Owners have filed 13 complaints
about the 2003 Fleetwood Pace Arrow with NHTSA between 2004 and 2012.
The largest single group is the brakes.
Across this model's run it ranks 5 of 8 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 39
Against the median year of the Fleetwood Pace Arrow. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 40
7.7% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 100
88% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2003 compares with every other Fleetwood Pace Arrow
Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 2003 Fleetwood Pace Arrow
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Brakes
538.5%
Median failure at 27,443 miles
Equipment & Accessories
323.1%
Median failure at 18,750 miles
Lights
215.4%
Median failure at 27,079 miles
Seats
17.7%
Median failure at 100 miles
Fuel & Propulsion
17.7%
0 crashes, 1 fires · median 44,326 mi
Suspension
17.7%
Median failure at 6,300 miles
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
112.5%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
225.0%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
112.5%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
450.0%
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.
Feb 2004peak 2Apr 2012
NHTSA investigations into the 2003 Fleetwood Pace Arrow
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
PE06005Opened 20 Jan 2006Closed 2 May 2006EQUIPMENT:RECREATIONAL VEHICLE/TRAILER
INADVERTENT SLIDE-OUT EXTENSION MOVEMENT
THIS INVESTIGATION WAS OPENED BASED ON ODI'S RECEIPT OF A CONGRESSIONAL LETTER ON BEHALF OF A CONSTITUENT.THE CONSTITUENT REPORTED INCIDENTS WHERE THE SLIDE OUT ROOM OF HIS MOTOR HOME WOULD INADVERTENTLY MOVE (EXTEND) DURING HIGHWAY USE.ODI WAS CONCERNED THAT A FULLY EXTENDED SLIDE OUT WOULD DEGRADE THE VEHICLE'S DYNAMIC HANDLING CHARACTERISTICS AND/OR POSSIBLY IMPACT AN OBJECT OR ANOTHER VEHICLE, RESULTING IN A CRASH.ODI CONTACTED FLEETWOOD AND DISCOVERED THAT SLIDE OUT ROOMS WERE INSTALLED IN MOTOR HOMES, TRAVEL TRAILERS AND FOLDING TRAILERS. AS PART OF THE INVESTIGATION ODI VISITED A RV SHO...
Recalls on the 2003 Fleetwood Pace Arrow
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 200922913 units in Canada
Other
On certain motorhomes equipped with a Norcold Inc. refrigerator, a fatigue crack in the section of the cooling unit which contains the refrigerant could allow the liquid solution to slowly leak. If a leak occurs and the refrigerator continues to be operated after solution circulation has ceased, hydrogen gas may be expelled and can be ignited. This could result in a fire, causing property damage, personal injury, or death. Correction: Dealers will retrofit the cooling unit with a thermal switch kit.
Recall 2009215702 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 200824611,692 units in Canada
Other
On certain motorhomes, conventional travel trailers and fifth wheel 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 install a secondary burner housing.
Recall 200704716,870 units in Canada
Other
On certain motorhomes, conventional travel trailers and fifth wheel 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 200611363 units in Canada
Brakes
On certain motorhomes, the front brake calipers may bind in a partially applied position, causing the brake assemblies to exhibit elevated temperatures that can lead to catastrophic deterioration of wheel end components such as bearings, spindles, knuckles, seals, hubs, rotors, calipers, brake pads and ABS sensors. This could result in loss of control, and/or the potential for a fire. Correction: Workhorse Custom Chassis dealers will inspect and repair/replace brake components.
Recall 2006111209 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 2004264182 units in Canada
Other
On certain vehicles, the Draw Tite brand hitch receiver may be missing one or more welds that would normally exist between the hitch receiver box and the bottom support plate. During use, forces may be applied that could cause the existing welds to break and the hitch receiver box and towed load to separate from the towing vehicle, which could result in a crash. Correction: Dealers will inspect the hitch receiver, and if any welds are missing, will replace it.
Recall 200322937 units in Canada
Other
On certain vehicles, the hydraulic hoses that operate the leveling jack system have been routed too close to the engine exhaust system. The hot exhaust can cause the hydraulic hoses to melt or abrade, releasing hydraulic fluid. This hydraulic fluid, ignited by a heat source, can cause a fire. Correction: Dealer will relocate the hydraulic hoses.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 44,326 milesBuffalo, NYFire
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FLEETWOOD PACE ARROW. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, HE SMELLED A FUEL ODOR WITHIN THE CABIN. THE CONTACT MANEUVERED TO THE SHOULDER OF THE HIGHWAY AND THEN THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE EXHAUST PIPE BROKE IN HALF, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO CATCH ON FIRE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 44,326.
