2017 Blue Bird Vision recalls and problems
The 2017 Blue Bird Vision has 28 safety recalls and 1 owner complaint filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Blue Bird dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2017 Blue Bird Vision vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2017 Blue Bird Vision recalls
Recall 22V-736: Fuel System, Other
Problem: Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain 2013-2021 Vision school buses equipped with Ford 6.8L LPG engines. The LPG supply line may be damaged from contact with the RH park brake cable, which can result in a fuel leak.
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and repair the fuel lines and the park brake cable, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on November 18, 2022. Owners may contact Blue Bird's customer service at 1-478-822-2242. Blue Bird's number for this recall is R22CA-SB.
Recall 22V-579: Fuel System, Other
Problem: Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain 2017-2023 Blue Bird Vision school buses equipped with Roush fuel return lines included in GEN 4 and GEN 5 LPG Conversion Systems that were installed on vehicles sold or registered in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, Washington D.C., West Virginia, and Wisconsin. The zinc-plating on the fuel return line may break away when contacted by road debris, causing two dissimilar metals on the fuel line to contact each other and corrode.
Risk: A corroded fuel line can leak fuel, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix: Dealers will replace the fuel return lines, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 24, 2023. Owners may contact Blue Bird's customer service at 1-478-822-2242. Blue Bird's number for this recall is R22BX-SB.
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-235: Parking Brake
Problem: Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain 2009-2019 Vision transit 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 injury to bystanders.
Fix: Blue Bird will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the floor mounted park brake application force hand lever assembly and adjust 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 19V-796: Exterior Lighting
Problem: Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain 2013-2020 Vision transit buses equipped with Ford engines. The brake light switch mounting bracket may have caused the brake light switch to be incorrectly adjusted at installation and/or the brake light switch mounting bracket may deform when the driver allows the brake pedal to return forcibly. An incorrectly adjusted brake light switch or deformed brake light switch mounting bracket may cause the brake lights to illuminate continuously.
Risk: Improperly functioning brake lights could confuse following motorists and fail to warn them that the bus may be stopping, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Blue Bird issued owners an interim notification December 10, 2019. Dealers will install a new, redesigned brake light switch mounting bracket along with a new brake light switch, free of charge. The recall began March 6, 2020. Owners may contact Blue Bird customer service at 1-478-822-2242. Blue Bird's number for this recall is R19AI-NSB.
Recall 19V-795: Exterior Lighting
Problem: Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain 2013-2020 Vision school buses equipped with Ford engines. The brake light switch mounting bracket may have caused the brake light switch to be incorrectly adjusted at installation and/or the brake light switch mounting bracket may deform when the driver allows the brake pedal to return forcibly. An incorrectly adjusted brake light switch or deformed brake light switch mounting bracket may cause the brake lights to illuminate continuously.
Risk: Improperly functioning brake lights could confuse following motorists and fail to warn them that the bus may be stopping, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Blue Bird distributed owners an interim notification on December 10, 2019. Dealers will install a new, redesigned brake light switch mounting bracket along with a new brake light switch, free of charge. The recall began March 6, 2020. Owners may contact Blue Bird customer service at 1-478-822-2242. Blue Bird's number for this recall is S19AI-SB.
Recall 19V-393: Service Brakes, Air
Problem: Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain 2016-2020 Vision and 2015-2020 All American non-school buses equipped with ADB22X disc brakes. The driver side rear brakes may drag.
Risk: A dragging brake may cause damage to the brake components, which may activate the ABS warning light. The warning light may cause the driver to immediately stop the vehicle and transfer occupants. Additionally, the high temperatures at the wheel end can increasing the risk of a fire. Either condition increases the risk of injury.
Fix: Blue Bird will notify owners, and dealers will install a new caliper with an updated clearance adjustment mechanism, free of charge. Blue Bird issued owners interim notification on July 18, 2019. The recall began August 28, 2019. Owners may contact Blue Bird customer service at 1-478-822-2242. Blue Bird's number for this recall is R19AA - NSB.
