VehicleVerdict

2004 Champion Cts problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 2004 Champion Cts — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 3 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

0

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

Does the 2004 Champion Cts have recalls?

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

09V369000LightingSeptember 24, 2009 · 69 units

Defect

CHAMPION BUS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2003 THROUGH 2010 TRANSIT BUSES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN JANUARY 2003 AND AUGUST 2009 EQUIPPED WITH LUMINATOR HORIZON LED SIDE DESTINATION SIGNS. THE CONNECTOR BOARD CAN CORRODE DUE TO AN ACCUMULATION OF MOISTURE UNDER THE CONNECTOR.

Consequence

A SHORT COULD OCCUR, POSSIBLY CAUSING SMOKE AND FIRE.

Remedy

CHAMPION BUS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND LUMINATOR WILL REPAIR THE BUSES FREE OF CHARGE. PLEASE SEE LUMINATOR'S DEFECT REPORT 09E-054. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT LUMINATOR AT 1-972-516-3033 OR CHAMPION BUS AT 1-800-331-5761.

04V588000Body & StructureDecember 13, 2004 · 6 units

Defect

CERTAIN BUSES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 217, "BUS EMERGENCY EXITS AND WINDOW RETENTION AND RELEASE." THESE BUSES LACK THE CORRECT NUMBER AND SIZE OF EMERGENCY EXITS.

Consequence

IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, AN OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE ABLE TO EXIT THE BUS, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE ONE OF THE REGULAR WINDOWS ON THE BUSES WITH AN EMERGENCY EXIT WINDOW. THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT YET PROVIDED AN OWNER NOTIFICATION SCHEDULE. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CHAMPION AT 800-331-5761.

04V521000OtherNovember 2, 2004 · 231 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN BUSES EQUIPPED WITH SURE-LOK WHEELCHAIR SECUREMENT SYSTEMS, THE SPROCKET TEETH OF THE RETRACTOR ASSEMBLY IS OUT OF ALIGNMENT.

Consequence

IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE WHEELCHAIR MAY NOT BE ADEQUATELY SECURED POSSIBLY RESULTING IN INJURIES TO A WHEELCHAIR OCCUPANT.

Remedy

SURE-LOK IS CONDUCTING THE OWNER NOTIFICATION AND REMEDY FOR THIS CAMPAIGN. DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE WHEELCHAIR SECUREMENT RETRACTORS AS NECESSARY. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT SURE-LOCK AT 1-908-231-1804 OR CHAMPION AT 810-724-6474.

2004 Champion Cts — common questions

Is the 2004 Champion Cts reliable?

The record is thin — 0 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 3 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 2004 Champion Cts have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2004 Champion Cts. 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.