NHTSA opens recall query into 1996–1997 Blue Bird School BUS: BRAIDED FUEL (CNG) HOSE FAILURES
On June 30, 1998, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Recall Query (RQ98010) into 1996–1997 Blue Bird School BUS, concerning the fuel system, other. A Recall Query examines an earlier recall, for example whether its repair works or whether it covers every affected vehicle. As of NHTSA’s latest data it is still open.
- Action
- RQ98010 (Recall Query)
- Status
- Open
- Component
- Fuel System, Other: Delivery: Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings
- Listed
- 2 make/model/year entries in NHTSA’s file
Vehicles under investigation
| Make | Blue Bird |
|---|---|
| Model | School BUS |
| Model years | 1996–1997 |
As listed in NHTSA’s investigation file. Not every vehicle of a listed model is necessarily affected.
What ODI says
FORD AND NISSAN CONDUCTED A SAFETY RECALL, 98V-069, ON JANUARY 28 AND 31 1998, RESPECTIVELY.THE RECALL WAS FOR 32,810 1995 MY FORD VILLAGERS AND 20,500 1995 MY NISSAN QUESTS BUILT FROM APRIL 1, 1995 TO SEPTEMBER 15, 1996.THE RECALL DEFECT IS THE REAR TAIL/BRAKE LAMPS THAT MAY NOT ILLUMINATE DUE TO THE LAMP SOCKET AND THE SOCKET HOUSING SEPARATION CAUSED BY THE HIGH OPERATING TEMPERATURE.ODI HAS RECEIVED 6 FORD AND 3' NISSAN OWNER REPORT REGARDING THE NON-FUNCTIONING OF REAR LAMPS.ODI FOUND FOUR OF THESE FORD VILLAGERS WERE BUILT PRIOR TO THE RECALL MANUFACTURING DATESTHE BUILD DATES OF THE REMAINING VEHICLES WERE NOT DETERMINED.CLOSING NOTE:THE INFOEMATION GATHERED FROM THIS RECALL QUERY WAS SENT THE THE OFFICE OF CHIEF COUNSEL ON SEPTEMBER 7, 1998, FOR CONSIDERATION OF LEVYING CIVIL PENALTIES.A SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT FOR CIVIL PENALTIES WITH BLUE BIRD WAS EXECUTED ON AUGUST 13, 1999.
Official summary by NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation for RQ98010, quoted in full (U.S. government work, public domain).
Related recalls
NHTSA links these recall campaigns to RQ98010.
- NHTSA campaign 98V110000
Timeline
- ODI opens recall query RQ98010
- OpenNo closing date yet
What this means for owners
- An investigation is not a recall. NHTSA has not made a defect finding here, and owners are not asked to do anything yet. If a safety defect is confirmed, the manufacturer recalls the vehicles and the repair is free.
- Check your vehicle for open recalls with a free VIN recall check.
- Had this problem? File a complaint with NHTSA. Owner complaints are the evidence ODI uses to open and expand investigations.
Official record: search RQ98010 or your vehicle at NHTSA.gov/recalls, which lists investigations alongside recalls. Data: NHTSA ODI investigations file, updated daily. All NHTSA investigations.