VehicleVerdict

1999 Champion Contender problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just one complaint on file for the 1999 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.

1

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

1

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1999 compare to other Contender years?

Contender NHTSA complaints by model year, 1999 highlighted1 complaint1998: 0 complaints1999: 1 complaints2000: 0 complaints2001: 0 complaints
Contender NHTSA complaints by model year, 1999 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Contender years to avoid →

What are the most common 1999 Champion Contender problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Suspension1100%

Does the 1999 Champion Contender have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

02V160006Seat BeltsOctober 29, 2002 · 599 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN BUSES EQUIPPED WITH CP TRAVELING RETRACTOR LAP (TYPE 1) SEAT BELTS, THE PLASTIC COVER HOUSING THE RESERVE END OF THE SEAT BELT WEB CAN BREAK. IF THE TWO HALVES OF THE COVER COMPLETELY SEPARATE, THE CONNECTOR PORTION OF THE BELT WILL DETACH FROM THE COVER. ONCE DETACHED, THE CONNECTOR RIVET CAN SEPARATE FROM THE CONNECTOR FRAME CAUSING THE FRAME TO BECOME UNUSABLE.

Consequence

THIS CONDITION CANNOT OCCUR DURING USE, HOWEVER, THE BELT WILL BE UNSUABLE AND MAY RESULT IN AN OCCUPANT SEATING POSITION WITHOUT A SEAT BELT. IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, AN UNBELTED INDIVIDUAL COULD BE SERIOUSLY INJURED OR KILLED.

Remedy

AMSAFE WILL NOTIFY ITS CUSTOMERS AND PROVIDE A PLASTIC OUTER COVER THAT SNAPS OVER THE EXISTING COVER ON UNITS IN THE FIELD AND WILL REPLACE BROKEN SEAT BELTS FREE OF CHARGE. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT AMSAFE AT 574-266-8330 OR CHAMPION AT 810-724-6474.

1999 Champion Contender — common questions

Is the 1999 Champion Contender reliable?

The record is thin — 1 NHTSA complaint — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 1999 Champion Contender have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1999 Champion Contender. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1999 Champion Contender under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

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.