Champion Bus Recalls Wheelchair Lifts Due to Software Defect
Champion Bus is recalling certain 2008-2010 buses because a software defect in Ricon wheelchair lifts may cause the platform to overrun the floor level, posing a fall risk.
What this means for you
Real risk of harm even if no illness or injury has been reported yet. Stop using the product and follow the agency's guidance.
Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a risk-of-harm product where injury has not yet been reported, fitting the High severity criteria for potential falls and tip-overs.
Plain-English summary
Champion Bus, Inc. is recalling certain model year 2008-2010 Challenger, Crusader, CTS RE, and Defender buses manufactured between September 2007 and February 2010. These vehicles are equipped with certain Ricon S Series and K Series L-Model wheelchair lifts that contain a software defect affecting the lift's "up" function.
The defect occurs if the "up" switch is released before the floor level limit switch is activated. In such cases, the lift may continue traveling upward for approximately one second before stopping, potentially overrunning the floor level cut-off point. When the platform stops at an angle of 15-20 degrees, a person in a wheelchair may tip over, or a person standing on the platform may fall, possibly resulting in injuries.
Champion Bus will notify owners, and repairs will be performed by authorized Ricon dealers. Ricon will provide owners with a bulletin outlining proper wheelchair lift operation and ship a DVD-based training aid to promote safe use. The safety recall was expected to begin during May 2010. Owners may contact Ricon Customer Service at 800-322-2884 or email [email protected].
The recalled product
- Product
- CHAMPION CHALLENGER, CRUSADER, CTS RE, DEFENDER
- Brand
- CHAMPION
- Manufacturer
- CHAMPION BUS, INC.
- Category
- Vehicle — Bus
- Hazard
- Affected units
- 223
Is your product affected?
Check your packaging against the codes below. If any of them match, the product is part of this recall.
Model numbers (4)
- CHALLENGER
- CRUSADER
- CTS RE
- DEFENDER
Distribution
Distributed nationwide across the United States.
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