Recall 19V796 affects 112 2013-2020 Blue Bird Vision buses for brake light switch bracket defects. Repair is free at any franchised Blue Bird dealer.
Blue Bird is recalling 112 2013-2020 Vision and Vision Transit Bus buses equipped with Ford engines because the brake light switch can be misadjusted or its mounting bracket can deform, leaving the brake lights on continuously. That can confuse drivers behind the bus and fail to warn them when it is stopping, increasing crash risk; Blue Bird dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The brake light switch on 2013-2020 Blue Bird Vision and Vision Transit Bus buses tells the rear brake lights when the driver is pressing the brake pedal. It sits on a mounting bracket near the pedal, and that bracket holds the switch in the right position so the lights turn on only when braking.
On affected buses, the switch was installed out of adjustment or the bracket bent after the brake pedal snapped back to its resting position. Blue Bird traced the bending most often to the driver's foot slipping off a fully pressed brake pedal. Once the bracket shifts, the switch reads the pedal position incorrectly and keeps the brake lights illuminated.
There is no warning sign before failure. After the bracket deforms, the driver can see a brake warning light in the instrument cluster, and people outside the bus can see brake lights that stay on when the bus is not braking.
Who's affected?
Spans Vision and Vision Transit Bus buses across the 2013-2020 model years, all tied to the brake light switch.
| 2019 Blue Bird Vision | Switch |
|---|---|
| 2017 Blue Bird Vision | Switch |
| 2015 Blue Bird Vision | Switch |
| 2013 Blue Bird Vision | Switch |
| 2016 Blue Bird Vision | Switch |
| 2014 Blue Bird Vision | Switch |
| 2020 Blue Bird Vision Transit Bus | Switch |
| 2018 Blue Bird Vision | Switch |
| Units affected | 112 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 4 field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific bus.
What's the safety risk?
Brake lights that work incorrectly can confuse drivers behind the bus and fail to warn them that the bus is stopping, increasing the risk of a crash. There is no audible or visual warning before the problem occurs, so schedule the repair soon and tell drivers to watch following traffic. Repair is free at any franchised Blue Bird dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2013-2020 Blue Bird Vision or Vision Transit Bus is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Blue Bird dealer to schedule the free brake-light-switch bracket and switch repair that addresses brake lights staying illuminated.
- Bring the recall notice if Blue Bird mailed one. If not, reference recall number 19V796 when you call.
- Call Blue Bird customer service at 1-478-822-2242 with questions and reference Blue Bird recall R19AI-NSB.
- Limit bus operation until the repair if the brake lights stay on or do not clearly signal braking.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Blue Bird technician installs a redesigned brake light switch mounting bracket and a new brake light switch. The repair corrects the switch position and replaces the bracket that can deform when the brake pedal returns. Parts and labor are covered under recall 19V796, so the dealer repair is free. Blue Bird has a general reimbursement plan on file for owners who already paid for the same brake light switch or mounting bracket repair before the recall work was completed. Bring dated repair invoices and proof of payment to the service desk or contact Blue Bird customer service.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| November 6, 2019 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| March 6, 2020 | Owner notification mailed |
| March 31, 2020 | Dealer notification began |
| March 31, 2020 | Dealer notification ended |
| March 31, 2020 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| March 31, 2020 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 19V796?
Recall 19V796 covers 112 2013-2020 Blue Bird Vision and Vision Transit Bus vehicles with a brake light switch bracket issue. The bracket can leave the brake lights on continuously. Blue Bird dealers replace the bracket and brake light switch for free.
What should I do if my 2013-2020 Blue Bird Vision or Vision Transit Bus is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific bus is included in recall 19V796. If it is, contact a franchised Blue Bird dealer to schedule the brake light switch bracket and switch replacement. Reference recall number R19AI-NSB when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. Blue Bird dealers install a redesigned brake light switch mounting bracket and a new brake light switch free of charge.
What is the safety risk from recall 19V796?
The safety risk is confusing brake-light behavior. If the brake lights stay on continuously, following drivers lose a clear signal that the bus is braking or stopping. NHTSA campaign 19V796 ties that condition to an increased crash risk.
When did Blue Bird notify owners about recall 19V796?
Blue Bird issued an interim owner notification on December 10, 2019, and the recall repair began March 6, 2020. Blue Bird customer service is available at 1-478-822-2242 for owners who need help with recall number R19AI-NSB.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/19V796000 |
|---|---|
| Blue Bird customer service | 1-478-822-2242 |
| NHTSA recall # | 19V796 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 19V796000 |
Source documents
-
Download Quarterly Report (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 24, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →