Recall 16V405 covers 32 2015-2017 Blue Bird Vision and All American buses for wheelchair-lift platform defects. Ricon dealers repair damaged parts free.
Blue Bird is recalling 32 2015-2017 Vision and All American transit buses equipped with Ricon S-Series wheelchair lifts because lift side plates can crack and folding-link hardware can let bearings move out of position. A failed platform can fall toward the lift operator when the doors open, and Blue Bird dealers will complete the free repair.
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What's wrong?
The wheelchair lift on affected 2015-2017 Blue Bird Vision and All American buses is the platform system that raises and lowers a passenger using a wheelchair between the ground and the bus floor. These buses use Ricon S-Series S2005 and S5510 lifts. The platform side plate supports the rear portion of the lift platform, and the folding link arms guide the platform as it moves.
On affected lifts, the platform side plate can crack. If the crack grows, the rear portion of the side plate can separate, leaving the lift inoperable or unsafe for the operator. Blue Bird also reports oversized pivot holes in the folding link arms. Those holes can let the bearings move out of position, so the arms no longer hold and guide the platform as designed.
There is a warning sign before failure. During inspection, a bearing that has moved out of position is visible, and cracking in the platform side plate is also visible before the lift fails.
Who's affected?
Spans the Vision and All American bus lines across 2015, 2016, and 2017, with the same equipment component listed for each scope.
| 2017 Blue Bird Vision | Equipment |
|---|---|
| 2016 Blue Bird Vision | Equipment |
| 2016 Blue Bird All American | Equipment |
| 2015 Blue Bird All American | Equipment |
| 2017 Blue Bird All American | Equipment |
| Units affected | 32 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
The year, model, and bus line narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific bus is included.
What's the safety risk?
A cracked side plate or displaced bearing can let the wheelchair lift platform separate and rest against the lift door. When the doors open, the platform can fall onto the lift operator and increase injury risk. Displaced bearings and platform cracks are visible during inspection, so have the lift inspected before use. Repair is free at any franchised Blue Bird dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2015-2017 Blue Bird Vision or All American bus is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Blue Bird dealer to schedule the free Ricon wheelchair-lift inspection for cracked platform side plates and displaced link-arm bearings.
- Bring the recall notice if Blue Bird sent one, and reference recall number 16V405 when you call.
- Avoid standing under or beside the lift platform when the lift door is opened until the inspection and repair are complete.
- Call Blue Bird customer service at 1-478-822-2242 with questions about the free inspection and replacement process.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Blue Bird technician inspects the Ricon wheelchair lift link arms for damage and checks whether the bearings have moved out of position. The platform is also inspected for cracks. Any damaged lift parts are replaced free of charge under the recall. Blue Bird has a general reimbursement plan on file for owners who already paid for related repairs before the recall work. Ask the service desk or Blue Bird customer service what documentation they need for a reimbursement claim.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| June 6, 2016 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| June 27, 2016 | Dealer notification began |
| June 27, 2016 | Dealer notification ended |
| June 27, 2016 | Owner notification mailed |
| June 27, 2016 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 16V405?
Recall 16V405 covers 32 Blue Bird Vision and All American transit buses with Ricon S-Series wheelchair lifts. The lift platform side plate can crack, and oversized pivot holes in folding link arms can let bearings move out of position. Blue Bird and Ricon dealers will inspect and replace damaged parts for free.
What should I do if my 2015-2017 Blue Bird All American or 2016-2017 Blue Bird Vision is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific bus is included in recall 16V405. If it is, contact a franchised Blue Bird dealer or Ricon service location to schedule the wheelchair-lift inspection and repair. Reference recall number 16V405 or Blue Bird recall R16YR-NSB when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the recall repair at no cost, and Blue Bird's remedy says damaged lift parts will be replaced free of charge. The inspection covers the link arms, displaced bearings, and platform cracks on the Ricon S-Series wheelchair lift.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is injury to the lift operator. If the platform side plates crack or the mounting fails because bearings move out of position, the lift platform can separate and rest against the lift door. When the doors open, the platform can fall onto the operator.
When did Blue Bird start this recall repair?
Blue Bird began the recall on June 27, 2016. The remedy is available, so an included bus should be scheduled for inspection of the Ricon wheelchair lift, link arms, bearings, and platform. Blue Bird customer service is available at 1-478-822-2242.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/16V405000 |
|---|---|
| Blue Bird customer service | 1-478-822-2242 |
| NHTSA recall # | 16V405 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 16V405000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Misc. Document (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation 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 →