Recall 18V596 affects 252 2018 Micro Bird Mb Ii School Bus buses with missing child-restraint warning labels. Micro Bird provides free labels and installation instructions.
Micro Bird is recalling 252 2018 Mb Ii School Bus vehicles because certain NextGen school bus seats with integrated child restraint systems are missing a warning label on the lower restraint strap. Without that label, the restraint can be used improperly, increasing injury risk; Micro Bird dealers will correct the label issue free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The affected 2018 Micro Bird Mb Ii School Bus seats are NextGen school bus seats with integrated child restraint systems. The child restraint system uses straps built into the seat to help secure a child passenger. The lower restraint strap also carries a warning label that gives required safety information at the point where the restraint is used.
On these buses, that warning label is missing from the lower restraint strap. The seat and restraint hardware are not described as broken in the recall, but the required label is not present where the operator needs to see it. That missing label means the bus does not meet the federal child restraint labeling requirement named in recall 18V596.
There is no warning sign before failure. The issue is found by inspecting the lower restraint strap and confirming whether the required warning label is present.
Who's affected?
| 2018 Micro Bird Mb Ii School Bus | vehicle label (placard or certification) |
|---|---|
| 2018 Micro Bird Mb Ii School Bus | seat assembly |
| Units affected | 252 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific bus is included.
What's the safety risk?
Without the warning label, the seat can be used incorrectly, which increases the risk of injury. Until the label is installed, follow the seat instructions and avoid guessing at seat use or adjustment. Repair is free at any franchised Micro Bird dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2018 Micro Bird Mb Ii School Bus is included in this recall.
- Contact your nearest franchised Micro Bird dealer to schedule the free warning-label installation for the integrated child restraint seats.
- Bring the recall notice if you have it. If not, reference recall number 18V596 when you call.
- Avoid using the integrated child restraint seats until the missing lower-restraint-strap warning labels and instructions are installed.
What happens at the repair
The recall repair is available. Micro Bird notified owners, and the seat manufacturer provides the missing lower restraint strap warning labels and installation instructions at no charge. At the dealer, a Micro Bird technician checks the affected school bus seats with integrated child restraint systems, installs the required labels, and confirms the instructions are present for the seat setup. Parts and labor are covered under the recall. The remedy began October 18, 2018.
Timeline
| September 7, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| October 8, 2018 | Dealer notification began |
| October 18, 2018 | Owner notification mailed |
| October 22, 2018 | Dealer notification ended |
| October 22, 2018 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V596?
Recall 18V596 covers 252 2018 Micro Bird Mb Ii School Bus vehicles equipped with certain NextGen school bus seats with integrated child restraint systems. The lower restraint strap is missing a warning label, which can lead to improper use and increased injury risk.
What should I do if my 2018 Micro Bird Mb Ii School Bus is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific bus is included in recall 18V596. If it is, contact a franchised Micro Bird service provider or Micro Bird customer service at 1-819-477-2012 and ask for the missing label kit and installation instructions. The remedy is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to correct safety defects at no cost, and Micro Bird's remedy says the missing labels and installation instructions are provided free of charge. Reference recall number 18V596 or Micro Bird recall number 18-076-IUS when you call.
What is the safety risk?
The risk is improper use of the integrated child restraint system. Without the warning label on the lower restraint strap, the seat can be used incorrectly, increasing the risk of injury. The fix is to install the missing label and follow the supplied instructions.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V596000 |
|---|---|
| Micro Bird customer service | 1-819-477-2012 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V596 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V596000 |
Source documents
-
Download Owner Notification Letter (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 25, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →