1998 Blue Bird TC2000: recalls and complaints

NHTSA lists 17 recall campaigns for the 1998 Blue Bird TC2000. The newest campaign is 05V062000. NHTSA received the report on 22 Feb 2005. The NHTSA record gives the component Fuel System, Diesel. NHTSA has no complaint on file for this model year. 1 NHTSA investigation names this model year.

The NHTSA recall file shows no do-not-drive advisory and no park-outside advisory on these campaigns.

This page cannot show if a recall applies to one vehicle. The NHTSA VIN lookup shows the unrepaired recalls of one vehicle.

Remedy of the newest campaign, 05V062000, in the NHTSA record

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.

NHTSA VIN lookup

Complaint information entered into NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation vehicle owner's complaint database is used with other data sources to identify safety issues that warrant investigation and to determine if a safety-related defect trend exists.
NHTSA publishes these words. Source: NHTSA Datasets and APIs, section Complaints, read on 1 Oct 2026. Complaint file through 29 Mar 2018. Recall file through 30 Sep 2026.

Since the last update

No tracked figure of this page changed in a data update. What the log tracks

All updates to the register

Recall campaigns

17 campaigns, newest first. 150,715 units in total.

05V06200022 Feb 2005Fuel System, Diesel
03V3630008 Oct 2003Structure / Body
03V08500028 Mar 2003Electrical System / Alternator/Generator/Regulator
02V2330005 Sep 2002Electrical System / Alternator/Generator/Regulator
02V18500015 Jul 2002Equipment / Other / Labels
01V19100011 Jun 2001Electrical System / Wiring
00V2320058 Sep 2000Service Brakes, Air / Antilock
00V21900017 Aug 2000Structure / Body
00V16200012 Jun 2000Service Brakes, Air / Controls / Foot Control/Valve
00V05100022 Feb 2000Service Brakes, Air / Supply / Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings
99V33200023 Nov 1999Suspension / Front
99V28900026 Oct 1999Electrical System / Wiring
99V01800015 Jun 1999Seats
98V31300014 Dec 1998Electrical System / Wiring / Front Underhood
98V11000021 May 1998Fuel System, Other / Delivery / Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings
98V0430002 Mar 1998Interior Lighting
97V1970007 Nov 1997Fuel System, Gasoline / Storage / Tank Assembly

