Recall 14V303 affects 2 2014 Champion Bus Defender shuttle buses for unintended acceleration during downshifts. The software update is free through authorized service.
Champion Bus is recalling 2 2014 Defender shuttle buses built on Freightliner M2 chassis with Eaton hybrid automated transmissions because transmission software can raise engine speed during downshifts without driver input. That unintended acceleration increases crash risk, and the dealer repair will be free once Champion Bus makes the remedy available.
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What's wrong?
The transmission control module on the 2014 Champion Bus Defender is the computer that tells the Eaton hybrid automated transmission when and how to shift. In normal driving, it coordinates engine speed and gear changes so the shuttle bus slows or accelerates in step with the driver's pedal input.
On affected Defender buses, the transmission software can raise engine speed during a downshift even when the driver has not asked for more power. That incorrect command comes from the control side of the powertrain, not from normal pedal input. During a downshift, the engine speed increase can make the bus respond differently than the driver expects.
There is no warning sign before failure. The driver first notices the problem when the engine speed rises during a downshift without matching driver input.
Who's affected?
| 2014 Champion Bus Defender | automatic transmission |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 2 |
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?
An increase in engine speed can lead to unintended acceleration and increase crash risk. If the vehicle accelerates without command, ease off, brake steadily, and arrange service promptly. Repair will be free at any franchised Champion Bus dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2014 Champion Bus Defender is included in this recall.
- Contact Champion Bus customer service to confirm the repair path for your bus.
- Ask which Eaton authorized service facility handles the free hybrid transmission control module software update that fixes unintended engine-speed increases during downshifts.
- Bring the recall notice if Champion Bus sent one. If not, reference recall number 14V303 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the software update is confirmed complete, and leave extra room for braking if the bus accelerates during a downshift.
What happens at the repair
An Eaton authorized service facility handles this recall by updating the Hybrid Control Module software on the Eaton hybrid automated transmission. That software update corrects the control logic tied to unintended engine-speed increases during downshifts. The source remedy says DTNA, the Freightliner chassis manufacturer, notified owners and Eaton authorized service facilities completed the update free of charge after the recall began in May 2014. If your 2014 Champion Bus Defender still shows this recall open by VIN, ask Champion Bus or an Eaton authorized service facility to confirm the software version and complete the free update.
Timeline
| May 28, 2014 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| November 18, 2014 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 14V303?
Recall 14V303 covers 2 2014 Champion Bus Defender shuttle buses built on Freightliner M2 chassis with Eaton-brand hybrid automated transmissions. The transmission control software can raise engine speed during downshifts without driver input, creating unintended acceleration and increasing crash risk.
What should I do if my 2014 Champion Bus Defender is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific bus is included in recall 14V303. If it is, contact Champion Bus at 1-810-724-6474 and ask where to have the Eaton Hybrid Control Module software update completed. Reference recall number 14V303 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. For recall 14V303, Eaton-authorized service facilities updated the Hybrid Control Module software version free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is unintended acceleration during a downshift. The affected transmission software can raise engine speed without the driver's input, increasing the risk of a crash. Confirm the VIN, then arrange the free software update through Champion Bus or the authorized repair path Champion Bus provides.
When did the recall repair begin?
The recall repair began in May 2014. Champion Bus owners were notified through Daimler Trucks North America, the Freightliner chassis manufacturer, and Eaton-authorized service facilities performed the Hybrid Control Module software update free of charge.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/14V303000 |
|---|---|
| Champion Bus customer service | 1-810-724-6474 |
| NHTSA recall # | 14V303 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 14V303000 |
Source documents
-
Download Quarterly Report (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 →