Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 2003 Damon Intruder
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Brakes
635.3%
Median failure at 20,603 miles
Windows, Mirrors & Wipers
317.6%
Median failure at 6,750 miles
Steering
211.8%
Median failure at 30,000 miles
Electrical System
211.8%
Median failure at 37,500 miles
Wheels
15.9%
Median failure at 30,000 miles
Tires
15.9%
Fuel & Propulsion
15.9%
Median failure at 20,150 miles
Lights
15.9%
Median failure at 19,000 miles
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
1,000 – 9,999 miles
17.1%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
857.1%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
321.4%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
214.3%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Jul 2004peak 3Jul 2019
Recalls on the 2003 Damon Intruder
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 2009126163 units in Canada
Brakes
On certain motorhomes, the brake calipers may stick in the applied position. This can result in abnormal heat generation at the wheel end which, if undetected, could eventually lead to soft brake pedal condition due to brake fluid boil. Extended stopping distances may result in a vehicle crash causing property damage, personal injury or death. Correction: Dealers will affect repairs.
Recall 20070782,071 units in Canada
Other
On certain fifth wheel and travel trailers equipped with a Dometic Corporation refrigerator, a fatigue crack can develop in the boiler tube. This could allow the release of pressurized coolant solution into an area where an ignition source is present, which could result in a fire. Correction: Dealers will replace the refrigerator's boiler tube assembly.
Recall 2007017207 units in Canada
Visual System
Certain motorhomes fail to comply with the requirements of CMVSS 108 - Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment. The rear reflex reflector (red) and the intermediate reflex reflector (amber) were omitted during vehicle assembly. Inadequate reflex reflection would reduce the vehicle's visibility during night driving conditions, which could cause a crash. Correction: Reflectors with permanent adhesive backing will be mailed to owners along with installation instructions. In the event the owner does not feel comfortable installing the reflectors, they will be instructed to take their vehicle to the nearest Damon dealer to have the repair done free of charge.
Recall 200610690 units in Canada
Lights And Instruments
Certain motorhomes fail to comply with the requirements of CMVSS 101 and 105. Incorrect software programmed into the instrument panel cluster may not allow activation of certain driver warning indicators. As a result, the instrument cluster may fail to illuminate the warning lamps indicating brake system failure. Correction: Workhorse Custom Chassis dealers will reprogram the instrument panel cluster.
Recall 2003093127 units in Canada
Lights And Instruments
On certain vehicles, the brake system warning indicator will not illuminate when the ignition is in the start position or when the brake fluid is low. Correction: The brake warning indicator bulb from the right side indicator position must be transferred to the left side indicator position of the instrument cluster and the wire harness must be modified.
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 56,000 milesJersey City, NJ
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
OVERHEATED BRAKE CALIPERS/BOSCH/WORKHORSE CAUSED BRAKE LOSS FROM MELTED CALIPER.
NHTSA complaint #11235175 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 56,000 milesJersey City, NJ
SERVICE BRAKES
OVERHEATED BRAKE CALIPERS/BOSCH/WORKHORSE CAUSED BRAKE LOSS FROM MELTED CALIPER.
NHTSA complaint #11235175 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 30,000 milesTHE Villages, FL
WHEELS
I WAS DRIVING THE RV ON A HIGHWAY AT 55 MPH WHEN I STEPPED ON THE BRAKE. THE STEERING WHEEL TURNED HARD TO THE RIGHT AS THE RIGHT BRAKE LOCKED UP. MY FOOT WENT TO THE FLOOR ON THE BRAKE PEDAL. HAD TO PUMP BRAKE PEDAL VERY TO STOP THE VEHICLE. TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE BRAKE AND EVERYTHING SEEMED O.K. A SHORT TIME LATER, SMELLED SOMETHING BURNING AND LARGE AMOUNT OF SMOKE CAME FROM THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL AREA. STOPPED VEHICLE AND GOT OUT AND FOUND ALL WHEELS HOT AND SMOKING. THE BEHAVIOR CONTINUED OFF AND ON. TOOK TO RV DEALER AND WAITING TO GET DIAGNOSIS AND ESTIMATE ON ABS BRAKE REPAIR.
NHTSA complaint #10546448 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 30,000 milesTHE Villages, FL
STEERING
I WAS DRIVING THE RV ON A HIGHWAY AT 55 MPH WHEN I STEPPED ON THE BRAKE. THE STEERING WHEEL TURNED HARD TO THE RIGHT AS THE RIGHT BRAKE LOCKED UP. MY FOOT WENT TO THE FLOOR ON THE BRAKE PEDAL. HAD TO PUMP BRAKE PEDAL VERY TO STOP THE VEHICLE. TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE BRAKE AND EVERYTHING SEEMED O.K. A SHORT TIME LATER, SMELLED SOMETHING BURNING AND LARGE AMOUNT OF SMOKE CAME FROM THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL AREA. STOPPED VEHICLE AND GOT OUT AND FOUND ALL WHEELS HOT AND SMOKING. THE BEHAVIOR CONTINUED OFF AND ON. TOOK TO RV DEALER AND WAITING TO GET DIAGNOSIS AND ESTIMATE ON ABS BRAKE REPAIR.
NHTSA complaint #10546448 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 30,000 milesTHE Villages, FL
SERVICE BRAKES
I WAS DRIVING THE RV ON A HIGHWAY AT 55 MPH WHEN I STEPPED ON THE BRAKE. THE STEERING WHEEL TURNED HARD TO THE RIGHT AS THE RIGHT BRAKE LOCKED UP. MY FOOT WENT TO THE FLOOR ON THE BRAKE PEDAL. HAD TO PUMP BRAKE PEDAL VERY TO STOP THE VEHICLE. TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE BRAKE AND EVERYTHING SEEMED O.K. A SHORT TIME LATER, SMELLED SOMETHING BURNING AND LARGE AMOUNT OF SMOKE CAME FROM THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL AREA. STOPPED VEHICLE AND GOT OUT AND FOUND ALL WHEELS HOT AND SMOKING. THE BEHAVIOR CONTINUED OFF AND ON. TOOK TO RV DEALER AND WAITING TO GET DIAGNOSIS AND ESTIMATE ON ABS BRAKE REPAIR.
NHTSA complaint #10546448 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 20,150 milesDavison, MI
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
THIS VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH A CUMMINS ONAN GENERATOR MODEL 5.5HGJAB SPEC. B, WITH TWO FUEL FILTERS. THE FILTERS ARE APPARENTLY FAULTY AND CAN SEPARATE AT THE SEAM CAUSING FUEL TO LEAK. THE UPPER FILTER CAN LEAK ONTO HOT GENERATOR SURFACES AND BOTH CAN LEAK ONTO THE HOT EXHAUST PIPE. THE UPPER FILTER ON MY UNIT IS LEAKING AND CANNOT BE OPERATED SAFELY IN THAT CONDITION. THE COMPANY IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM BUT HAVE NOT ISSUED A RECALL NOTICE. THEY RECOMMEND REPLACEMENT PARTS AT THE OWNER'S EXPENSE. THE PROBLEM IS NOT CONFINED TO THIS ONE MODEL. THERE ARE MULTIPLE REFERENCES TO THIS ISSUE IN ONLINE POSTS AND FORUMS. UPDATED 05/02/12*BF
NHTSA complaint #10455858 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 11,000 milesHampden, MA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DAMON INTRUDER 373 RECREATIONAL VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THE REAR BRAKES CONTINUED TO LOCK AND EXHIBIT SMOKING WHEN ENGAGED. THE ABS WARNING LIGHT WAS ALSO ILLUMINATED ON THE WARNING PANEL. THE DEALER WHERE THERE WERE UNKNOWN REPAIRS MADE TO THE VEHICLE. AFTER REPAIRS, THE FAILURE PERSISTED AND THE BRAKES FELT EXTREMELY SPONGY. THE DEALER ADVISED BLEEDING THE BRAKES IF THE FAILURE PERSISTED HOWEVER THE CONTACT WAS UNFAMILIAR WITH THE PROCEDURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED TAKING THE VEHICLE TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER THAT COULD MAKE THE NECESSARY REPAIRS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 11,000.
NHTSA complaint #10327117 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 2,000 milesWeaverville, CA
VISIBILITY
PASSENGER SIDE WINDSHIELD SEPARATES FROM GASKET AT TOP RIGHT LEAVING A 2" OPENING BETWEEN WINDOW OPENING AND WINDSHIELD.
NHTSA complaint #10297755 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 10,852 milesHenderson, TX
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
RE: RECALL 50901-C REPAIRS DATED 11/16/07-6/15/09 I HAVE HAD THREE REPAIRS DUE TO THIS PROBLEM. THE MOST EXPENSIVE WAS IN 6/2007 - WHY IS A TIME-FRAME MENTIONED AND HOW CAN I HAVE MY PROBLEM ADDRESSED? MY VIN FALLS IN THE AREA OF RECALL AND I FEEL THAT MY BILLS RELATED TO THE RECALL SHOULD BE PAID ALSO. FIVE MONTHS SHOULD NOT MAKE A DIFFERENCE IF THE RECALL IS RELATED TO A VEHICLE. PLEASE HELP.
