2011 Blue Bird Conventional problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 2 complaints on file for the 2011 Blue Bird Conventional — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies 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 2011 compare to other Conventional years?

Conventional NHTSA complaints by model year, 2011 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Conventional years to avoid →

What are the most common 2011 Blue Bird Conventional problems?

Component	Complaints	Share	vs prior year
Latches & Locks	1	50%	new
Visibility & Wipers	1	50%	— flat

Does the 2011 Blue Bird Conventional have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

10V133000OtherApril 5, 2010 · 1,622 units

Defect

BLUE BIRD HAS NOTIFIED NHTSA ABOUT A DEFECT IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008 THROUGH 2011 ALL AMERICAN, CONVENTIONAL, AND MICRO BIRD SCHOOL BUSES MANUFACTURED FROM DECEMBER 13, 2007 THROUGH JANUARY 18, 2010 EQUIPPED WITH RICON MODEL S OR K SERIES PUBLIC USE WHEELCHAIR LIFTS. THE RESTRAINT BELT ON THESE LIFTS WAS DESIGNED TO PREVENT THE LIFT FROM MOVING, UNLESS THE TONGUE OF THE BELT IS FULLY ENGAGED AND LATCHED IN THE BUCKLE. RICON HAS DISCOVERED, HOWEVER, THAT IT IS POSSIBLE FOR THE OPERATOR TO INSERT THE BELT TONGUE INTO THE BUCKLE WITHOUT FULLY ENGAGING THE LATCHING MECHANISM. IN THIS CASE, THE RESTRAINT BELT WOULD APPEAR TO BE LATCHED, AND THE OPERATOR COULD RUN THE LIFT. IF THE RESTRAINT BELT TONGUE IS NOT FULLY ENGAGED INTO THE RESTRAINT BELT BUCKLE, AND LATCHED, THE LIFT MAY OPERATE WITH AN OCCUPANT ON THE PLATFORM.

Consequence

THE USER OF THE LIFT COULD BE INJURED SHOULD THE LIFT MOVE WITHOUT THE RESTRAINT BELT PROPERLY BUCKLED.

Remedy

BLUE BIRD IS WORKING WITH RICON AND RICON WILL BE HANDLING THE REMEDY FOR THIS CAMPAIGN. PLEASE SEE RICON'S DEFECT REPORT 09E-060. RICON WILL PROVIDE CUSTOMERS WITH A WARNING DECAL AND A DVD-BASED TRAINING AID. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 27, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT RICON AT 1-818-267-3000 OR BLUE BIRD AT 1-478-822-2242.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“I WOULD LIKE TO CALL YOUR ATTENTION TO THE NEW DESIGN OF SCHOOL BUS ESCAPE WINDOWS. IN THE PAST, THESE WINDOWS WERE HINGED ALONG THE TOP AND SWUNG OUT FROM THE BOTTOM. THE NEW DESIGN IS HINGED ON THE FRONT AND THEY SWING OUT FROM THE BACK. I FEEL THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS TO SMALL CHILDREN WHO MAY…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Latches & Locks · November 22, 2010

“I WOULD LIKE TO CALL YOUR ATTENTION TO THE NEW DESIGN OF SCHOOL BUS ESCAPE WINDOWS. IN THE PAST, THESE WINDOWS WERE HINGED ALONG THE TOP AND SWUNG OUT FROM THE BOTTOM. THE NEW DESIGN IS HINGED ON THE FRONT AND THEY SWING OUT FROM THE BACK. I FEEL THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS TO SMALL CHILDREN WHO MAY…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · November 22, 2010

2011 Blue Bird Conventional — common questions

Is the 2011 Blue Bird Conventional reliable?

The record is thin — 2 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 2011 Blue Bird Conventional have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2011 Blue Bird Conventional. 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 2011 compare to other Conventional years?

What are the most common 2011 Blue Bird Conventional problems?

Does the 2011 Blue Bird Conventional have recalls?

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

2011 Blue Bird Conventional — common questions

Is the 2011 Blue Bird Conventional reliable?

Does the 2011 Blue Bird Conventional have recalls?

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