RECALLS — MAKE · MODEL · YEAR
2014 Champion BUS Defender recalls
3 safety recall campaigns have been filed for the 2014 Champion BUS Defender with Transport Canada and the U.S. NHTSA. Here is what both agencies say.
- Canadian recalls
- 01
- U.S. recalls
- 02
- Total campaigns
- 03
Transport Canada recalls
01- Accessories#2018674
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
02- POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)#14V303000
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.
Risk: The increase in engine speed may result in unintended acceleration, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
- SEAT BELTS#14V302000
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."
Risk: 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.
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.
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 2014 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.