NHTSA Recall 10V628000
Filed by Blue Bird Body Company. Component: Structure. Reported 2010-12-16. An estimated 143 vehicles are affected. Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer.
Defect
BLUE BIRD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 ALL AMERICAN D3 MODEL SCHOOL BUSES MANUFACTURED WITH 20 GAUGE OUTSIDE SIDE PANELS FROM APRIL 23, 2010, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 11, 2010. THE SIDE PANEL JOINT ADHESIVE THAT IS REQUIRED TO BE USED TO ADHERE THE PANELS MAY NOT HAVE BEEN USED DURING PRODUCTION. ACCORDINGLY, THESE BUSES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE JOINT STRENGTH REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 221, "SCHOOL BUS BODY JOINT STRENGTH."
Risk
IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SIDE PANEL JOINTS MAY NOT ENDURE AS INTENDED AND THE PANELS MAY LOOSEN OR SEPARATE, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY TO PASSENGERS.
What the manufacturer will do
BLUE BIRD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS ADD ADDITIONAL RIVETS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 26, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BLUE BIRD AT 1-478-822-2242.
Manufacturer campaign number: R11SU
Notes
BLUE BIRD'S RECALL CAMPAIGN NUMBER IS R11SU.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 <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A> .