Recall 25V249 covers 162 2022-2024 Blue Bird Vision School Bus (Electric) buses with secondary brake-assist alert software. Free repair at any franchised Blue Bird dealer.
Blue Bird is recalling 162 2022-2024 Vision School Bus (Electric) buses because the hydraulic brake system software can fail to warn the driver when secondary brake assist is lost. Driving without that secondary brake assist increases crash risk, and Blue Bird dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The secondary hydraulic brake assist system on 2022-2024 Blue Bird Vision School Bus (Electric) buses is the backup power assist for the service brakes. Under normal operation, the high-voltage pump provides brake assist so the driver does not need to supply full pedal force. If that primary assist is lost, the secondary electric motor on the low-voltage system is supposed to help the driver stop the bus.
On affected buses, the software does not detect every failure of the secondary brake assist motor. Blue Bird found failure modes such as a blown fuse and a disconnected brake booster harness that left the backup assist unavailable. If the high-voltage system then shuts down, the driver has to press the brake pedal much harder, which can increase stopping distance and lead to loss of vehicle control.
The problem is the lack of a reliable dashboard alert for those secondary-assist failures. The operator received no prior warning before the complete loss of brake assist functionality after the high-voltage system shut down.
Who's affected?
All listed vehicles point to the same secondary hydraulic brake assist system, split between hydraulic brake and software components.
| 2024 Blue Bird Vision School Bus (Electric) | hydraulic brake system |
|---|---|
| 2024 Blue Bird Vision School Bus (Electric) | electrical system software |
| 2023 Blue Bird Vision School Bus (Electric) | hydraulic brake system |
| 2023 Blue Bird Vision School Bus (Electric) | electrical system software |
| 2022 Blue Bird Vision School Bus (Electric) | hydraulic brake system |
| 2022 Blue Bird Vision School Bus (Electric) | electrical system software |
| Units affected | 162 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 2 field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific bus is included.
What's the safety risk?
If the high voltage system shuts down and secondary brake assist is inoperative, the bus loses that brake assist without a dashboard warning. Driving without that assist increases the risk of a crash, especially when the driver expects normal brake support. Schedule the software update and wiring harness repair soon. Repair is free at any franchised Blue Bird dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2022-2024 Blue Bird Vision School Bus (Electric) is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Blue Bird dealer to schedule the free software update and wiring-harness repair that restores detection and driver alerts for loss of secondary brake assist.
- Reference recall number 25V249 and Blue Bird recall R25DL when you call.
- Bring the owner letter to the appointment if you received one, and ask the dealer to confirm that parts and labor are covered.
- Drive with extra following distance until the repair is complete, since loss of secondary brake assist raises crash risk.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Blue Bird technician updates the brake system software and repairs the wiring harness tied to the secondary brake assist alert. The recall repair is free, including parts and labor. Blue Bird follows its standard reimbursement plan for owners who already paid for a related repair before the recall notice. Keep any repair invoice and payment documentation, then contact Blue Bird customer service to start the claim.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| April 21, 2025 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| June 11, 2025 | Owner notification mailed |
| June 12, 2025 | Dealer notification began |
| June 12, 2025 | Dealer notification ended |
| June 12, 2025 | Final remedy owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 25V249?
Recall 25V249 covers 162 2022-2024 Blue Bird Vision School Bus (Electric) buses with hydraulic brakes. The software can fail to detect and alert the driver to a loss of secondary brake assist. Blue Bird dealers will update the software and repair the wiring harness for free.
What should I do if my 2022-2024 Blue Bird Vision School Bus (Electric) is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm the bus is included in recall 25V249. If it is, contact a franchised Blue Bird dealer to schedule the software update and wiring harness repair. Reference recall number 25V249 and Blue Bird recall R25DL when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost. Blue Bird dealers will update the software and repair the wiring harness free of charge for buses included in recall 25V249.
What is the safety risk?
The risk is reduced brake assistance without the driver getting the expected alert. Blue Bird says driving the bus without a functioning secondary brake assist increases the risk of a crash. The repair path is the free dealer software update and wiring harness repair.
When were owners notified about recall 25V249?
Blue Bird mailed owner notification letters on June 11, 2025. If you manage one of these buses and never received a letter, check your VIN and contact Blue Bird customer service at 1-478-822-2242 or a franchised Blue Bird dealer.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/25V249000 |
|---|---|
| Blue Bird customer service | 1-478-822-2242 |
| NHTSA recall # | 25V249 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 25V249000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Report (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 19, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →