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Campaign 13V480 Posted October 17, 2013 393 units

2003-2007 Blue Bird Express/Ultra Recall 13V480: Fire Risk

RN
Reviewed by the RecallNotify editorial team
Published June 2, 2026

Recall 13V480 covers 393 2003-2007 Blue Bird Express and Ultra buses for fire risk from battery equalizers. Free repair at Blue Bird dealers.

Blue Bird is recalling 393 2003-2007 Express 4500, Express 4000, Ultra Lf, and Ultra Lmb commercial buses because Sure Power battery equalizers use an epoxy compound that can conduct electricity after heat exposure. Once conductive, the material can melt and burn, increasing fire risk; Blue Bird dealers will complete the repair free of charge once available.

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What's wrong?

The affected part is the Sure Power-brand battery equalizer used in certain 2003-2007 Blue Bird Express 4500, Express 4000, Ultra Lf, and Ultra Lmb buses. A battery equalizer helps manage electrical load between batteries so the bus electrical system gets the voltage it needs without overworking one battery. Inside the unit, epoxy potting compound seals and insulates electrical components.

On these buses, the particular potting compound used for insulation does not stay insulating after heat exposure. Instead of blocking current, the material can conduct electricity. That creates an unintended electrical path inside a component that is supposed to keep those circuits separated.

There is no warning sign before failure. The filing does not identify a dependable early symptom for the driver or fleet technician, so the issue can exist inside the equalizer before anyone notices an electrical problem.

Who's affected?

Spans the Express 4000, Express 4500, Ultra Lf, and Ultra Lmb across the 2003-2007 model years, all tied to the electrical system.

2005 Blue Bird Express 4500 electrical system
2007 Blue Bird Express 4000 electrical system
2006 Blue Bird Express 4000 electrical system
2005 Blue Bird Express 4000 electrical system
2006 Blue Bird Express 4500 electrical system
Units affected393

A matching year and model does not confirm inclusion. Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific bus.

What's the safety risk?

Electrically conductive material can melt and burn, increasing the risk of a fire. Schedule service promptly, and keep the bus out of normal use if you see heat, smoke, or burning material before the repair. Repair will be free at any franchised Blue Bird dealer once available.

What should I do?

  1. Check your VIN to confirm your 2003-2007 Blue Bird Express 4500, Express 4000, Ultra Lf, or Ultra Lmb is included in this recall.
  2. Contact Blue Bird customer service at 1-478-825-2021 to confirm the repair path for your bus.
  3. Schedule the free battery-equalizer replacement that removes the heat-exposed electrical component linked to fire risk.
  4. Bring the recall notice if Blue Bird mailed one. If not, reference recall number 13V480 when you call.
  5. Park the bus away from structures if you smell burning, see melting near the battery equalizer, or notice electrical heat before the repair.

What happens at the repair

At the dealer, a Blue Bird technician replaces the Sure Power battery equalizers covered by this recall. The affected equalizers contain an epoxy potting compound that conducts electricity after heat exposure, so the repair removes that recalled electrical component from the bus. The remedy status in this input is not listed as available, so do not assume the final repair can be scheduled from this page alone. The dealer repair will be free once available.

Timeline

October 17, 2013 NHTSA published the recall
December 17, 2013 Owner notification mailed

Frequently asked questions

What is recall 13V480?

Recall 13V480 covers 393 2003-2007 Blue Bird Express 4500, Express 4000, Ultra Lf, and Ultra Lmb buses with Sure Power-brand battery equalizers. Heat exposure can make the sealing compound conduct electricity, melt, and burn, increasing fire risk.

What should I do if my 2003-2007 Blue Bird Express 4500, Express 4000, Ultra Lf, or Ultra Lmb is on this recall?

Check your VIN to confirm your specific bus is included in recall 13V480. If it is, contact a franchised Blue Bird dealer and reference recall number 13V480 or Blue Bird recall number R13WN. Dealers replace the battery equalizers free of charge.

Is the recall repair free?

Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Blue Bird's remedy says dealers will replace the affected battery equalizers free of charge. Parts and labor are covered at a franchised Blue Bird dealer.

What is the safety risk?

The safety risk is fire. The battery equalizer sealing compound can become electrically conductive after heat exposure. Once conductive, the material can melt and burn, increasing fire risk. Confirm the VIN, then arrange the free equalizer replacement through a Blue Bird dealer.

What if I bought this Blue Bird bus used?

The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the VIN, not the first owner. If you never received Blue Bird's owner notice, which began on December 17, 2013, check your VIN and call a Blue Bird dealer with recall number 13V480.

More information

NHTSA campaign pagenhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/13V480000
Blue Bird customer service1-478-825-2021
NHTSA recall #13V480
NHTSA recall # (full)13V480000

Source documents

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 →