Body: doorRecall 06V-368 · 2000 Champion Contender
CHAMPION BUS, INC. recall 06V-368 covers 22 2000 Champion Contender for a body: door problem, reported to NHTSA on September 27, 2006.
Source: NHTSA recall 06V368000 and manufacturer quarterly reports. Started by an NHTSA defect investigation.
The problem
ON CERTAIN BUSES EQUIPPED WITH VAPOR BUS CONNECTING RODS, WHEN THE CONNECTING ROD IS SUBJECTED TO CERTAIN LOAD COMBINATIONS AND CUMULATIVE CYCLING, INITIATION AND PROPAGATION OF FATIGUE CRACKS ARE SEEN AT THE EXTERNAL THREAD ROOTS. IF THE CRACK INITIATES AND PROPAGATES THROUGH THE CROSS SECTION OF THE CONNECTING ROD, IT MAY RESULT IN THE BENDING OR THE CONNECTING ROD ASSEMBLY AND MALFUNCTION OF THE DOOR ACTUATION ASSEMBLY.
The risk
IF THE CRACK PROPAGATES THROUGH THE ENTIRE CROSS SECTION OF THE CONNECTING ROD, THE CONNECTING ROD MAY BREAK AND THE ASSOCIATED DOOR PANEL MAY BE ABLE TO MOVE FREELY IN AN UNCONTROLLED MANNER, LEAVING PASSENGERS INSIDE THE BUS UNPROTECTED BY THE DOOR PANEL AND POSSIBLY ENABLING A PROTRUDING DOOR PANEL TO STRIKE PERSONS OR OBJECTS OUTSIDE THE BUS.
The fix
VAPOR BUS IS CONDUCTING THIS RECALL (PLEASE SEE 05E-030). ALL BUSES INVOLVED IN THIS RECALL HAVE BEEN REPAIRED.
CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.
Recall repairs are free. Confirm whether this recall is open on your vehicle by entering its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Vehicles in this recall
Built from September 1, 1999 to June 30, 2000. Not every vehicle in these model years is included; check by VIN.