Recall 11V518 covers 3 2011 Champion Cts and M1235 vehicles for V-band clamp failure. Authorized Cummins dealers perform the repair free.
Champion is recalling 3 2011 Cts and M1235 vehicles because a T-bolt in the diesel exhaust aftertreatment V-band clamp can fracture under stress. If the clamp loosens, hot exhaust gases can vent before the tailpipe and raise the risk of combustion and fire; the Champion dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The exhaust aftertreatment system on the 2011 Champion Cts and M1235 uses a diesel oxidation catalyst and diesel particulate filter, often called the DOC/DPF, to clean diesel exhaust before it leaves the vehicle. A V-band clamp holds the inlet and outlet cone sections tight to that housing. Its T-bolt supplies the clamping force, so the cones stay sealed while the engine vibrates and heats the exhaust system.
In NHTSA campaign 11V518, the affected V-band clamp assemblies include part numbers Q187684, Q187685, and Q187686. The T-bolt in those clamps can fracture when it is placed under stress or load. Once the bolt breaks, the clamp loosens and the inlet or outlet cone section attached to the DOC/DPF housing can disconnect.
There is no warning sign before failure. An owner or driver does not get a listed dashboard warning or symptom in the recall filing before the clamp or attached exhaust section separates.
Who's affected?
Covers the Cts and M1235 bus models, with engine and engine-cooling components listed for both.
| 2011 Champion Cts | Engine and engine cooling |
|---|---|
| 2011 Champion M1235 | Engine and engine cooling |
| Units affected | 3 |
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 disconnected exhaust inlet or outlet lets hot exhaust gases vent before the tailpipe. This raises fire risk. If both clamps fail, the DOC/DPF housing can detach and become a road hazard. Schedule the repair soon. Repair will be free at any franchised Champion dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2011 Champion Cts or M1235 is included in this recall.
- Wait for Champion or Cummins instructions before repair work if your dealer cannot confirm the campaign.
- Contact Champion or Cummins at 1-812-377-5000 and reference recall number 11V518 when you call.
- Ask about the free V-band clamp and T-bolt repair that secures the diesel oxidation catalyst and diesel particulate filter sections.
- Avoid operating the bus if you smell hot exhaust, see loose exhaust parts, or see damage near the diesel particulate filter housing.
What happens at the repair
Champion and Cummins identified and notified owners for this campaign. The recall repair is handled by authorized Cummins dealers, with parts and labor covered. At the dealer, the technician addresses the V-band clamp assembly that connects the inlet and outlet cone sections to the DOC/DPF housing. The repair path is focused on the clamp and T-bolt condition that lets the connection loosen or separate under stress or load.
Timeline
| October 10, 2011 | Owner notification mailed |
|---|---|
| October 18, 2011 | NHTSA published the recall |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 11V518?
Recall 11V518 covers 3 2011 Champion Cts and M1235 trucks equipped with Cummins ISX or ISL diesel engines. The V-band clamp T-bolt can fracture under stress, letting the diesel oxidation catalyst or particulate filter inlet or outlet section disconnect. Authorized Cummins dealers perform the repair free of charge.
What should I do if my 2011 Champion Cts or M1235 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific truck is included in recall 11V518. If it is, contact an authorized Cummins dealer to schedule the clamp repair, or call Cummins at 1-812-377-5000. Reference recall 11V518 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the defect repair at no cost, and the Champion remedy states that authorized Cummins dealers perform this repair free of charge. Parts and labor are covered for trucks included in recall 11V518.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is fire and road debris. If the exhaust inlet or outlet section disconnects, hot exhaust gases can vent before reaching the tailpipe, creating a fire risk. If both clamps fail, the diesel oxidation catalyst or particulate filter housing can detach and create a road hazard.
What if I bought my Champion truck used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the VIN, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your 2011 Champion Cts or M1235 is included, then call an authorized Cummins dealer or Cummins at 1-812-377-5000 with recall 11V518.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/11V518000 |
|---|---|
| Champion customer service | 1-812-377-5000 |
| NHTSA recall # | 11V518 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 11V518000 |
Source documents
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 2, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →