Recall 14V309 covers 2,539 2012-2015 Blue Bird All American buses for a steering shaft clamp defect. Free repair at any franchised Blue Bird dealer.
Blue Bird is recalling 2,539 2012-2015 All American school buses because a steering shaft clamp can contact the rubber boot at the floor. The contact can make steering require extra effort and increase crash risk, and the dealer repair will be free once Blue Bird makes it available.
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What's wrong?
The steering shaft on 2012-2015 Blue Bird All American school buses links the steering wheel to the steering gear that turns the front wheels. A clamp on that shaft holds the shaft assembly in position as it passes through the floor area. A rubber boot at the floor seals that opening and helps keep dirt, water, and road debris out of the cab area.
In the recalled buses, the steering shaft clamp sits close enough to contact the rubber boot at the floor. As the shaft moves during steering, the clamp can rub against the boot instead of clearing it. That interference can damage the boot and create unwanted contact around a part that needs free movement to steer correctly.
There is no warning sign before failure in the source record. If a driver notices rubbing, binding, or unusual feel at the steering wheel, the bus should be inspected before it returns to service.
Who's affected?
Spans four model years (2012-2015), all tied to the steering system.
| 2014 Blue Bird All American | steering system |
|---|---|
| 2012 Blue Bird All American | steering system |
| 2013 Blue Bird All American | steering system |
| 2015 Blue Bird All American | steering system |
| Units affected | 2,539 |
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 rubber boot can make the vehicle harder to steer, which increases crash risk. If steering effort changes, park safely and call the dealer for instructions before another trip. 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.
- Call Blue Bird customer service at 1-478-822-2242 if you have not received the owner notice.
- Contact a franchised Blue Bird dealer to ask about the free steering-shaft clamp repair that moves the clamp away from the rubber floor boot.
- Bring the recall notice if Blue Bird has mailed one. If not, reference recall number 14V309 and Blue Bird recall R14XE when you call.
- Use extra care when steering until the repair is complete, since the clamp can contact the boot and increase steering effort.
What happens at the repair
Blue Bird's remedy calls for the rubber boot at the floor to be moved away from the steering shaft clamp. Once the dealer repair is available, a Blue Bird technician relocates the boot and installs a new steering shaft clamp. Parts and labor are covered under the recall. Before sending the bus in, have the service desk confirm that the recall repair is open for your VIN.
Timeline
| June 5, 2014 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| July 8, 2014 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 14V309?
Recall 14V309 covers 2,539 2012-2015 Blue Bird All American school buses with a steering-shaft clamp that can contact the rubber boot at the floor. That contact can require more effort to steer, increasing crash risk. 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 the bus is included in recall 14V309. If it is, contact a Blue Bird dealer to schedule the steering-shaft clamp repair. Reference recall 14V309 or Blue Bird recall number R14XE 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. Blue Bird dealers will relocate the rubber boot and install a new steering shaft clamp free of charge, including parts and labor.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is increased steering effort. In recall 14V309, the steering-shaft clamp can contact the rubber boot at the floor, which can make the bus harder to steer and increase crash risk. Confirm the VIN, then schedule the free dealer repair.
When did Blue Bird start this recall?
Blue Bird began recall 14V309 on July 8, 2014. If this bus changed owners or belongs to a fleet with older records, check the VIN instead of relying on a mailed notice. Blue Bird customer service is listed at 1-478-822-2242.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/14V309000 |
|---|---|
| Blue Bird customer service | 1-478-822-2242 |
| NHTSA recall # | 14V309 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 14V309000 |
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 →