Model year record

2004 BLUE BIRD ALL American

15 recall campaigns on file for this model year. 10 owner complaints on file.

Recalls

Recall campaignNHTSA 09V328000

Seats

Component
Seats
Manufacturer
BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANY
Vehicles affected
37,095
Reported to NHTSA
2009-08-13
Owners notified
2009-09-18

Defect description

BLUE BIRD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004 THROUGH 2010 ALL AMERICAN, VISION, MICRO BIRD, AND CONVENTIONAL SCHOOL BUSES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN JANUARY 30, 2003 AND MAY 7, 2009. INCORRECT OFFSET LEG BARRIER PADS OR 2/3 SEAT BACK PADS MAY HAVE BEEN INSTALLED. BUSES WITH INCORRECT PADS INSTALLED FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 222, "SCHOOL BUS PASSENGER SEATING AND CRASH PROTECTION."

Safety risk

IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THERE IS AN INCREASED RISK OF INJURY TO THE SEAT OCCUPANT(S).

Manufacturer remedy

BLUE BIRD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND THE BUSES WILL BE REPAIRED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 18, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BLUE BIRD AT 1-478-822-2242.

Recall campaignNHTSA 09V205000

Electrical system: ignition

Component
Electrical system: ignition
Manufacturer
BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANY
Vehicles affected
2,203
Reported to NHTSA
2009-06-09
Owners notified
2009-06-25

Defect description

BLUE BIRD IS RECALLING 2,203 MODEL YEAR 2003 THROUGH 2010 ALL AMERICAN REAR ENGINE SCHOOL BUSES EQUIPPED WITH OPTIONAL PLUG STYLE VANDAL LOCKS MANUFACTURED FROM JULY 16, 2003 THROUGH APRIL 10, 2009. THE PLUG STYLE VANDAL LOCK IS NOT WIRED TO INHIBIT THE STARTER AT THE IGNITION SWITCH WHEN THE VANDAL LOCK IS IN THE LOCKED POSITION. THESE BUSES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 217, "BUS EMERGENCY EXITS AND WINDOW RETENTION AND RELEASE."

Safety risk

THE VEHICLES CAN BE STARTED AND DRIVEN EVEN WHEN AN OWNER MAY THINK THEY CANNOT.

Manufacturer remedy

BLUE BIRD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPAIR THE BUSES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 25, 2009. OWNER MAY CONTACT BLUE BIRD AT 1-478-422-2242.

Recall campaignNHTSA 08V229000

Structure: body: roof and pillars

Component
Structure: body: roof and pillars
Manufacturer
BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANY
Vehicles affected
23,464
Reported to NHTSA
2008-05-20
Owners notified
2008-09-18

Defect description

BLUE BIRD IS RECALLING 23,464 MY 2005 THROUGH 2009 ALL AMERICAN AND VISION SCHOOL AND TRANSIT MODEL BUSES MANUFACTURED FROM JANUARY 22, 2004, AND MARCH 28, 2008, AND MY 2004 THROUGH 2007 ALL AMERICAN SCHOOL BUSES AND CONVENTIONAL MODEL SCHOOL BUSES MANUFACTURED FROM MARCH 6, 2003, THROUGH JUNE 16, 2006. THE RIVET PATTERN MAY BE INCORRECT IN SECTIONS OF THE REAR ROOF SHEET JOINT THAT ATTACHES TO THE REAR ROOF CAP. WITHOUT THE APPROPRIATE AMOUNT OF ROOF RIVETS, THE BUSES FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO 221, "JOINT STRENGTH."

Safety risk

IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THESE PANELS MAY SEPARATE EXPOSING THE OCCUPANTS TO INCREASED RISK OF INJURY.

Manufacturer remedy

BLUE BIRD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND INSPECT AND REPAIR THE BUSES BY ADDING ADDITIONAL RIVETS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 18, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BLUE BIRD AT 478-822-2242.

