Blue Bird Unknown Or Other Recall 02V197000 (150 Vehicles)

The problem

On certain tour type coaches equipped with parcel racks, irregularities in the installation of the fasteners used to retain the parcel racks to the coach structure could result in the fasteners loosening allowing the parcel racks to fall without warning.

The risk

In the event the fasteners become dislodged and the racks should fall while the passenger seat is occupied, personal injury to the seat occupant could occur.

The fix

Distributors and owners will be notified to immediately install interim repair bolts through the coach roof bow structure on the aisle side of the first two parcel rack sections on both the right and left side parcel racks on all affected coaches. Final repairs can then be completed at a later date. 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 1-478-822-2242.

Contacts

Also, customers can contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-888-dash-2-dot (1-888-327-4236).

What to do

Check your VIN. Enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls - it shows whether this recall applies to your vehicle and whether the repair has been done.
Call a dealer. Any authorized Blue Bird dealer will do the repair free, whether or not you bought the vehicle there. Quote campaign 02V197000.
Ask about parts and a loaner. If parts aren't available yet, ask what to do in the meantime.
Keep your paperwork. If you paid for this repair before the recall, you may be able to get reimbursed - here's how.

Vehicle	Complaints	Recalls	Grade
1998 Blue Bird LTC 40	0	7	D
1999 Blue Bird LTC 40	0	8	F
2000 Blue Bird LTC 40	1	5	F
2001 Blue Bird LTC 40	0	4	C
2002 Blue Bird LTC 40	0	3	C

Vehicle

Complaints

Recalls

Grade

1998 Blue Bird LTC 40

1999 Blue Bird LTC 40

2000 Blue Bird LTC 40

2001 Blue Bird LTC 40

2002 Blue Bird LTC 40

Questions

Is the 02V197000 recall repair free?

Yes. Federal law requires the manufacturer to fix safety recalls free of charge. BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANY's dealers do the work; the remedy is described above.

How do I know if my vehicle is part of recall 02V197000?

Not every vehicle of a listed model year is included. Enter your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or call a dealer with your VIN.

When was recall 02V197000 announced?

BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANY reported it to NHTSA on July 23, 2002. Owners are usually notified by mail within about two months.

Unknown or other Blue Bird recall