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Blue Bird Vision School Bus Recall 22V321: Bus Can Start While in Gear, Risking Unintended Movement

NHTSA campaign 22V321, reported May 11, 2022, 53 vehicles potentially affected.

What this recall means for you

Certain 2023 Vision school buses with an Allison automatic transmission have incorrect starter interlock settings in the vehicle software. This can let the engine crank while the T-handle gear shifter is in Reverse or Drive, when it should only start in Park or Neutral. The buses fail to meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 102, which covers transmission shift lever sequence and starter interlock requirements.

A bus started in Reverse or Drive can move unexpectedly, which raises the risk of a crash or injury to people near the vehicle, including students and staff.

The fix is a software update that dealers will install at no cost to you. Owner notification letters were mailed on June 30, 2022. If you have questions, contact Blue Bird customer service at 1-478-822-2242 and reference recall R22BW (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 22V321Blue Bird Body Company
Component
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE; POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:PARK/NEUTRAL START INTERLOCK SWITCH
Problem
Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain 2023 Vision school buses equipped with an Allison transmission. The starter interlock settings in the vehicle software are incorrect, allowing the engine to crank while the T-handle gear shifter is in Reverse or Drive. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 102, "Transmission Shift Lever Sequence/Starter Interlock/Transmission Braking Effect."
Risk
A bus that is started in reverse or drive may result in unintended vehicle movement, and increase the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy
Dealers will update the software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on June 30, 2022. Owners may contact Blue Bird's customer service at 1-478-822-2242. Blue Bird's number for this recall R22BW (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.nhtsa.gov.

Affected vehicles

Blue Bird Vision School Bus2023