The problem
Blue bird is recalling certain model year 2013 all american rear engine school buses and one aftermarket brake treadle valve. The affected buses were manufactured from december 9, 2011, through march 9, 2012. The brake valve plunger may fracture during brake application, resulting in reduced brake pedal angle and travel. This condition may limit the drivers ability to deliver full pressure from the foot brake valve. There is also a potential that the brake plunger could become lodged and not allow release of the service brakes.
The risk
Either condition could reduce braking ability and/or lead to loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix
All of the affected buses and the one aftermarket treadle valve were sold through a-z bus sales, a blue bird bus dealer. Blue bird has reported that all the buses have been repaired. Therefore, an owner notification notice will not be issued for this campaign. Owners may contact blue bird at 1-478-822-2242.
Contacts
Blue bird's recall campaign number is r12vf. 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 12V277000.
- 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.