VehicleVerdict

2008 Champion M1235 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 2008 Champion M1235 — 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 2008 Champion M1235 have recalls?

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

08V102000SteeringMarch 6, 2008 · 45 units

Defect

CHAMPION IS RECALLING 14 MY 2007-2008 M1235 AND RE CTS BUSES BUILT ON FREIGHTLINER CHASSIS. THE FASTENERS THAT ATTACH THE STEERING ARM OR TIE ROD ARMS TO THE SPINDLE MAY BE OVER OR UNDER-TIGHTENED.

Consequence

INCORRECTLY TIGHTENED STEERING ARM FASTENERS MAY FATIGUE AND FRACTURE WHICH COULD CAUSE A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy

CHAMPION BUS IS WORKING WITH FREIGHTLINER TO REPAIR THESE VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE (PLEASE SEE 07V306). THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT YET PROVIDED AN OWNER NOTIFICATION SCHEDULE FOR THIS CAMPAIGN. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FREIGHTLINER AT 1-800-547-0712 OR CHAMPION AT 1-800-331-5761.

08V068000SteeringFebruary 14, 2008 · 14 units

Defect

CHAMPION BUS IS RECALLING 14 MY 2008 3035RE BUSES BUILT ON FREIGHTLINER CHASSIS AND EQUIPPED WITH ZF MODEL 8018 STEERING GEARS. THESE GEARS MAY HAVE BEEN ASSEMBLED WITH THE INCORRECT RECIRCULATING BALL SPACER. THIS COULD POTENTIALLY ALLOW THE RECIRCULATION BALLS TO ESCAPE FROM THE RECIRCULATION BALL CIRCUIT RESULTING IN A LOSS OF STEERING.

Consequence

THE OPERATOR MAY NOTICE HIGHER REQUIRED STEERING WHEEL INPUTS, OR THE NEED FOR MORE STEERING WHEEL ADJUSTMENTS WHILE DRIVING IN A STRAIGHT LINE IN COMBINATION WITH METALLIC CRACKING NOISES PRIOR TO A LOSS OF STEERING. LOSS OF STEERING COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

CHAMPION BUS IS WORKING WITH FREIGHTLINER AND ZF TO REPLACE THE STEERING GEAR (PLEASE SEE 07V343 AND 07E049). OWNERS MAY CONTACT FREIGHTLINER AT 1-800-547-0712 OR CHAMPION BUS AT 1-800-331-5761.

08V061000BrakesFebruary 6, 2008 · 74 units

Defect

CHAMPION IS RECALLING 20 MY 2007-2008 M1235 BUSES BUILT ON FREIGHTLINER CHASSIS AND EQUIPPED WITH BENDIX SR-7 SPRING BRAKE MODULATING VALVES. THE INTERNAL RUBBER CHECK VALVE MAY LEAK CAUSING A DELAY IN THE APPLICATION OF THE SPRING BRAKES TO PARK THE VEHICLE AFTER THE OPERATOR PULLS THE DASH VALVE BUTTON.

Consequence

THIS COULD CAUSE A DELAY OR FAILURE IN APPLYING THE PARKING BRAKES WHICH COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE ROLL AWAY, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

CHAMPION BUS IS WORKING WITH FREIGHTLINER AND BENDIX TO REPAIR THESE VEHICLES (PLEASE SEE 07V302 AND 07E037). BENDIX WILL INSTALL A CHECK VALVE REPAIR KIT FOR THE AFFECTED SR-7 SPRING BRAKE MODULATING VALVE FREE OF CHARGE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FREIGHTLINER AT 1-800-547-0712, BENDIX AT 1-440-329-9000, OR CHAMPION AT 1-800-331-5761.

2008 Champion M1235 — common questions

Is the 2008 Champion M1235 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 2008 Champion M1235 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2008 Champion M1235. 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.