2013 Blue Bird All American Recalls

Recalls on record Updated July 2026

The 2013 Blue Bird All American has 28 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting an estimated 29,958 vehicles. Recall repairs are always free at any authorized dealer. Owners have filed 1 complaint with NHTSA, most often about the service brakes. Last updated July 5, 2026.

Recall campaigns

PARKING BRAKE 20V234000 2020-04-27 2,264 affected
Defect

Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain 2006-2021 Vision and 2007-2013 All American school buses. The floor-mounted parking brake may fail to hold the vehicle stationary on an incline when the vehicle is loaded to its maximum weight, due to an insufficient application force. As such, these vehicles…

Consequence

A parking brake system that is set to an insufficient application force may result in an increased possibility of unintended vehicle movement, which increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Blue Bird will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the floor mounted park brake application force hand lever assembly and correct the application force, as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin June 24, 2020. Owners may contact Blue Bird customer service at 478-822-2242. Blue Bird's number…

SEATS 20V125000 2020-03-03 2,790 affected
Defect

Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain 2008-2021 Vision and All American school buses. The seat barrier behind the driver seat with an integrated 3-point seat belt may have been installed incorrectly and may be missing the reinforcing bracket. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the…

Consequence

In the event of a crash, the seat barrier may not adequately protect the occupant seated behind the seat barrier separating them from the driver seat with integrated 3-point seat belt, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy

Blue Bird will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and properly install the seat barrier including adding reinforcing bracket, as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin April 23, 2020. Owners may contact Blue Bird customer service at 1-478-822-2242. Blue Bird's number for this recall is…

EQUIPMENT 18V801000 2018-11-14 86 affected
Defect

Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain 2007-2019 Blue Bird All American ambulance buses. The clamps that secure the stacked stretchers may fail from repeated use or from high loads.

Consequence

If the clamps fail with patients in the stretchers, it can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy

Blue Bird will notify owners, and dealers will install redesigned clamps, free of charge. The recall began December 12, 2018. Owners may contact Blue Bird customer service at 1-478-822-2242. Blue Bird's number for this recall is R18ZQ-NSB.

SEATS 16V172000 2016-03-25 67 affected
Defect

Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain model year 2011-2017 All American school buses manufactured from August 20, 2010, through December 16, 2015. Buses with rear side emergency doors have seats over the wheelhouse area whose rear legs may detach from the floor in a crash, resulting in belted…

Consequence

If the seat does not allow the occupant to be properly restrained in the event of a crash, they would be at an increased risk of injury.

Remedy

Blue Bird will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear leg assembly, free of charge. The recall began on April 19, 2016. Owners may contact Blue Bird customer service at 1-478-822-2242. Blue Bird's recall number for this campaign is R16YM-SB.

EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY 15V730000 2015-11-04 5,114 affected
Defect

Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain model year 2007-2015 All American, Vision, 2007-2011 Micro Bird, and 2007-2008 Conventional school buses, equipped with certain model S2005, S2010, S5005, S5010, S5505, and S5510 wheelchair lifts manufactured January 1, 2006, to August 25, 2014 by the Ricon…

Consequence

If the bearings move out of position, the stowed platform may have excessive movement resulting in failure of the platform mounting. This failure could cause the wheel chair lift platform to fall out of the vehicle when the doors are opened, increasing the risk of injury for the lift operator.

Remedy

Blue Bird will notify owners, and Ricon dealers will inspect the link arms for damage or for displaced bearings. The platform will be inspected for cracks. Any damaged parts will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began on December 1, 2015. Owners may contact Blue Bird customer service at 1-478-822-2242, or…

EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY 15V731000 2015-11-04 90 affected
Defect

Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain model year 2007-2015 All American and Vision and 2007-2011 Micro Bird transit buses equipped with certain model S2005, S2010, S5005, S5010, S5505, and S5510 wheelchair lifts manufactured January 1, 2006, to August 25, 2014 by the Ricon Corporation. The affected…

Consequence

If the bearings move out of position, the stowed platform may have excessive movement resulting in failure of the platform mounting. This failure could cause the wheel chair lift platform to fall out of the vehicle when the doors are opened, increasing the risk of injury for the lift operator.

