Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 1986 Blue Bird All American — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 5 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.
0
NHTSA complaints
5
Recalls
0
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
5 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
THESE BUSES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH FMVSS NO. 301, "FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY."
Consequence
IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, FUEL SPILLAGE CAN OCCUR INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE FIRE.
Remedy
BLUE BIRD IS DISTRIBUTING MODIFICATION KITS WHICH INCLUDES NEW FASTENERS FOR OWNER OR DEALER INSTALLATION.
Defect
PASSENGERS CLOTHING CAN UNKNOWINGLY BECOME CAUGHT IN THE HANDRAILS AT BUS DOORS WHEN EXITING THE BUS.
Consequence
WHEN A PASSENGER'S CLOTHING BECOMES CAUGHT IN THE HANDRAIL, AND THE BUS DRIVER CLOSES THE DOOR AND PUTS THE VEHICLE IN MOTION,THE INDIVIDUAL IS SUBJECT TO BEING DRAGGED BY THE BUS. THIS CAN RESULT INSERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSTALL A SET SCREW TO THE METAL CLAMP WHICH RETAINS THE INTERMEDIATE HANDRAIL. A HIGH IMPACT MOLDED PLASTIC "CLAM SHELL" WILL BE PLACED OVER EACH END OF THE INTERMEDIATE HANDRAIL COMPLETELY COVERING THE CLAMP AND ELIMINATING ALL CATCH-POINTS. THE FLANGE OF THE EXISTING FLOOR LINE BRACKET WILL BE CRIMPED SECURING THE VERTICAL SECTION OF THE PRIMARY TUBLAR HANDRAIL AT THE FLOOR LINE.
Defect
THE FRONT DOOR CONTROL LATCH SYSTEM FAILS DUE TO BREAKAGE OF THE LATCH PIN.
Consequence
IF THE FAILURE OCCURS, THE FRONT DOOR CANNOT BE OPENED,ENTRAPPING THE PASSENGERS IN THE BUS AND IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY, PASSENGERSCOULD NOT USE THE FRONT DOOR TO EXIT THE BUS.
Remedy
THE LOCK PIN WILL BE REPLACED ON THESE VEHICLES. OWNERS CAN OBTAIN A MODIFICATION KIT FROM BLUE BIRD OR IF THEY PREFER, A DEALER WILL PERFORM THE REMEDY FOR THEM.
Defect
PASSENGERS CLOTHING CAN UNKNOWINGLY BECOME CAUGHT IN THE HANDRAILS AT BUS DOORS WHEN EXITING THE BUS.
Consequence
WHEN A PASSENGER'S CLOTHING BECOMES CAUGHT IN THEHANDRAIL, AND THE BUS DRIVER CLOSES THE DOOR AND PUTS THE VEHICLE IN MOTION, THEINDIVIDUAL IS SUBJECT TO BEING DRAGGED BY THE BUS. THIS CAN RESULT IN SERIOUSINJURY OR DEATH.
Remedy
REPLACE OR REPOSITION THE HANDRAILS TO STOP CLOTHING FROM BECOMING CAUGHT.
Defect
THE STEEL BRAIDING ON THE POWER STEERING HOSE MAY ABRADE THE BATTERY CABLE.
Consequence
ABRASION OF THE BATTERY CABLE WILL EVENTUALLY CAUSE ASHORT CIRCUIT AND MAY RESULT IN AN ELECTRICAL FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.
Remedy
REROUTE THE POWER STEERING HOSES AND SECURE THE BATTERY CABLES TO PREVENT MOVEMENT.
The record is thin — 0 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 5 recalls should be verified as completed.
Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns affecting the 1986 Blue Bird All American. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.