Recall 14V306 affects 444 2012-2015 Blue Bird All American buses for steering-shaft clamp contact. Repair is free at any franchised Blue Bird dealer.
Blue Bird is recalling 444 2012-2015 All American transit buses because a steering shaft clamp can contact the rubber boot at the floor. That contact can make the bus harder to steer and increase crash risk; the Blue Bird dealer repair will be free once available.
Does this recall apply to your specific vehicle?
The official, free per-VIN recall check is run by NHTSA. Enter your VIN and we'll forward you directly — and add you to a free watchlist so you hear about new recalls for your vehicle.
Check my VIN at NHTSARecallNotify doesn't check your VIN — NHTSA's official tool does. We use your email only to alert you to new recalls.
Watch this vehicle for recalls
Add it to your free watchlist and we will alert you as new federal recalls are posted for your year, make and model. New-recall alerts are rolling out now.
You are on the watchlist.
We will email you as new federal recalls are posted for your vehicle.
What's wrong?
The steering shaft on 2012-2015 Blue Bird All American buses connects the steering wheel to the steering gear below the driver area. As the driver turns the wheel, the shaft rotates and transfers that motion into the steering system. A rubber boot at the floor seals the opening around the shaft and gives the shaft room to move without rubbing nearby parts.
On affected buses, a clamp on the steering shaft sits too close to that rubber boot. As the shaft turns, the clamp contacts the boot instead of clearing it. That contact can wear or distort the boot and create interference around a part that needs open, predictable movement.
There is no warning sign before failure. A driver should still pay attention to any new rubbing, stiffness, or unusual steering feel, because those changes point to a problem around the steering shaft area.
Who's affected?
Spans the 2012-2015 model years, all tied to the same steering system.
| 2012 Blue Bird All American | steering system |
|---|---|
| 2014 Blue Bird All American | steering system |
| 2015 Blue Bird All American | steering system |
| 2013 Blue Bird All American | steering system |
| Units affected | 444 |
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?
Contact between the steering shaft clamp and the rubber boot can make the vehicle harder to steer. That added steering effort increases the risk of a crash. If steering effort changes, stop in a safe place and call a Blue Bird dealer before driving farther. Repair will be free at any franchised Blue Bird dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2012-2015 Blue Bird All American is included in this recall.
- Contact Blue Bird customer service at 1-478-822-2242 and reference recall number 14V306.
- Ask a franchised Blue Bird dealer about the free rubber-boot relocation and steering-shaft-clamp installation that stops clamp contact from making the bus harder to steer.
- Bring the recall notice if Blue Bird mailed one, or give the dealer recall number 14V306 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete, and stop using the bus if steering effort increases.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Blue Bird technician will relocate the rubber boot at the floor area and install a new steering shaft clamp so the clamp no longer contacts the boot. The recall began on July 8, 2014. Schedule service only after the dealer confirms the repair is open. Once Blue Bird opens the dealer repair, parts and labor will be free under the recall. Ask the service desk to confirm the repair status before arranging service.
Timeline
| June 5, 2014 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| July 8, 2014 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 14V306?
Recall 14V306 covers 444 2012-2015 Blue Bird All American transit buses with a steering shaft clamp that can contact the rubber boot at the floor. If that happens, steering takes extra effort and crash risk increases. Blue Bird dealers relocate the boot and install a new clamp for free.
What should I do if my 2012-2015 Blue Bird All American is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific bus is included in recall 14V306. If it is, contact a franchised Blue Bird dealer to schedule the steering shaft clamp repair. Reference recall number 14V306 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's remedy says dealers will relocate the rubber boot and install a new steering shaft clamp free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is harder steering if the steering shaft clamp contacts the rubber boot at the floor. Extra steering effort can make the bus harder to control and increase crash risk. If steering feels stiff or abnormal, stop using the bus and contact a Blue Bird dealer.
When did Blue Bird begin this recall?
Blue Bird began this recall on July 8, 2014. Owners with included VINs can contact Blue Bird customer service at 1-478-822-2242 or a franchised Blue Bird dealer and reference recall number 14V306.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/14V306000 |
|---|---|
| Blue Bird customer service | 1-478-822-2242 |
| NHTSA recall # | 14V306 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 14V306000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (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 →