2019 Blue Bird ALL American
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Seats is the leading concern among 2 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 2nd highest complaint count among 3 ALL American model years with reports.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Equipment, other, labelsOct 11, 2024
Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain 2019-2024 Vision and All American school buses. The emergency exit label operating instructions lettering is too small and may be difficult to read. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 217, "Bus Emergency Exits and Window Retention and Release."
An emergency exit label that is difficult to read can prevent or delay the use of the emergency exit, increasing the risk of injury.
Dealers will replace the emergency exit label, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 9, 2024. Owners may contact Blue Bird Customer Service at 478-822-2242. Blue Bird's number for this recall is R23CK (SB).
Campaign 24V758000 on NHTSA.gov
Structure, body, roof and pillarsJul 19, 2024
Blue Bird Bus Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain 2019-2023 Vision, All American Front Engine, and All American Rear Engine school buses. An exterior roof joint may have been manufactured with insufficient strength that can allow the roof panels to separate in a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 221, "School Bus Body Joint Strength."
Roof panels that separate during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
Dealers will inspect the roof panel joints and install additional rivets as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 17, 2024. Owners may contact Blue Bird customer service at 1-478-822-2242.
Campaign 24V543000 on NHTSA.gov
StructureNov 20, 2023
Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain 2014-2024 All American school buses equipped with 39" High Back seat restraining barriers. The bolts securing the restraining barriers to the floor may separate when fully loaded. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 222, "School Bus Passenger Seating and Crash Protection."
An unsecured seat restraining barrier may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing their risk of injury.
Dealers will install a longer bolt with rectangular washer and nut, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed January 16, 2024. Owners may contact Blue Bird customer service at 1-478-822-2242. Blue Bird's number for this recall is R23CU-SB. This recall is an expansion of recall number 23V-777.
Campaign 23V778000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, drivelineApr 18, 2023
Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain 2018-2021 All American and Vision School Buses, equipped with PowerDrive 7000 electric drive systems. The System Control Module (SCM) may activate the anti-rollback feature, causing the vehicle to reverse faster than expected when the vehicle is in reverse and pointing downhill with the brake pedal not applied.
A vehicle reversing faster than expected can increase the risk of a crash.
Dealers will update the SCM software calibration, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 10, 2023. Owners may contact Blue Bird customer service at 1-478-822-2242. Blue Bird's number for this recall is R23CG (SB)
Campaign 23V276000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical system, propulsion systemJul 14, 2022
Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain 2018-2022 All American and Vision school buses equipped with Cummins PD7000 Electric Drivetrains containing an electric air compressor. The air compressor housing is improperly grounded, causing electrical voltage greater than 50V AC during operation.
An improperly grounded air compressor can cause electric shock, increasing the risk of injury.
Dealers will install an electrical ground strap between the compressor motor housing and vehicle chassis, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 6, 2023. Owners may contact Blue Bird's customer service at 1-478-822-2242. Blue Bird's number for this recall is R22BY-SB.
Campaign 22V505000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, diesel, fuel injection system, fuel railMay 4, 2021
Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain 2018-2022 All American vehicles. The sealing washer may not seat correctly in the pilot bore holes, allowing the high pressure fuel rail assembly to leak.
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
Dealers will inspect the rail threads and fuel lines, and replace the rail as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 30, 2021. Owners may contact Blue Bird customer service at 1-478-822-2242. Blue Bird's number for this recall is R21BH-NSB.
Campaign 21V313000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, diesel, fuel injection system, fuel railMay 4, 2021
Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain 2018-2022 All American buses. The sealing washer may not seat correctly in the pilot bore holes, allowing the high pressure fuel rail assembly to leak.
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
The remedy for this recall is still under development. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 30, 2021. Owners may contact Blue Bird customer service at 1-478-822-2242. Blue Bird's number for this recall is R21BH-SB.
Campaign 21V312000 on NHTSA.gov
SteeringApr 28, 2021
Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Vision and All American school buses. The drivetrain may experience an electromagnetic noise on the Control Area Network (CAN) bus, which may cause a loss of electrical power to the power steering pump.
A loss of assisted power steering increases the risk of a crash.
Cummins will replace the High Voltage Low Power Inverter Harness, and install an overlay harness, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters were mailed on May 22, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on October 25, 2021. Owners may contact Blue Bird customer service at 1-478-822-2242.
Campaign 21V300000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical system, softwareApr 12, 2021
Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Vision and All American school buses. The electric drive train cannot detect isolation faults when the high voltage contactors are closed.
An undetected high voltage isolation can expose service personnel to high voltage, increasing the risk of injury.
