2003 Blue Bird All American: recalls and complaints

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All updates to the register

• 09V2050009 Jun 2009Electrical System / Ignition
• 05V38200031 Aug 2005Electrical System / 12v/24v/48v Battery
• 05V23900020 May 2005Other / School Bus Stop Arm Assembly
• 05V25100020 May 2005Other / School Bus Stop Arm Assembly
• 05V1520007 Apr 2005Vehicle Speed Control
• 05V0740001 Mar 2005Engine and Engine Cooling
• 03V3640008 Oct 2003Seats
• 03V3630008 Oct 2003Structure / Body
• 03V3620008 Oct 2003Seat Belts / Front / Anchorage
• 02V30200013 Nov 2002Service Brakes, Hydraulic / Foundation Components / Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings
• 02V21700012 Aug 2002Electrical System / Wiring

1. 09V205000Received 9 Jun 2009. 2,203 units.

   Electrical System / Ignition

   Defect, in the NHTSA record

   Blue 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, in the NHTSA record

   The vehicles can be started and driven even when an owner may think they cannot.

   Remedy, in the NHTSA record

   Blue 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.

   Report filed by BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANY. Manufacturer campaign number R09PE. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: 25 Jun 2009.

2. 05V382000Received 31 Aug 2005. 5,863 units.

   Electrical System / 12v/24v/48v Battery

   Defect, in the NHTSA record

   Certain 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, in the NHTSA record

   Should the bus shut down while in operation, a vehicle crash could occur.

   Remedy, in the NHTSA record

   Blue 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.

   Report filed by BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANY. Manufacturer campaign number R05KA. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: 19 Oct 2005.

3. 05V239000Received 20 May 2005. 8,894 units.

   Other / School Bus Stop Arm Assembly

   Defect, in the NHTSA record

   Certain school buses originally sold in or currently registered in the following states: alaska, colorado, connecticut, delaware, idaho, illinois, indiana, iowa, kansas, kentucky, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, missouri, montana, nebraska, nevada, new hampshire, new jersey, new mexico, new york, north dakota, ohio, oregon, pennsylvania, rhode island, south dakota, tennessee, utah, vermont, virginia, washington, west virginia, wisconsin, wyoming, and the district of columbia. In extremely cold weather, the microswitches used internally to position the stop arm sign in the open and closed positions may malfunction, causing the sign to open or close in an improper position, or to not open at all.

   Consequence, in the NHTSA record

   Should the stop arm not perform properly, a child or pedestrian may be endangered by passing vehicles should the motorist not stop at the correct location.

   Remedy, in the NHTSA record

   Blue bird will notify its customers and replace the original switch with a switch pack that is not sensitive to extreme cold weather and will inspect to ensure the microswitch heater wiring is properly connected free of charge. The recall began on august 12, 2005. Owners may contact blue bird at 478-822-2242.

   Report filed by BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANY. Manufacturer campaign number R05JV. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: 12 Aug 2005.

4. 05V251000Received 20 May 2005. 3,121 units.

   Other / School Bus Stop Arm Assembly

   Defect, in the NHTSA record

   Certain blue bird 2002 through 2006 my all american, conventional, minibird, microbird, vision, and tc2000 school buses originally sold in or currently registered in states other than the following states: alaska, colorado, connecticut, delaware, idaho, illinois, indiana, iowa, kansas, kentucky, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, missouri, montana, nebraska, nevada, new hampshire, new jersey, new mexico, new york, north dakota, ohio, oregon, pennsylvania, rhode island, south dakota, tennessee, utah, vermont, virginia, washington, west virginia, wisconsin, wyoming, and the district of columbia. In extremely cold weather, the microswitches used internally to position the sign in the open and closed positions may malfunction, causing the sign to open or close in an improper position, or to not open at all.

   Consequence, in the NHTSA record

   Should the stop arm not perform properly, a child or pedestrian may be endangered by passing motorists should the motorist not stop at the correct location.

   Remedy, in the NHTSA record

   Blue bird will notify all its customers of this campaign. For those buses operated in or near any of the states listed above, blue bird is encouraging the bus owners to obtain the replacement switch. For those buses operated in the warmer states, blue bird will replace the switch upon owner request. For those customers who request the remedy, blue bird will replace the original switch with a switch pack that is not sensitive to extreme cold weather and will inspect to ensure the microswitch heater wiring is properly connected. The safety improvement campaign began on august 12, 2005. Owners may contact blue bird at 478-822-2242.

   Report filed by BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANY. Manufacturer campaign number R05JW. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: 12 Aug 2005.

5. 05V152000Received 7 Apr 2005. 486 units.

   Vehicle Speed Control

   Defect, in the NHTSA record

   Certain 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, in the NHTSA record

   Unexpected engine surge could result in a vehicle crash, possibly resulting in personal injury.

   Remedy, in the NHTSA record

   John 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.

   Report filed by BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANY. Manufacturer campaign number R05JP.

6. 05V074000Received 1 Mar 2005. 416 units.

   Engine and Engine Cooling

   Defect, in the NHTSA record

   Certain 2002-2006 my blue bird all american school and transit buses, conventional school buses, and commercial series transit buses manufactured between december 21, 2002, and february 24, 2005. These buses are equipped with webasto coolant heaters, model dbw 2010, assembled with webasto burner tubes, p/n 303046/26533a manufactured between november 2002 and february 2005. The stainless steel burner tube is made out of a material that is not to specification and could fail prematurely.

   Consequence, in the NHTSA record

   Should the burner tube fail, the coolant heater could overheat, possibly resulting in a fire.

