NHTSA Recall 04V213000
Filed by Blue Bird Body Company. Component: Structure. Reported 2004-05-05. An estimated 297 vehicles are affected. Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer.
Defect
ALL AMERICAN SCHOOL BUSES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN JANUARY 10 AND APRIL 20, 2004, WHICH THE INSIDE PANELS ADJACENT TO THE REAR CENTER EMERGENCY DOOR (OR REAR CENTER EMERGENCY WINDOW ON REAR ENGINE MODELS) DO NOT COMPLY WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 221, SCHOOL BUS BODY JOINT STRENGTH. ADHESIVE WAS INADVERTENTLT OMITTED FROM THESE JOINTS ON THE AFFECTED POPULATION.
Risk
THE VEHICLE OCCUPANTS MAY BE SERIOUSLY INJURED IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
What the manufacturer will do
OWNERS WILL BE NOTIFIED TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT WITH THEIR BLUE BIRD DISTRIBUTOR TO HAVE THE INSIDE REAR PANELS REMOVED AND PROPERLY ADHERE THE PANELS. OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN JUNE 9, 2004. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT BLUE BIRD AT 478-822-2242.
Manufacturer campaign number: R04HS
Notes
ALSO, CUSTOMERS CAN CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).