Recall 21V285 covers 96 2022 Blue Bird All American Transit Bus and Vision Transit Bus vehicles for faulty SC-3 valves. Free repair at franchised Blue Bird dealers.
Blue Bird is recalling 96 2022 All American Transit Bus and Vision Transit Bus vehicles because a retainer in the SC-3 single check valve was not properly seated, affecting air brake source isolation under pressure. Unintended spring brake application can increase crash risk, and Blue Bird dealers will complete the free repair.
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What's wrong?
The SC-3 single check valve in the 2022 Blue Bird All American Transit Bus and Vision Transit Bus is part of the air brake system. Its job is to let pressurized air move in the intended direction and help isolate source air when the system is under pressure. That isolation helps keep a problem in one reservoir circuit from draining air where it is still needed.
On affected buses, the valve retainer was not pressed to the correct depth during supplier setup. The retainer sits in a groove and helps hold the valve assembly in place. When it is not fully seated, the valve does not reliably provide source air isolation when pressure is applied. That is why the buses do not meet the air brake safety standard.
An operator can discover the issue after a secondary reservoir circuit failure. The warning sign tied to this defect is a low pressure warning in the vehicle.
Who's affected?
Includes All American and Vision transit-bus configurations using the same single check valve in the air-brake system.
| 2022 Blue Bird All American Transit Bus | brake system |
|---|---|
| 2022 Blue Bird Vision Transit Bus | brake system |
| Units affected | 96 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching 2022 Blue Bird transit bus model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific bus is included.
What's the safety risk?
Unintended spring brake application can slow or stop the bus without driver input, increasing crash risk. A secondary reservoir circuit failure can trigger a low pressure warning, so treat that warning as a reason to schedule service promptly and limit unnecessary operation until the repair is complete. Repair is free at any franchised Blue Bird dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2022 Blue Bird All American Transit Bus or Vision Transit Bus is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Blue Bird dealer to schedule the free SC-3 check-valve replacement that restores air-brake source isolation.
- Bring the recall notice if Blue Bird mailed one. If not, reference recall number 21V285 and Blue Bird recall R21BE-NSB when you call.
- Watch for unexpected spring-brake application until the repair is complete, and remove the bus from service if it happens.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Blue Bird technician replaces the SC-3 check valves covered by the recall. The work is available now, and parts and labor are covered under the recall. Because Blue Bird lists a general reimbursement plan for this recall, owners who already paid for a related SC-3 check valve repair should contact Blue Bird customer service and provide repair documentation. Keep copies of any invoice, work order, and payment record tied to the prior repair.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| April 22, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| June 2, 2021 | Owner notification mailed |
| June 18, 2021 | Dealer notification began |
| June 18, 2021 | Dealer notification ended |
| June 18, 2021 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| June 18, 2021 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V285?
Recall 21V285 covers 96 2022 Blue Bird All American Transit Bus and Vision Transit Bus vehicles with an SC-3 single check valve retainer that was not properly seated. The defect affects air brake source air isolation and can cause unintended spring brake application, increasing crash risk.
What should I do if my 2022 Blue Bird All American Transit Bus or Vision Transit Bus is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific bus is included in recall 21V285. If it is, contact a franchised Blue Bird dealer to schedule SC-3 check valve replacement. Reference recall number 21V285 or Blue Bird recall R21BE-NSB when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the recall repair to be performed at no cost. Blue Bird dealers will replace the SC-3 check valves free of charge, with parts and labor covered for included vehicles.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is unintended spring brake application. On an included bus, the incorrectly seated SC-3 check valve retainer affects air brake source air isolation when pressure is applied, which can increase the risk of a crash.
When were owners notified about recall 21V285?
Blue Bird mailed owner notification letters on November 18, 2021. If you own or operate one of these 2022 Blue Bird buses and did not receive a letter, check your VIN and contact Blue Bird customer service at 1-478-822-2242.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V285000 |
|---|---|
| Blue Bird customer service | 1-478-822-2242 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V285 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V285000 |
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 24, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →