Blue Bird Recalls Certain 2003-2010 Rear Engine School Buses

Vehicle Make / Model:		Model Year(s):
BLUE BIRD / ALL AMERICAN		2003-2010
Manufacturer: BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANY		Mfr’s Report Date: JUN 05, 2009
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 09V205000		N/A NHTSA Action Number: N/A

Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION

Potential Number of Units Affected: 2203

Summary: BLUE BIRD IS RECALLING 2,203 MODEL YEAR 2003 THROUGH 2010 ALL AMERICAN REAR ENGINE SCHOOL BUSES EQUIPPED WITH OPTIONAL PLUG STYLE VANDAL LOCKS MANUFACTURED FROM JULY 16, 2003 THROUGH APRIL 10, 2009. THE PLUG STYLE VANDAL LOCK IS NOT WIRED TO INHIBIT THE STARTER AT THE IGNITION SWITCH WHEN THE VANDAL LOCK IS IN THE LOCKED POSITION. THESE BUSES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 217, “BUS EMERGENCY EXITS AND WINDOW RETENTION AND RELEASE.”

Consequence: THE VEHICLES CAN BE STARTED AND DRIVEN EVEN WHEN AN OWNER MAY THINK THEY CANNOT.

Remedy: BLUE BIRD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPAIR THE BUSES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR ABOUT JUNE 22, 2009. OWNER MAY CONTACT BLUE BIRD AT 1-478-422-2242.

Notes: BLUE BIRD’S RECALL CAMPAIGN NO. R09PE. OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION’S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV .