Recall 13V126 affects 17 2008-2011 Blue Bird All American buses for grid-heater cable routing that can short and cause fire. Free Blue Bird dealer repair.
Blue Bird recalled 17 2008-2011 All American rear engine transit buses with Cummins ISB07 engines because the grid heater power cable can rub against the chassis frame rail. That contact can chafe the cable, create a direct short, and raise the risk of a fire; the Blue Bird dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The grid heater power cable on 2008-2011 Blue Bird All American transit buses carries battery power to the grid heater on the Cummins ISB07 engine. The grid heater warms intake air for starting and low-temperature operation, so the cable handles high electrical current. It needs to stay secured away from metal edges and the chassis frame rail.
In affected buses, that power cable was routed too close to the chassis frame rail. Normal engine movement and road vibration can bring the cable into contact with the frame. Over time, that contact can rub through the cable covering and expose the electrical conductor where it should stay insulated.
There is no warning sign before failure. A driver or maintenance crew should not count on a dashboard light, starting problem, or visible symptom before the cable has already been damaged.
Who's affected?
Uses two component labels for the same All American bus group: wiring and the broader electrical system.
| 2009 Blue Bird All American | wiring |
|---|---|
| 2009 Blue Bird All American | electrical system |
| 2011 Blue Bird All American | wiring |
| 2011 Blue Bird All American | electrical system |
| 2010 Blue Bird All American | wiring |
| 2010 Blue Bird All American | electrical system |
| 2008 Blue Bird All American | wiring |
| 2008 Blue Bird All American | electrical system |
| Units affected | 17 |
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?
A grid heater power cable that contacts the chassis frame rail can chafe through and create a direct short, which can lead to a fire. Use the bus cautiously until the cable position is inspected, and have damaged cable replaced. Repair will be free at any franchised Blue Bird dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2008-2011 Blue Bird All American bus is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Blue Bird dealer with recall number 13V126 and ask whether the free repair is open for your bus.
- Schedule the grid-heater-cable inspection and repositioning, which keeps the cable off the chassis frame rail.
- Replace any damaged cable through the Blue Bird dealer before returning the bus to regular service.
- Bring the Blue Bird recall notice if you have it, or give the dealer recall number 13V126 when you call.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, once the repair is available, a Blue Bird technician inspects the bus to confirm the grid heater power cable is positioned away from the chassis frame rail. If the cable is touching the frame rail, the technician repositions it to stop further contact. Damaged grid heater cables are replaced. The dealer repair will be free once available, with parts and labor covered under the recall.
Timeline
| April 9, 2013 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| May 3, 2013 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 13V126?
Recall 13V126 covers 17 2008-2011 Blue Bird All American rear engine, non-school transit buses with Cummins ISB07 engines. The grid heater power cable can be routed against the chassis frame rail, creating chafing, a direct short, and fire risk. Blue Bird dealers inspect, reposition, or replace the cable for free.
What should I do if my 2008-2011 Blue Bird All American is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific bus is included in recall 13V126. If it is, contact a Blue Bird dealer to schedule the grid heater power cable inspection. Reference recall number 13V126 and Blue Bird campaign R13WD when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Blue Bird's remedy states that dealers will inspect the grid heater power cable, reposition it if it contacts the chassis frame rail, and replace damaged cables free of charge. Parts and labor are covered under the recall.
What is the safety risk in recall 13V126?
The safety risk is fire. In NHTSA campaign 13V126, the grid heater power cable can contact the chassis frame rail, chafe, and create a direct short. If your VIN is included, arrange the free dealer inspection and repair before keeping the bus in regular service.
When were owners notified about recall 13V126?
Blue Bird began notifying owners on May 3, 2013, and sent renotification letters on August 15, 2014. If you bought the bus used or never received a letter, check your VIN and call a Blue Bird dealer with recall number 13V126.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/13V126000 |
|---|---|
| Blue Bird customer service | 1-478-822-2242 |
| NHTSA recall # | 13V126 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 13V126000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall 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 →