Remedy

Blue Bird will notify owners, and Ricon dealers will inspect the link arms for damage or for displaced bearings. The platform will be inspected for cracks. Any damaged parts will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began on December 1, 2015. Owners may contact Blue Bird customer service at 1-478-822-2242, or…

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 15V293000 2015-05-19 840 affected
Defect

Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain model year 2009-2016 All American rear engine school buses manufactured December 7, 2008, to May 11, 2015, and equipped with certain Cummins Westport ISL G engines. Excessive engine crankcase pressures may cause the 90-degree elbow of the vent tube assembly to…

Consequence

If engine oil comes into contact with a hot surface, there is an increased risk of a fire.

Remedy

Cummins will notify owners on behalf of Blue Bird, and Cummins service centers will administer the repairs which include securing the ends of the 90-degree elbow and reprogramming the electronic control module (ECM) with software that can adjust the engine output under misfire conditions to limit crankcase pressures.…

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 15V294000 2015-05-19 34 affected
Defect

Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain model year 2009-2016 All American rear engine non school buses manufactured December 7, 2008, to May 11, 2015, and equipped with certain Cummins Westport ISL G engines. Excessive engine crankcase pressures may cause the 90-degree elbow of the vent tube assembly…

Consequence

If engine oil comes into contact with a hot surface, there is an increased risk of a fire.

Remedy

Cummins will notify owners on behalf of Blue Bird, and Cummins service centers will administer the repairs which include securing the ends of the 90-degree elbow and reprogramming the electronic control module (ECM) with software that can adjust the engine output under misfire conditions to limit crankcase pressures.…

SEAT BELTS 15V136000 2015-03-10 1,344 affected
Defect

Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain model year 2013-2016 All American A3FE, A3RE, T3FE, T3RE, and D3RE school buses manufactured June 28, 2012, to September 25, 2014, and 2013-2016 Vision BBCV school buses manufactured June 9, 2012, to September 30, 2014. Incorrect fasteners may have been used to…

Consequence

If the seat belts are improperly anchored, there is an increased risk of occupant injury in the event of a crash.

Remedy

Blue Bird will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the the seat gusset reinforcement mounting fasteners, and will install an additional gusset reinforcement bracket, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on April 2, 2015. Owners may contact Blue Bird customer service at 1-478-822-2242. Blue Birds number…

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 15V060000 2015-02-03 474 affected
Defect

Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain model year 2011-2016 All American rear engine transit buses manufactured June 5, 2010, to January 13, 2015. In the affected transit buses, the exhaust system hangers may fail, possibly causing damage to the Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) and the Diesel…

Consequence

If all the exhaust hangers were to fail, the housings may fall onto the roadway, creating a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Blue Bird will notify owners, and dealers will install new bolted hanger assemblies and support cables, free of charge. The recall began on March 5, 2015. Owners may contact Blue Bird customer service at 1-478-822-2242. Blue Bird's number for this recall is R15YB-NSB.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 15V059000 2015-02-03 1,936 affected
Defect

Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain model year 2011-2016 All American rear engine school buses manufactured June 5, 2010, to January 13, 2015. In the affected school buses, the exhaust system hangers may fail, possibly causing damage to the Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) and the Diesel…

Consequence

If all the exhaust hangers were to fail, the housings may fall onto the roadway, creating a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Blue Bird will notify owners, and dealers will install new bolted hanger assemblies and support cables, free of charge. The recall began on March 6, 2015. Owners may contact Blue Bird customer service at 1-478-822-2242. Blue Bird's number for this recall is R15YB-SB.

EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY 14V511000 2014-08-19 90 affected
Defect

Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain model year 2007-2015 All American, 2007-2010 Micro Bird, and 2007-2014 Vision non-school buses equipped with certain model S2005, S2010, S5005, S5010, S5505, and S5510 wheelchair lifts manufactured by Ricon Corporation. The platform side plate of the affected…

Consequence

If the platform side plates crack, the lift platform can separate from the lift and come to rest against the vehicle's lift door. When the doors are opened, the platform may fall out, increasing the risk of injury to the lift operator.

