Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 1998 Champion Contender — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.
0
NHTSA complaints
1
Recalls
0
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: TRANSIT BUSES BUILT ON SPARTAN CHASSIS. HYDRAULIC FLUID RESERVOIR MAY BE MOUNTED LOWER THAN RECOMMENDED WHICH COULD REDUCE THE FLOW OF HYDRAULIC OIL TO THE POWER STEERING PUMP.
Consequence
INTERMITTENT LOSS OF POWER STEERING COULD OCCUR, INCREASING THE EFFORT NEEDED TO STEER THE VEHICLE.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLES FOR THE RESERVOIR LOCATION AND THE RESERVOIR WILL BE RELOCATED.
The record is thin — 0 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1998 Champion Contender. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.