2009 Blue Bird L4re problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 2009 Blue Bird L4re — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 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 2009 compare to other L4re years?

L4re NHTSA complaints by model year, 2009 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all L4re years to avoid →

Does the 2009 Blue Bird L4re have recalls?

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

13V457000Electrical SystemSeptember 19, 2013 · 4,061 units

Defect

North American Bus Industries (NABI) is recalling certain model year 2000-2011 LFW, CLFW, BRT, 2007-2009 Blue Bird L4RE, and 2000-2009 Optima Opus transit buses equipped with Sure Power battery equalizers containing a particular epoxy sealing, aka 'potting', compound. The specific potting compound used in the subject products for insulation was found to be capable of conducting electricity after being exposed to heat.

Consequence

Once electrically conductive, the material is capable of melting and burning, increasing the risk of a fire.

Remedy

NABI will notify owners, and dealers will replace the equalizers, free of charge. An interim letter was mailed to owners on January 27, 2014. Owners may contact NABI at 1-256-831-4296. NABI's recall number is 20136.

13V011000Body & StructureJanuary 11, 2013 · 53 units

Defect

North American Bus Industries Inc. (NABI) is recalling certain model year 2007-2009 Blue Bird L4RE transit buses manufactured July 1, 2007, through October 31, 2009. The buses may have a defective steering gear attachment. Cracks may develop in the bracket that secures the power steering gear to the bus frame or the bus frame may crack around the bolts that attach the steering gear bracket to the frame.

Consequence

If left unchecked, the cracks may propagate and cause partial separation of the steering gear from the bus frame. This would cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.

Remedy

NABI will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and repair the buses free of charge. The recall began during March 2013. Owners may contact NABI at 1-256-831-4296.

2009 Blue Bird L4re — common questions

Is the 2009 Blue Bird L4re reliable?

The record is thin — 0 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 2009 Blue Bird L4re have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2009 Blue Bird L4re. 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 2009 compare to other L4re years?

Does the 2009 Blue Bird L4re have recalls?

2009 Blue Bird L4re — common questions

Is the 2009 Blue Bird L4re reliable?

Does the 2009 Blue Bird L4re have recalls?

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