Recall 10V170 affects 195 2004-2009 Blue Bird Vision buses for power-cable lugs that create fire risk. Repair is free at any franchised Blue Bird dealer.
Blue Bird is recalling 195 2004-2009 Vision non-school buses because power-cable lugs can be installed with the flat side up, letting vibration wear through insulation and create a direct electrical short. That short raises the risk of a fire; the Blue Bird dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The power cables on 2004-2009 Blue Bird Vision non-school buses carry battery power to the power distribution unit and the driver's control module. Each cable ends in a metal lug, or eyelet, that bolts onto a threaded stud. The insulation around the cable keeps that metal connection separated from nearby electrical parts.
On the recalled buses, the lug was installed with its flat side facing up at the power distribution unit stud or the driver's control module stud. That position leaves the connection vulnerable to vibration during normal bus operation. As the bus vibrates, the lug wears through nearby insulation. Once bare metal touches the power distribution unit or driver's control module, the electrical system has a direct short.
Blue Bird did not identify an owner-visible symptom before the short occurs. There is no warning sign before failure.
Who's affected?
Spans the Vision bus line from 2004 through 2009, all tied to the electrical system.
| 2009 Blue Bird Vision | electrical system |
|---|---|
| 2008 Blue Bird Vision | electrical system |
| 2004 Blue Bird Vision | electrical system |
| 2007 Blue Bird Vision | electrical system |
| 2005 Blue Bird Vision | electrical system |
| 2006 Blue Bird Vision | electrical system |
| Units affected | 195 |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific bus is included.
What's the safety risk?
This condition creates a fire risk. No warning sign is listed for owners, so schedule the recall service soon instead of waiting for symptoms. If the bus shows smoke, burning odor, or unusual heat, stop safely and call the dealer. Repair will be free at any franchised Blue Bird dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2004-2009 Blue Bird Vision is included in this recall.
- Contact Blue Bird customer service at 1-478-822-2242 to confirm the free repair path for your bus.
- Reference recall number 10V170 when you call or schedule service.
- Schedule the electrical cable repair that prevents worn insulation from creating a direct short in the electrical system.
- Bring the recall notice if Blue Bird mailed one, along with any service records for related electrical repairs.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Blue Bird technician checks the power cables at the power distribution unit stud and driver's control module stud for the lug position described in campaign 10V170. If the cable lug was installed flat side up or the insulation has worn, the bus is repaired as necessary. Blue Bird's filing says owner notification and free bus repairs began on May 26, 2020. Parts and labor are covered under the recall.
Timeline
| April 23, 2010 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| May 26, 2010 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 10V170?
Recall 10V170 covers 195 2004-2009 Blue Bird Vision non-school buses with power cable lugs that can wear through insulation and create a direct electrical short. Blue Bird will repair affected buses as needed for free.
What should I do if my 2004-2009 Blue Bird Vision is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific bus is included in recall 10V170. If it is, contact a franchised Blue Bird dealer or Blue Bird at 1-478-822-2242 to arrange the electrical system repair. Reference recall number 10V170 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Blue Bird's remedy says affected buses will be repaired as necessary free of charge through its recall process.
What is the safety risk in recall 10V170?
The safety risk is fire. In NHTSA campaign 10V170, cable lug insulation can wear away from vibration, allowing bare metal contact at the power distribution unit or driver's control module and creating a direct short in the electrical system.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/10V170000 |
|---|---|
| Blue Bird customer service | 1-478-822-2242 |
| NHTSA recall # | 10V170 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 10V170000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Defect / Noncompliance Notice (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 3, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →