Recall 11V174 affects 13,645 2007-2011 Blue Bird Vision buses for an ABS warning-light defect. Repair will be free once available.
Blue Bird is recalling 13,645 2007-2011 Vision school buses because the ABS indicator light fails to come on when the ABS circuit disconnects from the main module. That leaves the driver unaware of an ABS failure and reduced braking function, which raises the risk of a crash; the Blue Bird dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The dashboard ABS indicator in a 2007-2011 Blue Bird Vision school bus is the warning light for the anti-lock brake system. The ABS helps keep wheels from locking during hard braking, and the light is supposed to alert the driver when the system has an electrical fault or loses connection with the main ABS module.
On affected buses, the dash instrument panel does not turn on the ABS light when the ABS circuit is disconnected at the main ABS module. That means an ABS electrical problem can be present without the expected warning on the dashboard. The defect is in the warning function, so the driver loses a key alert that the ABS needs attention.
There is no warning sign before failure. A driver or fleet technician would not see the ABS light come on when this specific disconnection happens, so the bus needs the recall repair to restore the warning function.
Who's affected?
Spans the 2007-2011 Blue Bird Vision bus line, all tied to the instrument panel.
| 2007 Blue Bird Vision | instrument panel |
|---|---|
| 2009 Blue Bird Vision | instrument panel |
| 2010 Blue Bird Vision | instrument panel |
| 2008 Blue Bird Vision | instrument panel |
| 2011 Blue Bird Vision | instrument panel |
| Units affected | 13,645 |
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?
If the ABS circuit disconnects from the main ABS module, the bus operator does not get clear notice that ABS braking support has failed. That reduced braking function increases crash risk, especially when hard braking is needed. Schedule the recall work promptly. Repair will be free at any franchised Blue Bird dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2007-2011 Blue Bird Vision bus is included in this recall.
- Wait for Blue Bird's repair instructions if your VIN is included, then schedule the free software update once Blue Bird confirms the update is open.
- Contact Blue Bird customer service at 1-478-822-2242 with questions about the dash instrument panel software update.
- Bring the owner letter mailed on June 23, 2011, if you have it. If not, reference recall number 11V174 when you call.
- Avoid operating the bus until Blue Bird or a franchised Blue Bird dealer confirms the software update is complete and the ABS warning light works as intended.
What happens at the repair
Blue Bird's remedy is a dealer software update for the dash instrument panel. Once the update is available, a Blue Bird technician will reprogram the panel with software produced with Stoneridge so the ABS indicator light gives the required signal when the ABS circuit is disconnected at the main module. The affected buses will be repaired free of charge. Blue Bird's filing does not give a repair time, so ask the service desk how long the reprogramming visit takes once the update opens.
Timeline
| March 15, 2011 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| June 23, 2011 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 11V174?
Recall 11V174 covers 13,645 2007-2011 Blue Bird Vision school buses with an ABS indicator light problem in the dash instrument panel. If the ABS circuit disconnects at the main ABS module, the driver is not alerted. Blue Bird dealers reprogram the dash instrument panel for free.
What should I do if my 2007-2011 Blue Bird Vision is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific bus is included in recall 11V174. If it is, contact a franchised Blue Bird dealer to schedule the dash instrument panel software update. Reference recall 11V174 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. Blue Bird says the affected buses will be repaired free of charge, and the dealer repair is the dash instrument panel software update.
What is the safety risk?
The risk is that the bus operator is not warned when the ABS circuit disconnects from the main ABS module. That leaves the driver unaware of ABS failure and reduced braking function, increasing crash risk. The fix is the free Blue Bird dealer software update.
What if I bought a Blue Bird Vision used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the bus, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your 2007-2011 Blue Bird Vision is included, then contact a franchised Blue Bird dealer and reference recall 11V174.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/11V174000 |
|---|---|
| Blue Bird customer service | 1-478-822-2242 |
| NHTSA recall # | 11V174 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 11V174000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation 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 →