Recall 10V131 affects 223 2008-2010 Champion buses with Ricon wheelchair lift software that can overrun floor level. Repair is free through authorized Ricon dealers.
Champion is recalling 223 2008-2010 Cts Re, Defender, Challenger, and Crusader buses because software in certain Ricon wheelchair lifts can let the platform keep rising after the "up" switch is released. If the platform overruns the vehicle floor level, a wheelchair user can tip over or a standing passenger can fall; the dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The wheelchair lift on affected 2008-2010 Champion Cts Re, Defender, Challenger, and Crusader buses is the platform system that raises a passenger from ground level to the bus floor. Its up command is supposed to move the platform only until the floor-level limit switch tells the lift to stop at the correct height.
On buses equipped with certain Ricon S Series and K Series L-model wheelchair lifts, the control software does not stop the upward movement right away when the operator releases the up switch before the floor-level limit switch is activated. The lift keeps traveling upward for about 1 second before stopping. That extra travel can carry the platform past the intended floor-level cutoff point.
There is no warning sign before failure. The operator notices the problem during lift use, when releasing the up switch does not stop the platform at once and the platform continues upward before it stops.
Who's affected?
Covers the Cts Re, Defender, Challenger, and Crusader bus lines across 2008, 2009, and 2010, with the same equipment adaptive/mobility component listed for each.
| 2010 Champion Cts Re | Equipment adaptive/mobility |
|---|---|
| 2008 Champion Defender | Equipment adaptive/mobility |
| 2009 Champion Defender | Equipment adaptive/mobility |
| 2010 Champion Defender | Equipment adaptive/mobility |
| 2009 Champion Challenger | Equipment adaptive/mobility |
| 2008 Champion Crusader | Equipment adaptive/mobility |
| 2010 Champion Challenger | Equipment adaptive/mobility |
| 2009 Champion Crusader | Equipment adaptive/mobility |
| 2010 Champion Crusader | Equipment adaptive/mobility |
| Units affected | 223 |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific bus is included.
What's the safety risk?
A wheelchair lift platform that overruns the vehicle floor and stops at a 15-20 degree angle can tip a person in a wheelchair or cause someone standing on the platform to fall, resulting in injuries. Keep lift use limited to trained operation until the repair path is confirmed. Repair will be free at any franchised Champion dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2008-2010 Champion Cts Re, Defender, Challenger, or Crusader is included in this recall.
- Contact Champion for current instructions on the authorized Ricon wheelchair-lift software repair and operator training materials.
- Reference recall number 10V131 when you call so the service desk can match the wheelchair-lift campaign.
- Bring the owner notice if Champion mailed one to you in 2010.
- Avoid using the wheelchair lift until the repair and training instructions are complete if the platform overruns the floor level or stops at an angle.
What happens at the repair
Champion's filing says authorized Ricon dealers handle the wheelchair lift recall work. The known owner materials include a bulletin on proper lift operation and a DVD training aid for the Ricon S Series and K Series L-model lifts. Once the dealer remedy is available, the recall work is free. Ask the service desk to confirm that the lift software and operation guidance tied to campaign 10V131 are covered before the bus is returned to service.
Timeline
| April 2, 2010 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| May 10, 2010 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 10V131?
Recall 10V131 covers 223 2008-2010 Champion Cts Re, Defender, Challenger, and Crusader buses equipped with certain Ricon S Series and K Series L-model wheelchair lifts. The lift software can let the platform travel above floor level after the up switch is released, creating a fall or tip-over risk.
What should I do if my 2008-2010 Champion Cts Re, Defender, Challenger, or Crusader is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific bus is included in recall 10V131. If it is, contact a franchised Champion service point or authorized Ricon dealer and reference recall 10V131. The remedy path includes authorized Ricon dealer repair work and Ricon wheelchair-lift operation guidance.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the recall remedy to be provided at no cost. Champion directed owners to authorized Ricon dealers for this wheelchair-lift recall, and Ricon also provided a bulletin and DVD-based training aid for proper lift operation.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is a wheelchair-lift platform that travels above the vehicle floor level and stops at a 15-20 degree angle. A person using a wheelchair can tip over, and someone standing on the platform can fall, resulting in injury.
What warning signs should I watch for?
Watch the lift platform while using the up function. The reported defect involves the platform continuing upward for about 1 second after the up switch is released, before stopping above the floor-level cutoff point. Stop using the lift for passengers until the recall remedy is handled.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/10V131000 |
|---|---|
| NHTSA recall # | 10V131 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 10V131000 |
Source documents
-
Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF) - Download Defect / Noncompliance Notice (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 3, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →