2008 Blue Bird Vision recalls and problems
The 2008 Blue Bird Vision has 30 safety recalls and 1 owner complaint filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Blue Bird dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2008 Blue Bird Vision vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2008 Blue Bird Vision 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 16V-100: Electrical System
Problem: Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain model year 2008-2009 Vision school buses manufactured from May 10, 2007, through March 5, 2008 and equipped with Caterpillar C707 engines. In the affected buses, the positive starter cable may be incorrectly attached to the same Power Distribution Unit (PDU) stud as the battery cable, exposing the smaller battery cable to a higher current draw during cranking.
Risk: Exposure to high current draw may cause the battery cable to overheat, melt the wire insulation and increase the risk of a short circuit and a fire.
Fix: Blue Bird will notify owners, and dealers will relocate the starter cable to the chassis power stud. Any damaged battery cables will be replaced. These repairs will be made free of charge. The recall began on March 10, 2016. Owners may contact Blue Bird customer service at 1-478-822-2242. Blue Bird's recall number for this campaign is R16YL-SB.
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 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 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 11V-499: Seats
Problem: 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 seats installed forward of the 39" barrier. In the event of a crash, the barrier may make contact with the 2-passenger seat installed forward of the barrier. Accordingly, these buses fail to conform with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 222, "school bus passenger seating and crash protection."
Risk: The seat occupants may be seriously injured in the event of a crash.
Fix: Blue bird will notify owners, and dealers will repair the buses free of charge. The safety recall began on january 18, 2012. Owners may contact blue bird at 1-478-822-2242.
Recall 11V-174: Electrical System
Problem: Blue bird is recalling certain model year 2007 through 2011 vision school buses. The dash instrument panel ABS indicator light does not illuminate when the ABS circuit is disconnected at the main ABS module. Accordingly, these buses fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 105, "hydraulic and electric brake systems," and FMVSS no. 121, "air brake systems."
Risk: In the event the ABS circuit disconnects from the main ABS module, the bus operator would be unaware of the failure of the ABS system and the associated reduced braking function, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Blue bird is currently working with stoneridge to produce software that dealers can use to reprogram the dash instrument panel. Blue bird will notify owners once the software update becomes available. The affected buses will be repaired free of charge. The safety recall began on june 23, 2011. Owners may contact blue bird at 1-478-822-2242.
Recall 11V-175: Electrical System
Problem: Blue bird is recalling certain model year 2008 through 2010 vision non school buses. The dash instrument panel ABS indicator light does not illuminate when the ABS circuit is disconnected at the main ABS module. Accordingly, these buses fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 105, "hydraulic and electric brake systems," and FMVSS no. 121, "air brake systems."
Risk: In the event the ABS circuit disconnects from the main ABS module, the bus operator would be unaware of the failure of the ABS system and the associated reduced braking function, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Blue bird is currently working with stoneridge to produce software that dealers can use to reprogram the dash instrument panel. Blue bird will notify owners once the software update becomes available. The affected buses will be repaired free of charge. The safety recall began on june 23, 2011. Owners may contact blue bird at 1-478-822-2242.
Recall 10V-290: Engine and Engine Cooling
Problem: 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. The #5 and #6 fuel lines may crack at the fastening point to the common fuel rail and cause a fuel leak.
Risk: A fuel leak, in the presence of an ignition source, can result in a vehicle fire.
Fix: Blue bird is working with caterpillar to notify owners and repairs will be performed by authorized caterpillar dealers free of charge. The safety recall began on september 9, 2010. Owners may contact caterpillar toll-free at 1-800-447-4986 or blue bird at 1-478-822-2242.
Recall 10V-289: Engine and Engine Cooling
Problem: 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. The #5 and #6 fuel lines may crack at the fastening point to the common fuel rail and cause a fuel leak.
Risk: A fuel leak, in the presence of an ignition source, can result in a vehicle fire.
Fix: Blue bird is working with caterpiller to notify owners and repairs will be performed by authorized caterpillar dealers free of charge. Owners may contact caterpillar toll-free at 1-800-447-4986 or blue bird at 1-478-822-2242.