Recall 19V-391: Service Brakes, Air
Problem: Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Vision and All American school buses equipped with Bendix ADB22X air brakes. The driver side rear brakes may drag.
Risk: A dragging brake may cause damage to the brake components, which may activate the ABS warning light. The warning light may cause the driver to immediately stop the vehicle and transfer occupants. Additionally, the high temperatures at the wheel end can increase the risk of a fire. Either condition increases the risk of injury.
Fix: Blue Bird will notify owners, and dealers will install a new caliper with an updated clearance adjustment mechanism, free of charge. Blue Bird issued owners interim notification on July 18, 2019. The recall began August 28, 2019. Owners may contact Blue Bird customer service at 1-478-822-2242. Blue Bird's number for this recall is R19AA - SB.
Recall 19V-082: Equipment Adaptive/Mobility
Problem: Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Vision and All American school buses equipped with Ricon S-Series Titanium Wheelchair lifts. The wheelchair lift positioning input cam may fail while the lift is in use, allowing the platform to travel higher than the vehicle's floor height. As such, this vehicle fails to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 403, "Platform Lift Systems."
Risk: If the wheelchair lift platform raises above the height of the vehicle floor, the wheelchair user could fall inwards toward the vehicle, increasing their risk of injury.
Fix: Blue Bird will notify owners, and Ricon dealers will replace the wheelchair lift positioning input cam, free of charge. The recall began March 4, 2019. Owners may contact Ricon customer service at 1-800-322-2884. Blue Bird's number for this recall is R19ZP-SB.
Recall 18V-892: Engine and Engine Cooling, Parking Brake
Problem: Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Vision school buses equipped with Cummins ISV5.0 diesel engines with optional CP80009 air compressors. The air compressor belt may slip, reducing air output, which may result in the parking brake automatically applying.
Risk: If the parking brake applies while the vehicle is being driven, it can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Blue Bird has notified owners, and dealers will replace the existing air compressor belt with a new shorter air compressor belt, free of charge. The recall began February 1, 2019. Owners may contact Blue Bird customer service at 1-478-822-2242. Blue Bird's number for this recall is R19ZW-SB.
Recall 18V-884: Power Train, Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Problem: Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain 2013-2020 Blue Bird Vision school buses equipped with the Ford 6.8L V10 engines. The hydraulic brake lines or transmission shifter cable may have been improperly routed, causing the brake line to be exposed to excessive heat, and leak hydraulic brake fluid. Additionally, the transmission shifter cable could contact the gasoline fuel supply line to the engine which may result in a fuel leak.
Risk: A hydraulic brake fluid leak or a fuel line failure can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix: Blue Bird will notify owners, and dealers will install a bracket which will insulate the brake lines from excessive heat, control routing of the brake lines, and secure the transmission shifter cable away from the fuel line, free of charge. The recall began February 7, 2019. Owners may contact Blue Bird customer service at 1-478-822-2242. Blue Bird's number for this recall is R19ZV-SB.
Recall 18V-885: Power Train, Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Problem: Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain 2016-2020 Blue Bird Vision transit buses equipped with the Ford 6.8L V10 engines. The hydraulic brake lines or transmission shifter cable may have been improperly routed, causing the brake line to be exposed to excessive heat, and leak hydraulic brake fluid. Additionally, the transmission shifter cable could contact the gasoline fuel supply line to the engine which may result in a fuel leak.
Risk: A hydraulic brake fluid leak or a fuel line failure can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix: Blue Bird will notify owners, and dealers will install a bracket which will insulate the brake lines from excessive heat, control routing of the brake lines, and secure the transmission shifter cable away from the fuel line, free of charge. The recall began February 7, 2019. Owners may contact Blue Bird customer service at 1-478-822-2242. Blue Bird's number for this recall is R19ZV-NSB.
