Recall 16V295 affects 5 2016 Champion Challenger shuttle buses with seats that can separate from base frame. Repair is free at a franchised Champion dealer.
Champion is recalling 5 2016 Challenger shuttle buses because seat bolts can fail, allowing seats to separate from the base frame. In a crash, that separation increases the risk of injury to the seat occupant, and Champion dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The seats in the 2016 Champion Challenger are bolted to a base frame that holds the seat in place during normal driving and crash loads. On these shuttle buses, the seat assembly also has to meet school bus passenger seating and crash protection requirements, so the fasteners are part of the safety structure, not just trim hardware.
The problem is the fastener hardware inside the affected seat assemblies. Champion says the hex head cap screws were improperly manufactured, leaving a material flaw that reduces screw strength. When those screws or seat studs do not hold as designed, the seat can separate from the base frame during a crash.
The warning sign is limited. Champion reported that seat studs can fracture during normal use, although fatigue testing did not reproduce the failure. If a seat feels loose, shifts at its base, or shows broken mounting hardware, treat that as a safety concern before the bus is used again.
Who's affected?
| 2016 Champion Challenger | seat assembly |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 5 |
Not every 2016 Champion Challenger bus is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific bus is included.
What's the safety risk?
In a crash, a seat that separates from the base frame increases injury risk for the person sitting there. Seat studs can fracture during normal use, so schedule the recall repair soon and avoid using any seat that no longer feels securely mounted. Repair is free at any franchised Champion dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2016 Champion Challenger is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Champion dealer to schedule the free seat replacement that fixes the seat-base bolt failure.
- Bring the recall notice if Champion mailed one. If not, reference recall number 16V295 when you call.
- Limit passenger use until the seats are replaced, since a crash can separate the seat from the base frame.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Champion technician replaces the seats covered by recall 16V295. The seats are being replaced because the original seat bolts can fail and let a seat separate from its base frame. The replacement seats, parts, and labor are free under the recall. Champion has a general reimbursement plan on file. If you already paid for the same seat repair before the recall notice, contact Champion customer service at 810-724-1753 extension 415 and ask how to submit documented costs.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| May 12, 2016 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| May 23, 2016 | Dealer notification began |
| May 23, 2016 | Dealer notification ended |
| May 27, 2016 | Owner notification mailed |
| May 27, 2016 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 16V295?
Recall 16V295 covers 5 2016 Champion Challenger shuttle buses with seats that can separate from the base frame because of bolt failure. The seat issue violates school bus passenger seating and crash protection requirements, and Champion dealers replace the seats for free.
What should I do if my 2016 Champion Challenger is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific shuttle bus is included in recall 16V295. If it is, contact a Champion dealer or Champion customer service at 810-724-1753 to schedule seat replacement. The recall began May 27, 2016, and the dealer repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
No. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Champion's remedy says dealers will replace the affected seats free of charge. Keep the recall number handy when you call the dealer service desk.
What is the safety risk?
The risk is that a seat can separate from its base frame in a crash, increasing injury risk for the person sitting there. If your VIN is included, schedule the free seat replacement before putting the shuttle bus back into regular passenger service.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/16V295000 |
|---|---|
| Champion customer service | 810-724-1753 |
| NHTSA recall # | 16V295 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 16V295000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (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 May 31, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →