CHAMPION 2018 CHAMPION DEFENDER Recall
Hazard assessment based on recall description.
This AI-generated summary is provided for general informational purposes only and is derived from publicly available recall notices. It supplements but does not replace official agency classifications or safety instructions.
Check Your Product
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
Product
2018 CHAMPION DEFENDER
Brand
CHAMPION
Lot Codes / Batch Numbers
Not specified in NHTSA notice. Check official source for details.
Products Sold
Model Year 2018
Champion Bus, Inc. is recalling certain 2018 CHAMPION DEFENDER vehicles due to equipment adaptive/mobility issues. If the wheelchair lift platform stops above the vehicle floor, the wheelchair user can tip inwards toward the vehicle when exiting the lift, increasin.
Summary derived from NHTSA notice
Reason for Recall
As stated by NHTSA
Champion Bus (Champion) is recalling certain 2012-2018 Champion American Coach, American Crusader, American S2, Challenger, Crusader, Defender, and Impulse vehicles, equipped with certain S-Series and K-Series Titanium Wheelchair Lifts, models K200, K201, K550, K551, S200, S2201, S550 and S551. The wheelchair lift positioning input cam may fail while the lift is in use, allowing the platform to travel higher than the vehicle's floor height.
Reported concern (NHTSA)
If the wheelchair lift platform stops above the vehicle floor, the wheelchair user can tip inwards toward the vehicle when exiting the lift, increasing their risk of injury.
Recommended Action
Per NHTSA guidance
Dealers will replace the injection molded cam with an aluminum machined cam, free of charge. The recall began November 1, 2018. Owners may contact Champion customer service 1-810-724-1753 extension 415 or Ricon customer service at 1-800-322-2884 or by emailing Ricon at Admin18E044@wabtec.com.
Verify this information on the official source
For complete details and official instructions, check the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) directly.
View official NHTSA recall noticePage updated: Jan 10, 2026