Recall 15V696 covers 1 2016-2017 Blue Bird Vision bus with an incorrectly installed wiper motor connector. Repair is free at any franchised Blue Bird dealer.
Blue Bird is recalling 1 2016-2017 Vision transit bus under recall 15V696 because an incorrectly installed windshield wiper motor harness connector can stop the wiper system without warning. Failed wipers reduce visibility in bad weather and increase crash risk; Blue Bird dealers will correct the connector free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The windshield wiper motor harness connector on 2016-2017 Blue Bird Vision buses is the electrical plug that feeds power and control signals to the wiper motor. The wiper motor turns those signals into movement at the wiper arms, clearing rain, snow, and road spray from the windshield so the driver can see the road.
On the affected bus, the connector was assembled incorrectly at the supplier. Some wiring terminal slides were not fully seated inside the connector on the wiper motor. A loose or incomplete terminal connection can interrupt the electrical path, so the wiper motor stops receiving the power or signal it needs. When that happens, the windshield wipers stop operating, which reduces driver visibility in adverse weather.
There is no warning sign before failure. The filing describes the wiper system stopping without warning, so the first notice is the wipers failing to operate when the driver tries to use them.
Who's affected?
Covers the Vision bus across the 2016 and 2017 model years, with the wiper system as the shared component.
| 2017 Blue Bird Vision | wiper system |
|---|---|
| 2016 Blue Bird Vision | wiper system |
| Units affected | 1 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
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?
Inoperative windshield wipers reduce visibility in rain, snow, or other bad weather and increase the risk of a crash. The wipers can stop without warning, so schedule the repair soon and avoid driving in bad weather until the connection is inspected. Repair is free at any franchised Blue Bird dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2016-2017 Blue Bird Vision is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Blue Bird dealer to schedule the free wiper motor harness connector inspection and repair that fixes the wipers stopping without warning.
- Reference recall number 15V696 and Blue Bird recall R15YH-NSB when you call.
- Bring the recall notice if Blue Bird mailed one.
- Avoid driving in rain, snow, or low-visibility weather until the wiper repair is complete.
- Call Blue Bird customer service at 1-478-822-2242 with questions.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Blue Bird technician inspects the windshield wiper motor harness connector and repairs the connection so the wiper system works as intended. The dealer inspection and connection repair are free under the recall. No parts are involved in this campaign. If you already paid for related inspection or repair labor, Blue Bird reimburses that labor time. Keep your repair order and ask the dealer or Blue Bird customer service how to submit the labor reimbursement claim.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| October 23, 2015 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| November 18, 2015 | Owner notification mailed |
| November 25, 2015 | Dealer notification began |
| November 25, 2015 | Dealer notification ended |
| November 25, 2015 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 15V696?
Recall 15V696 covers 1 2016-2017 Blue Bird Vision bus with a windshield-wiper motor harness connector installed incorrectly. The wiper system can stop without warning, and a Blue Bird dealer will inspect and repair the connection for free.
What should I do if my 2016-2017 Blue Bird Vision is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific bus is included in recall 15V696. If it is, contact a franchised Blue Bird dealer to schedule the wiper motor connection inspection and repair. Reference recall number 15V696 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Blue Bird will inspect and repair the wiper motor connection free of charge. The recall repair has been available since November 18, 2015.
What warning signs should I watch for?
There is no warning sign before the wiper system stops. If the windshield wipers quit during rain or other bad weather, visibility drops and crash risk increases. Have the wiper motor harness connector inspected and repaired before relying on the bus in poor weather.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/15V696000 |
|---|---|
| Blue Bird customer service | 1-478-822-2242 |
| NHTSA recall # | 15V696 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 15V696000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 31, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →