CHAMPION BUS DEFENDER 2014: SEAT BELTS

General Information

NHTSA Campaign ID Number: 14V302000

Make Model Year
CHAMPION BUS DEFENDER 2014
Date Owners Notified Date Received by ODI Date Added to Database
2014-01-21 2014-05-28 2014-06-09

Manufacturers Involved: Champion Bus, Inc.

Component: SEAT BELTS

Potential Number Of Units Affected: 25

Report Initiator: MFR MFR Report

Summary

Champion Bus, Inc. "Champion" is recalling certain model year 2014 Defender shuttle buses built on Freightliner M2 chassis equipped with IMMI-brand L9 seat belt buckles. When the button is pressed to release the seat belt, the latch plate can become partially engaged with the buckle, making the seat belt difficult to unlatch. Thus, these vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard "FMVSS" No. 209, "Seat Belt Assemblies."

Consequence

If the latch plate remains partially engaged after the button is pressed, egress from the vehicle could be hindered which would increase the risk of injury in the event of an emergency.

Remedy

Daimler Trucks North America "DTNA", manufacturer of the Freightliner chassis, has notified owners, and DTNA dealers will inspect and replace the seat belt buckle, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on May 27, 2014. Owners may contact Champion Bus at 1-810-724-6474 or DTNA at 1-800-385-4357.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 'TTY 1-800-424-9153', or go to www.safercar.gov.