Recall 11V219 covers 30 2004-2006 Blue Bird Vision buses for starter-cable chafing that can short and cause fire. Dealer inspection and repair are free.
Blue Bird is recalling 30 2004-2006 Vision non-school buses because the starter cable can rub against the steel braided power steering hose and create a direct short. A short can result in a fire, and the Blue Bird dealer repair will be free once the remedy is available.
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What's wrong?
On 2004-2006 Blue Bird Vision non school buses, the starter cable carries battery power to the starter motor when the engine is cranked. That cable has to stay routed away from sharp, hot, or moving parts because it carries high electrical current. The power steering hose sits nearby and carries pressurized fluid that helps the driver turn the steering wheel.
On the affected buses, the starter cable is positioned so it contacts the steel braided power steering hose. As the bus vibrates during normal use, the braided hose rubs against the cable insulation. That rubbing wears through the insulation and exposes the conductor, which creates a direct electrical short against the hose.
There is no warning sign before failure. An owner or technician would be looking for physical cable damage during inspection, such as worn insulation where the starter cable touches the power steering hose.
Who's affected?
Spans the 2004, 2005, and 2006 Vision model years, all tied to the same battery-cable component.
| 2005 Blue Bird Vision | battery |
|---|---|
| 2004 Blue Bird Vision | battery |
| 2006 Blue Bird Vision | battery |
| Units affected | 30 |
A matching year and model does not confirm inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific bus is included.
What's the safety risk?
A short in the starter cable area creates a fire risk. Schedule the recall inspection soon, and keep the bus out of service if anyone sees smoke, smells burning insulation, or notices electrical trouble. 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.
- Contact Blue Bird customer service at 1-478-822-2242 and ask whether the dealer inspection is available for recall number 11V219.
- Schedule the starter-cable and power-steering-hose inspection that checks for contact that can create a short and fire risk.
- Bring the recall notice if Blue Bird mailed one, or give the dealer recall number 11V219 when you call.
- Keep the bus out of service if you see cable damage, hose damage, smoke, burning odor, or signs of electrical shorting until the dealer inspects it.
What happens at the repair
Blue Bird's recall plan calls for a Blue Bird technician to inspect the clearance between the starter cable and the power steering hose on the affected Vision buses. If the clearance is not enough, the dealer installs a clamp to stop contact between the parts. If the power steering hose or starter cable is damaged, the dealer replaces the damaged part. The final dealer repair will be free once available, with parts and labor covered under the recall.
Timeline
| April 6, 2011 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| April 12, 2011 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 11V219?
Recall 11V219 covers 30 2004-2006 Blue Bird Vision non-school buses with a starter cable that can chafe against the steel braided power steering hose and create a direct short. Blue Bird dealers inspect the clearance, install a clamp when needed, and replace damaged hoses or cables 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 11V219. If it is, contact a Blue Bird dealer to schedule the starter cable and power steering hose inspection. Reference recall number 11V219 when you call, and ask whether any damaged parts need replacement.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. Blue Bird dealers inspect the subject buses for proper clearance, install the needed clamp, and replace damaged power steering hoses or starter cables free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is fire. If the starter cable contacts and chafes against the steel braided power steering hose, it can create a direct short. Blue Bird's recall repair adds clearance protection and replaces damaged parts so the cable and hose no longer create that fire risk.
What if I bought this Blue Bird Vision used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the VIN, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific Vision bus is included, then call a Blue Bird dealer or Blue Bird at 1-478-822-2242 with recall number 11V219.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/11V219000 |
|---|---|
| Blue Bird customer service | 1-478-822-2242 |
| NHTSA recall # | 11V219 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 11V219000 |
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 →