VehicleVerdict

2016 Champion Challenger problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 2016 Champion Challenger — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

0

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2016 compare to other Challenger years?

Challenger NHTSA complaints by model year, 2016 highlighted2 complaints1997: 0 complaints1998: 0 complaints1999: 0 complaints2000: 0 complaints2001: 0 complaints2002: 0 complaints2003: 0 complaints2004: 0 complaints2005: 0 complaints2006: 0 complaints2007: 0 complaints2008: 0 complaints2009: 0 complaints2010: 0 complaints2011: 0 complaints2012: 1 complaints2013: 0 complaints2014: 2 complaints2015: 0 complaints2016: 0 complaints2017: 0 complaints2018: 0 complaints2019: 0 complaints2023: 0 complaints2024: 0 complaints
Challenger NHTSA complaints by model year, 2016 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Challenger years to avoid →

Does the 2016 Champion Challenger have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

18V573000OtherAugust 30, 2018 · 219 units

Defect

Champion Bus (Champion) is recalling certain 2012-2018 Champion American Coach, American Crusader, American S2, Challenger, Crusader, Defender, and Impulse vehicles, equipped with certain S-Series and K-Series Titanium Wheelchair Lifts, models K200, K201, K550, K551, S200, S2201, S550 and S551. The wheelchair lift positioning input cam may fail while the lift is in use, allowing the platform to travel higher than the vehicle's floor height.

Consequence

If the wheelchair lift platform stops above the vehicle floor, the wheelchair user can tip inwards toward the vehicle when exiting the lift, increasing their risk of injury.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the injection molded cam with an aluminum machined cam, free of charge. The recall began November 1, 2018. Owners may contact Champion customer service 1-810-724-1753 extension 415 or Ricon customer service at 1-800-322-2884 or by emailing Ricon at Admin18E044@wabtec.com.

16V295000SeatsMay 12, 2016 · 5 units

Defect

Champion Bus, Inc. (Champion) is recalling certain model year 2016 Champion Bus Challenger shuttle buses manufactured January 29, 2016, to April 4, 2016. These vehicles are equipped with seats that may separate from the base frame due to bolt failure. As such, these seats fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety System (FMVSS) number 222, "School Bus Passenger Seating and Crash Protection."

Consequence

In the event of a crash, the seat can separate from the base frame, increasing the risk of injury to the seat occupant.

Remedy

Champion will notify owners, and dealers will replace the seats, free of charge. The recall began on May 27, 2016. Owners may contact Champion customer service at 810-724-1753 extension 415.

2016 Champion Challenger — common questions

Is the 2016 Champion Challenger reliable?

The record is thin — 0 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 2016 Champion Challenger have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2016 Champion Challenger. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.