Blue Bird will notify owners, and dealers will update the Vehicle Control Unit software or install a different combination of High Voltage Power Distribution Unit hardware, free of charge. The recall began on May 22, 2021. Owners may contact Blue Bird customer service at 1-478-822-2242. Blue Bird's number for this recall is R21BD-SB.
Campaign 21V253000 on NHTSA.gov
Seat belts, front, anchorageJul 15, 2020
Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain 2018-2021 All-American and 2019-2021 Vision school buses. The three-point seatbelt assembly may have been installed without reinforcing washers under the floor at the anchorage point, possibly preventing the assembly from remaining anchored in the event of a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 210, "Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages."
In the event of a crash, seat belt anchorages that do not remain secured increase the risk of injury to those seat occupants.
Blue Bird will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the seat belt anchorage point hardware and install any missing hardware as needed, free of charge. This recall began August 11, 2020. Owners may contact Blue Bird customer service at 1-478-822-2242. Blue Bird's number for this recall is R20AX.
Campaign 20V409000 on NHTSA.gov
Seat belts, front, anchorageJul 15, 2020
Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Vision and All-American transit buses. The three-point seatbelt assembly may have been installed without reinforcing washers under the floor at the anchorage point, possibly preventing the assembly from remaining anchored in the event of a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 210, "Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages."
In the event of a crash, seat belt anchorages that do not remain secured increase the risk of injury to those seat occupants.
Blue Bird will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the seat belt anchorage point hardware and install any missing hardware as needed, free of charge. The recall began August 11, 2020. Owners may contact Blue Bird customer service at 1-478-822-2242. Blue Bird's number for this recall is R20AX-NSB.
Campaign 20V407000 on NHTSA.gov
Seats, barriersMar 3, 2020
Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain 2008-2021 Vision and All American school buses. The seat barrier behind the driver seat with an integrated 3-point seat belt may have been installed incorrectly and may be missing the reinforcing bracket. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 222, "School Bus Passenger Seating and Crash Protection."
In the event of a crash, the seat barrier may not adequately protect the occupant seated behind the seat barrier separating them from the driver seat with integrated 3-point seat belt, increasing the risk of injury.
Blue Bird will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and properly install the seat barrier including adding reinforcing bracket, as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin April 23, 2020. Owners may contact Blue Bird customer service at 1-478-822-2242. Blue Bird's number for this recall is R20AM-SB.
Campaign 20V125000 on NHTSA.gov
Power trainFeb 11, 2020
Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Vision and All American school buses equipped with 7000 EV electric drivetrain units. A connector within the wire harnesses may become unplugged causing loss of communication between control modules, resulting in sudden loss of drive power and power steering.
A sudden loss of drive power and loss of power steering increases the risk of a crash.
Blue Bird will notify owners, and Cummins dealers will install a cable tie on the connector to maintain the connector locking tab in the locked position, free of charge. The recall began March 12, 2020. Owners may contact Blue Bird customer service at 1-478-822-2242 or Cummins customer service at 1-800-286-6467. Blue Bird's number for this recall is R20AL-SB.
Campaign 20V074000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, automatic transmission, control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)Oct 25, 2019
Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Vision and All American school buses equipped with Cummins PowerDrive 7000 EV electric drivetrain units. Due to a software error, the VCU may activate the anti-roll back feature during slow moving or stop and go conditions, which can cause unexpected vehicle movement.
Unexpected vehicle movement can increase the risk of a crash.
Blue Bird has notified owners, and Cummins dealers will update the VCU software, free of charge. The recall began October 30, 2019. Owners may contact Cummins customer service at 1-800-286-6467 or Blue Bird customer service at 1-478-822-2242. Blue Bird's number for this recall is R19AJ-SB.
Campaign 19V765000 on NHTSA.gov
Structure, body, roof and pillarsOct 4, 2019
Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain 2019-2021 All American and Vision school buses. An insufficient number of rivets were installed in the roof sheets, allowing the roof sheets to separate in the event of a severe impact. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 221, "School Bus Body Joint Strength."
In the event of a crash, if the roof sheets separate, there is an increased risk of injury.
Blue Bird will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the roof joints and add the sufficient number of rivets, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 22, 2019. Owners may contact Blue Bird customer service at 1-478-822-2242. Blue Bird's number for this recall is R19AH.
Campaign 19V707000 on NHTSA.gov
Structure, emergency, escape/egress/exitJul 12, 2019
Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Vision and All American school buses equipped with Specialty Manufacturing Prolo roof emergency exit hatches. Due to a manufacturing issue, the roof hatch external handle may unexpectedly break under reasonable use. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 217, "Bus Emergency Exits and Window Retention and Release."
If the roof hatch external handle breaks, in the event of an emergency, the hatch cannot be easily opened from outside the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury.
