2009 Blue Bird ALL American recalls and problems
The 2009 Blue Bird ALL American has 33 safety recalls and 3 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Blue Bird dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2009 Blue Bird ALL American vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2009 Blue Bird ALL American recalls
Recall 20V-234: Parking Brake
Problem: Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain 2006-2021 Vision and 2007-2013 All American school buses. The floor-mounted parking brake may fail to hold the vehicle stationary on an incline when the vehicle is loaded to its maximum weight, due to an insufficient application force. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 105, "Hydraulic and Electric Brake Systems."
Risk: A parking brake system that is set to an insufficient application force may result in an increased possibility of unintended vehicle movement, which increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: Blue Bird will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the floor mounted park brake application force hand lever assembly and correct the application force, as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin June 24, 2020. Owners may contact Blue Bird customer service at 478-822-2242. Blue Bird's number for this recall is R20AO-SB.
Recall 20V-125: Seats
Problem: Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain 2008-2021 Vision and All American school buses. The seat barrier behind the driver seat with an integrated 3-point seat belt may have been installed incorrectly and may be missing the reinforcing bracket. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 222, "School Bus Passenger Seating and Crash Protection."
Risk: In the event of a crash, the seat barrier may not adequately protect the occupant seated behind the seat barrier separating them from the driver seat with integrated 3-point seat belt, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: Blue Bird will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and properly install the seat barrier including adding reinforcing bracket, as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin April 23, 2020. Owners may contact Blue Bird customer service at 1-478-822-2242. Blue Bird's number for this recall is R20AM-SB.
Recall 18V-801: Equipment
Problem: Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain 2007-2019 Blue Bird All American ambulance buses. The clamps that secure the stacked stretchers may fail from repeated use or from high loads.
Risk: If the clamps fail with patients in the stretchers, it can increase the risk of injury.
Fix: Blue Bird will notify owners, and dealers will install redesigned clamps, free of charge. The recall began December 12, 2018. Owners may contact Blue Bird customer service at 1-478-822-2242. Blue Bird's number for this recall is R18ZQ-NSB.
Recall 15V-731: Equipment Adaptive/Mobility
Problem: Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain model year 2007-2015 All American and Vision and 2007-2011 Micro Bird transit buses equipped with certain model S2005, S2010, S5005, S5010, S5505, and S5510 wheelchair lifts manufactured January 1, 2006, to August 25, 2014 by the Ricon Corporation. The affected lifts are equipped with folding link arms that may have pivot holes that are too big, allowing the bearings to move out of position.
Risk: If the bearings move out of position, the stowed platform may have excessive movement resulting in failure of the platform mounting. This failure could cause the wheel chair lift platform to fall out of the vehicle when the doors are opened, increasing the risk of injury for the lift operator.
Fix: Blue Bird will notify owners, and Ricon dealers will inspect the link arms for damage or for displaced bearings. The platform will be inspected for cracks. Any damaged parts will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began on December 1, 2015. Owners may contact Blue Bird customer service at 1-478-822-2242, or Ricon Customer Service at 1-800-322-2884.
Recall 15V-730: Equipment Adaptive/Mobility
Problem: Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain model year 2007-2015 All American, Vision, 2007-2011 Micro Bird, and 2007-2008 Conventional school buses, equipped with certain model S2005, S2010, S5005, S5010, S5505, and S5510 wheelchair lifts manufactured January 1, 2006, to August 25, 2014 by the Ricon Corporation. The affected lifts are equipped with folding link arms that may have pivot holes that are too big, allowing the bearings to move out of position.
Risk: If the bearings move out of position, the stowed platform may have excessive movement resulting in failure of the platform mounting. This failure could cause the wheel chair lift platform to fall out of the vehicle when the doors are opened, increasing the risk of injury for the lift operator.
Fix: Blue Bird will notify owners, and Ricon dealers will inspect the link arms for damage or for displaced bearings. The platform will be inspected for cracks. Any damaged parts will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began on December 1, 2015. Owners may contact Blue Bird customer service at 1-478-822-2242, or Ricon Customer Service at 1-800-322-2884.
Recall 15V-294: Engine and Engine Cooling
Problem: Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain model year 2009-2016 All American rear engine non school buses manufactured December 7, 2008, to May 11, 2015, and equipped with certain Cummins Westport ISL G engines. Excessive engine crankcase pressures may cause the 90-degree elbow of the vent tube assembly to detach from the crankcase ventilation breather, possibly allowing engine oil to come into contact with hot surfaces.
