Blue Bird Recalls 2018-2019 Electric School Buses for Software Defect
Blue Bird is recalling 2018-2019 Vision and All American electric school buses because a software defect may cause the vehicle to lose drive and power steering.
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 where loss of drive and power steering increases the risk of a crash, meeting the criteria for a Severe rating.
Plain-English summary
Blue Bird Body Company is recalling certain 2018-2019 Vision and All American school buses equipped with PowerDrive 7000 EV electric drivetrains. The recall involves a defect in the Vehicle Control Unit (VCU) software that may unexpectedly shut down high-voltage contactors. This failure results in the loss of all systems powered by high voltage, including the traction drive system and power steering.
An unexpected loss of drive and power steering may increase the risk of a crash. The recall began on July 24, 2019. Cummins will notify Blue Bird owners and update the VCU software with a revised version at no charge. Owners may contact Cummins customer service at 1-800-286-6467 or Blue Bird at 1-478-822-2242. Blue Bird's number for this recall is R19AE (SB).
The recalled product
- Product
- BLUE BIRD VISION, ALL AMERICAN
- Brand
- BLUE BIRD
- Manufacturer
- Blue Bird Body Company
- Category
- Vehicle — School Bus
- Affected units
- 19
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)
- VISION
- ALL AMERICAN
Distribution
Distributed nationwide across the United States.
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