Blue Bird will notify owners, and Specialty dealers will replace the outer handle, free of charge. The recall began August 21, 2019. Owners may contact Blue Bird customer service at 1-478-822-2242. Blue Bird's number for this recall is R19AF - SB.
Campaign 19V526000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical system, softwareJun 19, 2019
Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Vision and All American school buses equipped with PowerDrive 7000 EV electric drivetrains. The Vehicle Control Unit (VCU) may unexpectedly shut down the high voltage contactors, resulting in loss of all systems powered by high voltage, including the traction drive system and power steering.
An unexpected loss of drive and power steering may increase the risk of a crash.
Cummins will notify Blue Bird owners and will update the VCU software with a revised version, free of charge. The recall began July 24, 2019. Owners may contact Cummins customer service at 1-800-286-6467 or Blue Bird at 1-478-822-2242. Blue Bird's number for this recall is R19AE (SB).
Campaign 19V471000 on NHTSA.gov
Service brakes, air, disc, caliperMay 24, 2019
Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain 2016-2020 Vision and 2015-2020 All American non-school buses equipped with ADB22X disc brakes. The driver side rear brakes may drag.
A dragging brake may cause damage to the brake components, which may activate the ABS warning light. The warning light may cause the driver to immediately stop the vehicle and transfer occupants. Additionally, the high temperatures at the wheel end can increasing the risk of a fire. Either condition increases the risk of injury.
Blue Bird will notify owners, and dealers will install a new caliper with an updated clearance adjustment mechanism, free of charge. Blue Bird issued owners interim notification on July 18, 2019. The recall began August 28, 2019. Owners may contact Blue Bird customer service at 1-478-822-2242. Blue Bird's number for this recall is R19AA - NSB.
Campaign 19V393000 on NHTSA.gov
Service brakes, air, discMay 24, 2019
Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Vision and All American school buses equipped with Bendix ADB22X air brakes. The driver side rear brakes may drag.
A dragging brake may cause damage to the brake components, which may activate the ABS warning light. The warning light may cause the driver to immediately stop the vehicle and transfer occupants. Additionally, the high temperatures at the wheel end can increase the risk of a fire. Either condition increases the risk of injury.
Blue Bird will notify owners, and dealers will install a new caliper with an updated clearance adjustment mechanism, free of charge. Blue Bird issued owners interim notification on July 18, 2019. The recall began August 28, 2019. Owners may contact Blue Bird customer service at 1-478-822-2242. Blue Bird's number for this recall is R19AA - SB.
Campaign 19V391000 on NHTSA.gov
Equipment adaptive/mobilityFeb 11, 2019
Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Vision and All American school buses equipped with Ricon S-Series Titanium Wheelchair lifts. The wheelchair lift positioning input cam may fail while the lift is in use, allowing the platform to travel higher than the vehicle's floor height. As such, this vehicle fails to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 403, "Platform Lift Systems."
If the wheelchair lift platform raises above the height of the vehicle floor, the wheelchair user could fall inwards toward the vehicle, increasing their risk of injury.
Blue Bird will notify owners, and Ricon dealers will replace the wheelchair lift positioning input cam, free of charge. The recall began March 4, 2019. Owners may contact Ricon customer service at 1-800-322-2884. Blue Bird's number for this recall is R19ZP-SB.
Campaign 19V082000 on NHTSA.gov
Parking brakeDec 11, 2018
Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain 2019 Blue Bird All American and Vision transit buses. The parking brake cable may disengage from the foot pedal assembly, possibly allowing the bus to unintentionally move. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 105, "Hydraulic and Electric Brake Systems."
Unintended movement can increase the risk of a crash.
Blue Bird will notify owners and dealers will install a clevis cable retention clip and cable-end return spring, free of charge. The recall began February 6, 2019. Owners may contact Blue Bird customer service at 1-478-822-2242. Blue Bird's number for this recall is R19ZU-NSB.
Campaign 18V881000 on NHTSA.gov
Parking brakeDec 11, 2018
Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain 2019 Blue Bird All American and Vision school buses. The parking brake cable may disengage from the foot pedal assembly, possibly allowing the bus to unintentionally move. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 105, "Hydraulic and Electric Brake Systems."
Unintended movement can increase the risk of a crash.
Blue Bird will notify owners and dealers will install a clevis cable retention clip and cable-end return spring, free of charge. The recall began February 6, 2019. Owners may contact Blue Bird customer service at 1-478-822-2242. Blue Bird's number for this recall is R19ZU-SB.
Campaign 18V880000 on NHTSA.gov
EquipmentNov 14, 2018
Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain 2007-2019 Blue Bird All American ambulance buses. The clamps that secure the stacked stretchers may fail from repeated use or from high loads.
