The problem
Blue bird is recalling 23,464 my 2005 through 2009 all american and vision school and transit model buses manufactured from january 22, 2004, and march 28, 2008, and my 2004 through 2007 all american school buses and conventional model school buses manufactured from march 6, 2003, through june 16, 2006. The rivet pattern may be incorrect in sections of the rear roof sheet joint that attaches to the rear roof cap. Without the appropriate amount of roof rivets, the buses fail to conform with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no 221, "joint strength."
The risk
In the event of a crash, these panels may separate exposing the occupants to increased risk of injury.
The fix
Blue bird will notify owners and inspect and repair the buses by adding additional rivets. The recall began on september 18, 2008. Owners may contact blue bird at 478-822-2242.
Contacts
Blue bird recall no. R08nc. Customers may contact the national highway traffic safety administration's vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (tty: 1-800-424-9153); or go to http://www.Safercar.Gov.
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 08V229000.
- 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.