Recall 18V885 covers 32 2016-2020 Blue Bird Vision buses for brake-fluid or fuel leaks. Repair is free at franchised Blue Bird dealers.
Blue Bird is recalling 32 2016-2020 Vision and Vision Transit Bus buses because improperly routed hydraulic brake lines or a transmission shifter cable can expose brake lines to heat, leak brake fluid, or damage the gasoline fuel supply line. A brake fluid leak or fuel line failure can increase the risk of a fire, and Blue Bird dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The 2016-2020 Blue Bird Vision and Vision Transit Bus use hydraulic brake lines to carry brake fluid under pressure when the driver presses the brake pedal. That pressure applies the brakes at the wheels. The same buses also use a transmission shifter cable to carry the driver's gear selection from the column shifter to the transmission.
On affected buses with the Ford 6.8L V10 engine, those lines and cables were not routed consistently near the rear of the engine. A brake line routed too close to the exhaust manifold can be exposed to excessive heat, fail early, and leak brake fluid onto the manifold. A shifter cable routed against the gasoline fuel supply line can rub the fuel line and lead to a fuel leak.
There is no warning sign before failure. Blue Bird reported no audible or visual warning before the brake fluid leak or fuel line contact event.
Who's affected?
Covers both Blue Bird bus nameplates across the 2016-2020 model years, with automatic transmission and hydraulic brake system components tied to each year.
| 2018 Blue Bird Vision | automatic transmission |
|---|---|
| 2018 Blue Bird Vision | hydraulic brake system |
| 2019 Blue Bird Vision | automatic transmission |
| 2019 Blue Bird Vision | hydraulic brake system |
| 2017 Blue Bird Vision | automatic transmission |
| 2017 Blue Bird Vision | hydraulic brake system |
| 2016 Blue Bird Vision | automatic transmission |
| 2016 Blue Bird Vision | hydraulic brake system |
| 2020 Blue Bird Vision Transit Bus | automatic transmission |
| 2020 Blue Bird Vision Transit Bus | hydraulic brake system |
| Units affected | 32 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 2 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?
A hydraulic brake fluid leak or fuel line failure increases the risk of a fire. There is no audible or visual warning before an event, so schedule the recall repair soon and keep the bus out of service if any brake or fuel system concern appears. Repair is free at any franchised Blue Bird dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2016-2020 Blue Bird Vision or Vision Transit Bus is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Blue Bird dealer to schedule the free repair.
- Schedule the bracket installation that insulates the brake lines from heat, controls brake-line routing, and secures the transmission shifter cable away from the fuel line.
- Bring the recall notice if Blue Bird mailed one. Reference recall number 18V885 and Blue Bird recall R19ZV-NSB when you call.
- Avoid operating a bus that smells of fuel or shows brake-fluid leakage; ask Blue Bird about towing before moving it.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Blue Bird technician installs a bracket that shields the hydraulic brake lines from excessive heat, controls brake line routing, and keeps the transmission shifter cable away from the fuel line. The recall repair is free, with parts and labor covered. Blue Bird's general reimbursement plan is on file for owners who already paid for the same repair before the recall notice. If you have prior brake line, shifter cable, or fuel line repair paperwork tied to this condition, contact Blue Bird customer service and ask how to submit documentation.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| December 12, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| February 7, 2019 | Owner notification mailed |
| February 12, 2019 | Dealer notification began |
| February 12, 2019 | Dealer notification ended |
| February 12, 2019 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V885?
Recall 18V885 covers 32 2016-2020 Blue Bird Vision and Vision Transit Bus transit buses equipped with Ford 6.8L V10 engines. Improper routing can expose hydraulic brake lines to excessive heat or let the transmission shifter cable contact the fuel supply line, increasing fire risk. Blue Bird dealers install the protective bracket for free.
What should I do if my 2016-2020 Blue Bird Vision or Vision Transit Bus is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific bus is included in recall 18V885. If it is, contact a franchised Blue Bird dealer to schedule the bracket installation. Reference recall number 18V885 or Blue Bird recall number R19ZV-NSB when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Blue Bird's remedy says dealers will install the bracket free of charge. The bracket insulates the brake lines, controls brake-line routing, and secures the transmission shifter cable away from the fuel line.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is fire. A hydraulic brake fluid leak or fuel line failure can increase the risk of a fire, according to recall 18V885. Until the repair is complete, confirm whether your VIN is included and ask the Blue Bird dealer for service guidance.
What if I bought the bus used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recalls follow the VIN, not the first owner. If you never received a Blue Bird notice, check your VIN and contact a franchised Blue Bird dealer with recall number 18V885 or Blue Bird recall number R19ZV-NSB.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V885000 |
|---|---|
| Blue Bird customer service | 1-478-822-2242 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V885 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V885000 |
Source documents
-
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 25, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →