Recall 12V593 covers 73 2006, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2013 Champion buses for a wheelchair-lift cable short-circuit fire risk. Free supplemental cover kit.
Champion is recalling 73 model year 2006, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 Challenger, Defender, Crusader, and American Crusader buses with Ricon wheelchair lifts. An armored pendant cable on the lift can contact the power lug, causing a short circuit and raising the risk of a fire; the dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The Ricon wheelchair lift on affected Champion Challenger, Defender, Crusader, and American Crusader buses uses a handheld pendant control. Its cable carries the operator's commands to the lift while the lift raises, lowers, and folds. When routed correctly, that cable stays clear of the moving lift structure and is protected from rubbing.
In this recall, buses equipped with the optional armored pendant cable have a routing problem. The cable was installed so it does not clear the wheelchair lift, and some buses lack the protective cover or have the cover installed incorrectly. As the lift moves, the cable can rub, catch, or be damaged by parts it was supposed to avoid.
There is no warning sign before failure. An owner or operator should treat any exposed, pinched, or poorly routed pendant cable as a reason to have the lift inspected before using it.
Who's affected?
Covers Challenger, Defender, Crusader, and American Crusader buses across seven model years, with Equipment listed as the shared component.
| 2012 Champion Challenger | Equipment |
|---|---|
| 2012 Champion Bus Defender | Equipment |
| 2010 Champion Crusader | Equipment |
| 2009 Champion Bus Defender | Equipment |
| 2011 Champion Bus Defender | Equipment |
| 2010 Champion Challenger | Equipment |
| 2008 Champion Challenger | Equipment |
| 2009 Champion Crusader | Equipment |
| 2006 Champion Challenger | Equipment |
| 2013 Champion Bus Defender | Equipment |
| 2011 Champion Challenger | Equipment |
| 2009 Champion Challenger | Equipment |
| 2010 Champion Bus Defender | Equipment |
| 2009 Champion American Crusader | Equipment |
| 2011 Champion Crusader | Equipment |
| 2013 Champion Challenger | Equipment |
| Units affected | 73 |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific bus is included.
What's the safety risk?
The wheelchair lift cable can contact the power lug at the lift base. That contact can short circuit the lift wiring and start a fire. Use extra caution around the lift area and schedule the repair when the remedy opens. Repair will be free at any franchised Champion dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2006, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 Champion Challenger, Defender, Crusader, or American Crusader bus is included in this recall.
- Contact Champion customer service at 1-819-724-6474 for the owner instructions and free Ricon supplemental cover kit.
- Ask whether the wheelchair-lift pendant cable has the correct protective cover so it cannot contact the power lug and create a fire-risk short circuit.
- Reference recall number 12V593 when you call Champion or the service provider.
- Keep the wheelchair lift out of service until the cable cover kit is installed if the cable is loose, uncovered, or rubbing near the lift base.
What happens at the repair
Champion and Ricon are notifying owners about the wheelchair lift cable remedy. Once the repair path is available, a Champion technician will install the Ricon supplemental cover kit and follow the kit instructions so the armored pendant cable is protected and clears the wheelchair lift. The final dealer remedy will be free once available, and the kit is provided at no charge.
Timeline
| December 18, 2012 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| January 23, 2013 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 12V593?
Recall 12V593 covers 73 Champion buses from 2006 and 2008-2013, including Challenger, Defender, Crusader, and American Crusader models. The Ricon wheelchair lift pendant cable can contact the power lug, creating a short circuit and fire risk. Ricon will provide a supplemental cover kit free of charge.
What should I do if my 2006, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 Champion Challenger, Defender, Crusader, or American Crusader is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific bus is included in recall 12V593. If it is, contact Champion at 1-819-724-6474 or Ricon at 1-818-267-3000 and ask for the free supplemental cover kit for the Ricon wheelchair lift pendant cable.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to correct the defect at no cost, and the remedy for recall 12V593 is free. Ricon will provide the supplemental cover kit and instructions without charging owners.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is fire. On affected Champion buses, the Ricon wheelchair lift pendant cable can contact the power lug at the base of the lift. That contact can create a short circuit, which creates the fire risk described in recall 12V593.
What if I bought this Champion bus used?
The free recall remedy still applies. Recall eligibility follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your bus is included in recall 12V593, then contact Champion or Ricon with the recall number and ask for the free cover kit.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/12V593000 |
|---|---|
| Champion customer service | 1-819-724-6474 |
| NHTSA recall # | 12V593 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 12V593000 |
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 2, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →