Recall 12V349 covers 19 2013 Blue Bird Vision school buses missing a hydraulic brake pressure warning module. Free repair at any franchised Blue Bird dealer.
Blue Bird is recalling 19 2013 Vision school buses under recall 12V349 because the brake pressure indicator module was omitted during manufacturing. If hydraulic brake pressure is lost, the missing dash warning can leave the driver unaware of reduced braking capacity and raise crash risk; Blue Bird dealers will perform the repair free once it is available.
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What's wrong?
The hydraulic brake pressure indicator light on a 2013 Blue Bird Vision school bus is a dashboard warning lamp tied to the hydraulic brake system. Its job is to alert the driver when the system has little or no hydraulic pressure, the pressure that helps move brake fluid and apply the brakes when the pedal is pressed.
On affected buses, the electronic module that activates that warning lamp was left out during manufacturing. The brake system indicator itself is the problem, not a wear item on the wheels. If hydraulic pressure drops, the dash lamp does not receive the signal it needs, so the driver loses that warning.
There is no warning sign before failure. Because the missing module is inside the warning system, the driver is not given a separate clue that the pressure indicator cannot work.
Who's affected?
This recall lists both the instrument panel and the hydraulic brake warning lamp for the same 2013 Vision buses.
| 2013 Blue Bird Vision | instrument panel |
|---|---|
| 2013 Blue Bird Vision | hydraulic brake system |
| Units affected | 19 |
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?
If brake pressure drops and the brake pressure monitor does not activate, the bus operator can miss the loss of braking capacity. Reduced braking gives the driver less control during a stop and increases the risk of a crash, injury, or property damage. 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 Vision is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Blue Bird dealer to schedule the free repair that restores the hydraulic brake pressure indicator light.
- Bring the recall notice if Blue Bird mailed one. If not, reference recall number 12V349 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete, and take the bus out of service if the hydraulic brake warning system is not working.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Blue Bird technician repairs the brake warning light system tied to the hydraulic brake pressure indicator. The issue is the missing electronic module that activates the dash indicator when hydraulic brake pressure is low or absent. Blue Bird's filing says the safety recall began on August 9, 2012, but the current remedy status is not listed here. Ask the dealer to confirm repair availability before arranging service. The dealer repair will be free once available, and parts and labor are covered under the recall.
Timeline
| July 24, 2012 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| August 9, 2012 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 12V349?
Recall 12V349 covers 19 2013 Blue Bird Vision school buses with a missing electronic module for the hydraulic brake pressure indicator light. Without that dash warning light, the driver can miss a loss of hydraulic brake pressure and reduced braking capacity. Blue Bird dealers repair the buses free of charge.
What should I do if my 2013 Blue Bird Vision is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific bus is included in recall 12V349. If it is, contact a franchised Blue Bird dealer to schedule the repair for the hydraulic brake pressure indicator light system. Reference recall number 12V349 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, and Blue Bird dealers will repair the affected Vision school buses free of charge. Blue Bird's recall repair campaign began on August 9, 2012.
What is the safety risk?
The risk is reduced braking capacity without a dashboard warning. If hydraulic brake pressure is lost and the warning light does not activate, the bus driver can miss the brake-system problem, which increases crash risk with potential injury or property damage.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/12V349000 |
|---|---|
| Blue Bird customer service | 1-478-822-2242 |
| NHTSA recall # | 12V349 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 12V349000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Defect / Noncompliance Notice (PDF) (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 →