The Recall Desk
SevereNHTSA·10V379000·Announced 2010-08-20

Blue Bird Recalls School Buses Due to Potential Starter Cable Fire Risk

Blue Bird is recalling 2007-2010 All American school buses because a loose starter cable could contact the engine fan, causing a short circuit and potential fire.

What this means for you

Illness, injury, or structural failure has been reported. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a structural vehicle defect where a loose component could cause a direct short and potential vehicle fire, meeting the criteria for a Severe rating.

Plain-English summary

Blue Bird Body Company is recalling certain model year 2007 through 2010 All American school buses manufactured between May 29, 2006, and August 7, 2010. These vehicles are equipped with Cummins ISB-02, ISB-07, and ISB-10 engines. The recall affects approximately 3,992 vehicles.

The defect involves an incorrect combination of a flat washer and a serrated nut on the bolt securing the starter cable retaining clamp. The flat washer prevents the serrated nut from locking against the bracket, allowing it to back off over time. This may cause the starter cable to fall and contact the engine cooling fan hub while in operation.

If the starter cable contacts the rotating fan hub, the cable covering may abrade, resulting in a direct short circuit. This short could potentially lead to a vehicle fire. Blue Bird will notify owners and repair the buses free of charge. The safety recall began on September 24, 2010. Owners may contact Blue Bird at 1-478-822-2242 or the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236.

The recalled product

Product
BLUE BIRD ALL AMERICAN
Brand
BLUE BIRD
Manufacturer
BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANY
Category
Vehicle — School Bus
Hazard
Affected units
3,992

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 (1)

  • ALL AMERICAN

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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