The problem
Certain my 2005 blue bird all american model school buses manufactured from may 24 through july 12, 2004. These buses fail to comply with federal motor vehicle safety standard no 221, school bus body joint strength. The rivet pattern may be incorrect in sections of the rear roof sheet joint that attaches to the rear roof cap.
The risk
In the event of a crash, these panels could separate, exposing vehicle occupants to increased risk of injury.
The fix
Blue bird will notify its customers and provide instructions and parts to add additional rivets as needed. The recall began august 16, 2004. 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.
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 04V362000.
- 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.