The problem
Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Vision and All American school buses equipped with PowerDrive 7000 EV electric drivetrains. The Vehicle Control Unit (VCU) may unexpectedly shut down the high voltage contactors, resulting in loss of all systems powered by high voltage, including the traction drive system and power steering.
The risk
An unexpected loss of drive and power steering may increase the risk of a crash.
The fix
Cummins will notify Blue Bird owners and will update the VCU software with a revised version, free of charge. The recall began July 24, 2019. Owners may contact Cummins customer service at 1-800-286-6467 or Blue Bird at 1-478-822-2242. Blue Bird's number for this recall is R19AE (SB).
Contacts
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 19V471000.
- 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.