2002–2005 Blue Bird Ultra LF Recall: CERTAIN TRANSIT BUSES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL…
NHTSA campaign 05V014000 · Structure · filed Jan 24, 2005 · verified Jul 30, 2026
The defect
CERTAIN TRANSIT BUSES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 217, "BUS EMERGENCY EXITS AND WINDOW RETENTION AND RELEASE." THE STRIKER PLATES AT THE BOTTOM OF THE EMERGENCY PUSHOUT WINDOWS CAN WEAR A GROOVE INTO THE EMERGENCY RELEASE BOLT. IF THIS GROOVE BECOMES DEEP ENOUGH, THE EMERGENCY PUSH WINDOW MAY FAIL TO OPEN AS INTENDED WHEN RELEASED.
The risk
IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY, FAILURE OF THE PUSHOUT WINDOW COULD POTENTIALLY TRAP PASSENGERS OR DELAY THEIR ESCAPE, INCREASING THE RISK OF 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 SHIP REPAIR PARTS AND INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS TO THE BUS OWNERS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 21, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BLUE BIRD AT 478-825-2021.
BLUE BIRD RECALL NO. R05JF.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.
Affected vehicles
Related recalls
More Blue Bird Ultra LF recalls
- 2004–2007 Blue Bird Express 4000 and 3 other models — Specific potting compound used in the subject products for…
- 2003–2007 Blue Bird Ultra LF — Cracks may develop in the bracket which secures the power…
- 2004–2006 Blue Bird Ultra LF — CERTAIN COMMERCIAL SERIES TRANSIT BUSES EQUIPPED WITH…
- 2003–2006 Blue Bird Ultra LF — ON CERTAIN COMMERCIALTRANSIT BUSES EQUIPPED WITH VAPOR DOOR…
- 2004 Blue Bird Express 4000 and 3 other models — CERTAIN MOTOR COACHES, MOTOR HOMES, COMMUTER COACHES, AND…
Other campaigns involving Blue Bird vehicles
Source: NHTSA recall database, campaign 05V014000 (manufacturer number R05JF). Data last verified Jul 30, 2026.