Electrical system: wiring (Blue Bird)
Vehicle recall 02V-217. NHTSA received BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANY’s report on Aug 12, 2002.
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The short answer
NHTSA received BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANY’s report on Aug 12, 2002. Copied from NHTSA on Oct 20, 2026.
Every line below is in NHTSA’s own words, with its source beside it.
What’s wrong with it?
THE HARNESS CAN WEAR THROUGH CAUSING AN ELECTRICAL SHORT IN THE GRID HEATER POWER SUPPLY, INCREASING THE RISK OF A FIRE.
ON CERTAIN REAR ENGINE SCHOOL AND TRANSIT BUSES EQUIPPED WITH CUMMINS ISB ENGINES, THE WIRING HARNESS TO THE COMBUSTION AIR INTAKE GRID HEATER COULD CHAFE AGAINST ENGINE COMPONENTS.
NHTSA, Recalls flat file before 2010. Released Oct 20, 2026. Updated daily.
- NHTSA’s part: Electrical system: wiring.
What should you do?
OWNERS WILL BE CONTACTED AND ADVISED TO ADD A BRACKET TO SUPPORT THE HARNESS AWAY FROM THE ENGINE COMPONENTS. BLUE BIRD WILL PROVIDE A REPLACEMENT HARNESS FOR ANY HARNESSES FOUND ABRADED AND WILL REIMBURSE THE CUSTOMER FOR THE LABOR REQUIRED TO REPLACE THE HARNESS. OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR ABOUT SEPTEMBER 29, 2002. 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.
NHTSA, Recalls flat file before 2010. Released Oct 20, 2026. Updated daily.
- How to reach the firm: ALSO, CUSTOMERS CAN CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION’S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
- Check a vehicle by its VIN at NHTSA: the recalls still open on it are listed there.
Which ones are recalled?
NHTSA counts 255 vehicles potentially involved, across everything this recall names.
NHTSA, Recalls flat file before 2010. Released Oct 20, 2026. Updated daily.
- Blue Bird Commercial Seriesand 2002 and 2003, before the model years listed here
- Blue Bird All Americanand 2002 and 2003, before the model years listed here
Who is recalling it?
- Made by BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANY.
NHTSA, Recalls flat file before 2010. Released Oct 20, 2026. Updated daily.
What the record doesn’t say
- NHTSA’s recall file doesn’t say whether anyone was hurt.
- Whether one vehicle or seat has been fixed: only its maker, or NHTSA’s lookup with a VIN, can say.
- This recall names only model years before 2015, which have no pages here. Your VIN, at NHTSA, says which recalls are open on a vehicle.
- How many have been returned or fixed isn’t in the notice.
Hearth Record wrote these lines.
Sources
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National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Recalls flat file before 2010 (FLAT_RCL_PRE_2010).
Released Oct 20, 2026 and checked Oct 20, 2026. Updated daily. Public domain (U.S. Government work).
Vehicle, car seat, tire and vehicle equipment recalls, owner complaints and crash ratings are from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Copied on Oct 20, 2026.