Recall 11V218 affects 3,919 2004-2006 Blue Bird Vision buses for a starter cable clearance defect that creates fire risk. Repair is free.
Blue Bird is recalling 3,919 2004-2006 Vision school buses because the starter cable can rub against the steel braided power steering hose and create a direct short. That short can start a fire, and the Blue Bird dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The starter cable on 2004-2006 Blue Bird Vision school buses carries battery power to the starter motor, the part that turns the engine over when the bus is started. That cable needs intact insulation because it runs near metal and other under-hood parts that carry fluid or electrical current.
On affected buses, the starter cable can touch the steel braided power steering hose. That hose is reinforced with metal braid and carries pressurized power steering fluid. When the cable rubs against the hose, the hose can wear through the cable insulation. Once bare cable contacts the metal braid, it creates a direct electrical short instead of sending power only through the intended circuit.
There is no warning sign before failure. The problem is the cable's position and contact with the hose, so an owner or fleet technician can miss it until the insulation has already been damaged.
Who's affected?
Spans the 2004, 2005, and 2006 model years, all tied to the same battery cable component.
| 2004 Blue Bird Vision | battery |
|---|---|
| 2005 Blue Bird Vision | battery |
| 2006 Blue Bird Vision | battery |
| Units affected | 3,919 |
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?
An electrical short can start a fire. If your VIN is included, arrange the inspection and repair promptly. The dealer checks clearance between the starter cable and power steering hose, installs a clamp when needed, and replaces damaged parts. Repair will be free at any franchised Blue Bird dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2004-2006 Blue Bird Vision is included in this recall.
- Use Blue Bird's owner notice, or call Blue Bird customer service at 1-478-822-2242 to confirm the current repair instructions.
- Ask a franchised Blue Bird dealer to inspect the starter cable near the power-steering hose, then install the clamp or replace damaged parts for free.
- Reference recall number 11V218 when you call the dealer.
- Park the bus away from buildings if you see chafed wiring, fluid leakage, smoke, or burning odor before the repair.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Blue Bird technician inspects the bus for clearance between the starter cable and the steel braided power steering hose. If the cable is too close to the hose, the technician installs a clamp to stop further contact. Any damaged power steering hose or starter cable is replaced as part of the recall. The filing does not confirm the remedy is open now, so the dealer repair will be free once available.
Timeline
| April 6, 2011 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| April 12, 2011 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 11V218?
Recall 11V218 covers 3,919 2004-2006 Blue Bird Vision school buses with a starter cable that can contact and chafe against a steel-braided power steering hose. That contact can create a direct short and fire risk. Blue Bird dealers inspect the clearance and complete the repair for free.
What should I do if my 2004-2006 Blue Bird Vision is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific bus is included in recall 11V218. If it is, contact a franchised Blue Bird dealer to schedule the starter-cable and power-steering-hose clearance inspection. Reference recall number 11V218 when you call. The dealer repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost. Blue Bird dealers inspect the bus for proper clearance, install a clamp when needed, and replace damaged power steering hoses or starter cables free of charge.
What is the safety risk on this Blue Bird Vision recall?
The safety risk is fire. In recall 11V218, the starter cable can rub against the steel-braided power steering hose and create a direct short. If your VIN is included, schedule the free dealer inspection before keeping the bus in regular service.
What if I bought this 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 specific 2004-2006 Blue Bird Vision is included, then call a franchised Blue Bird dealer and reference recall 11V218.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/11V218000 |
|---|---|
| Blue Bird customer service | 1-478-822-2242 |
| NHTSA recall # | 11V218 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 11V218000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - 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 2, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →