Recall 20V357 affects 11 2020 Blue Bird Vision Transit and School buses for loose drag-link castle nuts. Repair is free at franchised Blue Bird dealers.
Blue Bird is recalling 11 2020 Vision Transit Bus and Vision School Bus vehicles because the castle nuts connecting the steering drag link to the steering arm need inspection for correct tightening. If the drag link separates, the driver can lose steering control and the risk of a crash increases, and Blue Bird dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The drag link assembly on the 2020 Blue Bird Vision Transit Bus and Vision School Bus is part of the steering linkage. It connects steering movement from the steering gear to the steering arm, so the front wheels respond when the driver turns the wheel. A castle nut and cotter pin hold that connection in place.
This recall concerns castle nuts at the drag link to steering arm connection that were not tightened to Blue Bird's factory specification. Blue Bird traced the issue to an assembly process that was not being performed correctly. When the nut is loose, the joint has excessive movement. If the drag link separates from the steering arm, the driver can lose steering control.
Drivers are expected to look for this issue during the required pre-trip inspection before the bus is put in service. The warning sign is a loose drag link connection found during that inspection.
Who's affected?
Covers both transit and school-bus versions of the Vision, with the same drag-link steering assembly listed for each.
| 2020 Blue Bird Vision Transit Bus | steering linkage |
|---|---|
| 2020 Blue Bird Vision School Bus | steering linkage |
| Units affected | 11 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 5 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?
A separated drag link can cause loss of steering control and increase the risk of a crash. Any concern at the drag link assembly found during the required pre-trip inspection is a reason to keep the bus out of service and call the dealer. Repair is free at any franchised Blue Bird dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm whether your 2020 Blue Bird Vision Transit Bus or Vision School Bus is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Blue Bird dealer to schedule the free drag-link inspection and tightening that secures the steering connection.
- Bring the recall notice if Blue Bird mailed one; reference recall number 20V357 when you call.
- Limit driving until the repair is complete; stop using the bus and call the dealer if steering feels loose or abnormal.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Blue Bird technician inspects the steering drag link assembly connection points, including the castle nuts that connect the drag link to the steering arm. The technician tightens the connection points as needed. The recall repair is free, with parts and labor covered. Blue Bird has a general reimbursement plan on file. If you already paid for this steering drag link repair before the recall notice, contact Blue Bird customer service about submitting repair documentation under that plan.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| June 15, 2020 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| July 27, 2020 | Owner notification mailed |
| August 12, 2020 | Dealer notification began |
| August 12, 2020 | Dealer notification ended |
| August 12, 2020 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 20V357?
Recall 20V357 covers 11 2020 Blue Bird Vision gasoline-powered buses, including Vision Transit Bus and Vision School Bus models, with steering drag link castle nuts that were not tightened correctly. If the drag link separates, steering control can be lost. Blue Bird dealers inspect and tighten the connection points for free.
What should I do if my 2020 Blue Bird Vision Transit Bus or Vision School Bus is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific bus is included in recall 20V357. If it is, contact a franchised Blue Bird dealer to schedule the drag link assembly inspection. Reference recall number 20V357 and Blue Bird recall number R20AW-NSB when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Blue Bird says dealers will inspect the drag link assembly connection points and tighten them as needed for free.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is loss of steering control if the drag link separates. Recall 20V357 centers on the steering drag link connection, so the practical concern is that the driver loses steering control, increasing crash risk. The dealer repair addresses the connection points directly.
When did the repair become available?
The recall repair began July 27, 2020. Blue Bird dealers can inspect the drag link assembly connection points and tighten them as needed. Owners can call Blue Bird customer service at 1-478-822-2242 with recall number R20AW-NSB.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/20V357000 |
|---|---|
| Blue Bird customer service | 1-478-822-2242 |
| NHTSA recall # | 20V357 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 20V357000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (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 Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 23, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →