Blue bird/fmvss 301
Defect Summary
Vehicle description: front and rear engine school buses equipped with 60 gallon side mounted fuel tank barriers. these buses do not comply with the requirements of fmvss no. 301, "fuel system integrity."
Safety Consequence
In the event of a vehicle crash, the fuel tank could be damaged, leaking fuel, possibly resulting in a vehicle fire.
Corrective Action
Blue bird will ship instructions and modification kits to the owners of these buses.
Similar Recalls
Other recalls from Blue Bird Body Company or involving Fuel System, Gasoline.
FAQ: Recall 97V197000
Your rights, the repair process, and what each field on this page means.
What is recall 97V197000?
NHTSA recall 97V197000 was issued by Blue Bird Body Company on November 7, 1997. It addresses: Blue bird/fmvss 301. The recall affects approximately 16,338 vehicles, with the defect involving the Fuel System, Gasoline component.
How do I get this recall repaired?
Contact any authorized Blue Bird Body Company dealer and reference NHTSA recall ID 97V197000 or the manufacturer campaign number NR (Not Reported). 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.