NHTSA complaint #10295655 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 19,000 milesLivingston, TX
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
1. & 2. NO ACCIDENT OCCURRED. WHEN I USE THE HIGH BEAMS FOR ABOUT 15 MINUTES THEY WILL GO OUT FOR A COUPLE OF SECONDS THEN COME BACK ON. THE FREQUENCY BECOMES SHORTER AND THE DURATION OF OUTAGE BECOMES LONGER. EVENTUALLY I HAVE TO STOP USING HIGH BEAMS SINCE THEY ARE CONSTANTLY FLASHING ON AND OFF. 3. I HAVE CONTACTED GM AND DAMON WHO HAVE EACH DENIED RESPONSIBILITY STATING THE OTHER PARTY IS RESPONSIBLE. ( I HAVE EMAILS FROM EACH) I STILL HAVE THE PROBLEM AS NO ONE WILL TAKE RESPONSIBILITY AND FIX THE PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #10275152 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 19,000 milesLivingston, TX
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1. NO ACCIDENT OCCURRED. 2. THE LCD DISPLAY IN THE DASH GOES BLANK. MOST IMPORTANTLY I CANNOT SEE THE SPEED THE VEHICLE IS TRAVELING AS WELL AS ANY OTHER INFORMATION SUCH AS GEAR THE VEHICLE IS IN, OIL PRESSURE, ETC. THIS HAS OCCURRED AT LEAST THREE TIMES SINCE I HAVE HAD THE MOTOR HOME. 3. THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE DASH DISPLAY WHICH WAS DONE IN 2007. ALL OF THESE INCIDENTS HAVE OCCURRED AFTER THE RECALL REPROGRAMMING WAS DONE. THIS PROBLEM HAS NEVER BEEN REMEDIED.
NHTSA complaint #10275157 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 21,000 milesLivingston, TX
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
1. NO ACCIDENT OCCURRED, LUCKILY. 2. WHILE TRAVELING THROUGH THE HOUSTON AREA IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC, THE BRAKES SUDDENLY TURNED TO "MUSH" AND I COULD NOT STOP. LUCKILY THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME MOVED AGAIN JUST AS I WAS ABOUT TO ROLL INTO THEM. BY LEAVING PLENTY OF EXTRA SPACE AND PUMPING THE BRAKES 3 OR 4 TIMES I WAS ABLE TO KEEP FROM ROLLING INTO THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME. EVENTUALLY AFTER GETTING OUT OF THE STOP AND GO TRAFFIC THE BRAKES RETURNED TO "NORMAL" AND I HAVE NOT HAD THIS HAPPEN AGAIN ALTHOUGH THIS WAS NOT THE FIRST TIME THIS OCCURRED. ROADS WERE DRY, TEMP WAS IN THE 90'S AND SUNNY. 3. SINCE I DO NOT KNOW WHAT CAUSED THE SITUATION AND THE BRAKES HAVE PERFORMED FINE TO DATE, NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #10275163 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 20,206 milesSommerset, PA
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DAMON INTRUDER. WHEN THE BRAKES WERE DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE WOULD SHAKE BADLY. THE DEALER STATED THAT ALL FOUR ROTORS WERE CRACKED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THERE WERE NOT ENOUGH COMPLAINTS FOR THEM TO PROCEED WITH ANY TYPE OF ASSISTANCE. THE VIN WAS VERIFIED, BUT APPEARS TO BE INACCURATE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE LESS THAN 20,206.
NHTSA complaint #10244983 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 11,500 milesDunkirk, NY
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD
TRAVELING ON INTERSTATE WHISTLING NOISE STARTED AROUND WINDSHIELD AREA INSPECTION FOUND WINDSHIELD COMING OUT OF MOUNTING. PUSHED WINDSHIELD BACK FOR DURATION OF TRIP. WINDSHIELD IS A MAJOR SAFETY HAZARD. THIS COACH ONLY HAS 12.000 MILES ON IT. THE WINDSHIELD CONTINUES TO POP OUT.
NHTSA complaint #10138059 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Downs, IL
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD
WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD THE WINDOW CAME OUT OF THE SEAL CAUSING A 2" OPENING IN THE UPPER RIGHT CORNER. WHEN A WINDOW INSTALLER WAS HIRED TO RE-INSTALL THE WINDOW HE INFORMED ME THAT THE OPENING WAS CUT TOO LARGE FOR THE WINDSHIELD. THE INSTALLER ALSO NOTED THAT THE FACTORY DOCTORED THE WINDOW SEAL/OPENING TO ATTEMPT TO SECURE IT. SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO CONTACT THE MANUFACTURER (DAMON) HAVE BEEN UNSUCCESSFUL. REPAIR CONSISTED OF HAVING A BODY SHOP REMOVE THE WINDSHIELD AND BUILD UP THE OPENING IN ORDER TO GET PROPER STRUCTURAL SUPPORT. THIS WORK COULD HAVE BEEN PERFORMED BY THE MANF. WITH LITTLE DELAY AND EFFORT TO THE MANUFACTURING SCHEDULE. A SEARCH OF OTHER RV SITES HAVE IDENTIFIED SEVERAL OTHER CASES OF THIS ISSUE WITH DAMON MOTOR HOMES. IF YOU ARE READING THIS COMPLAINT AND THIS ISSUE HAS OCCURRED TO YOU PLEASE TAKE THE TIME TO COMPLETE A COMPLAINT REPORT.
NHTSA complaint #10119565 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ST. Clair Shores, MI
STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR
THIS COULD BE A PROBLEM: WHILE TRYING TO SEE THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WHICH IS OBSCURED BY THE STERING WHEEL A CRASH COULD RESULT. WHAT COULD BE DONE IS A 18" WHEEL INSTALLED SO WE CAN SEE THE SPEED OMETER ECT.
NHTSA complaint #10093524 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hampden, MA
TIRES
GENERATOR IS LOCATED RIGHT OUTSIDE THE BEDROOM SLIDE CAUSING THE CO DETECTOR TO GO AS HIGH AS 210. MY SON BECAME ILL. THE WINDSHIELD JUST POPPED OUT. WHEN I CONTACTED THE DEALER HE SAID THAT DAMON KNEW ABOUT THIS PROBLEM AND SHOWED THEM WHAT TO DO IF THEY CAME ACROSS THIS PROBLEM, HE SAW THIS AT THE PLANT TOUR. WHY AREN'T THE CONSUMER AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM, WE WEREN'T UNTIL IT POPPED OUT ON US.THE TIRE SIZE I FEEL IS UNSAFE FOR THIS SIZE UNIT. THE RIGHT FRONT FOLDED OUT TWICE ON ME. THEY NOW HAVE BIGGER TIRES ON THE NEW UNITS BUT WHAT ABOUT THE ONES WHO DON'T. WHEN YOU DRIVE THIS UNIT AND GO OVER A BUMP IN THE ROAD YOU GO SO HIGH YOU FEEL LIKE YOU'RE COMING OUT OF YOUR SEAT.I DO NOT FEEL SAVE AT ALL IN THIS UNIT.I'VE GONE THROUGH TWO DEALERSHIPS AND THE ATTORNEY GENERALS OFFICE AND I CONTACTED DAMON. DAMON DOESN'T DO ANYTHING BUT SAY THEY STAND BEHIND THEIR PRODUCT. I REALIZED THAT MOTORHOMES ARE NOT COVERED UNDER THE LEMON LAW SO YOU HAVE PEOPLE OUT THERE DRIVING AROUND IN UNSAFE VEHICLES BECAUSE MANUFACTURERS CAN TAKE AS MANY TIMES AS THEY WANT TO TRY TO FIX SOMETHING.I ALSO FEEL VERY STRONGLY THAT PEOPLE WHO DRIVE THESE VEHICLES DON'T HAVE TO HAVE A SPECIAL LICENSE TO DO SO. ALL YOU NEED IS A REGULAR CLASS LICENSE. ALSO THE SLIDES DON'T SHUT PROPERLY. THE DEALER SAID THEY HAVE BEEN ADJUSTED TO THE MAXIMUM BUT THEY STILL DON'T SHUT RIGHT ALSO THE DRIVERS DOOR HAS THE SAME PROBLEM. DAMON WANTS TO TAKE IT BACK TO INDIANA BUT I REFUSED AS I WAS TOLD THEY HAVE BEEN ADJUSTED TO THE MAXIMUM. WHAT IF THEY OPEN WHILE DRIVING? I REALLY FEEL THAT DAMON NEEDS ADDRESS THESE PROBLEMS.NOW THERE IS AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM. THERE MAY BE A POSSIBLE SHORT SOMEWHERE. THIS UNIT HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP FOR OVER 72 DAYS FOR REPAIRS THAT ARE STILL UNRESOLVED.
NHTSA complaint #10080926 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.