CHAMPION DEFENDER 2018: SEATS

General Information

NHTSA Campaign ID Number: 18V798000

Make Model Year
CHAMPION DEFENDER 2018
Date Owners Notified Date Received by ODI Date Added to Database
2018-12-19 2018-11-12 2018-11-15

Production Dates: 2017-04-29 - 2018-10-31

Manufacturers Involved: Champion Bus, Inc.

Component: SEATS

Potential Number Of Units Affected: 76

Report Initiator: MFR MFR Report

Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard Number: 207

Summary

Champion Bus, Inc. "Champion" is recalling certain 2017-2018 Champion Challenger, Defender, LF Transport, Goshen G-Force, and Impulse transit buses, equipped with Freedman GO-ES Foldaway Seats, part numbers 43705, 45467, 48923, and 75719. When the back seat cushion is rotated from the stowed position to the upright position, the seat cushion may not remain locked into place when under load, such as in a crash or a sudden stop. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard "FMVSS" number 207, "Seating Systems," and number 210, "Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages."

Consequence

In the event of a crash, if the seat back moves, the seat occupant has an increased risk of injury.

Remedy

Champion will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and repair the foldaway seat, free of charge. The recall began December 19, 2018. Owners may contact Champion customer service at 1-810-724-1753, extension 415 or Freedman customer service at 1-800-527-7477.

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.