Recall 12V277 covers 13 2013 Blue Bird All American school buses for a brake valve plunger defect. Blue Bird reported all were repaired.
Blue Bird is recalling 13 2013 All American rear engine school buses because the brake valve plunger can fracture during brake application, reducing brake pedal travel and limiting full brake pressure. Reduced braking ability or service brakes that do not release can lead to loss of vehicle control and a crash; the Blue Bird dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The brake treadle valve on a 2013 Blue Bird All American school bus is the foot-operated brake valve under the pedal. When the driver presses the pedal, the valve meters brake pressure to the service brakes, which are the main brakes used to slow and stop the bus. The valve depends on an internal plunger moving cleanly through its travel.
On affected buses, that plunger can fracture during brake application. If it breaks, the pedal angle and pedal travel are reduced, so the driver has less ability to send full pressure through the foot brake valve. The broken plunger can also lodge inside the valve and keep the service brakes from releasing after the pedal is released.
There is no warning sign before failure. The problem shows up during braking, through reduced pedal movement, reduced brake pressure, or brakes that do not release normally.
Who's affected?
Build dates run from December 9, 2011, through March 9, 2012.
| 2013 Blue Bird All American | Equipment |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 13 |
Not every 2013 Blue Bird All American bus is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific bus is included.
What's the safety risk?
Reduced braking ability can lead to loss of vehicle control and increases crash risk. If your VIN is included, drive cautiously and contact a franchised Blue Bird dealer for status before using the bus in regular service. Repair will be free at any franchised Blue Bird dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2013 Blue Bird All American is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Blue Bird dealer to confirm the brake treadle valve repair is complete at no charge.
- Call Blue Bird customer service at 1-478-822-2242 with questions about the completed repair status.
- Reference recall number 12V277 when you call Blue Bird or the dealer.
- Keep the bus out of service until Blue Bird or the dealer confirms the brake treadle valve repair is complete.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Blue Bird technician confirms the brake treadle valve repair tied to campaign 12V277 and checks that the foot brake valve plunger issue has been corrected. Blue Bird reported that the affected buses and aftermarket treadle valve were sold through A-Z Bus Sales, and that the buses have already been repaired. If a VIN check shows an included bus without completed service, ask a Blue Bird dealer to confirm the no-charge recall repair path.
Timeline
| June 18, 2012 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| July 30, 2012 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 12V277?
Recall 12V277 covers 13 2013 Blue Bird All American rear engine school buses and 1 aftermarket brake treadle valve sold through A-Z Bus Sales. The brake valve plunger can fracture during brake application, limiting full brake pressure or keeping the service brakes from releasing. Blue Bird reported the affected buses have been repaired.
What should I do if my 2013 Blue Bird All American is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific bus is included in recall 12V277. If it is, ask a franchised Blue Bird dealer to confirm the treadle valve repair is complete. If the repair is not documented, reference recall 12V277 and contact Blue Bird at 1-478-822-2242.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the safety defect at no cost. Blue Bird reported that the affected buses were repaired, so an owner notice was not issued for this campaign. A franchised Blue Bird dealer can confirm the repair record for an included bus.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is reduced braking ability or loss of vehicle control. The brake valve plunger can fracture during brake application, limiting full brake pressure, or it can become lodged and prevent the service brakes from releasing. Either condition increases crash risk.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/12V277000 |
|---|---|
| Blue Bird customer service | 1-478-822-2242 |
| NHTSA recall # | 12V277 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 12V277000 |
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 →