Is This A Lemon?

NHTSA recall campaign

03V498000

ManufacturerBLUE BIRD BODY COMPANYReported2003-12-04Affected417 vehicles

What was wrong

Defect

ON CERTAIN CONVENTIONAL STYLE SCHOOL BUSES, ONLY THOSE EQUIPPPED WITH AIR BRAKES, THE UNDERHOOD FIREWALL LOCATION OF THE AIR BRAKE MANIFOLD MAY PERMIT RAINWATER ENTRY INTO THE PARKING BRAKE EXHAUST PORT FITTING OF THE MANIFOLD. IN FREEZING WEATHER, THIS WATER COULD FORM ICE BLOCKING THE EXHAUST PORT. WHEN THIS OCCURS, THE PARKING BRAKE DOES NOT OPERATE AS DESIGNED.

Risk

IN THE EVENT THAT THIS CONDITION SHOULD OCCUR AND THE PARKING BRAKE FAILED TO APPLY, THE BUS COULD ROLL AWAY, RESULTING IN PROPERTY DAMAGE OR PERSONAL INJURY.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL MODIFY THESE VEHICLES. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON DECEMBER 8, 2003. 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 1-478-822-2242.

To check whether your specific VIN is covered and to find a participating dealer, look this campaign up on NHTSA.gov →

Affected vehicles

1 entry