Champion M1235 Transit Buses Recalled for Electrical Fire Risk
Champion Bus is recalling 2011-2012 M1235 transit buses because a ground wire may chafe and cause a short circuit, potentially leading to a vehicle fire.
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 (electrical wiring) that poses a risk of vehicle fire, which aligns with the rubric criteria for a Severe (4) rating involving significant injury or property damage reports.
Plain-English summary
Champion Bus, Inc. is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 ABC-M1235 transit buses manufactured between March 9, 2011, and November 18, 2011. These vehicles were built on a Freightliner Custom Chassis. The recall involves 30 affected units.
The defect involves the grid heater ground wire, which may contact the relay power terminal. This contact can cause the wire to rub and chafe, potentially resulting in a short circuit. An electrical fault or short circuit could cause a vehicle fire.
Freightliner will notify owners and inspect the buses to correctly route the ground wire as necessary. Repairs will be performed by Freightliner authorized facilities free of charge. The safety recall began on February 2, 2012. Owners may contact Champion at 1-810-724-6474 or the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236.
The recalled product
- Product
- CHAMPION M1235
- Brand
- CHAMPION
- Manufacturer
- CHAMPION BUS, INC.
- Category
- Vehicle — Transit Bus
- Hazard
- Affected units
- 30
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 (1)
- M1235
Distribution
Distributed nationwide across the United States.
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