Risk: If engine oil comes into contact with a hot surface, there is an increased risk of a fire.
Fix: Cummins will notify owners on behalf of Blue Bird, and Cummins service centers will administer the repairs which include securing the ends of the 90-degree elbow and reprogramming the electronic control module (ECM) with software that can adjust the engine output under misfire conditions to limit crankcase pressures. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on June 12, 2015. Owners may contact Blue Bird customer service at 1-478-822-2242 or Cummins Inc. at 1-800-343-7357. Blue Bird's number for this recall is R15YE-NSB.
Recall 15V-293: Engine and Engine Cooling
Problem: Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain model year 2009-2016 All American rear engine school buses manufactured December 7, 2008, to May 11, 2015, and equipped with certain Cummins Westport ISL G engines. Excessive engine crankcase pressures may cause the 90-degree elbow of the vent tube assembly to detach from the crankcase ventilation breather, possibly allowing engine oil to come into contact with hot surfaces.
Risk: If engine oil comes into contact with a hot surface, there is an increased risk of a fire.
Fix: Cummins will notify owners on behalf of Blue Bird, and Cummins service centers will administer the repairs which include securing the ends of the 90-degree elbow and reprogramming the electronic control module (ECM) with software that can adjust the engine output under misfire conditions to limit crankcase pressures. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on June 12, 2015. Owners may contact Blue Bird customer service at 1-478-822-2242 or Cummins Inc. at 1-800-343-7357. Blue Bird's number for this recall is R15YE-SB.
Recall 14V-511: Equipment Adaptive/Mobility
Problem: Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain model year 2007-2015 All American, 2007-2010 Micro Bird, and 2007-2014 Vision non-school buses equipped with certain model S2005, S2010, S5005, S5010, S5505, and S5510 wheelchair lifts manufactured by Ricon Corporation. The platform side plate of the affected wheelchair lifts may crack.
Risk: If the platform side plates crack, the lift platform can separate from the lift and come to rest against the vehicle's lift door. When the doors are opened, the platform may fall out, increasing the risk of injury to the lift operator.
Fix: Blue Bird will notify owners to take buses to a Ricon dealer or service center who will install supplemental platform support bumpers. Any platform that has already started cracking will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began on October 1, 2014. Owners may contact Blue Bird customer service at 1-478-822-2242 or Ricon customer service at 1-800-322-2884. Blue Bird's number for this recall is R14XN.
Recall 14V-510: Equipment Adaptive/Mobility
Problem: Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain model year 2007-2015 All American and Vision, 2007-2011 Micro Bird, and 2007-2008 Conventional school buses equipped with certain model S2005, S2010, S5005, S5010, S5505, and S5510 wheelchair lifts manufactured by Ricon Corporation. The platform side plate of the affected wheelchair lifts may crack.
Risk: If the platform side plates crack, the lift platform can separate from the lift and come to rest against the vehicle's lift door. When the doors are opened, the platform may fall out, increasing the risk of injury to the lift operator.
Fix: Blue Bird will notify owners to take buses to a Ricon dealer or service center who will install supplemental platform support bumpers. Any platform that has already started cracking will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began on October 1, 2014. Owners may contact Blue Bird customer service at 1-478-822-2242 or Ricon customer service at 1-800-322-2884. Blue Bird's number for this recall is R14XN.
Recall 14V-314: Engine and Engine Cooling
Problem: Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain model year 2008-2013 All American rear engine non-school buses manufactured May 9, 2007, to November 12, 2012. Due to the design of the thermostat, a heater hose may rupture which could result in hot coolant entering the passenger compartment.
Risk: Hot coolant leaking into the passenger compartment increases the risk of injury to the passengers.
Fix: Blue Bird will notify owners, and dealers will replace the thermostat and change the passenger compartment heater supply hose, free of charge. The recall began on July 15, 2014. Owners may contact Blue Bird customer service at 1-478-822-2242. Blue Bird's number for this recall is R14XF.
Recall 14V-313: Engine and Engine Cooling
Problem: Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain model year 2008-2013 All American rear engine school buses manufactured April 3, 2007, to December 15, 2012. Due to the design of the thermostat, a heater hose may rupture which could result in hot coolant entering the passenger compartment.
Risk: Hot coolant leaking into the passenger compartment increases the risk of injury to the passengers.