05V062000Received 22 Feb 2005. 18,891 units.
Fuel System, Diesel
Defect, in the NHTSA record
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, in the NHTSA record
Should the engine stall while the vehicle is in use, a possible vehicle crash could occur.
Remedy, in the NHTSA record
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.
Report filed by BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANY. Manufacturer campaign number R05JL.
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.
03V085000Received 28 Mar 2003. 4,302 units.
Electrical System / Alternator/Generator/Regulator
Defect, in the NHTSA record
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, in the NHTSA record
In this event, the electrical wiring harness may be damaged and the possibility of fire may exist.
Remedy, in the NHTSA record
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.
Report filed by BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANY.
02V233000Received 5 Sep 2002. 318 units.
Electrical System / Alternator/Generator/Regulator
Defect, in the NHTSA record
On certain front engine school and transit buses equipped with blue bird option 40177 cummins isb engine, the alternator power cables may not be routed properly from the alternator output to the starter motor.
Consequence, in the NHTSA record
If the cables are not routed properly, the cable insulation could be abraded by contact with other chassis components resulting in a short to ground.
Remedy, in the NHTSA record
Dealers will add a loom and reroute the electrical power cable from alternator output to starting motor. The alternator power cable will be replaced if abrasions are found. Owner notification is expected to begin on or about september 30, 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 R02GK. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: 30 Sep 2002.
02V185000Received 15 Jul 2002. 408 units.
Equipment / Other / Labels
Defect, in the NHTSA record
Certain transit buses fail to comply with requirements of federal motor vehicle standard no. 101, "controls and displays." this standard requires specific labeling for "engine start" and "engine stop." the wording of the labels on these vehicles do not meet the requirements of the standard.
Consequence, in the NHTSA record
The operator could place the engine switch in a position other than that intended, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy, in the NHTSA record
Owners will be provided with new decals and installation instructions. Owner notification began august 29, 2002. Owners who do not receive the free label 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 R02GB. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: 29 Aug 2002.
01V191000Received 11 Jun 2001. 5,631 units.
Electrical System / Wiring
Defect, in the NHTSA record
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, in the NHTSA record
This condition can result in power failure and/or risk of fire in the engine compartment.
Remedy, in the NHTSA record
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.
Report filed by BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANY. Manufacturer campaign number R01FF. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: 30 Jul 2001.
00V232005Received 8 Sep 2000. 10,918 units.
Service Brakes, Air / Antilock
Defect, in the NHTSA record
Vehicle description: school and transit buses built with bendix air ABS with an ec-17 1030r electronic control unit (ECU), there have been reports of unwanted ABS activation at low speeds caused by 1) chafed ABS wheel speed sensor wires on rotating parts or 2) a damaged component at the wheel end that generates a certain type of erratic sensor signal.
Consequence, in the NHTSA record
This condition could cause the ABS ECU to exhaust the air at the air brake modulators for one or more of the wheels. This could result in extended braking distances and a possible crash.
Remedy, in the NHTSA record
Dealers will replace the ABS ECU.
Report filed by BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANY. Manufacturer campaign number R00EE.
00V219000Received 17 Aug 2000. 25,839 units.
Structure / Body
Defect, in the NHTSA record
Vehicle description: school buses. These buses fail to meet the 60 percent joint strength requirements of FMVSS no. 221, "school bus body joint strength."
Consequence, in the NHTSA record
In the event of a vehicle crash, the roof may not be supported sufficiently, causing personal injury to bus occupants.
Remedy, in the NHTSA record
Owners will be contacted and advised to inspect each roof joint. Owners will install repair rivets in each joint found to have insufficient quantity of rivets in each examined 8 inch section.
Report filed by BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANY. Manufacturer campaign number R00DN. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: 18 Dec 2000.
00V162000Received 12 Jun 2000. 9,687 units.
Service Brakes, Air / Controls / Foot Control/Valve
Defect, in the NHTSA record
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, in the NHTSA record
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.
Remedy, in the NHTSA record
Dealers will replace the diaphragms with holes with solid diaphragms for the qr1c valves.
Report filed by BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANY. Manufacturer campaign number R00DX. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: 14 Jun 2000.
00V051000Received 22 Feb 2000. 3,113 units.
Service Brakes, Air / Supply / Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings
Defect, in the NHTSA record
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, in the NHTSA record
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.
Remedy, in the NHTSA record
Dealers will correct the air line plumbing at the bendix r12dc relay valve.
Report filed by BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANY. Manufacturer campaign number 400DR. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: 8 Mar 2000.
99V332000Received 23 Nov 1999. 257 units.
Suspension / Front
Defect, in the NHTSA record
Vehicle description: school buses. There is a shimmy in the front end of the bus.
Consequence, in the NHTSA record
This condition could cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle.
Remedy, in the NHTSA record
Owners will be provided with an axle damper kit and installation instructions.
Report filed by BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANY. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: 15 Dec 1999.
99V289000Received 26 Oct 1999. 2,710 units.
Electrical System / Wiring
Defect, in the NHTSA record
Vehicle description: school buses equipped with cummins isb engines. Electrical power cables may not have been routed properly from the alternator output to the starting motor.
Consequence, in the NHTSA record
If the cables are not routed properly, the cable insulation could be abraded by contact with other chassis components, causing an electrical short.
Remedy, in the NHTSA record
Dealers will add loom and reroute the electrical power cable from the alternator output to staring motor. Any cables found with abrasions will be replaced.
Report filed by BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANY. Manufacturer campaign number R99DF. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: 17 Dec 1999.
99V018000Received 15 Jun 1999. 41,260 units.
Seats
Defect, in the NHTSA record
Vehicle description: school buses. The wall side attaching bolts for some of the passenger seats may have been installed too close to the edge of the seat ledge and in the wrong attaching hole resulting in weakening of the seat ledge at the attachment points.
Consequence, in the NHTSA record
In the event of a frontal crash, the rear attaching bolt of these seats could pull out of the seat ledge 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 strengthen the passenger seat attachment at the wall side.
Report filed by BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANY. Manufacturer campaign number R99CN. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: 29 Jul 1999.
98V313000Received 14 Dec 1998. 2,740 units.
Electrical System / Wiring / Front Underhood
Defect, in the NHTSA record
Vehicle description: school and transit forward and rear engine buses equipped with cummins isb and isc engines. The wiring harness to the combustion air intake grid heater can chafe against the engine and wear through causing an electrical short in the grid heater power supply. The short causes the fusible link to fail.
Consequence, in the NHTSA record
When the fusible link fails, insulation on the fusible link can ignite, creating a fire risk in the engine compartment.
Remedy, in the NHTSA record
Owners will be advised to replace the original grid heater power supply harness with fusible links with a new grid heater power supply harness equipped with fuses. In addition, a clamp will be added to support the harness away from the engine components.
Report filed by BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANY. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: 17 Dec 1998.
98V110000Received 21 May 1998. 64 units.
Fuel System, Other / Delivery / Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings
Defect, in the NHTSA record
Vehicle description: rear engine school buses equipped with option 04888 dedicated compressed natural gas (cng) fuel package. The 24" long stainless steel braided fuel hoses can leak at the hose end fittings.
Consequence, in the NHTSA record
These hoses can fracture allowing cng fuel leakage increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy, in the NHTSA record
Dealers will replace these hoses with conductive thermoplastic hoses.
Report filed by BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANY. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: 11 Jun 1998.
98V043000Received 2 Mar 1998. 151 units.
Interior Lighting
Defect, in the NHTSA record
Vehicle description: school and transit buses. The parking brake indicator light can illuminate without the parking brake being set.
Consequence, in the NHTSA record
A driver may see the parking brake indicator light on and leave the bus. The bus may then roll increasing the risk of personal injury and/or property damage.
Remedy, in the NHTSA record
Dealers will add a diode to the stop light circuit to prevent illumination of the parking brake indicator unless the parking brake has been set.
Report filed by BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANY. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: 12 Mar 1998.
97V197000Received 7 Nov 1997. 16,338 units.
Fuel System, Gasoline / Storage / Tank Assembly
Defect, in the NHTSA record
Vehicle description: front and rear engine school buses equipped with 60 gallon side mounted fuel tank barriers. These buses do not comply with the requirements of FMVSS no. 301, "fuel system integrity."
Consequence, in the NHTSA record
In the event of a vehicle crash, the fuel tank could be damaged, leaking fuel, possibly resulting in a vehicle fire.
Remedy, in the NHTSA record
Blue bird will ship instructions and modification kits to the owners of these buses.
Report filed by BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANY. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: 10 Mar 1998.