Remedy

Blue Bird will notify owners to take buses to a Ricon dealer or service center who will install supplemental platform support bumpers. Any platform that has already started cracking will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began on October 1, 2014. Owners may contact Blue Bird customer service at…

EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY 14V510000 2014-08-19 5,114 affected
Defect

Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain model year 2007-2015 All American and Vision, 2007-2011 Micro Bird, and 2007-2008 Conventional school buses equipped with certain model S2005, S2010, S5005, S5010, S5505, and S5510 wheelchair lifts manufactured by Ricon Corporation. The platform side plate of…

Consequence

If the platform side plates crack, the lift platform can separate from the lift and come to rest against the vehicle's lift door. When the doors are opened, the platform may fall out, increasing the risk of injury to the lift operator.

Remedy

Blue Bird will notify owners to take buses to a Ricon dealer or service center who will install supplemental platform support bumpers. Any platform that has already started cracking will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began on October 1, 2014. Owners may contact Blue Bird customer service at…

FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER 14V436000 2014-07-18 32 affected
Defect

Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 All American rear engine school buses manufactured July 21, 2011 to April 30, 2014, and equipped with CNG fuel systems and delivered to or registered in the following "Cold Weather" states: Colorado, Pennsylvania, Utah, and Wyoming. In the…

Consequence

A natural gas leak in the presence of an ignition source could potentially cause a fire or explosion.

Remedy

Blue Bird will notify owners, and dealers will replace the original pressure relief device and o-ring with a new one, free of charge. The recall began on September 8, 2014. Owners may contact Blue Bird customer service at 1-478-822-2242. Blue Bird's number for this recall is R14XH.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 14V314000 2014-06-11 587 affected
Defect

Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain model year 2008-2013 All American rear engine non-school buses manufactured May 9, 2007, to November 12, 2012. Due to the design of the thermostat, a heater hose may rupture which could result in hot coolant entering the passenger compartment.

Consequence

Hot coolant leaking into the passenger compartment increases the risk of injury to the passengers.

Remedy

Blue Bird will notify owners, and dealers will replace the thermostat and change the passenger compartment heater supply hose, free of charge. The recall began on July 15, 2014. Owners may contact Blue Bird customer service at 1-478-822-2242. Blue Bird's number for this recall is R14XF.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 14V313000 2014-06-11 1,935 affected
Defect

Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain model year 2008-2013 All American rear engine school buses manufactured April 3, 2007, to December 15, 2012. Due to the design of the thermostat, a heater hose may rupture which could result in hot coolant entering the passenger compartment.

Consequence

Hot coolant leaking into the passenger compartment increases the risk of injury to the passengers.

Remedy

Blue Bird will notify owners, and dealers will replace the thermostat and change the passenger compartment heater supply hose, free of charge. The recall began on July 15, 2014. Owners may contact Blue Bird customer service at 1-478-822-2242. Blue Bird's number for this recall is R14XF.

STEERING 14V309000 2014-06-05 2,539 affected
Defect

Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain 2012-2015 All American school buses manufactured August 20, 2011, through May 21, 2014. In the affected vehicles, a clamp on the steering shaft may come in contact with the rubber boot at the floor.

Consequence

If the steering shaft clamp comes into contact with the rubber boot, additional effort would be needed to steer the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Blue Bird will notify owners, and dealers will relocate the rubber boot and install a new steering shaft clamp, free of charge. The recall began on July 8, 2014. Owners may contact Blue Bird customer service at 1-478-822-2242. Blue Bird's number for this recall is R14XE.

STEERING 14V306000 2014-06-05 444 affected
Defect

Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain 2012-2015 All American transit buses manufactured September 1, 2011 through May 16, 2014. In the affected vehicles, a clamp on the steering shaft may come in contact with the rubber boot at the floor.

Consequence

If the steering shaft clamp comes into contact with the rubber boot, additional effort would be needed to steer the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Blue Bird will notify owners, and dealers will relocate the rubber boot and install a new steering shaft clamp, free of charge. The recall began on July 8, 2014. Owners may contact Blue Bird customer service at 1-478-822-2242. Blue Bird's number for this recall is R14XE.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 14V215000 2014-04-23 20 affected
Defect

Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain model year 2009-2015 All American rear engine non-school buses manufactured from June 23, 2010, through May 24, 2012, and equipped with certain Cummins Westport Model ISL G compressed natural gas engines. Condensation in the intake manifold may freeze during…

Consequence

The improper operation of the sensor could induce elevated exhaust temperatures or flames from the exhaust pipe, increasing the risk of a vehicle fire or burn injury to a person near the exhaust pipe.

