The problem
Blue bird is recalling certain model year 2011 all american d3 model school buses manufactured with 20 gauge outside side panels from april 23, 2010, through september 11, 2010. The side panel joint adhesive that is required to be used to adhere the panels may not have been used during production. Accordingly, these buses fail to comply with the joint strength requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 221, "School bus body joint strength."
The risk
In the event of a crash, the side panel joints may not endure as intended and the panels may loosen or separate, increasing the risk of injury to passengers.
The fix
Blue bird will notify owners and dealers add additional rivets free of charge. The safety recall began on january 26, 2011. Owners may contact blue bird at 1-478-822-2242.
Contacts
Blue bird's recall campaign number is r11su. Owners may also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (tty 1-800-424-9153), or go to <a href=http://www.Safercar.Gov>http://www.Safercar.Gov</a> .
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 10V628000.
- 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.