The problem
Blue Bird is recalling certain model year 2013 Vision school buses manufactured from May 10, 2012, through June 7, 2012. The electronic module that activates the hydraulic brake pressure indicator light on the dash instrument panel when there is little, or no, pressure in the hydraulic brake system may have been omitted during manufacturing. Therefore, these buses fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 105, "Hydraulic and Electric Brake Systems," Section 5.3 "Brake System Indicator Lamps".
The risk
In the event that a loss of pressure occurs in the hydraulic brake system and the brake pressure monitor does not activate, the operator of the bus may not be aware of the subsequent reduced braking capacity which could result in a vehicle crash with potential for personal injury and/or property damage.
The fix
Blue Bird will notify owners, and dealers will repair the buses free of charge. The safety recall began on August 9, 2012. Owners may contact Blue Bird at 1-478-822-2242.
Contacts
Blue Bird's recall campaign number is R12VG. Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to 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 12V349000.
- 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.