The Recall Desk
SevereNHTSA·12V277000·Announced 2012-06-18

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

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 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
Hazard
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

Same manufacturer · BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANY

See all →

Same hazard · loss of control

See all →