VehicleVerdict

2011 Champion M1235 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 2011 Champion M1235 — 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 2011 compare to other M1235 years?

M1235 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2011 highlighted1 complaints2007: 0 complaints2008: 0 complaints2011: 0 complaints2012: 0 complaints2013: 0 complaints2014: 0 complaints
M1235 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2011 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all M1235 years to avoid →

Does the 2011 Champion M1235 have recalls?

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

12V040000LightingFebruary 3, 2012 · 30 units

Defect

CHAMPION BUS (CHAMPION) IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011-2012 ABC-M1235 TRANSIT BUSES MANUFACTURED FROM MARCH 9, 2011, TO NOVEMBER 18, 2011, BUILT ON A FREIGHTLINER CUSTOM CHASSIS. THE GRID HEATER GROUND WIRE MAY CONTACT THE RELAY POWER TERMINAL AND RUB AND CHAFE, POTENTIALLY RESULTING IN A SHORT CIRCUIT.

Consequence

AN ELECTRICAL FAULT OR SHORT CIRCUIT COULD CAUSE A VEHICLE FIRE.

Remedy

FREIGHTLINER WILL NOTIFY THE OWNERS, AND INSPECT THE BUSES AND CORRECTLY ROUTE THE GROUND WIRE AS NECESSARY THE REPAIRS WILL BE PERFORMED BY FREIGHTLINER AUTHORIZED FACILITIES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 2, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHAMPION AT 1-810-724-6474.

11V518000EngineOctober 18, 2011 · 3 units

Defect

CHAMPION BUS (CHAMPION) IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 CTS AND M1235 TRUCKS MANUFACTURED FROM MARCH 9, 2011, THROUGH JUNE 29, 2011, EQUIPPED WITH A CUMMINS ISX OR ISL DIESEL ENGINE. THE V-BAND CLAMP ASSEMBLY, PART NUMBERS Q187684, Q187685, AND Q187686, USED TO CONNECT THE INLET AND OUTLET CONE SECTIONS TO THE DIESEL OXIDATION CATALYST (DOC)/DIESEL PARTICULATE FILTER (DPF) INCLUDE A T-BOLT WHICH CAN FRACTURE AND FAIL WHEN SUBJECTED TO STRESS OR LOAD. A FRACTURE OR FAILURE OF THE T-BOLT MAY CAUSE THE CLAMP TO LOOSEN AND THE INLET OR OUTLET SECTIONS ATTACHED TO THE DOC/DPF HOUSING TO DISCONNECT.

Consequence

IF THE INLET OR OUTLET SECTIONS DISCONNECT, HOT EXHAUST GASES CAN VENT PRIOR TO EXITING THE TAILPIPE, CREATING THE RISK OF COMBUSTION AND A FIRE. IF BOTH CLAMPS FAIL, THERE IS A RISK IN SOME APPLICATIONS THAT THE DOC/DPF HOUSING MAY DETACH COMPLETELY, CREATING A ROAD HAZARD.

Remedy

CHAMPION IS WORKING WITH CUMMINS TO IDENTIFY AND NOTIFY OWNERS OF THE RECALL CAMPAIGN. REPAIRS WILL BE PERFORMED BY AUTHORIZED CUMMINS DEALERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN OCTOBER 10, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CUMMINS AT 1-812-377-5000.

2011 Champion M1235 — common questions

Is the 2011 Champion M1235 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 2011 Champion M1235 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2011 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.