More than 1,400 All American transit-style and Vision conventional school buses are being recalled to fix roof hatches that fail to meet FMVSS 217 on “Bus Emergency Exits and Window Retention and Release.”
Blue Bird said the NHTSA recall campaign affects PROLO roof hatches manufactured by SMI and installed in model-year 2012 and 2013 All Americans and Visions that were manufactured from April 7, 2011 through March 21 of this year. The roof hatches may result in an opening force that exceeds the federal requirement due to incrased friction between the rear plate assemblies with parts number 009327 and the nylno rear pop-up support, part number 008956.
This could hinder passenger evacuation in the event of an emergency.
Blue Bird said it is notifying owners of service kits provided by SMI that will be made available free of charge to customers and dealers. The recall is expected to begin on or around June 21.
A similar recall was also filed to fix the roof hatches in an additional 11 All Americans and Visions manufactured from May 20, 2011 through Oct. 20 of this year.