Fix: Blue Bird will notify owners, and dealers will replace the thermostat and change the passenger compartment heater supply hose, free of charge. The recall began on July 15, 2014. Owners may contact Blue Bird customer service at 1-478-822-2242. Blue Bird's number for this recall is R14XF.
Recall 14V-215: Engine and Engine Cooling
Problem: Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain model year 2009-2015 All American rear engine non-school buses manufactured from June 23, 2010, through May 24, 2012, and equipped with certain Cummins Westport Model ISL G compressed natural gas engines. Condensation in the intake manifold may freeze during cold weather conditions and interfere with the proper operation of the intake manifold pressure sensor.
Risk: The improper operation of the sensor could induce elevated exhaust temperatures or flames from the exhaust pipe, increasing the risk of a vehicle fire or burn injury to a person near the exhaust pipe.
Fix: Cummins and Cummins Westport has notified owners, and authorized Cummins service facilities will upload a new ECM calibration, free of charge. The recall began on April 12, 2014. Customers may contact Blue Bird at 1-478-822-2242 or Cummins Inc. at 1-800-343-7357. Blue Bird's number for this recall is R14XB.
Recall 14V-083: Engine and Engine Cooling
Problem: Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain model year 2009-2015 All American rear engine school buses manufactured from December 8, 2008, through November 15, 2013, and equipped with certain Cummins Westport Model ISL G engines. Condensation in the intake manifold may freeze during cold weather conditions and interfere with the proper operation of the intake manifold pressure sensor.
Risk: The improper operation of the sensor could induce elevated exhaust temperatures or flames from the exhaust pipe, increasing the risk of a vehicle fire or burn injury to a person near the exhaust pipe.
Fix: Cummins and Cummins Westport will notify owners, and authorized Cummins service facilities will upload a new ECM calibration, free of charge. The recall began on April 12, 2014. Customers may contact Blue Bird at 1-478-822-2242 or Cummins Inc. at 1-800-343-7357. Blue Bird's number for this recall is R14XB.
Recall 13V-332: Structure
Problem: Blue Bird Body Company is recalling certain model year 2007-2014 All American and Vision school buses manufactured March 10, 2006, through June 18, 2013; and equipped with optional transit sliding windows. Joint adhesive may not have been applied at the interior and exterior body window panel joints. Without the adhesive, these vehicles fail to conform to the standards of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 221, "School Bus Body Joint Strength."
Risk: In the event of a vehicle crash, there is an increased risk that the window panels may separate and fall onto occupants causing injury.
Fix: Blue Bird will notify owners, and dealers will install additional rivets at the window panel joints, free of charge. The recall began on August 28, 2013. Owners may contact Blue Bird at 1-478-825-2021. Blue Bird's recall number is R13WM.
Recall 13V-125: Electrical System
Problem: Blue Bird is recalling certain model year 2008 through 2011 All American rear engine school buses manufactured from August 9, 2007, through June 9, 2010, powered by Cummins ISB07 engines. In the affected vehicles, the grid heater power cable may be improperly routed, which could result in contact with the chassis frame rail.
Risk: If the cable contacts the chassis frame rail it could potentially chafe against the frame thereby creating a direct short which could result in a fire.
Fix: Blue Bird will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the buses for proper positioning of the grid heater power cable. Any cables found contacting the chassis frame rail will have the grid heater cable repositioned to prevent further contact. Any damaged cables found will be replaced. The repairs will be made free of charge. The recall began on May 3, 2013. On August 15, 2014, Blue Bird sent out renoticiation letters to owners regarding the recall. Owners may contact Blue Bird at 1-478-822-2242. Blue Bird's recall campaign number is R13WD.
