2017–2018 Champion Challenger, 2017–2018 Champion Defender, 2017–2018 Champion LF Transport and 2 other models Recall: When the back seat cushion is rotated from the stowed position to the…
NHTSA campaign 18V798000 · Seats · filed Nov 12, 2018 · verified Jul 30, 2026
The defect
Champion Bus, Inc. (Champion) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Champion Challenger, Defender, LF Transport, Goshen G-Force, and Impulse transit buses, equipped with Freedman GO-ES Foldaway Seats, part numbers 43705, 45467, 48923, and 75719. When the back seat cushion is rotated from the stowed position to the upright position, the seat cushion may not remain locked into place when under load, such as in a crash or a sudden stop. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 207, "Seating Systems," and number 210, "Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages."
The risk
In the event of a crash, if the seat back moves, the seat occupant has an increased risk of injury.
Check whether your specific vehicle is affected
Recall campaigns often cover only certain VIN ranges. Enter your VIN on the official NHTSA site to confirm whether your vehicle is included and whether the repair is still open.
Check VIN on NHTSA →The fix — what to do
Champion will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and repair the foldaway seat, free of charge. The recall began December 19, 2018. Owners may contact Champion customer service at 1-810-724-1753, extension 415 or Freedman customer service at 1-800-527-7477.
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Affected vehicles
Related recalls
More Champion Challenger recalls
- 2023–2024 Champion Challenger and 9 other models — Unsecured brake lines may be damaged by contact with the…
- 2019 Champion Challenger and 6 other models — Due to a manufacturing issue, the roof hatch external…
- 2012–2018 Champion American Coach and 6 other models — Wheelchair lift positioning input cam may fail while the…
- 2016 Champion Challenger — These vehicles are equipped with seats that may separate…
- 2006–2015 Champion American and 11 other models — Affected lifts are equipped with folding link arms that may…
Other campaigns involving Champion vehicles
- 2009–2015 Champion Crusader and 2 other models — Affected seats have J-Brackets that may be missing welds…
- 2013–2015 Champion American Coach and 13 other models — In the affected vehicles, the passenger seat belts may rub…
- 2012–2014 Champion American Crusader and 14 other models — Test reports indicate that the triangle warning signs…
Source: NHTSA recall database, campaign 18V798000. Data last verified Jul 30, 2026.