The Recall Desk
Our severity:HighNHTSA·14V257000·Announced 2014-05-15

Champion Challenger Transit Buses Recalled for Wheelchair Lift Cable Fire Risk

Champion is recalling 2013 Challenger transit buses because an armored cable may not clear the wheelchair lift, posing a fire risk.

What this means for you

Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 3/5 (High).

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 (fire hazard) where injury has not yet been reported, fitting the High severity criteria.

Plain-English summary

Champion Bus, Inc. is recalling certain model year 2013 Challenger transit buses manufactured between January 7, 2013, and October 25, 2013. These vehicles are equipped with certain Ricon S series and K series wheelchair lifts and an optional armored pendant cable.

The armored cable may be positioned such that it does not clear the wheelchair lift. If the cable contacts the power lug and lacks a nonconductive cover or has an improperly installed cover, a short circuit may occur that could result in a fire.

Champion will notify owners, and Ricon will send a supplemental cover kit and instructions free of charge. The recall began on August 27, 2014. Owners may contact Champion customer service at 1-800-776-4943 or Ricon at 1-818-267-3000.

The recalled product

Product
CHAMPION CHALLENGER
Brand
CHAMPION
Manufacturer
Champion Bus, Inc.
Category
Vehicle — Transit Bus
Hazard
Affected units
29

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)

  • CHALLENGER

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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