2003 Blue Bird Sword Recall: ON CERTAIN LOW FLOOR BUSES EQUIPPED WITH BENDIX PURAGUARD DL DISCHARGE…
NHTSA campaign 02V211002 · Engine and Engine Cooling · filed Sep 19, 2002 · verified Sep 13, 2026
The defect
ON CERTAIN LOW FLOOR BUSES EQUIPPED WITH BENDIX PURAGUARD DL DISCHARGE LINE OIL COALESCING AIR FILTER, THE OIL COLLECTED IN THE FILTER CAN BE EXPOSED TO TEMPERATURES IN THE DISCHARGE LINE OF THE AIR COMPRESSOR THAT EXCEED THE IGNITION POINT OF THE OIL.
The risk
THESE CONDITIONS CAN PROMOTE THE RISK OF A FIRE IN THE FILTER, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN SERIOUS INJURY.
Check whether your specific vehicle is affected
Recall campaigns often cover only certain VIN ranges. Enter your VIN on the official NHTSA site to confirm whether your vehicle is included and whether the repair is still open.
Check VIN on NHTSA →The fix — what to do
DEALERS WILL REMOVE AND REPLACE THE PURAGUARD DL UNIT WITH A NEW AIR COMPRESSOR DISCHARGE LINE. 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.
ALSO, CUSTOMERS CAN CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
Affected vehicles
Related recalls
Other campaigns involving Blue Bird vehicles
- 2025–2027 Blue Bird Vision School Bus — Electrical contactor may fail, preventing the controls from…
- 2023–2027 Blue Bird Vision School Bus and 1 other model — 12V power wire on one of the harnesses may become damaged…
- 2023–2027 Blue Bird Vision Transit Bus — 12V power wire on one of the harnesses may become damaged…
Source: NHTSA recall database, campaign 02V211002 (manufacturer number R02GJ). Data last verified Sep 13, 2026.