Recall 18V-783: Electrical System
Problem: Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Vision school buses with Ford 6.8L Gen IV LPG, Gasoline, or CNG engines. The alternator cables may not be routed correctly and may contact and chafe against the air conditioning support bracket or a firewall reinforcement.
Risk: A damaged alternator cable could cause result in an electrical short, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix: Blue Bird will notify owners, and dealers will verify that the air conditioning bracket and the alternator cables are properly installed, repairing them as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin December 06, 2018. Owners may contact Blue Bird customer service at 1-478-822-2242. Blue Birds recall number is R18ZO-SB.
Recall 18V-259: Vehicle Speed Control
Problem: Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Blue Bird Vision school buses equipped with Gen4 Ford engines with an optional brake and throttle interlock. The brake and throttle interlock is supposed to apply the service brakes and prevent accelerator pedal input when activated, however the throttle input is not being blocked.
Risk: If throttle input is allowed, the bus may be able to overpower the applied brake, causing the bus to move unexpectedly, increasing the risk of a crash or an injury.
Fix: Blue Bird will notify owners, and dealers will update the Smart Relay Module software. The recall began on May 24, 2018. Owners may contact Blue Bird customer service at 1-478-822-2242. Blue Bird's number for this recall is R18ZF - SB.
Older recalls
| Recall | Date | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18V-258 | Apr 24, 2018 | Vehicle Speed Control | Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Blue Bird Vision transit buses equipped with Gen4 Ford engines with an optional brake and throttle interlock. |
| 17V-510 | Aug 17, 2017 | Seats | Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain model year 2015-2019 Vision and model year 2016 All American school buses equipped with certain QS11 series convertible school bus seats supplied by CE White/HSM… |
| 17V-203 | Mar 23, 2017 | Fuel System, Other | Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Vision school buses, designed to run on propane. |
| 17V-204 | Mar 23, 2017 | Fuel System, Other | Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Vision transit buses, designed to run on propane. |
| 17V-100 | Feb 15, 2017 | Structure | Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Vision school buses manufactured February 19, 2014, through March 3, 2017, equipped with a frame mounted battery box. |
| 17V-101 | Feb 15, 2017 | Structure | Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Vision transit buses equipped with frame mounted battery boxes. |
| 16V-542 | Jul 19, 2016 | Fuel System, Other | Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain model year 2015-2017 Vision school buses manufactured July 3, 2014, to June 24, 2016, equipped with 6.8L Ford engines and Gen 3 propane units. |
| 16V-543 | Jul 19, 2016 | Fuel System, Other | Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Vision transit buses manufactured September 24, 2015, to May 21, 2016, equipped with 6.8L Ford engines and Gen 3 propane units. |
| 16V-405 | Jun 6, 2016 | Equipment | Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain model year 2015-2017 All American transit buses manufactured from November 13, 2014, through May 4, 2016, and 2016-2017 Vision transit buses manufactured from May… |
| 16V-265 | May 3, 2016 | Seats | Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain model year 2017 All American Forward Engine transit buses manufactured February 9, 2016, to February 19, 2016 and one Vision transit bus manufactured on February 1… |
| 16V-006 | Jan 8, 2016 | Other | Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 All American school buses manufactured May 18, 2015, to November 9, 2015, and Vision school buses manufactured May 8, 2015, to October 27… |
| 15V-696 | Oct 23, 2015 | Visibility/Wiper | Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling one 2017 Vision transit bus. |
| 15V-691 | Oct 23, 2015 | Visibility/Wiper | Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Vision school buses manufactured September 3, 2015, to September 18, 2015. |
2017 Blue Bird Vision problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Service Brakes | 1 | |
| Engine | 1 |
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 6,000 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 2017 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 2017 Blue Bird Vision have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 28 recalls for the 2017 Blue Bird Vision: 22V-736 (fuel system, other), 22V-579 (fuel system, other), 20V-234 (parking brake), 20V-235 (parking brake), 20V-125 (seats) and more. Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2017 Blue Bird Vision?
Owners report service brakes problems most often (1 reports), followed by engine (1). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 6,000 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.