Champion/vapor/door panel adhesive
Defect Summary
On certain transit buses equipped with adhesively bonded aluminum bus door panels, due to an imperfect bonding of the door panel skin to the panel frame, environmental moisture may infiltrate regions of imperfect bonding and cause separation of the frame and door panel.
Safety Consequence
Under these conditions, if the panel is separating or has separated, a passenger could fall from the bus onto the roadway, possibly resulting in personal injury or death.
Corrective Action
Vapor will notify customers to have their buses inspected and will install mechanical fasteners to attach the skins to the frame elements free of charge. owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact vapor corporation at 847-967-8300 or champion at 1-810-724-6474.
Similar Recalls
Other recalls from Champion Bus, Inc. or involving Structure.
FAQ: Recall 02V059003
Your rights, the repair process, and what each field on this page means.
What is recall 02V059003?
NHTSA recall 02V059003 was issued by Champion Bus, Inc. on March 13, 2002. It addresses: Champion/vapor/door panel adhesive. The recall affects approximately 181 vehicles, with the defect involving the Structure component.
How do I get this recall repaired?
Contact any authorized Champion Bus, Inc. dealer and reference NHTSA recall ID 02V059003 or the manufacturer campaign number NR (Not Reported). Under federal law, the repair is completely free regardless of vehicle age or owner history.
Is my vehicle included in this recall?
The only way to confirm is to look up your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. NHTSA's tool will tell you if VIN-by-VIN this exact recall applies.
How long do I have to get a recall repair done?
There is no expiration on most federal safety recalls. Even if your vehicle is years old and you bought it used, the manufacturer is required to perform the repair at no cost.
Where does the data on this page come from?
All information on this page is sourced directly from the U.S. Department of Transportation public dataset for NHTSA recalls. Last refreshed: 2026-05-22. For the most current official notice, visit nhtsa.gov/recalls.