Recall campaignNHTSA 08V077000

Engine and engine cooling: engine: diesel

Component
Engine and engine cooling: engine: diesel
Manufacturer
BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANY
Vehicles affected
607
Reported to NHTSA
2008-02-21
Owners notified
2008-02-28

Defect description

BLUE BIRD IS RECALLING 607 MY 2004-2007 ALL AMERICAN REAR ENGINE SCHOOL BUSES AND MY 2006-2007 XCEL 102 COMMERCIAL SERIES TRANSIT BUSES EQUIPPED WITH CUMMINS ISC ENGINES. THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL LINE MAY CRACK, ALLOWING HIGH PRESSURE DIESEL FUEL INTO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.

Safety risk

THIS CONDITION CREATES THE POTENTIAL FOR A RISK OF FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT SHOULD THE ATOMIZED DIESEL FUEL VAPOR CONTACT AN IGNITION SOURCE.

Manufacturer remedy

OWNERS WILL BE ADVISED TO CONTACT THEIR CUMMINS DEALERS TO HAVE THE REPAIR WORK PERFORMED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 28, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BLUE BIRD AT 1-478-822-2242.

Recall campaignNHTSA 05V382000

Electrical system: 12V/24V/48V battery

Component
Electrical system: 12V/24V/48V battery
Manufacturer
BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANY
Vehicles affected
5,863
Reported to NHTSA
2005-08-31
Owners notified
2005-10-19

Defect description

CERTAIN 2001 THROUGH 2006 MY BLUE BIRD ALL AMERICAN, TC2000, AND VISION TRANSIT SCHOOL BUSES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN JANUARY 5, 2001, AND JULY 15, 2005. THESE BUSES ARE EQUIPPED WITH A BATTERY DISCONNECT SWITCH THAT HAS CONNECTIONS THAT MAY BE LOOSE ON THE BATTERY SWITCH STUDS CREATING THE POTENTIAL FOR THE BUS TO SHUT DOWN WHILE IN OPERATION.

Safety risk

SHOULD THE BUS SHUT DOWN WHILE IN OPERATION, A VEHICLE CRASH COULD OCCUR.

Manufacturer remedy

BLUE BIRD WILL NOTIFY ITS OWNERS AND INSTRUCT THEM ON HOW TO REPAIR THE SWITCH. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 19 , 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BLUE BIRD AT 478-822-2242.

Recall campaignNHTSA 05V251000

Other: school bus stop arm assembly

Component
Other: school bus stop arm assembly
Manufacturer
BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANY
Vehicles affected
3,121
Reported to NHTSA
2005-05-20
Owners notified
2005-08-12

Defect description

CERTAIN BLUE BIRD 2002 THROUGH 2006 MY ALL AMERICAN, CONVENTIONAL, MINIBIRD, MICROBIRD, VISION, AND TC2000 SCHOOL BUSES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN STATES OTHER THAN THE FOLLOWING STATES: ALASKA, COLORADO, CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, IDAHO, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, KANSAS, KENTUCKY, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, MONTANA, NEBRASKA, NEVADA, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW MEXICO, NEW YORK, NORTH DAKOTA, OHIO, OREGON, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, SOUTH DAKOTA, TENNESSEE, UTAH, VERMONT, VIRGINIA, WASHINGTON, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, WYOMING, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. IN EXTREMELY COLD WEATHER, THE MICROSWITCHES USED INTERNALLY TO POSITION THE SIGN IN THE OPEN AND CLOSED POSITIONS MAY MALFUNCTION, CAUSING THE SIGN TO OPEN OR CLOSE IN AN IMPROPER POSITION, OR TO NOT OPEN AT ALL.

Safety risk

SHOULD THE STOP ARM NOT PERFORM PROPERLY, A CHILD OR PEDESTRIAN MAY BE ENDANGERED BY PASSING MOTORISTS SHOULD THE MOTORIST NOT STOP AT THE CORRECT LOCATION.

