Vehicle recall 14V303000 · May 28, 2014
2014 Champion Bus Defender
The software controlling the affected transmissions may improperly raise the vehicle's engine speed during downshifts without the driver's input.
Source: NHTSA data as of September 22, 2026. Last refreshed Sep 23, 2026, 2:43 AM UTC.
- Summary
- 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.
- Consequence
- 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.
- Notes
- Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Recall details
- NHTSA campaign
- 14V303000
- Reported to NHTSA
- May 28, 2014
- Filed by
- Champion Bus, Inc.
- Owner notification
- November 18, 2014
- Vehicles potentially affected
- 2
- Initiated by
- the manufacturer
- Components
- Power train › Automatic transmission › Control module (TCM/PCM/tecm)
Vehicles covered
As listed by NHTSA. A recall usually covers only some vehicles of each model and year, often a production date range.
- Champion Bus Defender (2014): 2014
Has your Champion Bus 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 Bus dealer can also check your VIN. Recall repairs are free.