The problem
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."
The risk
In the event of a crash, the seat can separate from the base frame, increasing the risk of injury to the seat occupant.
The 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.
Contacts
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.
What to do
- Check your VIN. Enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls - it shows whether this recall applies to your vehicle and whether the repair has been done.
- Call a dealer. Any authorized Champion dealer will do the repair free, whether or not you bought the vehicle there. Quote campaign 16V295000.
- Ask about parts and a loaner. If parts aren't available yet, ask what to do in the meantime.
- Keep your paperwork. If you paid for this repair before the recall, you may be able to get reimbursed - here's how.