Manufacturer remedy

BLUE BIRD WILL NOTIFY ALL ITS CUSTOMERS OF THIS CAMPAIGN. FOR THOSE BUSES OPERATED IN OR NEAR ANY OF THE STATES LISTED ABOVE, BLUE BIRD IS ENCOURAGING THE BUS OWNERS TO OBTAIN THE REPLACEMENT SWITCH. FOR THOSE BUSES OPERATED IN THE WARMER STATES, BLUE BIRD WILL REPLACE THE SWITCH UPON OWNER REQUEST. FOR THOSE CUSTOMERS WHO REQUEST THE REMEDY, BLUE BIRD WILL REPLACE THE ORIGINAL SWITCH WITH A SWITCH PACK THAT IS NOT SENSITIVE TO EXTREME COLD WEATHER AND WILL INSPECT TO ENSURE THE MICROSWITCH HEATER WIRING IS PROPERLY CONNECTED. THE SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BEGAN ON AUGUST 12, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BLUE BIRD AT 478-822-2242.

Recall campaignNHTSA 05V239000

Other: school bus stop arm assembly

Component
Other: school bus stop arm assembly
Manufacturer
BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANY
Vehicles affected
8,894
Reported to NHTSA
2005-05-20
Owners notified
2005-08-12

Defect description

CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE FOLLOWING STATES: ALASKA, COLORADO, CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, IDAHO, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, KANSAS, KENTUCKY, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, MONTANA, NEBRASKA, NEVADA, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW MEXICO, NEW YORK, NORTH DAKOTA, OHIO, OREGON, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, SOUTH DAKOTA, TENNESSEE, UTAH, VERMONT, VIRGINIA, WASHINGTON, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, WYOMING, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. IN EXTREMELY COLD WEATHER, THE MICROSWITCHES USED INTERNALLY TO POSITION THE STOP ARM SIGN IN THE OPEN AND CLOSED POSITIONS MAY MALFUNCTION, CAUSING THE SIGN TO OPEN OR CLOSE IN AN IMPROPER POSITION, OR TO NOT OPEN AT ALL.

Safety risk

SHOULD THE STOP ARM NOT PERFORM PROPERLY, A CHILD OR PEDESTRIAN MAY BE ENDANGERED BY PASSING VEHICLES SHOULD THE MOTORIST NOT STOP AT THE CORRECT LOCATION.

Manufacturer remedy

BLUE BIRD WILL NOTIFY ITS CUSTOMERS AND REPLACE THE ORIGINAL SWITCH WITH A SWITCH PACK THAT IS NOT SENSITIVE TO EXTREME COLD WEATHER AND WILL INSPECT TO ENSURE THE MICROSWITCH HEATER WIRING IS PROPERLY CONNECTED FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 12, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BLUE BIRD AT 478-822-2242.

Recall campaignNHTSA 05V152000

Vehicle speed control

Component
Vehicle speed control
Manufacturer
BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANY
Vehicles affected
486
Reported to NHTSA
2005-04-07

Defect description

CERTAIN 2001 THROUGH 2005 ALL AMERICAN, COMMERCIAL SERIES, AND Q-BUS SCHOOL AND TRANSIT BUSES EQUIPPED WITH JOHN DEERE 8.1 CNG ENGINES. THE SUBJECT BUSES EQUIPPED WITH THE JOHN DEERE ENGINES MAY SURGE INAPPROPRIATELY DUE TO ERRACTIC OPERATION OF THE AIR THROTTLE IF THE ENGINE IS TAKEN FROM FULL TO ZERO LOAD.

Safety risk

UNEXPECTED ENGINE SURGE COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN PERSONAL INJURY.

Manufacturer remedy

JOHN DEERE WILL NOTIFY BLUE BIRD'S CUSTOMERS AND REPAIR THE ENGINES FREE OF CHARGE. CUSTOMERS ARE BEING INSTRUCTED TO CONTACT JOHN DEERE AT 1-800-JD-ENGINE.