Remedy

Cummins and Cummins Westport has notified owners, and authorized Cummins service facilities will upload a new ECM calibration, free of charge. The recall began on April 12, 2014. Customers may contact Blue Bird at 1-478-822-2242 or Cummins Inc. at 1-800-343-7357. Blue Bird's number for this recall is R14XB.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 14V083000 2014-02-27 695 affected
Defect

Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain model year 2009-2015 All American rear engine school buses manufactured from December 8, 2008, through November 15, 2013, and equipped with certain Cummins Westport Model ISL G engines. Condensation in the intake manifold may freeze during cold weather…

Consequence

The improper operation of the sensor could induce elevated exhaust temperatures or flames from the exhaust pipe, increasing the risk of a vehicle fire or burn injury to a person near the exhaust pipe.

Remedy

Cummins and Cummins Westport will notify owners, and authorized Cummins service facilities will upload a new ECM calibration, free of charge. The recall began on April 12, 2014. Customers may contact Blue Bird at 1-478-822-2242 or Cummins Inc. at 1-800-343-7357. Blue Bird's number for this recall is R14XB.

STRUCTURE 13V332000 2013-07-31 172 affected
Defect

Blue Bird Body Company is recalling certain model year 2007-2014 All American and Vision school buses manufactured March 10, 2006, through June 18, 2013; and equipped with optional transit sliding windows. Joint adhesive may not have been applied at the interior and exterior body window panel joints. Without the…

Consequence

In the event of a vehicle crash, there is an increased risk that the window panels may separate and fall onto occupants causing injury.

Remedy

Blue Bird will notify owners, and dealers will install additional rivets at the window panel joints, free of charge. The recall began on August 28, 2013. Owners may contact Blue Bird at 1-478-825-2021. Blue Bird's recall number is R13WM.

SEATS 13V200000 2013-05-15 441 affected
Defect

Blue Bird is recalling certain model year 2010 through 2014 All American and Vision model school buses manufactured from August 25, 2009, through March 19, 2013, and equipped with C. E. White Inc. Flip Seats models Quasi Static "QSJ11" (30", 36", 39" and 45"), Student Safety Seat "SSSJ" (30", 36", 39" and 45"), or…

Consequence

When a Flip Seat is installed in front of another passenger seat, it is possible for the occupant of the rearward passenger seat to insert their toes and/or foot into the lower frame area of the Flip Seat. When a vehicle passenger occupies the Flip Seat, pushing the seat bottom downward to the horizontal position to…

Remedy

Blue Bird will notify owners, and dealers will install a safety guard to prevent passengers from placing their toes or feet in the opening on the back of the subject Flip Seats, free of charge. The recall began on June 14, 2013. Owners may contact Blue Bird at 1-478-822-2242 for more information. Blue Bird's…

SEAT BELTS 12V360000 2012-07-25 23 affected
Defect

Blue Bird is recalling model year 2013 All American and Vision non-school buses manufactured from April 30, 2012, through June 23, 2012. Driver's seat belts may have been inadvertently installed with mismatched buckles. The latch plate (tongue) on one style buckle may mate up to another style buckle receiver but the…

Consequence

Should this condition occur, the seat occupant may not be properly restrained and could be injured in an accident or sudden stop.

Remedy

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.

SEAT BELTS 12V359000 2012-07-25 726 affected
Defect

Blue Bird is recalling model year 2013 All American and Vision school buses manufactured from April 30, 2012, through June 23, 2012. Driver's seat belts may have been inadvertently installed with mismatched buckles which fails to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 209, "Seat…

Consequence

Should this condition occur, the seat occupant may not be properly restrained and could be injured in an accident or sudden stop.

Remedy

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.

