Vehicle recall 09V369000 · September 24, 2009
Champion CTS, Challenger and 5 more models
The connector board can corrode due to an accumulation of moisture under the connector.
Source: NHTSA data as of September 22, 2026. Last refreshed Sep 23, 2026, 2:43 AM UTC.
- Summary
- Champion bus is recalling certain model year 2003 through 2010 transit buses manufactured between January 2003 and August 2009 equipped with luminator horizon LED side destination signs. The connector board can corrode due to an accumulation of moisture under the connector.
- Consequence
- A short could occur, possibly causing smoke and fire.
- Remedy
- Champion bus will notify owners and luminator will repair the buses free of charge. Please see luminator's defect report 09E-054. The safety recall began on December 11, 2009. Owners may contact luminator at 1-972-516-3033 or champion bus at 1-800-331-5761.
- Notes
- Owners 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
- 09V369000
- Reported to NHTSA
- September 24, 2009
- Filed by
- CHAMPION BUS, INC.
- Owner notification
- December 11, 2009
- Vehicles potentially affected
- 69
- Initiated by
- the manufacturer
- Components
- Interior lighting
Vehicles covered
As listed by NHTSA. A recall usually covers only some vehicles of each model and year, often a production date range.
- Champion American Crusader (2007): 2007
- Champion Challenger (2005-2007, 2009): 2009, 2007, 2006, 2005
- Champion CTS (2004, 2006-2010): 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2004
- Champion Defender (2003, 2007-2009): 2009, 2008, 2007, 2003
- Champion EZ-Trans (2007-2010): 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007
- Champion High Floor IC (2010): 2010
- Champion LO-Trans (2005-2006): 2006, 2005
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.