Recall campaignNHTSA 05V074000

Engine and engine cooling

Component
Engine and engine cooling
Manufacturer
BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANY
Vehicles affected
416
Reported to NHTSA
2005-03-01
Owners notified
2005-03-31

Defect description

CERTAIN 2002-2006 MY BLUE BIRD ALL AMERICAN SCHOOL AND TRANSIT BUSES, CONVENTIONAL SCHOOL BUSES, AND COMMERCIAL SERIES TRANSIT BUSES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN DECEMBER 21, 2002, AND FEBRUARY 24, 2005. THESE BUSES ARE EQUIPPED WITH WEBASTO COOLANT HEATERS, MODEL DBW 2010, ASSEMBLED WITH WEBASTO BURNER TUBES, P/N 303046/26533A MANUFACTURED BETWEEN NOVEMBER 2002 AND FEBRUARY 2005. THE STAINLESS STEEL BURNER TUBE IS MADE OUT OF A MATERIAL THAT IS NOT TO SPECIFICATION AND COULD FAIL PREMATURELY.

Safety risk

SHOULD THE BURNER TUBE FAIL, THE COOLANT HEATER COULD OVERHEAT, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.

Manufacturer remedy

BLUE BIRD WILL NOTIFY ITS CUSTOMERS AND REPLACE THE BURNER TUBES FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 31, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BLUE BIRD AT 478-822-2242.

Recall campaignNHTSA 04V426000

Equipment adaptive/mobility

Component
Equipment adaptive/mobility
Manufacturer
BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANY
Vehicles affected
372
Reported to NHTSA
2004-08-30
Owners notified
2004-09-21

Defect description

CERTAIN BLUE BIRD 1999-2005 ALL AMERICAN, TC/2000, MICRO BIRD, VISION, CONVENTIONAL, AND COMMERCIAL SERIES SCHOOL BUSES EQUIPPED WITH SURE-LOC WHEELCHAIR SECUREMENT SYSTEMS AND MANUFACTURED BETWEEN FEBRUARY 17, 1999, AND AUGUST 13, 2004. CERTAIN SURE-LOK WHEELCHAIR TIE-DOWN SECUREMENT ASSEMBLIES P/N 8625-13. THE SPROCKET TEETH OF THE RETRACTOR ASSEMBLY MAY BE OUT OF ALIGNMENT CAUSING THE LOAD PAWL NOT TO FULLY SEAT IN THE SPROCKET TEETH.

Safety risk

IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE WHEELCHAIR MAY NOT BE ADEQUATELY SECURED POSSIBLY RESULTING IN INJURIES.

Manufacturer remedy

BLUE BIRD WILL NOTIFY ITS CUSTOMERS AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE PART FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN SEPTEMBER 21, 2004. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR BUSES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT AT BLUE BIRD AT 478-822-2242.

Recall campaignNHTSA 04V222000

Seat belts

Component
Seat belts
Manufacturer
BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANY
Vehicles affected
291
Reported to NHTSA
2004-05-07
Owners notified
2004-06-08

Defect description

SCHOOL AND TRANSIT BUSES EQUIPPED WITH DRIVER'S 3-POINT SEAT BELTS WITH INCORRECT FASTENERS.

Safety risk

IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE SHOULDER STRAP CAN FAIL, AND THE DRIVER COULD BE SERIOUSLY INJURED.

Manufacturer remedy

BLUE BIRD WILL NOTIFY ITS CUSTOMERS TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT WITH THEIR BLUE BIRD DISTRIBUTOR TO HAVE THE DRIVER'S 3-POINT SEAT BELT UPPER ATTACHING FASTENERS REPLACED FREE OF CHARGE. OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN JUNE 8, 2004. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT BLUE BIRD AT 478-822-2242.

Recall campaignNHTSA 03V362000

Seat belts: front: anchorage

Component
Seat belts: front: anchorage
Manufacturer
BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANY
Vehicles affected
233
Reported to NHTSA
2003-10-08
Owners notified
2003-11-20

Defect description

ON CERTAIN REAR ENGINE (A3RE) SCHOOL BUSES, THE TYPE AND LOCATION OF THE FASTENERS USED TO RETAIN THE SEAT BELT IN THE LAST ROW OF SEATS DOES NOT CONFORM TO BLUE BIRD ENGINEERING SPECIFICATIONS.

