Blue Bird Software Recall 21V253000 (292 Vehicles)

The problem

Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Vision and All American school buses. The electric drive train cannot detect isolation faults when the high voltage contactors are closed.

The risk

An undetected high voltage isolation can expose service personnel to high voltage, increasing the risk of injury.

The fix

Blue Bird will notify owners, and dealers will update the Vehicle Control Unit software or install a different combination of High Voltage Power Distribution Unit hardware, free of charge. The recall began on May 22, 2021. Owners may contact Blue Bird customer service at 1-478-822-2242. Blue Bird's number for this recall is R21BD-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 21V253000.
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.

Vehicle	Complaints	Recalls	Grade
2018 Blue Bird All American	0	19	F
2019 Blue Bird All American	2	26	F
2020 Blue Bird All American	0	24	F
2021 Blue Bird All American	0	25	F
2018 Blue Bird Vision	0	35	D
2019 Blue Bird Vision	0	41	D
2020 Blue Bird Vision	0	36	D
2021 Blue Bird Vision	0	32	D

Vehicle

Complaints

Recalls

Grade

2018 Blue Bird All American

2019 Blue Bird All American

2020 Blue Bird All American

2021 Blue Bird All American

2018 Blue Bird Vision

2019 Blue Bird Vision

2020 Blue Bird Vision

2021 Blue Bird Vision

Questions

Is the 21V253000 recall repair free?

Yes. Federal law requires the manufacturer to fix safety recalls free of charge. Blue Bird Body Company's dealers do the work; the remedy is described above.

How do I know if my vehicle is part of recall 21V253000?

Not every vehicle of a listed model year is included. Enter your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or call a dealer with your VIN.

When was recall 21V253000 announced?

Blue Bird Body Company reported it to NHTSA on April 12, 2021. Owners are usually notified by mail within about two months.

Electrical system: software Blue Bird recall