Recall 22V321 affects 53 2023 Blue Bird Vision School Bus buses for starter interlock software. Repair is free at any franchised Blue Bird dealer.
Blue Bird is recalling 53 2023 Vision School Bus vehicles because incorrect starter interlock software lets the engine crank while the T-handle gear shifter is in Reverse or Drive. That can cause unintended movement and raise the risk of a crash or injury; Blue Bird dealers will correct the software free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The starter interlock is a software-controlled safety check that lets the starter operate only when the transmission is in the correct position. On a 2023 Blue Bird Vision School Bus with an Allison transmission, the system is supposed to check the T-handle shifter before the engine cranks. It should block cranking when the shifter is in Reverse or Drive.
On affected buses, the vehicle software has incorrect starter interlock settings. The engine can crank with the T-handle shifter in Reverse or Drive because a software change for the park pawl feature left the wrong permission in place. The transmission displays a "Range Inhibit" message and does not engage the clutch while that message is active, so the defect is in the start logic.
If a bus has the incorrect software and is started in gear, the instrument cluster displays "Range Inhibit." That message is the warning sign to report when asking a Blue Bird dealer about the software update.
Who's affected?
The scope is split between the transmission control software and the park/neutral start interlock switch.
| 2023 Blue Bird Vision School Bus | automatic transmission |
|---|---|
| 2023 Blue Bird Vision School Bus | automatic transmission |
| Units affected | 53 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no 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?
If the bus starts while in reverse or drive, it can move unexpectedly and increase the risk of a crash or injury. A "range inhibit" message on the instrument cluster points to the incorrect software version when the unit is started in gear. Keep drivers alert to that warning and schedule the software update. 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 a franchised Blue Bird dealer to schedule the free starter-interlock software update that stops the engine from cranking when the shifter is in Reverse or Drive.
- Bring the recall notice if Blue Bird mailed one. If not, reference recall number 22V321 when you call.
- Confirm the shifter is in Park or Neutral before each start until the software update is complete.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Blue Bird technician updates the vehicle software so the starter interlock settings match the Allison transmission gear selector. The software update is free under the recall, and Blue Bird reimburses the labor cost for this repair at no cost to the dealer or vehicle owner. If the recall-related software modification was performed before the recall letter arrived, send a copy of the work order or invoice to campaignparts@blue-bird.com for warranty consideration.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| May 11, 2022 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| June 30, 2022 | Owner notification mailed |
| July 6, 2022 | Dealer notification began |
| July 6, 2022 | Dealer notification ended |
| July 6, 2022 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| July 6, 2022 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 22V321?
Recall 22V321 covers 53 2023 Blue Bird Vision School Bus vehicles equipped with an Allison transmission. Incorrect software settings let the engine crank while the T-handle gear shifter is in Reverse or Drive, creating a risk of unintended vehicle movement. Blue Bird dealers update the software for free.
What should I do if my 2023 Blue Bird Vision School Bus is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific bus is included in recall 22V321. If it is, contact a franchised Blue Bird dealer to schedule the software update. Reference Blue Bird recall number R22BW (SB) 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 update the software free of charge. The free repair applies at a franchised Blue Bird dealer.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is unintended vehicle movement when the bus starts. If the T-handle gear shifter is in Reverse or Drive and the engine cranks, the bus can move unexpectedly, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
When were owners notified about recall 22V321?
Blue Bird mailed owner notification letters on June 30, 2022. If you manage or own a 2023 Blue Bird Vision School Bus and never received a letter, check your VIN and call Blue Bird customer service at 1-478-822-2242 with recall number R22BW (SB).
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/22V321000 |
|---|---|
| Blue Bird customer service | 1-478-822-2242 |
| NHTSA recall # | 22V321 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 22V321000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (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 →