   Remedy, in the NHTSA record

   Blue bird will notify its customers and replace the burner tubes free of charge. The recall began on march 31, 2005. Owners may contact blue bird at 478-822-2242.

   Report filed by BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANY. Manufacturer campaign number R05JM. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: 31 Mar 2005.

7. 03V364000Received 8 Oct 2003. 3,825 units.

   Seats

   Defect, in the NHTSA record

   On certain school buses equipped with optional seat belts or seat belt "ready" seats, some belts were installed with only two bolts rather than the required three (3) bolts.

   Consequence, in the NHTSA record

   These 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.

   Remedy, in the NHTSA record

   Blue 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 1-478-822-2242.

   Report filed by BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANY. Manufacturer campaign number R03HB. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: 3 Nov 2003.

8. 03V363000Received 8 Oct 2003. 8,088 units.

   Structure / Body

   Defect, in the NHTSA record

   Certain 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, in the NHTSA record

   The 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.

   Remedy, in the NHTSA record

   Blue 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.

   Report filed by BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANY. Manufacturer campaign number R03GZ. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: 20 Nov 2003.

9. 03V362000Received 8 Oct 2003. 233 units.

   Seat Belts / Front / Anchorage

   Defect, in the NHTSA record

   On 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, in the NHTSA record

   This installation may not adequately retain seat belts in the event of a severe crash.

   Remedy, in the NHTSA record

   Blue 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.

   Report filed by BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANY. Manufacturer campaign number R03HC. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: 20 Nov 2003.

10. 02V302000Received 13 Nov 2002. 485 units.

    Service Brakes, Hydraulic / Foundation Components / Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings

    Defect, in the NHTSA record

    On certain front engine school and transit buses equipped with hydraulic brakes, the rear hydraulic brake hose could contact the frame rail and abrade, allowing brake fluid leakage.

    Consequence, in the NHTSA record

    If this occurs, vehicle braking could be affected, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy, in the NHTSA record

    Dealers will inspect the rear brake hose to frame rail clearance and reposition the brake hose clamps at the axle to ensure adequate clearance. Any chafed brake hoses will be replaced. Owner notification began december 12, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact blue bird at 1-478-822-2242.

    Report filed by BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANY. Manufacturer campaign number R02GR. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: 12 Dec 2002.

11. 02V217000Received 12 Aug 2002. 255 units.

    Electrical System / Wiring

    Defect, in the NHTSA record

    On certain rear engine school and transit buses equipped with cummins isb engines, the wiring harness to the combustion air intake grid heater could chafe against engine components.

    Consequence, in the NHTSA record

    The harness can wear through causing an electrical short in the grid heater power supply, increasing the risk of a fire.

    Remedy, in the NHTSA record

    Owners will be contacted and advised to add a bracket to support the harness away from the engine components. Blue bird will provide a replacement harness for any harnesses found abraded and will reimburse the customer for the labor required to replace the harness. Owner notification is expected to begin on or about september 29, 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.

    Report filed by BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANY. Manufacturer campaign number R02GE. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: 29 Sep 2002.

The campaign number opens the NHTSA record. Each quotation is the text of the NHTSA recall file.

Recall campaign: One recall in the NHTSA recall file, with one campaign number. A campaign can name many makes, models and model years.

Units: The number of vehicles or products that a recall can include. The manufacturer or the firm reports the number to the agency.

A complaint can name more than one component. Each component that a complaint names is one component mention. This model year has fewer than 50 component mentions, so the table shows the number of mentions only.

Complaints that report a crash

0

Complaints that report a fire

0

Injuries in the complaints

0

Deaths in the complaints

0

Date of the newest complaint

18 Jan 2017

These figures are the entries of the persons who sent the complaints.

Complaint: A report about a possible safety problem that a person sends to NHTSA. This site shows the number of complaints and not their text.

Investigation: A study of a possible safety defect by the NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. An investigation with no closing date in the NHTSA file is open.

1. 19631
2. 19641
3. 19651
4. 19661
5. 19672
6. 19684
7. 19694
8. 19703
9. 19714
10. 19724
11. 19734
12. 19745
13. 19752
14. 19763
15. 19772
16. 19781
17. 19791
18. 19803
19. 19814
20. 19825
21. 19833
22. 19844
23. 19853
24. 19865
25. 19875
26. 19888
27. 198910
28. 19909
29. 19919
30. 19929
31. 19937
32. 19948
33. 199511
34. 19966
35. 19973
36. 19989
37. 199916
38. 200016
39. 200114
40. 200214
41. 200311
42. 200415
43. 200513
44. 200615
45. 200721
46. 200832
47. 200933
48. 201042
49. 201135
50. 201230
51. 201328
52. 201426
53. 201527
54. 201620
55. 201710
56. 201819
57. 201926

A year without a link has fewer than 2 campaigns and fewer than 25 complaints. It has no page.

• Blue Bird All American: all model years
• Blue Bird: 40 model lines

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• NHTSA page of the 2003 Blue Bird All AmericanThe recalls, the complaints and the investigations that NHTSA shows for this model year.

How many units are in the recall campaigns for the 2003 Blue Bird All American?

33,869 units in 11 campaigns. A campaign can name other models and model years, and its units include them.

How many recall campaigns does the Blue Bird All American have for all model years?

NHTSA lists 185 recall campaigns for the Blue Bird All American, model years 1963 to 2019. 11 of them name the 2003 model year.

Which component do the complaints about the 2003 Blue Bird All American name most often?

Fuel System, Diesel: 1 of 2 component mentions.

Is an NHTSA investigation of the 2003 Blue Bird All American open?

No. The 1 investigation that names this model year has a closing date in the NHTSA file.