Vehicle recall 04V521000 · November 2, 2004

Champion Challenger, Champion Crusader and 3 more models

On certain buses equipped with sure-lok wheelchair securement systems, the sprocket teeth of the retractor assembly is out of alignment.

Source: NHTSA data as of September 22, 2026. Last refreshed Sep 23, 2026, 2:43 AM UTC.

Summary: On certain buses equipped with sure-lok wheelchair securement systems, the sprocket teeth of the retractor assembly is out of alignment.
Consequence: In the event of a vehicle crash, the wheelchair may not be adequately secured possibly resulting in injuries to a wheelchair occupant.
Remedy: Sure-lok is conducting the owner notification and remedy for this campaign. Dealers will inspect and replace the wheelchair securement retractors as necessary. Owners should contact sure-lock at 1-908-231-1804 or champion at 810-724-6474.
Notes: Customers can also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-888-dash-2-dot (1-888-327-4236).

Recall details

NHTSA campaign: 04V521000
Reported to NHTSA: November 2, 2004
Filed by: CHAMPION BUS, INC.
Vehicles potentially affected: 231
Initiated by: NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation
Components: Equipment adaptive/mobility

Recall 04V521000 on nhtsa.gov, with the manufacturer’s documents

Vehicles covered

As listed by NHTSA. A recall usually covers only some vehicles of each model and year, often a production date range.

Champion Challenger (2000-2004): 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001, 2000
Champion Crusader (2000-2004): 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001, 2000
Champion CTS (2000-2004): 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001, 2000
Champion Defender (2000-2004): 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001, 2000
General Coach M1035 (2002): 2002

Has your Champion been repaired?

Recalls here come from NHTSA’s records for the model and year. Not every vehicle of a model is included in every recall, and this site can’t see whether a repair has been done. Only a VIN lookup can tell you that.

Check your VIN with NHTSA

NHTSA’s VIN search doesn’t show recalls that were already repaired, recalls more than 15 years old, or some small manufacturers’ recalls. A Champion dealer can also check your VIN. Recall repairs are free.