The Recall Desk
HighNHTSA·10V134000·Announced 2010-04-05

Blue Bird Transi Buses Recalled for Wheelchair Lift Restraint Defect

Blue Bird is recalling 2008-2010 Transi Buses because wheelchair lift restraint belts may not latch securely, posing an injury risk to users.

What this means for you

Real risk of harm even if no illness or injury has been reported yet. Stop using the product and follow the agency's guidance.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a risk-of-harm product where injury has not yet been reported, fitting the High severity criteria for potential injury from a mechanical defect.

Plain-English summary

Blue Bird Body Company has notified the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) of a defect in certain model year 2008 through 2010 All American, Conventional, and Micro Bird Transi Buses. These vehicles were manufactured between December 16, 2007, and December 21, 2009, and are equipped with Ricon Model S or K Series Public Use Wheelchair Lifts.

The defect involves the restraint belt on the wheelchair lifts. The belt is designed to prevent the lift from moving unless the tongue is fully engaged and latched in the buckle. However, it is possible for an operator to insert the belt tongue into the buckle without fully engaging the latching mechanism. In this scenario, the belt appears latched, allowing the operator to run the lift. If the restraint belt is not fully engaged and latched, the lift may operate with an occupant on the platform, which could result in injury.

Blue Bird is working with Ricon to handle the remedy for this campaign. Ricon will provide customers with a warning decal and a DVD-based training aid. The safety recall began on April 27, 2010. Owners may contact Ricon at 1-818-267-3000 or Blue Bird at 1-478-822-2242 for more information.

The recalled product

Product
BLUE BIRD ALL AMERICAN, CONVENTIONAL, MICRO BIRD
Brand
BLUE BIRD
Affected units
23

Is your product affected?

Check your packaging against the codes below. If any of them match, the product is part of this recall.

Model numbers (3)

  • ALL AMERICAN
  • CONVENTIONAL
  • MICRO BIRD

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.