Safety risk

THIS INSTALLATION MAY NOT ADEQUATELY RETAIN SEAT BELTS IN THE EVENT OF A SEVERE CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

BLUE BIRD WILL PROVIDE ITS DISTRIBUTORS AND OWNERS THE PARTS AND INSTRUCTIONS TO INSTALL THE CORRECT FASTENERS FREE OF CHARGE. OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN NOVEMBER 20, 2003. OWNERS WHO DO NOT RECEIVE THE PARTS AND INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT BLUE BIRD AT 1-478-822-2242.

Recall campaignNHTSA 03V363000

Structure: body

Component
Structure: body
Manufacturer
BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANY
Vehicles affected
8,088
Reported to NHTSA
2003-10-08
Owners notified
2003-11-20

Defect description

CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 221, "SCHOOL BUS BODY JOINT STRENGTH." ONE OR MORE OF THE BOLTS ATTACHING THE DRIVER'S PLATFORM TO THE FLOOR STRUCTURE WAS OMITTED.

Safety risk

THE REAR OF THE DRIVER'S PLATFORM MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RETAINED IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH WHICH COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF INJURY OR DEATH TO PASSENGERS.

Manufacturer remedy

BLUE BIRD WILL NOTIFY ITS CUSTOMERS AND INSPECT AND REPAIR THE AFFECTED UNITS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 20, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT BLUE BIRD AT 478-822-2242.

Recall campaignNHTSA 03V364000

Seats

Component
Seats
Manufacturer
BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANY
Vehicles affected
3,825
Reported to NHTSA
2003-10-08
Owners notified
2003-11-03

Defect description

ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES EQUIPPED WITH OPTIONAL SEAT BELTS OR SEAT BELT "READY" SEATS, SOME BELTS WERE INSTALLED WITH ONLY TWO BOLTS RATHER THAN THE REQUIRED THREE (3) BOLTS.

Safety risk

THESE SEATS COULD DETACH FROM THE WALL SIDE ATTACHMENT POINTS IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY TO THE SEAT OCCUPANT.

Manufacturer remedy

BLUE BIRD WILL FURNISH TO DISTRIBUTORS AND OWNERS, PARTS AND INSTRUCTIONS NECESSARY TO INSTALL THE MISSING BOLT FREE OF CHARGE. OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO ON NOVEMBER 3, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT BLUE BIRD AT 1-478-822-2242.

Recall campaignNHTSA 02V302000

Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings

Component
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Manufacturer
BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANY
Vehicles affected
485
Reported to NHTSA
2002-11-13
Owners notified
2002-12-12

Defect description

ON CERTAIN FRONT ENGINE SCHOOL AND TRANSIT BUSES EQUIPPED WITH HYDRAULIC BRAKES, THE REAR HYDRAULIC BRAKE HOSE COULD CONTACT THE FRAME RAIL AND ABRADE, ALLOWING BRAKE FLUID LEAKAGE.

Safety risk

IF THIS OCCURS, VEHICLE BRAKING COULD BE AFFECTED, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE REAR BRAKE HOSE TO FRAME RAIL CLEARANCE AND REPOSITION THE BRAKE HOSE CLAMPS AT THE AXLE TO ENSURE ADEQUATE CLEARANCE. ANY CHAFED BRAKE HOSES WILL BE REPLACED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN DECEMBER 12, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT BLUE BIRD AT 1-478-822-2242.

Owner complaints

A complaint is one person's report to a federal agency. It is not a finding.

ComponentComplaintsMedian mileage
Fuel system, diesel91,000 mi
Power train: driveline136,500 mi

The 2003 model has 5 times as many complaints as this one. The 2005 model has 10 times as many complaints as this one. These figures reflect raw complaint counts, not failure rates. Higher-selling model years naturally receive more complaints.

Safety recall repairs are provided free of charge by franchised dealers, regardless of vehicle age or mileage. This page displays aggregated data for the model year. To check recall status for a specific vehicle, search its VIN at nhtsa.gov.