIN MOTOR COACHES, MOTOR HOMES, COMMUTER COACHES, AND TRANSIT BUSES EQUIPPED WITH ARVIN-MERITOR DX 225 AIR DISC BRAKES, ARE EXPERIENCING EXCESSIVE SMOKE IN THE WHEEL AREA DUE TO OVERHEATING OF THE AIR DISC BRAKE PADS.

Consequence Summary:
A POTENTIAL FIRE IN THE WHEEL MAY OCCUR WHICH MAY RESULT IN PROPERTY DAMAGE OR PERSONAL INJURY.

Corrective Summary:
ARVIN-MERITOR WILL INSPECT THE BRAKE ASSEMBLIES TO ENSURE PROPER SET-UP AND OPERATION. THIS RECALL BEGAN AUGUST 10, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT BLUE BIRD AT 478-822-2242.

Recall Notes:
BLUE BIRD RECALL NO. R04HW.CUSTOMERS CAN 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: 04V341000
Manufacturer: BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANY
Manufacturer Campaign Number: R04HU
Manufactured Begin Date: July 7th, 2003
Manufactured End Date: June 25th, 2004
Date of Owner Notification: July 30th, 2004

Defect Summary:
CERTAIN MOTOR COACHES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 121, "AIR BRAKE SYSTEMS." THESE BUSES WERE MANUFACTURED WITHOUT THE CHECK VALVE, WHICH PROTECTS THE FRONT SERVICE BRAKE RESERVOIR.

Consequence Summary:
LOSS OF AIR PRESSURE COULD RESULT IN LONGER STOPPING DISTANCES WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.

Corrective Summary:
DEALERS WILL ADD THE REQUIRED CHECK VALVE TO THE FRONT AIR BRAKE SERVICE RESERVOIR TO INSURE COMPLIANCE WITH FMVSS NO. 121. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 30, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT BLUE BIRD AT 478-822-2242.

Recall Notes:
BLUE BIRD RECALL NO. R04HU.CUSTOMERS CAN 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: 04V153000
Manufacturer: BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANY
Manufacturer Campaign Number: R04HR
Date of Owner Notification: April 7th, 2004

Defect Summary:
ON CERTAIN MOTOR HOMES AND TRANSIT COACHES, INCORRECT TORQUE APPLICATION COULD HAVE BEEN APPLIED TO THE CLAMP BOLTS AND THE DRAG LINK.

Consequence Summary:
THIS COULD LEAD TO THE CLAMPS BECOMING LOOSE, CAUSING MISALIGNMENT OF THE STEERING AXLES, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Corrective Summary:
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CLAMP BOLTS AND AND TIGHTEN TO THE REQUIRED TORQUE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON APRIL 7, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT BLUE BIRD AT 478-822-2242.

Recall Notes:
BLUE BIRD RECALL NO. R04HR.CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).