EQUIPMENT 12V277000 2012-06-18 13 affected
Defect

BLUE BIRD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2013 ALL AMERICAN REAR ENGINE SCHOOL BUSES AND ONE AFTERMARKET BRAKE TREADLE VALVE. THE AFFECTED BUSES WERE MANUFACTURED FROM DECEMBER 9, 2011, THROUGH MARCH 9, 2012. THE BRAKE VALVE PLUNGER MAY FRACTURE DURING BRAKE APPLICATION, RESULTING IN REDUCED BRAKE PEDAL ANGLE AND…

Consequence

EITHER CONDITION COULD REDUCE BRAKING ABILITY AND/OR LEAD TO LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

ALL OF THE 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 BEEN REPAIRED. THEREFORE, AN OWNER NOTIFICATION NOTICE WILL NOT BE ISSUED FOR THIS CAMPAIGN. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BLUE BIRD AT 1-478-822-2242.

STRUCTURE 12V261000 2012-06-08 1,406 affected
Defect

BLUE BIRD CORPORATION (BLUE BIRD) IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 THROUGH 2013 ALL AMERICAN AND VISION SCHOOL BUSES MANUFACTURED FROM APRIL 7, 2011, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2012, EQUIPPED WITH SPECIALTY MANUFACTURING INC. (SMI) PROLO ROOF HATCHES. INCREASED FRICTION BETWEEN THE REAR PLATE ASSEMBLIES, P/NO. 009327,…

Consequence

IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY, EGRESS OF THE BUS MAY BE HINDERED POSSIBLY RESULTING IN INJURY TO THE VEHICLE OCCUPANTS.

Remedy

BLUE BIRD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS. SMI WILL PROVIDE SERVICE KITS ALONG WITH REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS TO DEALERS AND OWNERS, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 21, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BLUE BIRD AT 1-478-822-2242 OR SMI AT 1-800-951-7867.

SERVICE BRAKES, AIR 12V218000 2012-05-15 31 affected
Defect

BLUE BIRD CORPORATION (BLUE BIRD) IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 THROUGH 2013 ALL AMERICAN AND VISION NON SCHOOL BUSES MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 30, 2009, THROUGH APRIL 4, 2012 AND EQUIPPED WITH AIR BRAKES. THE PRIMARY AND SECONDARY AIR BRAKE LINES MAY HAVE BEEN CROSSED AT THE BRAKE TREADLE VALVE. INCORRECT…

Consequence

IN THE EVENT OF A BRAKE SYSTEM PROBLEM, INCORRECT INSTALLATION OF THE AIR BRAKE LINES COULD RESULT IN A REDUCTION OR COMPLETE LOSS OF BRAKE ACTION, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

BLUE BIRD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE BUSES FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 23, , 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BLUE BIRD AT 1-478-822-2242.

SERVICE BRAKES, AIR 12V217000 2012-05-15 651 affected
Defect

BLUE BIRD CORPORATION (BLUE BIRD) IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 THROUGH 2013 ALL AMERICAN AND VISION SCHOOL BUSES MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 30, 2009, THROUGH APRIL 4, 2012 AND EQUIPPED WITH AIR BRAKES. THE PRIMARY AND SECONDARY AIR BRAKE LINES MAY HAVE BEEN CROSSED AT THE BRAKE TREADLE VALVE. INCORRECT…

Consequence

IN THE EVENT OF A BRAKE SYSTEM PROBLEM, INCORRECT INSTALLATION OF THE AIR BRAKE LINES COULD RESULT IN A REDUCTION OR COMPLETE LOSS OF BRAKE ACTION, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

BLUE BIRD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE BUSES FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 23, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BLUE BIRD AT 1-478-822-2242.

Complaints by component

SERVICE BRAKES
1
Total complaints1

What owners report

Verbatim reports filed with NHTSA, lightly edited for readability and with personal information removed.

“Plug corroded on abs module resulting in poor brakes. Bus was in motion contacted vehicle in opposing lane(side swipe) and nearly struck parked car in event. Part that failed was wabco abs module aluminum plug.”

SERVICE BRAKES · reported 2016-06-27

Defect investigations

Investigation EQ15003 Opened 2015-03-16 · closed 2015-06-24

Engine Thermostat Heater Hose Failure

See the attached closing report.

Sources & methodology

Recall, complaint, and investigation records from official NHTSA datasets (FLAT_RCL, FLAT_CMPL, FLAT_INV), synced weekly. Counts reflect NHTSA records for the 2013 Blue Bird All American as of July 5, 2026. Complaint narratives are consumer-submitted and unverified. This page contains ads and affiliate links. Full methodology.