Blue Bird Recall 02V160002: Seat Belts, Front, Retractor

NHTSA recall 02V160002 · announced September 5, 2002 · filed by Blue Bird Body Company · 58 units affected

The problem

ON CERTAIN SCHOOL AND TRANSIT BUSES EQUIPPED WITH PASSENGER SEAT BELTS WITH RETRACTORS, THE COVER HALVES FOR THE RETRACTABLE PORTION OF THE BELT CAN SEPARATE COMPLETELY AND RELEASE THE SEAT BELT CONNECTOR. IF THIS OCCURS, ONE OF THE LOAD BEARING PINS IN THE CONNECTOR COULD SEPARATE FROM THE CONNECTOR AND RENDER THE SEAT BELT UNUSABLE. IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SEAT OCCUPANT WOULD NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED RESULTING IN AN INJURY. THE SEAT BELT SUPPLIER, AM-SAFE, WILL PROVIDE A SNAP ON "OVER-COVER" TO OWNERS TO PREVENT THE SEAT BELT COVER FROM SEPARATING.

The risk

IF THIS OCCURS, ONE OF THE LOAD BEARING PINS IN THE CONNECTOR COULD SEPARATE FROM THE CONNECTOR AND RENDER THE SEAT BELT UNUSABLE. IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SEAT OCCUPANT WOULD NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED RESULTING IN AN INJURY.

What to do

OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED A SNAP-ON "OVER-COVER" TO PREVENT THE SEAT BELT COVER FROM SEPARATING. OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR ABOUT SEPTEMBER 27, 2002. OWNERS WHO DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT BLUE BIRD AT 1-478-822-2242.

Official NHTSA recall notice →

Notes

ALSO, CUSTOMERS CAN CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

Vehicles covered by this recall

• 2000 Blue Bird All American
• 2001 Blue Bird All American
• 2002 Blue Bird All American
• 2000 Blue Bird Conventional
• 2001 Blue Bird Conventional
• 2002 Blue Bird Conventional
• 2000 Blue Bird Micro Bird
• 2001 Blue Bird Micro Bird
• 2002 Blue Bird Micro Bird
• 2000 Blue Bird Tc2000
• 2001 Blue Bird Tc2000
• 2002 Blue Bird Tc2000

Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration public recall data. This page reports official records and is not legal, medical, or repair advice.