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.

Complaints by component

The NHTSA complaint file has no complaint for this model year.

Investigations

NHTSA investigations that name the 1998 Blue Bird TC2000
Number	Type	Subject	Component	Opened	Closed	Campaign
PE98011	Preliminary evaluation	MISMATCHED BRAKE ACTUATION CHAMBERS	Service Brakes, Hydraulic	25 Feb 1998	22 Apr 1998

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.

Other model years

The number under each year is the number of recall campaigns.

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

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Official channels

NHTSA VIN lookupNHTSA shows the unrepaired recalls of one vehicle from its VIN or its license plate.
NHTSA: report a safety problemThe NHTSA form for a complaint about a vehicle, a tire, a child seat or equipment.
NHTSA page of the 1998 Blue Bird TC2000The recalls, the complaints and the investigations that NHTSA shows for this model year.

Cite this page

Recall Register. 1998 Blue Bird TC2000: recalls and complaints. https://recallregister.com/vehicle/blue-bird/tc2000/1998/. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, recall, complaint and investigation files. Data through 30 Sep 2026.

Sources

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation
Licence: US government work, public domain
Recall file through: 30 Sep 2026
Complaint file through: 29 Mar 2018
First complaint in the file: 1 Jan 1995
Manufacturer in the recall file: BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANY

The NHTSA record is the authority. A complaint count is the number of different complaint numbers for the make, the model and the model year. How the register is made. Report an error.

Questions

How many units are in the recall campaigns for the 1998 Blue Bird TC2000?: 150,715 units in 17 campaigns. A campaign can name other models and model years, and its units include them.
How many recall campaigns does the Blue Bird TC2000 have for all model years?: NHTSA lists 64 recall campaigns for the Blue Bird TC2000, model years 1987 to 2005. 17 of them name the 1998 model year.
Is an NHTSA investigation of the 1998 Blue Bird TC2000 open?: No. The 1 investigation that names this model year has a closing date in the NHTSA file.