Older recalls
| Recall | Date | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13V-126 | Apr 9, 2013 | Electrical System | Blue Bird is recalling certain model year 2008 through 2011 All American rear engine, non-school, transit buses manufactured from August 9, 2007, through June 9, 2010, and powered by Cummins ISB07 engines. |
| 12V-153 | Apr 5, 2012 | Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | Blue bird is recalling certain model year 2009 through 2011 all american, vision, and micro bird school buses equipped with braun vista-2 wheelchair lifts. |
| 11V-569 | Dec 2, 2011 | Fuel System, Diesel | Blue bird is recalling certain model year 2007 through 2012 all american rear engine school buses manufactured from april 12, 2006, through june 27, 2011, and equipped with a 60 gallon fuel tank. |
| 11V-499 | Oct 14, 2011 | Seats | Blue bird is recalling certain model year 2006 through 2012 all american, 2006 through 2011 vision, and 2006 conventional school buses manufactured between september 19, 2005, and may 3, 2011, equipped with 2-passenger… |
| 11V-351 | Jul 8, 2011 | Parking Brake | Blue bird is recalling certain model year 2007 through 2011 all american school buses manufactured from september 22, 2006, through august 7, 2010, and equipped with optional park brake valve interlock feature. |
| 10V-380 | Aug 20, 2010 | Engine and Engine Cooling | Blue bird is recalling certain model year 2007 through 2010 all american non school buses manufactured from july 16, 2006 through august 3, 2010 equipped with cummins isb-02, isb-07, and isb-10 engines. |
| 10V-379 | Aug 20, 2010 | Engine and Engine Cooling | Blue bird is recalling certain model year 2007 through 2010 all american school buses manufactured from may 29, 2006 through august 7, 2010 equipped with cummins isb-02, isb-07, and isb-10 engines. |
| 10V-290 | Jun 28, 2010 | Engine and Engine Cooling | Blue bird is recalling certain model year 2008 through 2010 all american, vision, and excel 102 model non school buses manufactured from may 17, 2007 through november 13, 2008, equipped with caterpillar c7 engines. |
| 10V-289 | Jun 28, 2010 | Engine and Engine Cooling | Blue bird is recalling certain model year 2008 through 2010 all american and vision model school buses manufactured from may 23, 2007 through march 9, 2010, equipped with caterpillar c7 engines. |
| 10V-134 | Apr 5, 2010 | Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | Blue bird has notified NHTSA about a defect in certain model year 2008 through 2010 all american, conventional, and micro bird transi buses manufactured from december 16, 2007 through december 21, 2009 equipped with… |
| 10V-133 | Apr 5, 2010 | Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | Blue bird has notified NHTSA about a defect in certain model year 2008 through 2011 all american, conventional, and micro bird school buses manufactured from december 13, 2007 through january 18, 2010 equipped with ricon… |
| 09V-335 | Aug 25, 2009 | Other | Blue bird is recalling certain model year 2008 and 2009 all american, vision, and micro bird school buses manufactured between april 18, 2008 and february 11, 2009, equipped with specialty manufacturing, inc. |
| 09V-328 | Aug 13, 2009 | Seats | Blue bird is recalling certain model year 2004 through 2010 all american, vision, micro bird, and conventional school buses manufactured between january 30, 2003 and may 7, 2009. |
| 09V-285 | Jul 23, 2009 | Service Brakes, Air | Blue bird is recalling 1,709 model year 2009 and 2010 all american front engine school buses manufactured from february 27, 2007 through july 2, 2009, equipped with "07" engines, air brakes and spring suspensions. |
| 09V-213 | Jun 11, 2009 | Steering | Blue bird is recalling 442 model year 2008 and 2009 all american school buses manufactured from july 22 to november 22, 2008. |
| 09V-205 | Jun 9, 2009 | Electrical System | Blue bird is recalling 2,203 model year 2003 through 2010 all american rear engine school buses equipped with optional plug style vandal locks manufactured from july 16, 2003 through april 10, 2009. |
| 08V-309 | Jul 10, 2008 | Engine and Engine Cooling | A plug on the outlet side of the fuel pump can crack on certain 2008 and 2009 my blue bird all american and vision school buses manufactured from may 23, 2007 through july 4, 2008, equipped with caterpillar c7 engines. |
| 08V-229 | May 20, 2008 | Structure | Blue bird is recalling 23,464 my 2005 through 2009 all american and vision school and transit model buses manufactured from january 22, 2004, and march 28, 2008, and my 2004 through 2007 all american school buses and… |
2009 Blue Bird ALL American problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 2 | |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 1 |
Most reported parts
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Diesel — 1
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 22,250 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2009 Blue Bird ALL American complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Other Blue Bird ALL American years
Compare all Blue Bird ALL American years · All Blue Bird models
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2009 Blue Bird ALL American have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 33 recalls for the 2009 Blue Bird ALL American: 20V-234 (parking brake), 20V-125 (seats), 18V-801 (equipment), 15V-731 (equipment adaptive/mobility), 15V-730 (equipment adaptive/mobility) and more. Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2009 Blue Bird ALL American?
Owners report seats problems most often (2 reports), followed by engine and engine cooling (1). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 22,250 miles.
Are Blue Bird recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Blue Bird dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.