Recall 22V049 covers 6 2023 Blue Bird Vision School Bus buses with lift software that leaves brakes disengaged. Free update at a franchised Blue Bird dealer.
Blue Bird is recalling 6 2023 Vision School Bus vehicles because the multiplex software can fail to engage the brakes when the wheelchair platform lift is operated. A bus that moves during lift use raises the risk of injury, and Blue Bird dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The vehicle S19 file on the 2023 Blue Bird Vision School Bus is the unit-specific software file that tells the bus body systems how to respond to equipment such as the wheelchair platform lift. Part of that job is the lift brake interlock, a software-controlled brake hold that activates when the lift is out of the stowed position.
On affected buses, the multiplex software file was built from an incorrect configuration database. Because of that software error, the bus does not send the signal that activates the brakes while the wheelchair lift is in use. The problem is in the software loaded to the bus, not in the physical lift platform.
During normal operation, the instrument cluster shows a notification when the interlock is active and the lift is not stowed. On affected buses, that active-interlock indicator is missing. There is no separate warning sign before failure beyond the absent indicator.
Who's affected?
| 2023 Blue Bird Vision School Bus | Wheelchair lift/ramp |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 6 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
Not every 2023 Blue Bird Vision School Bus is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific bus is included.
What's the safety risk?
If the lift interlock does not hold the brakes, the school bus can move while the platform lift is in use and raise the risk of injury. The cluster indicator that shows an active interlock is absent on affected buses, so treat a missing indicator as a reason to stop lift use and call the dealer. Repair is free at any franchised Blue Bird dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2023 Blue Bird Vision School Bus is included in this recall.
- Contact your nearest franchised Blue Bird dealer to schedule the free software update that keeps the brakes engaged while the wheelchair platform lift operates.
- Bring the recall notice if Blue Bird mailed one. If not, reference recall number 22V049 when you call.
- Keep the bus out of wheelchair-lift service until the software update is complete.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Blue Bird technician installs updated vehicle multiplex software so the brake engagement logic works when the wheelchair platform lift is operated. The software update and labor are covered under the recall, and owner letters were mailed on March 17, 2022. If you already paid labor for this recall repair, Blue Bird says it will reimburse that labor cost at no cost to the dealer or vehicle owner. Contact Blue Bird customer service at 1-478-822-2242 with repair paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| February 2, 2022 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| March 17, 2022 | Owner notification mailed |
| March 30, 2022 | Dealer notification began |
| March 30, 2022 | Dealer notification ended |
| March 30, 2022 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 22V049?
Recall 22V049 covers 6 2023 Blue Bird Vision School Bus vehicles with wheelchair platform lift software that can leave the brakes disengaged during lift operation. A franchised Blue Bird dealer will install updated software for free.
What should I do if my 2023 Blue Bird Vision School Bus is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm whether your bus is included in recall 22V049. If it is, contact a franchised Blue Bird dealer to schedule the software update. Reference recall 22V049 or Blue Bird recall number R22BP 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 dealers will install the updated multiplex software free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The bus can move while the wheelchair platform lift is in operation if the brakes are not engaged. That increases injury risk for a person using the lift or standing near it. Ask the dealer about service timing before using the lift again.
When were owners notified about recall 22V049?
Blue Bird mailed owner notification letters on March 17, 2022. If you manage this bus and did not receive a letter, check your VIN and call Blue Bird customer service at 1-478-822-2242 or a franchised Blue Bird dealer.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/22V049000 |
|---|---|
| Blue Bird customer service | 1-478-822-2242 |
| NHTSA recall # | 22V049 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 22V049000 |
Source documents
-
Download Owner Notice (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (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 20, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →