The Recall Desk
HighNHTSA·12V359000·Announced 2012-07-25

Blue Bird Recalls 2013 School Buses Due to Seat Belt Defect

Blue Bird is recalling 726 model year 2013 All American and Vision school buses because driver's seat belts may have mismatched buckles that fail to engage properly.

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 structural vehicle defect (seat belt assembly) where injury has not yet been reported, fitting the 'High' severity criteria for risk-of-harm products without reported illness or injury.

Plain-English summary

Blue Bird Body Company is recalling 726 model year 2013 All American and Vision school buses manufactured between April 30, 2012, and June 23, 2012. The recall addresses a defect in the driver's seat belt buckle assembly where mismatched buckles may have been inadvertently installed. These buckles do not conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 209, "Seat Belt Assemblies," as the latch plate may not be properly engaged in the receiver.

If this condition occurs, the seat occupant may not be properly restrained, increasing the risk of injury in an accident or sudden stop. No injuries or deaths have been reported in connection with this defect.

Blue Bird will notify owners, and dealers will repair the buses free of charge. The safety recall began on August 23, 2012. 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, VISION
Brand
BLUE BIRD
Manufacturer
BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANY
Category
Vehicle — School Bus
Hazard
Affected units
726

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 (2)

  • ALL AMERICAN
  • VISION

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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