Recalls for 2000 Champion Contender

DEFECT #1 - SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR

Posted on: 2002-10-31
Description
On certain buses equipped with cp traveling retractor lap (type 1) seat belts, the plastic cover housing the reserve end of the seat belt web can break.  If the two halves of the cover completely separate, the connector portion of the belt will detach from the cover.  Once detached, the connector rivet can separate from the connector frame causing the frame to become unusable.

Consequence
This condition cannot occur during use, however, the belt will be unsuable and may result in an occupant seating position without a seat belt.  In the event of a vehicle crash, an unbelted individual could be seriously injured or killed.

Corrective Action
Amsafe will notify its customers and provide a plastic outer cover that snaps over the existing cover on units in the field and will replace broken seat belts free of charge.  Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact amsafe at 574-266-8330 or champion at 810-724-6474.

Notes
Also, customers can contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-888-dash-2-dot (1-888-327-4236).

DEFECT #2 - STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR

Posted on: 2006-09-26
Description
On certain buses equipped with vapor bus connecting rods, when the connecting rod is subjected to certain load combinations and cumulative cycling, initiation and propagation of fatigue cracks are seen at the external thread roots.  If the crack initiates and propagates through the cross section of the connecting rod, it may result in the bending or the connecting rod assembly and malfunction of the door actuation assembly.

Consequence
If the crack propagates through the entire cross section of the connecting rod, the connecting rod may break and the associated door panel may be able to move freely in an uncontrolled manner, leaving passengers inside the bus unprotected by the door panel and possibly enabling a protruding door panel to strike persons or objects outside the bus.

Corrective Action
Vapor bus is conducting this recall (please see 05e-030).  All buses involved in this recall have been repaired.  

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.