NHTSA Recall 05V281000: Hinge and attachments (structure)
BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANY reported this safety recall to NHTSA on , covering an estimated 45 vehicles. It affects 2003–2006 Blue Bird Ultra LF.
| NHTSA campaign | 05V281000 |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer campaign | R04JY |
| Component | STRUCTURE › BODY › DOOR › HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS |
| Report received | June 15, 2005 |
| Owner notification | October 18, 2005 |
| Initiated by | NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation |
Defect
On certain commercialtransit buses equipped with vapor door assemblies, the two piece curved connecting rods when used as an element of the door actuation linkage in conjunction with a vapor medium pneumatic differential engine, may be subject to fatigue failure resulting in bending or breaking of the connecting rod.
Safety risk
A broken connecting rod can allow the door panel to move freely in an uncontrolled manner, leaving passengers inside the vehicle unprotected by the door panel and enabling a protruding door panel to strike persons or objects outside the vehicle.
Remedy
Blue bird is working with vapor bus international to notify owners and have the repair performed on their vehicles. The remedy consists of replacing the two piece connecting rod with a one piece connecting rod. The recall began on october 18, 2005. Owners may contact blue bird at 478-822-2242 or vapor at 847-777-6400.
Notes
Blue bird recall no. R04jy.customers may also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (tty 1-800-424-9153), or go to http://www.safercar.gov.
Vehicles covered by recall 05V281000
Being listed here means the campaign covers the model year, not that every car was built with the defect or is still unrepaired. Enter your VIN above to check your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are free at authorised dealers. Source: NHTSA, October 2026.