Does the 2013 Champion BUS Defender have any recalls?

Transport Canada lists 1 campaign and the U.S. NHTSA lists 1 for the 2013 Champion BUS Defender. Matched by make, model, and model year. Many recalls affect only specific VIN ranges — confirm with your dealer using your full VIN.

How do I know if a recall applies to my 2013 Champion BUS Defender?

Recalls are matched by make, model and model year, but many cover only certain VIN ranges. Confirm with your manufacturer or dealer using your full VIN, or use the official Transport Canada or NHTSA lookup.

Are recall repairs free?

Yes. In both Canada and the United States the manufacturer must fix a recalled defect at no charge, through a franchised dealer.

RECALLS — MAKE · MODEL · YEAR

2013 Champion BUS Defender recalls

2 safety recall campaigns have been filed for the 2013 Champion BUS Defender with Transport Canada and the U.S. NHTSA. Here is what both agencies say.

Canadian recalls: 01
U.S. recalls: 01
Total campaigns: 02

Transport Canada recalls

Accessories#2018674December 5, 2018
24 units affected
On certain buses equipped with a Ricon S-Series or K-Series titanium wheelchair lift, the lift positioning input cam may fail. If this happens and the operator continues to press the "up" button, the platform could travel past the vehicle floor height, potentially causing a lift occupant to be tipped inwards toward the vehicle, which could increase the risk of injury. Correction: a Ricon authorized dealer will perform the repairs.

Canadian data updated August 24, 2026

U.S. NHTSA recalls

EQUIPMENT#12V593000December 18, 2012
Champion Bus is recalling certain model year 2006, and certain model year 2008-2013 buses, models: American Crusader, Challenger, Crusader, and Defender; manufactured September 30, 2006, through November 16, 2012. The buses are equipped with a Ricon manufactured wheelchair lift which has an optional armored pendant cable. The cable may have been installed such that it doesn't clear the wheelchair lift and without a protective cover, or a misinstalled protective cover.
Risk: The cable may contact the power lug at the base of the wheel chair lift causing a short circuit that could result in a fire.
Remedy: Champion Bus is working with Ricon to notify owners. Ricon will provide a supplemental cover kit with instructions, free of charge. Owners may contact Champion Bus at 1-819-724-6474 or Ricon at 1-818-267-3000.

Does this recall apply to my vehicle?

Matched by make, model, and model year. Many recalls affect only specific VIN ranges — confirm with your dealer using your full VIN.

What to do

Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer in both countries. To confirm a recall applies to your specific vehicle, or to book the work, contact your manufacturer or dealer with your full VIN, or use the official channel:

NHTSA recall lookup (search by VIN) — U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Defects and recalls database — Transport Canada

Check a 2013 Champion BUS Defender VIN

A VIN decode confirms your vehicle's exact model year, trim and assembly plant, then runs this same recall check against it.

Data sources and coverage limits →