Recall 26V004 covers 11 2026 Blue Bird Vision and All American buses for wheelchair retractor lock failure. Free repair at franchised Blue Bird dealers.
Blue Bird is recalling 11 2026 Vision Transit Bus (Electric) and All American Transit Bus (Electric) buses equipped with QRT-Deluxe and QRT-Max wheelchair restraints because the restraint retractors do not lock as designed. An unsecured wheelchair can move during transit and increase injury risk; Blue Bird dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The wheelchair restraint retractor on the 2026 Blue Bird Vision Transit Bus (Electric) and All American Transit Bus (Electric) is the locking spool in the QRT-Deluxe securement system. Its job is to pull in the restraint webbing, hold tension, and lock the wheelchair in place so it stays properly secured while the bus moves.
On affected buses, friction between internal parts can make the auto release function stick. When that happens, the retractor does not lock as intended. The restraint then fails to hold the wheelchair securely, even though the webbing and hardware are present.
A driver, aide, or technician can catch the problem during a standard functional inspection or pre-trip inspection. The warning sign is an unlocked retractor or abnormal wheelchair movement after the restraint is connected.
Who's affected?
Covers two electric Blue Bird transit bus models with the same wheelchair restraint latch/anchor component.
| 2026 Blue Bird Vision Transit Bus (Electric) | Latch/anchor |
|---|---|
| 2026 Blue Bird All American Transit Bus (Electric) | Latch/anchor |
| Units affected | 11 |
| 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 your specific bus is included.
What's the safety risk?
An unsecured wheelchair can move during transit and increase the risk of injury. Check the wheelchair securement retractors during pre-trip and functional inspections, and treat abnormal wheelchair movement as a reason to take the bus out of service until it is inspected. Repair is free at any franchised Blue Bird dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2026 Blue Bird Vision Transit Bus (Electric) or All American Transit Bus (Electric) is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Blue Bird dealer to schedule the free wheelchair-restraint retractor inspection and replacement that fixes retractors that do not lock.
- Bring the recall notice if Blue Bird mailed one. If not, reference recall number 26V004 when you call.
- Avoid using any wheelchair position where the QRT-Deluxe or QRT-Max restraint retractor does not lock until the dealer completes the repair.
- Call Blue Bird customer service at 1-478-822-2242 with questions about recall number 26V004.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Blue Bird technician works with Q'Straint guidance to inspect the QRT-Deluxe and QRT-Max wheelchair restraint retractors. If a retractor is suspect or does not lock, the technician replaces the affected component. The inspection and replacement are free under the recall, including replacement product and freight where that applies. The repair path is focused on making sure each wheelchair restraint locks and secures the chair correctly before the bus returns to service.
Timeline
| January 6, 2026 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| January 29, 2026 | Owner notification mailed |
| February 6, 2026 | Dealer notification began |
| February 6, 2026 | Dealer notification ended |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 26V004?
Recall 26V004 covers 11 2026 Blue Bird Vision Transit Bus (Electric) and All American Transit Bus (Electric) buses with QRT-Deluxe and QRT-Max wheelchair restraints. The retractors can fail to lock, leaving a wheelchair unsecured during transit and increasing injury risk.
What should I do if my 2026 Blue Bird Vision Transit Bus (Electric) or All American Transit Bus (Electric) is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific bus is included in recall 26V004. If it is, contact Blue Bird customer service at 1-478-822-2242 or your Blue Bird service contact to arrange inspection and any needed retractor replacement.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the recall repair to be performed at no cost. Blue Bird will work with Q'Straint to inspect the wheelchair-restraint retractors and replace them when needed, free of charge.
What is the safety risk in recall 26V004?
The safety risk is wheelchair movement during transit. If a retractor does not lock, the wheelchair is not properly secured. An unsecured wheelchair can move while the bus is in use, increasing the risk of injury to the wheelchair occupant or others nearby.
When were owners notified about recall 26V004?
Blue Bird mailed owner notification letters on January 29, 2026. If your fleet or organization did not receive a letter, check your VIN and reference recall 26V004 when contacting Blue Bird customer service or your Blue Bird service contact.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/26V004000 |
|---|---|
| Blue Bird customer service | 1-478-822-2242 |
| NHTSA recall # | 26V004 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 26V004000 |
Source documents
-
Download Quarterly Report (PDF) - Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (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 →