Recall 10V-170: Electrical System
Problem: Blue bird is recalling certain model year 2004 through 2009 vision non-school buses manufactured from september 19, 2003 through july 2, 2008. The power cables running to the power distribution unit stud and driver's control module stud may have been installed with the lug (Eyelet) flat side up. When this condition exists, vibration may wear the insulation permitting direct contact between the bare lug and the pdu or dcm which could cause a direct short in the electrical system.
Risk: This condition could result in a fire.
Fix: Blue bird will notify owners and repair the buses as necessary free of charge. The safety recall began on may 26, 2020. Owners may contact blue bird at 1-478-822-2242.
Recall 10V-169: Electrical System
Problem: Blue bird is recalling certain model year 2004 through 2009 vision school buses manufactured from january 30, 2003 through september 24, 2008. The power cables running to the power distribution unit stud and driver's control module stud may have been installed with the lug (Eyelet) flat side up. When this condition exists, vibration may wear the insulation permitting direct contact between the bare lug and the pdu or dcm which could cause a direct short in the electrical system.
Risk: This condition could result in a fire.
Fix: Blue bird will notify owners and repair the buses as necessary free of charge. The safety recall began may 26, 2020. Owners may contact blue bird at 1-478-822-2242.
Older recalls
| Recall | Date | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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-284 | Jul 23, 2009 | Steering | Blue bird is recalling 7,772 model year 2008 through 2010 vision school buses manufactured from march 27, 2007 through june 10, 2009. |
| 09V-251 | Jul 6, 2009 | Seats | Blue bird is recalling 69 model year 2008 through 2010 micro bird and vision school buses manufactured from september 29, 2007 through may 2, 2009, equipped with optional 34 inch offset barrier. |
| 09V-075 | Mar 9, 2009 | Engine and Engine Cooling | Blue bird is recalling 3,419 my 2008 and 2009 vision conventional school buses manufactured from january 18, 2007 through october 29, 2008, equipped with caterpillar c7 and c7 07 engines. |
| 09V-055 | Feb 17, 2009 | Electrical System | Blue bird is recalling 4,591 my 2007 and 2008 vision conventional school buses manufactured from march 29, 2006 through december 3, 2007, equipped with caterpillar c7 engines. |
| 08V-312 | Jul 11, 2008 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | The hydraulic brake hoses from the master cylinder to the chassis frame may have been improperly routed or retained on certain 2004 through 2009 my blue bird vision conventional school and transit buses manufactured from… |
| 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… |
| 07V-407 | Sep 7, 2007 | Engine and Engine Cooling | Certain 2008 blue bird vision school buses manufactured from june 6 through september 4, 2007. |
| 07V-338 | Aug 3, 2007 | Engine and Engine Cooling | Certain blue bird my 2008 all american and vision school buses manufactured between june 6 and july 27, 2007. |
| 07V-275 | Jun 26, 2007 | Parking Brake | Certain my 2007 and 2008 blue bird vision and all american school and transit buses manufactured between december 1, 2005, and may 24, 2007, and equipped with bendix sr-7 spring brake modulating valves. |
| 07V-035 | Feb 8, 2007 | Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | Certain blue bird 2007 and 2008 vision school buses manufactured between february 9 and october 27, 2006. |
| 07V-021 | Jan 29, 2007 | Visibility | Certain 2007 and 2008 my blue bird vision school buses manufactured between october 16, 2006, and january 18, 2007. |
| 06V-464 | Dec 6, 2006 | Steering | Certain 2008 blue bird vision school buses built from october 23 through november 21, 2006. |
2008 Blue Bird Vision problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Service Brakes, Air | 1 |
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 3,422 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 2008 Blue Bird Vision complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Other Blue Bird Vision years
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2008 Blue Bird Vision have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 30 recalls for the 2008 Blue Bird Vision: 20V-234 (parking brake), 20V-125 (seats), 16V-100 (electrical system), 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 2008 Blue Bird Vision?
Owners report service brakes, air problems most often (1 reports). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 3,422 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.