NHTSA vehicle safety data
2014 Champion Bus Defender Recalls, Ratings & Complaints
The 2014 Champion Bus Defender has 2 NHTSA recall campaigns and 0 owner complaints on file as of October 16, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Champion Bus dealer.
NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2014 Champion Bus Defender. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
SEAT BELTS
NHTSA #14V302000Reported May 28, 2014 · Champion Bus, Inc.
Potentially affected: 25 vehicles
Defect description
Champion Bus, Inc. (Champion) is recalling certain model year 2014 Defender shuttle buses built on Freightliner M2 chassis equipped with IMMI-brand L9 seat belt buckles. When the button is pressed to release the seat belt, the latch plate can become partially engaged with the buckle, making the seat belt difficult to unlatch. Thus, these vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 209, "Seat Belt Assemblies."
Safety consequence
If the latch plate remains partially engaged after the button is pressed, egress from the vehicle could be hindered which would increase the risk of injury in the event of an emergency.
Manufacturer remedy
Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA), manufacturer of the Freightliner chassis, has notified owners, and DTNA dealers will inspect and replace the seat belt buckle, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on May 27, 2014. Owners may contact Champion Bus at 1-810-724-6474 or DTNA at 1-800-385-4357.
Notes
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.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)
NHTSA #14V303000Reported May 28, 2014 · Champion Bus, Inc.
Potentially affected: 2 vehicles
Defect description
Champion Bus, Inc. (Champion) is recalling certain model year 2014 Defender shuttle buses built on Freightliner M2 chassis, equipped with Eaton-brand hybrid automated transmissions. The software controlling the affected transmissions may improperly raise the vehicle's engine speed during downshifts without the driver's input.
Safety consequence
The increase in engine speed may result in unintended acceleration, increasing the risk of a crash.
Manufacturer remedy
Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA), manufacturer of the Freightliner chassis, has notified owners, and Eaton authorized service facilities has updated the Hybrid Control Module Software version, free of charge. The recall began in May 2014. Owners may contact Champion Bus at 1-810-724-6474. Customers may also contact Eaton at 1-800-386-1911.
Notes
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.
Other Champion Bus Defender model years
Check your 2014 Champion Bus Defender VIN
Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your Champion Bus Defender at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.
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