2002 Blue Bird TC2000: recalls and complaints

NHTSA lists 11 recall campaigns for the 2002 Blue Bird TC2000. The newest campaign is 05V382000. NHTSA received the report on 31 Aug 2005. The NHTSA record gives the component Electrical System / 12v/24v/48v Battery. 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, 05V382000, 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.

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 30 Sep 2026. 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

11 campaigns, newest first. 46,410 units in total.

05V38200031 Aug 2005Electrical System / 12v/24v/48v Battery
05V23900020 May 2005Other / School Bus Stop Arm Assembly
05V25100020 May 2005Other / School Bus Stop Arm Assembly
05V06200022 Feb 2005Fuel System, Diesel
04V42600030 Aug 2004Equipment Adaptive/Mobility
03V3640008 Oct 2003Seats
02V1600025 Sep 2002Seat Belts / Front / Retractor
02V18500015 Jul 2002Equipment / Other / Labels
02V1770009 Jul 2002Power Train / Manual Transmission
02V15500013 Jun 2002Seats
01V3200005 Oct 2001Service Brakes, Air / Drum / Chamber

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.
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.
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.
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.
04V426000Received 30 Aug 2004. 372 units.
Equipment Adaptive/Mobility
Defect, in the NHTSA record
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, in the NHTSA record
In the event of a vehicle crash, the wheelchair may not be adequately secured possibly resulting in injuries.
Remedy, in the NHTSA record
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.
Report filed by BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANY. Manufacturer campaign number R04JB. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: 21 Sep 2004.
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.
02V160002Received 5 Sep 2002. 58 units.
Seat Belts / Front / Retractor
Defect, in the NHTSA record
On certain school and transit buses equipped with passenger seat belts with retractors, the cover halves for the retractable portion of the belt can separate completely and release the seat belt connector. If this occurs, one of the load bearing pins in the connector could separate from the connector and render the seat belt unusable. In the event of a crash, the seat occupant would not be properly restrained resulting in an injury. The seat belt supplier, am-safe, will provide a snap on "over-cover" to owners to prevent the seat belt cover from separating.
Consequence, in the NHTSA record
If this occurs, one of the load bearing pins in the connector could separate from the connector and render the seat belt unusable. In the event of a crash, the seat occupant would not be properly restrained resulting in an injury.
Remedy, in the NHTSA record
Owners will be provided a snap-on "over-cover" to prevent the seat belt cover from separating. Owner notification is expected to begin on or about september 27, 2002. Owners who 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 R02GG. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: 27 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.
02V177000Received 9 Jul 2002. 3,439 units.
Power Train / Manual Transmission
Defect, in the NHTSA record
On certain school and transit buses equipped with allison 2000 series transmissions, the "range inhibited" indicator light on the dash was improperly installed and does not function.
Consequence, in the NHTSA record
The operator will not be alerted that the transmission operation is being inhibited and that the range shifts being requested by the operator may not occur, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy, in the NHTSA record
Distributors and owners will be instructed to remove the dash and activate the indicator "range inhibited" light according to instructions provided. Owner notification began august 16, 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 R02GC. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: 16 Aug 2002.
02V155000Received 13 Jun 2002. 39 units.
Seats
Defect, in the NHTSA record
Certain school buses equipped with optional high back seats with 9" split sash, pushout windows fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 217, "bus emergency exits and window retention and release." the affected units have seats located incorrectly with respect to the pushout window openings.
Consequence, in the NHTSA record
In the event of an emergency, an occupant may not be able to properly exit the vehicle.
Remedy, in the NHTSA record
Dealers will relocate the seats and pushout windows. Owner notification began july 24, 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 1-478-825-2021.
Report filed by BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANY. Manufacturer campaign number R02FZ. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: 24 Jul 2002.
01V320000Received 5 Oct 2001. 1,500 units.
Service Brakes, Air / Drum / Chamber
Defect, in the NHTSA record
Vehicle description: school and transit buses. Insufficient torque on the arvin-meritor air brake chamber mounting nuts can allow the nuts to loosen over time.
Consequence, in the NHTSA record
This condition could reduce braking of the vehicle, possibly resulting in a crash.
Remedy, in the NHTSA record
Dealers will inspect the torque values on each brake chamber nut and tighten to specifications. Owner notification began november 16, 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 R01FK. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: 16 Nov 2001.

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 2002 Blue Bird TC2000
Number	Type	Subject	Component	Opened	Closed	Campaign
PE05028	Preliminary evaluation	SCHOOL BUS STALLS	Electrical System / 12v/24v/48v Battery / Cables	25 May 2005	27 Sep 2005	05V382000

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 2002 Blue Bird TC2000The recalls, the complaints and the investigations that NHTSA shows for this model year.

Cite this page

Recall Register. 2002 Blue Bird TC2000: recalls and complaints. https://recallregister.com/vehicle/blue-bird/tc2000/2002/. 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: 30 Sep 2026
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 2002 Blue Bird TC2000?: 46,410 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 TC2000 have for all model years?: NHTSA lists 64 recall campaigns for the Blue Bird TC2000, model years 1987 to 2005. 11 of them name the 2002 model year.
Is an NHTSA investigation of the 2002 Blue Bird TC2000 open?: No. The 1 investigation that names this model year has a closing date in the NHTSA file.