Recall 10V-129: 2008–2009 Champion ABC 3035RE, 2008–2010 Champion ABC M-1235 and 4 more

CHAMPION BUS, INC. recall for equipment adaptive/mobility, reported to NHTSA on Apr 2, 2010, covering about 300 vehicles.

NHTSA number
10V-129
Report date
Apr 2, 2010
Vehicles affected
300
Owners notified
May 4, 2010

The problem

Champion bus has notified NHTSA of a defect in certain model year 2007-2010 buses fitted with ricon public use lifts. The restraint belt on these lifts was designed to prevent the lift from moving, unless the tongue of the belt is fully engaged and latched in the buckle. Ricon has discovered, however, that it is possible for the operator to insert the belt tongue into the buckle without fully engaging the latching mechanism. In this case, the restraint belt would appear to be latched, and the operator could run the lift. If the restraint belt tongue is not fully engaged into the restraint belt buckle, and latched, the lift may operate with an occupant on the platform.

The risk

The user of the lift could be injured should the lift move without the restraint belt properly buckled.

The fix

Champion bus is working with ricon and ricon will be handling the remedy for this campaign. Please see ricon's defect report 09e-060. Ricon will provide customers with a warning decal and a DVD-based training aid. The safety recall began on may 5, 2010. Owners may contact ricon customer service at 800-322-2884, emailing at www.dmata@wabtec.com.

Notes

Owners may also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (Tty 1-800-424-9153), or go to <a href=http://www.safercar.gov>http://www.safercar.gov</a> .

Recall details

ManufacturerCHAMPION BUS, INC.
ComponentEquipment Adaptive/Mobility
Recall started bythe manufacturer
NHTSA campaign number10V129000

Vehicles in this recall

VehicleModel years
Champion ABC 3035RE2008, 2009All years
Champion ABC M-12352008, 2009, 2010All years
Champion Challenger2007, 2008, 2009, 2010All years
Champion Crusader2008, 2009All years
Champion CTS RE2010All years
Champion Defender2007, 2008, 2009, 2010All years

Not every vehicle of these model years is included. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls ↗ or ask a dealer.

Frequently asked questions

What is recall 10V-129?

Champion bus has notified NHTSA of a defect in certain model year 2007-2010 buses fitted with ricon public use lifts. The restraint belt on these lifts was designed to prevent the lift from moving, unless the tongue of the belt is fully engaged and latched in the buckle. Ricon has discovered, however, that it is possible for the operator to insert the belt tongue into the buckle without fully engaging the latching mechanism. In this case, the restraint belt would appear to be latched, and the operator could run the lift. If the restraint belt tongue is not fully engaged into the restraint belt buckle, and latched, the lift may operate with an occupant on the platform.

How is recall 10V-129 fixed?

Champion bus is working with ricon and ricon will be handling the remedy for this campaign. Please see ricon's defect report 09e-060. Ricon will provide customers with a warning decal and a DVD-based training aid. The safety recall began on may 5, 2010. Owners may contact ricon customer service at 800-322-2884, emailing at www.dmata@wabtec.com.

Is the recall repair free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check whether your vehicle is included with its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.