If the clamps fail with patients in the stretchers, it can increase the risk of injury.
Blue Bird will notify owners, and dealers will install redesigned clamps, free of charge. The recall began December 12, 2018. Owners may contact Blue Bird customer service at 1-478-822-2242. Blue Bird's number for this recall is R18ZQ-NSB.
Campaign 18V801000 on NHTSA.gov
Equipment, other, labelsAug 28, 2018
Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain 2019 Blue Bird All American and 2019-2020 Blue Bird Vision school buses, equipped with certain NextGen School Bus seats with Integrated Child Restraint Systems. These seats may be missing a warning label on the lower restraint strap. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 213, "Child Restraint Systems."
Without a warning label, the seat may be used improperly, increasing the risk of injury.
Blue Bird will notify owners, and dealers will install a warning label to the lower restraint strap portion of the Restraint Belt System, free of charge. The recall began September 26, 2018. Owners may contact Blue Bird customer service at 1-478-822-2242. Blue Bird's number for this recall is R18ZN-SB.
Campaign 18V566000 on NHTSA.gov
Service brakes, airApr 25, 2018
Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Blue Bird All American and Vision transit buses. The primary and secondary air brake gauges on the instrument cluster may intermittently indicate "0 PSI" instead of the correct air pressure in the tanks. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 121, "Air Brake Systems."
If the gauges do not correctly display the air pressure that is in the tanks, the operator will not be able to know when the air pressure is actually dropping, increasing the risk of a crash.
Blue Bird will notify owners, and dealers will update the display software, free of charge. Owners may contact Blue Bird customer service at 1-478-822-2242. Blue Bird's number for this recall is R18ZE-NSB.
Campaign 18V264000 on NHTSA.gov
Service brakes, airApr 25, 2018
Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Blue Bird All American and Vision school buses. The primary and secondary air brake gauges on the instrument cluster may intermittently indicate "0 PSI" instead of the correct air pressure in the tanks. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 121, "Air Brake Systems."
If the gauges do not correctly display the air pressure that is in the tanks, the operator will not be able to know when the air pressure is actually dropping, increasing the risk of a crash.
Blue Bird will notify owners, and dealers will update the display software, free of charge. The recall began on August 1, 2018. Owners may contact Blue Bird customer service at 1-478-822-2242. Blue Bird's number for this recall is R18ZE-SB.
Campaign 18V263000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints
2 reports, newest first.
Seats, Sep 30, 2024
I am writing to bring to your attention several persistent issues we have encountered with the Blue Bird student seating in our buses. The seat backs, constructed from a black mesh material welded at all four corners and secured with a top bar, have repeatedly failed. We have observed that nearly all of our seats have broken seat backs, necessitating multiple repairs at Central States of Lexington. Despite these efforts, we continue to find broken seat frames. This is particularly concerning as, in the event of an accident, these seats would not adequately provide the necessary compartmentalization for student safety. We are in the process of replacing the seat frames in the buses that are currently damaged, but given our experience, we believe that using the same materials will only result in further issues in the near future. To date, we have identified a total of six buses affected by this problem. The Kentucky Department of Education has conducted a review of our district's situation and expressed dissatisfaction with the quality of the seats provided by Blue Bird. This leads us to believe that this issue may not be limited to our district or state. Please advise on how you would like to proceed with the investigation of this complaint. We currently have one bus out of service at our shop, available for in-person inspection. Additionally, I can provide photographs that document the problems we have encountered with the seating in our Blue Bird buses. Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter. I look forward to your prompt response.
Seats, Sep 30, 2024
I am writing to bring to your attention several persistent issues we have encountered with the Blue Bird student seating in our buses. The seat backs, constructed from a black mesh material welded at all four corners and secured with a top bar, have repeatedly failed. We have observed that nearly all of our seats have broken seat backs, necessitating multiple repairs at Central States of Lexington. Despite these efforts, we continue to find broken seat frames. This is particularly concerning as, in the event of an accident, these seats would not adequately provide the necessary compartmentalization for student safety. We are in the process of replacing the seat frames in the buses that are currently damaged, but given our experience, we believe that using the same materials will only result in further issues in the near future. To date, we have identified a total of six buses affected by this problem. The Kentucky Department of Education has conducted a review of our district's situation and expressed dissatisfaction with the quality of the seats provided by Blue Bird. This leads us to believe that this issue may not be limited to our district or state. Please advise on how you would like to proceed with the investigation of this complaint. We currently have one bus out of service at our shop, available for in-person inspection. Additionally, I can provide photographs that document the problems we have encountered with the seating in our Blue Bird buses. Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter.