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Vehicle recall 08V068000 · February 14, 2008

Champion 3035RE and M1235

These gears may have been assembled with the incorrect recirculating ball spacer.

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

Summary
Champion bus is recalling 14 my 2008 3035RE buses built on freightliner chassis and equipped with zf model 8018 steering gears. These gears may have been assembled with the incorrect recirculating ball spacer. This could potentially allow the recirculation balls to escape from the recirculation ball circuit resulting in a loss of steering.
Consequence
The operator may notice higher required steering wheel inputs, or the need for more steering wheel adjustments while driving in a straight line in combination with metallic cracking noises prior to a loss of steering. Loss of steering could result in a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Champion bus is working with freightliner and zf to replace the steering gear (please see 07V343 and 07E049). Owners may contact freightliner at 1-800-547-0712 or champion bus at 1-800-331-5761.
Notes
Customers may also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to http://www.safercar.gov.

Recall details

NHTSA campaign
08V068000
Reported to NHTSA
February 14, 2008
Filed by
CHAMPION BUS, INC.
Vehicles potentially affected
14
Initiated by
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation
Components
Steering › Gear box › Shaft pitman
Recall 08V068000 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.

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.

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.