Recall 11V569 affects 250 2007-2012 Blue Bird All American school buses for a fuel return-line leak. Repair is free at franchised Blue Bird dealers.
Blue Bird is recalling 250 2007-2012 All American rear engine school buses equipped with a 60 gallon fuel tank. The return line on that tank can leak more fuel than allowed, and a fuel leak near an ignition source can start a fire; the Blue Bird dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The tank return line on 2007-2012 Blue Bird All American school buses is part of the diesel fuel system. It sends unused fuel back to the 60 gallon tank after the engine has taken what it needs. That line is supposed to keep fuel moving through the system without spilling outside the tank.
On affected buses, the return line can develop a leak. The filing says the leak exceeds the amount of fuel spillage allowed under Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 301, Fuel System Integrity. In plain terms, fuel that belongs inside the tank and return line can escape around the tank area.
There is no warning sign before failure. A driver or maintenance crew should treat any diesel odor, wetness, or fuel residue near the tank as a sign that the bus needs fuel-system inspection before it stays in service.
Who's affected?
Spans the 2007-2012 All American bus line, with the same fuel system involved across each model year.
| 2012 Blue Bird All American | fuel system |
|---|---|
| 2011 Blue Bird All American | fuel system |
| 2010 Blue Bird All American | fuel system |
| 2008 Blue Bird All American | fuel system |
| 2009 Blue Bird All American | fuel system |
| 2007 Blue Bird All American | fuel system |
| Units affected | 250 |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific bus is included.
What's the safety risk?
A fuel leak near an ignition source can result in a fire. Until the recall work is completed, keep the bus away from open flame, sparks, and other ignition sources, and schedule recall service promptly. Repair will be free at any franchised Blue Bird dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2007-2012 Blue Bird All American bus is included in this recall.
- Contact Blue Bird customer service at 1-478-822-2242 to confirm repair instructions for recall number 11V569.
- Ask a franchised Blue Bird dealer about the free fuel-tank return-line repair that stops excess diesel fuel leakage.
- Bring the recall notice if Blue Bird mailed one, or give the dealer recall number 11V569 when you schedule.
- Keep the bus away from ignition sources if you notice a fuel smell or visible diesel leak before repair.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Blue Bird technician repairs the fuel tank return line condition that lets fuel spill beyond the allowed amount. Blue Bird told owners that dealers would repair the buses free of charge, and the safety recall began on March 9, 2012. Parts and labor are covered under the recall. The source filing does not give a repair time, so ask the service desk what to expect when scheduling the bus.
Timeline
| December 2, 2011 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| March 9, 2012 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 11V569?
Recall 11V569 covers 250 2007-2012 Blue Bird All American school buses with 60 gallon fuel tanks. The tank return line can leak more fuel than allowed under fuel system integrity rules, and a fuel leak near an ignition source can result in a fire.
What should I do if my 2007-2012 Blue Bird All American is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific bus is included in recall 11V569. If it is, contact a franchised Blue Bird dealer to schedule the fuel tank return line repair. Reference recall 11V569 when you call. The dealer repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Blue Bird dealers will repair the affected buses free of charge. The recall remedy covers the fuel tank return line issue described in recall 11V569.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is fire. Blue Bird reported that the fuel tank return line can develop a leak, and a fuel leak near an ignition source can result in a fire. If your VIN is included, schedule the free dealer repair before putting the bus back into regular service.
When did Blue Bird start the recall repair?
Blue Bird began the safety recall repair on March 9, 2012. Because that date has passed, owners should contact a franchised Blue Bird dealer now if the VIN is included and the bus has not already received the repair.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/11V569000 |
|---|---|
| Blue Bird customer service | 1-478-822-2242 |
| NHTSA recall # | 11V569 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 11V569000 |
Source documents
-
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 →