Blue Bird Recalls 2013 All American School Buses for Brake Defect
Blue Bird is recalling 13 model year 2013 All American school buses because a brake valve plunger may fracture, reducing braking ability and increasing crash risk.
What this means for you
Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 4/5 (Severe).
The hazard poses a serious risk of illness, injury, or structural failure. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.
Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a structural vehicle defect in the braking system that could lead to loss of vehicle control and a crash, meeting the criteria for a Severe rating.
Plain-English summary
Blue Bird Body Company is recalling 13 model year 2013 All American rear engine school buses and one aftermarket brake treadle valve. The affected buses were manufactured between December 9, 2011, and March 9, 2012.
The recall addresses a defect where the brake valve plunger may fracture during brake application. This condition can result in reduced brake pedal angle and travel, limiting the driver's ability to deliver full pressure from the foot brake valve. Additionally, the brake plunger could become lodged, preventing the release of the service brakes. Either condition could reduce braking ability and lead to a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
All affected buses and the one aftermarket treadle valve were sold through A-Z Bus Sales, a Blue Bird bus dealer. Blue Bird has reported that all the buses have already been repaired. Therefore, an owner notification notice will not be issued for this campaign. 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
- Affected units
- 13
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.
Related recalls
Same brand · BLUE BIRD
- SevereBlue Bird Recalls Electric School Buses Due to Loose Battery Bolts
NHTSA · 2026-10-02
- SevereBlue Bird Recalls 2022-2024 All American Electric Transit Buses
NHTSA · 2026-10-02
- HighBlue Bird Recalls Vision School Buses Due to Wheelchair Lift Defect
NHTSA · 2026-08-31
- SevereBlue Bird Recalls 2023-2027 Vision Transit Buses for Wiring Defect
NHTSA · 2026-08-10
- HighBlue Bird Recalls Vision School Buses Over Electrical Short Circuit Risk
NHTSA · 2026-08-10
Same manufacturer · BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANY
See all →- SevereBlue Bird Recalls 2022-2027 Vision Transit Buses for Brake Line Damage
NHTSA · 2026-07-20
- Severe
Same hazard · loss of control
See all →- SevereSubaru Recalls 2026 Forester and Crosstrek for Ball Joint Defect
NHTSA · 2026-10-19
- SeverePorsche Recalls 2024 Models for Center Lock Wheel Bolt Fracture Risk
NHTSA · 2026-10-16
- SevereRing Power Recalls Terex Vehicles Due to Potential Pintle Hitch Failure
NHTSA · 2026-10-02
- SevereATC Recalls RM900 and RM700 Trailers Due to Coupler Bolt Loosening
NHTSA · 2026-09-25
- Severe
Similar recalls
- SevereBlue Bird Recalls 2014-2015 School Buses Due to Parking Brake Defect
NHTSA · 2013-12-24
- Severe
- SevereBlue Bird Recalls School Buses Due to Air Brake Line Installation Error
NHTSA · 2012-05-15
- HighBlue Bird Recalls 2013 School Buses Due to Seat Belt Defect
NHTSA · 2012-07-25
- SevereBlue Bird Recalls 2014 School Buses Due to Front Suspension Bolt Defect
NHTSA · 2013-10-31
- SevereBlue Bird Recalls School Buses Due to Parking Brake Defect
NHTSA · 2011-07-08