1997 Blue Bird All American problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 1997 Blue Bird All American — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 3 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

NHTSA complaints

Recalls

Investigations

Crash-involved

Fires reported

Injuries

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1997 compare to other All American years?

All American NHTSA complaints by model year, 1997 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all All American years to avoid →

Does the 1997 Blue Bird All American have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

02V185000OtherJuly 15, 2002 · 408 units

Defect

CERTAIN TRANSIT BUSES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE STANDARD NO. 101, "CONTROLS AND DISPLAYS." THIS STANDARD REQUIRES SPECIFIC LABELING FOR "ENGINE START" AND "ENGINE STOP." THE WORDING OF THE LABELS ON THESE VEHICLES DO NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD.

Consequence

THE OPERATOR COULD PLACE THE ENGINE SWITCH IN A POSITION OTHER THAN THAT INTENDED, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH NEW DECALS AND INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 29, 2002. OWNERS WHO DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE LABEL AND INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT BLUE BIRD AT 1-478-822-2242.

00V162000BrakesJune 12, 2000 · 9,687 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SCHOOL AND TRANSIT BUSES EQUIPPED WITH BENDIX AIR BRAKES. BENDIX CHANGED THE INTERNAL DESIGN OF THE QR1C RELAY VALVE BY ADDING A HOLE IN THE INTERNAL DIAPHRAGM. WHEN THE HOLE IN THE DIAPHRAGM ALIGNS WITH THE HOLE IN THE VALVE BODY, THE BRAKE APPLICATION TIME INCREASES.

Consequence

UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, SUCH AS PARKED ON AN INCLINE, DRIVER ACTIVATES THE PARKING BRAKE BUT REMOVES FOOT FROM THE THREADLE VALVE, THE BUS COULD ROLL BEFORE THE PARKING BRAKE IS FULLY ENGAGED.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE DIAPHRAGMS WITH HOLES WITH SOLID DIAPHRAGMS FOR THE QR1C VALVES.

98V153000Speed ControlJuly 2, 1998 · 1,896 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: TRANSIT AND SCHOOL BUSES. MOVEMENT OF THE HAND THROTTLE CABLE IN THE ACCELERATOR BRACKET RUBS A GROOVE IN THE BRACKET. THE HAND THROTTLE CABLE CAN BECOME WEDGED IN THIS GROOVE PREVENTING THE ACCELERATOR FROM RETURNING TO THE IDLE POSITION.

Consequence

THE THROTTLE CABLE WOULD NOT RETURN TO THE IDLE POSITION, INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

OWNERS WILL BE CONTACTED AND ADVISED TO DISCONNECT THE HAND THROTTLE CABLE UNTIL REPLACEMENT PARTS ARE AVAILABLE.

1997 Blue Bird All American — common questions

Is the 1997 Blue Bird All American reliable?

The record is thin — 0 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 3 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 1997 Blue Bird All American have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 1997 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.

How does 1997 compare to other All American years?

Does the 1997 Blue Bird All American have recalls?

1997 Blue Bird All American — common questions

Is the 1997 Blue Bird All American reliable?

Does the 1997 Blue Bird All American have recalls?

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