CarRecallWatch
Home / Latest recalls / 19V471

Blue Bird ALL American Recall 19V471: Electric school buses may lose drive and steering power

NHTSA campaign 19V471, reported June 19, 2019, 19 vehicles potentially affected.

What this recall means for you

Certain 2018-2019 Blue Bird Vision and All American school buses with PowerDrive 7000 EV electric drivetrains have a defect in the vehicle control unit software. The control unit may unexpectedly shut down the high voltage contactors, which cuts power to every system that runs on high voltage, including the traction drive and power steering.

An unexpected loss of drive and power steering can increase the risk of a crash. Owners should treat these buses as a serious safety concern and contact an authorized dealer or the manufacturer as soon as possible.

The remedy is free. Cummins will notify Blue Bird owners and will update the vehicle control unit software to a revised version. Owners can contact Cummins customer service at 1-800-286-6467 or Blue Bird at 1-478-822-2242, referencing Blue Bird recall number R19AE (SB). You can also check your vehicle identification number for open recalls.

Check whether this recall is open on your vehicle

The repair is normally free at an authorized dealer.

Official recall notice

Safety recall 19V471Blue Bird Body Company
Component
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE; HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM
Problem
Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Vision and All American school buses equipped with PowerDrive 7000 EV electric drivetrains. The Vehicle Control Unit (VCU) may unexpectedly shut down the high voltage contactors, resulting in loss of all systems powered by high voltage, including the traction drive system and power steering.
Risk
An unexpected loss of drive and power steering may increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Cummins will notify Blue Bird owners and will update the VCU software with a revised version, free of charge. The recall began July 24, 2019. Owners may contact Cummins customer service at 1-800-286-6467 or Blue Bird at 1-478-822-2242. Blue Bird's number for this recall is R19AE (SB).
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Affected vehicles

Blue Bird ALL American20182019
Blue Bird Vision20182019