Safety Recall NHTSA · 12V538000 Reported November 15, 2012

Brake light switch may keep brake lights on

Blue Bird Body Company · Exterior Lighting · 452 vehicles potentially affected

NHTSA ID
12V538000
Manufacturer Campaign
R12VR
Component
Exterior Lighting
Vehicles Affected
452
Recall Type
Vehicle
Report Received
November 15, 2012

Defect Summary

Blue bird is recalling certain model year 2013 and 2014 vision school buses manufactured from january 10, 2012, through november 01, 2012, and equipped with ford 6.8l propane engines. the brake light switch mounting bracket may have caused the brake light switch to be incorrectly adjusted at installation and/or the brake light switch mounting bracket may deform when the driver allows the brake pedal to return forcibly. an incorrectly adjusted brake light switch or deformed brake light switch mounting bracket may cause the brake lights to illuminate continuously.

Safety Consequence

Improperly functioning brake lights could confuse following motorists and fail to warn them that the bus may be stopping, increasing the risk of a crash.

Corrective Action

Blue bird will notify owners, and dealers will install a new, redesigned brake light switch mounting bracket along with a new brake light switch, free of charge. the safety recall began on december 5, 2012. owners may contact blue bird at 1-478-822-2242.

What you should do

  1. Look up your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm this recall applies to your vehicle.
  2. Contact an authorized Blue Bird Body Company dealer and reference recall ID 12V538000 or campaign R12VR.
  3. Schedule the free repair. By federal law, the manufacturer must remedy the defect at no cost.
View Official NHTSA Notice →
Related

Similar Recalls

Other recalls from Blue Bird Body Company or involving Exterior Lighting.

FAQ: Recall 12V538000

Your rights, the repair process, and what each field on this page means.

What is recall 12V538000?

NHTSA recall 12V538000 was issued by Blue Bird Body Company on November 15, 2012. It addresses: Brake light switch may keep brake lights on. The recall affects approximately 452 vehicles, with the defect involving the Exterior Lighting component.

How do I get this recall repaired?

Contact any authorized Blue Bird Body Company dealer and reference NHTSA recall ID 12V538000 or the manufacturer campaign number R12VR. Under federal law, the repair is completely free regardless of vehicle age or owner history.

Is my vehicle included in this recall?

The only way to confirm is to look up your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. NHTSA's tool will tell you if VIN-by-VIN this exact recall applies.

How long do I have to get a recall repair done?

There is no expiration on most federal safety recalls. Even if your vehicle is years old and you bought it used, the manufacturer is required to perform the repair at no cost.

Where does the data on this page come from?

All information on this page is sourced directly from the U.S. Department of Transportation public dataset for NHTSA recalls. Last refreshed: 2026-05-22. For the most current official notice, visit nhtsa.gov/recalls.