Champion Bus Recalls 2011 CTS and M1235 Trucks for Exhaust Fire Risk
Champion Bus is recalling 2011 CTS and M1235 trucks equipped with Cummins diesel engines because a faulty clamp bolt can fracture, causing exhaust leaks and fire risks.
What this means for you
Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 4/5 (Severe).
The hazard poses a serious risk of illness, injury, or structural failure. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.
Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a structural vehicle defect where a component failure can lead to fire and road hazards, meeting the criteria for a Severe rating.
Plain-English summary
Champion Bus, Inc. is recalling certain model year 2011 CTS and M1235 trucks manufactured between March 9, 2011, and June 29, 2011. These vehicles are equipped with a Cummins ISX or ISL diesel engine. The recall addresses a defect in the V-band clamp assembly used to connect the inlet and outlet cone sections to the diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC)/diesel particulate filter (DPF).
The defect involves a T-bolt within the clamp assembly that can fracture and fail when subjected to stress or load. If the T-bolt fails, the clamp may loosen, causing the inlet or outlet sections attached to the DOC/DPF housing to disconnect. This disconnection allows hot exhaust gases to vent before exiting the tailpipe, creating a risk of combustion and fire. In some applications, if both clamps fail, the DOC/DPF housing may detach completely, creating a road hazard.
Champion is working with Cummins to identify and notify owners of the recall campaign. Repairs will be performed by authorized Cummins dealers free of charge. The safety recall began on October 10, 2011. Owners may contact Cummins at 1-812-377-5000 or the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236.
The recalled product
- Product
- CHAMPION CTS, M1235
- Brand
- CHAMPION
- Manufacturer
- CHAMPION BUS, INC.
- Category
- Vehicle — Commercial Truck
- Hazard
- Affected units
- 3
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 (2)
- CTS
- M1235
Distribution
Distributed nationwide across the United States.
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