Sudden loss of power assist steering

An NHTSA Preliminary Evaluation into Blue Bird vehicles. Closed 28 August 2009.

Investigation
PE09029
Type
Preliminary Evaluation
Opened
5 June 2009
Closed
28 August 2009

What NHTSA investigated

This investigation was opened after odi received six fleet complaints (19 buses total) alleging repeated issues of the power steering reservoir gasket failing.it was alleged that the degraded gasket fell into the power steering pump, resulting in an increasedsteering effort.odi is aware of two buses that, without warning, lost power assist steering during normal driving operations. Reportedly, the power steering gaskets were manufactured with incorrect material substituted by one of the gasket material suppliers. After anevaluation into this issue, blue bird authorized a safety recall. The original power steering lid gasket will be replaced with new gasket material.the action taken by blue bird resolves the issues raised by this investigation.accordingly, this investigation is closed.

The recall that followed

  1. Blue Bird — Steering: Hydraulic Power Assist System09V28400023 July 20097,772 vehicles

Vehicles covered

MakeModelModel years
Blue BirdVISION2007–2009

Source

From NHTSA’s investigation file, rebuilt daily. To report a problem with your own vehicle, go to nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem. All open investigations.