Model year record

2004 BLUE BIRD Express 4500

4 recall campaigns on file for this model year. No owner complaints on file.

Recalls

Recall campaignNHTSA 13V480000

Electrical system

Component
Electrical system
Manufacturer
Blue Bird Body Company
Vehicles affected
393
Reported to NHTSA
2013-10-17
Owners notified
2013-12-17

Defect description

Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain model year 2004 Ultra LMB, 2003-2006 Ultra LF and 2004-2007 Express commercial buses equipped with Sure Power-brand 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.

Safety risk

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

Manufacturer remedy

Blue Bird will notify owners, and dealers will replace the equalizers, free of charge. The recall began on December 17, 2013. Owners may contact Blue Bird at 1-478-825-2021. Blue Bird's recall number is R13WN.

Recall campaignNHTSA 04V388000

Service brakes, air: disc

Component
Service brakes, air: disc
Manufacturer
BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANY
Vehicles affected
156
Reported to NHTSA
2004-08-04
Owners notified
2004-08-10

Defect description

CERTAIN MOTOR COACHES, MOTOR HOMES, COMMUTER COACHES, AND TRANSIT BUSES EQUIPPED WITH ARVIN-MERITOR DX 225 AIR DISC BRAKES, ARE EXPERIENCING EXCESSIVE SMOKE IN THE WHEEL AREA DUE TO OVERHEATING OF THE AIR DISC BRAKE PADS.

Safety risk

A POTENTIAL FIRE IN THE WHEEL MAY OCCUR WHICH MAY RESULT IN PROPERTY DAMAGE OR PERSONAL INJURY.

Manufacturer remedy

ARVIN-MERITOR WILL INSPECT THE BRAKE ASSEMBLIES TO ENSURE PROPER SET-UP AND OPERATION. THIS RECALL BEGAN AUGUST 10, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT BLUE BIRD AT 478-822-2242.

Recall campaignNHTSA 04V341000

Service brakes, air: supply: check valve

Component
Service brakes, air: supply: check valve
Manufacturer
BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANY
Vehicles affected
48
Reported to NHTSA
2004-07-19
Owners notified
2004-07-30

Defect description

CERTAIN MOTOR COACHES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 121, "AIR BRAKE SYSTEMS." THESE BUSES WERE MANUFACTURED WITHOUT THE CHECK VALVE, WHICH PROTECTS THE FRONT SERVICE BRAKE RESERVOIR.

Safety risk

LOSS OF AIR PRESSURE COULD RESULT IN LONGER STOPPING DISTANCES WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL ADD THE REQUIRED CHECK VALVE TO THE FRONT AIR BRAKE SERVICE RESERVOIR TO INSURE COMPLIANCE WITH FMVSS NO. 121. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 30, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT BLUE BIRD AT 478-822-2242.

Recall campaignNHTSA 04V153000

Steering: linkages

Component
Steering: linkages
Manufacturer
BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANY
Vehicles affected
98
Reported to NHTSA
2004-03-26
Owners notified
2004-04-07

Defect description

ON CERTAIN MOTOR HOMES AND TRANSIT COACHES, INCORRECT TORQUE APPLICATION COULD HAVE BEEN APPLIED TO THE CLAMP BOLTS AND THE DRAG LINK.

Safety risk

THIS COULD LEAD TO THE CLAMPS BECOMING LOOSE, CAUSING MISALIGNMENT OF THE STEERING AXLES, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CLAMP BOLTS AND AND TIGHTEN TO THE REQUIRED TORQUE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON APRIL 7, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT BLUE BIRD AT 478-822-2242.

Owner complaints

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

No complaints recorded for this model year.

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.