Recall 14V748 affects 168 2014-2015 Champion transit buses for passenger-seat spring nuts that failed testing. Repair is free at any franchised Champion dealer.
In recall 14V748, Champion is recalling 168 2014-2015 Lf Transport, Crusader, Challenger, Defender, and Hcac transit buses because the spring nuts that secure passenger seats failed durability testing. If the seats move in a crash, occupants face a higher risk of personal injury; Champion dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The passenger seats in the 2014-2015 Champion Lf Transport, Crusader, Challenger, Defender, and Hcac transit buses are held to their mounting points with spring nuts. A spring nut is a small fastener that grips the seat hardware and keeps the seat fixed to the bus floor or seat track. In normal use, that fastener has to stay tight while passengers sit down, stand up, and shift weight during the ride.
On affected Champion buses, the spring nuts used for the passenger seats failed durability testing. Champion found that some nuts from the affected lot were below specification after an internal inspection. A fastener that does not meet specification can loosen under normal vibration and passenger movement, which lets the seat move instead of staying fixed.
The warning sign to watch for is seat movement. If a passenger seat rocks, shifts, or feels loose in normal use, the seat hardware needs dealer inspection before the bus stays in service.
Who's affected?
Covers five Champion bus models from the 2014 and 2015 model years, all tied to the same seat assembly.
| 2015 Champion Lf Transport | seat assembly |
|---|---|
| 2014 Champion Crusader | seat assembly |
| 2014 Champion Challenger | seat assembly |
| 2014 Champion Defender | seat assembly |
| 2014 Champion Lf Transport | seat assembly |
| 2015 Champion Challenger | seat assembly |
| 2015 Champion Crusader | seat assembly |
| 2015 Champion Defender | seat assembly |
| 2015 Champion Hcac | seat assembly |
| 2014 Champion Hcac | seat assembly |
| Units affected | 168 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
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?
Loose spring nuts can let the seat move during normal use. In a crash, that movement increases the risk of personal injury because the seat is not held as intended. If you feel seat movement, limit driving and arrange service promptly. Repair is free at any franchised Champion dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2014-2015 Champion Lf Transport, Crusader, Challenger, Defender, or Hcac bus is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Champion dealer to schedule the free spring-nut replacement that secures the passenger seats.
- Bring the recall notice if Champion mailed one, and reference recall number 14V748 when you call.
- Keep any passenger seat that moves out of service until the repair is complete.
- Call Champion at 1-810-724-6474 with questions about the repair.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Champion technician replaces the defective seat nuts that secure the passenger seats. The replacement parts and labor are free under the recall. Champion allows reimbursement for 15 minutes of labor per seat assembly for related seat nut work already paid before the recall repair. If you have prior paperwork for this repair, contact Champion at 1-810-724-6474 or ask the service desk how to submit the documented labor claim.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| November 24, 2014 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| December 1, 2014 | Dealer notification began |
| December 1, 2014 | Dealer notification ended |
| December 5, 2014 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| December 15, 2014 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 14V748?
Recall 14V748 covers 168 2014-2015 Champion Lf Transport, Crusader, Challenger, Defender, and Hcac transit buses with passenger-seat spring nuts that failed durability testing. If those nuts do not secure the seat, seat movement in a crash can increase injury risk. Champion dealers replace the defective seat nuts for free.
What should I do if my 2014-2015 Champion Lf Transport, Crusader, Challenger, Defender, or Hcac is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific bus is included in recall 14V748. If it is, contact a franchised Champion dealer or Champion at 1-810-724-6474 to schedule replacement of the defective passenger-seat nuts. Reference recall 14V748 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost to owners. Champion dealers will replace the defective passenger-seat nuts free of charge, including parts and labor.
What is the safety risk in recall 14V748?
The safety risk is passenger-seat movement during a crash. Champion reported that the spring nuts used to secure the passenger seats failed durability testing. If a seat is not held in place, that movement can increase the risk of personal injury in a crash.
What if I bought my Champion bus used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall eligibility follows the VIN, not the original owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific 2014-2015 Champion bus is included, then call a franchised Champion dealer and reference recall 14V748.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/14V748000 |
|---|---|
| Champion customer service | 1-810-724-6474 |
| NHTSA recall # | 14V748 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 14V748000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 1, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →