Electrical systemRecall 12V-577 · Champion vehicles
CHAMPION BUS, INC. recall 12V-577 covers 49 Champion vehicles for a electrical system problem, reported to NHTSA on December 10, 2012.
Source: NHTSA recall 12V577000 and manufacturer quarterly reports. Started by the manufacturer.
The problem
Champion Bus is recalling certain model year 2011 through 2013 CX300, CX340, CX380, and 3035RE model transit buses manufactured from January 24, 2011, through November 7, 2012, built on Freightliner brand XB and XC custom chassis. The chassis are equipped with connectors for diode jumpers that may come loose, resulting in an open circuit. Two circuits are affected: The one that disengages the cruise control with brake pedal use, and the one that illuminates the brake lights with brake pedal use.
The risk
Failure of the cruise control to disengage when the brakes are applied may increase the risk of a vehicle crash. Without the brake lights illuminating when the brakes are applied, the driver's intent is not communicated, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix
Daimler Trucks (DTNA) will notify owners on behalf of Champion Bus, and Freightliner dealers will inspect the diode jumpers to make sure they are fully locked in place and will correct the vehicles as needed. The recall is expected to begin January 28, 2013. Owners should contact DTNA Warranty Campaigns Department at (800) 547-0712, 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Pacific Time Monday through Friday, e-mail address, or the Customer Assistance Center at (800) FTL-HELP after normal business hours.
DTNA's recall campaign number is FL-634.Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to 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 January 24, 2011 to November 7, 2012. Not every vehicle in these model years is included; check by VIN.