2016 Champion Challenger problems, complaints & recalls

Defect: Champion Bus (Champion) is recalling certain 2012-2018 Champion American Coach, American Crusader, American S2, Challenger, Crusader, Defender, and Impulse vehicles, equipped with certain S-Series and K-Series Titanium Wheelchair Lifts, models K200, K201, K550, K551, S200, S2201, S550 and S551. The wheelchair lift positioning input cam may fail while the lift is in use, allowing the platform to travel higher than the vehicle's floor height.

Risk: If the wheelchair lift platform stops above the vehicle floor, the wheelchair user can tip inwards toward the vehicle when exiting the lift, increasing their risk of injury.

Fix: Dealers will replace the injection molded cam with an aluminum machined cam, free of charge. The recall began November 1, 2018. Owners may contact Champion customer service 1-810-724-1753 extension 415 or Ricon customer service at 1-800-322-2884 or by emailing Ricon at Admin18E044@wabtec.com.

Defect: Champion Bus, Inc. (Champion) is recalling certain model year 2016 Champion Bus Challenger shuttle buses manufactured January 29, 2016, to April 4, 2016. These vehicles are equipped with seats that may separate from the base frame due to bolt failure. As such, these seats fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety System (FMVSS) number 222, "School Bus Passenger Seating and Crash Protection."

Risk: In the event of a crash, the seat can separate from the base frame, increasing the risk of injury to the seat occupant.

Fix: Champion will notify owners, and dealers will replace the seats, free of charge. The recall began on May 27, 2016. Owners may contact Champion customer service at 810-724-1753 extension 415.