NHTSA complaint #10455888 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 44,326 milesBuffalo, NYFire
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FLEETWOOD PACE ARROW. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, HE SMELLED A FUEL ODOR WITHIN THE CABIN. THE CONTACT MANEUVERED TO THE SHOULDER OF THE HIGHWAY AND THEN THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE EXHAUST PIPE BROKE IN HALF, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO CATCH ON FIRE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 44,326.
NHTSA complaint #10455888 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 27,079 milesMassillon, OH
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
I WAS RETURNING HOME FROM FLORIDA THIS SPRING AND HAD HEARD A NOISE LIKE I HAD HIT SOMETHING IN THE ROAD BUT DID NOT SEE ANYTHING AT THE TIME. WHEN WE STOPPED FOR FUEL WALKING AROUND THE MOTORHOME I SAW THAT THE HEAD LIGHT ASSEMBLY WAS MISSING FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE OF MY 37A 2003 PACE ARROW THAT HAS ALL OF 27,000 MILES ON IT. I CALLED FLEETWOOD ABOUT THE PROBLEM AND THEY SAID THEY HAVE NOT ENCOUNTERED ANYTHING LIKE THAT AND THERE WAS NO RECALL ON THE COACH. I CHECKED ON THE INTERNET AND I AM NOT ALONE WITH THIS PROBLEM FROM FLEETWOOD'S MANUFACTURING DEFECT OF GLUING IN THE HEAD LIGHTS ON THESE MOTORHOMES.
NHTSA complaint #10398422 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Waynesboro, VA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FLEETWOOD PACE ARROW EQUIPPED WITH A WORKHORSE CHASSIS. WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH, THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE REAR BRAKES FAILED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE REGARDING THE BRAKES FOR THE CHASSIS BUT THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER BUT WAS TOLD THAT THE PART WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE UNKNOWN.
NHTSA complaint #10328736 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 21,886 milesJamesville, FL
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FLEETWOOD PACE ARROW WITH THE 2003 WORKHORSE CHASSIS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE CONTACT SMELLED BURNING BRAKES. THE BRAKES FAILED WHEN HE ATTEMPTED TO STOP; HOWEVER, HE WAS ABLE TO PULL THE VEHICLE OVER. HE CHECKED THE BRAKES AND NOTICED THAT BOTH FRONT WHEELS WERE SMOKING. AFTER WAITING OVER AN HOUR, HE WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE TO THE REPAIR SHOP. THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL CALIPER, BRAKE LINE, ROTOR, BEARING HUB ASSEMBLY, AND ABS SENSOR WERE REPLACED. THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE WHEEL BRAKE HOSE AND BRAKE LINING WERE REPLACED AS WELL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 21,886 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 21,926. UPDATE 09/10/08 *CW UPDATED 09/11/08
NHTSA complaint #10236904 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Buna, TX
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FLUID
2003 PACE ARROW MOTOR HOME WITH BRAKE FAILURE. CONSUMER STATES THAT THE BRAKES HAVE FAILED TWICE PUTTING HIS FAMILY AND OTHERS IN DANGER. HE STATES THAT THE BRAKE FLUID IN THE PASSENGER SIDE RESERVOIR WAS VERY HOT. *KB THE CONSUMER STATED WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURRED, THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR. PUMPING THE BRAKE PEDAL DID NOT IMPROVE THE RESPONSE.
NHTSA complaint #10211689 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Buna, TX
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
2003 PACE ARROW MOTOR HOME WITH BRAKE FAILURE. CONSUMER STATES THAT THE BRAKES HAVE FAILED TWICE PUTTING HIS FAMILY AND OTHERS IN DANGER. HE STATES THAT THE BRAKE FLUID IN THE PASSENGER SIDE RESERVOIR WAS VERY HOT. *KB THE CONSUMER STATED WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURRED, THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR. PUMPING THE BRAKE PEDAL DID NOT IMPROVE THE RESPONSE.
NHTSA complaint #10211689 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lincoln, NE
EQUIPMENT:RECREATIONAL VEHICLE/TRAILER
DOMETIC REFRIGERATOR FAILED AND SPEWED YELLOW MATERIAL INTO THE COOLING AREA. CUSTOMER STATES THAT THE SERIAL NUMBER IS IN THE RANGE LISTED ON THE RECALL. CUSTOMER REPLACED THE ENTIRE COOLING UNIT IN OCTOBER 2006. **NAR**KB A FATIGUE CRACK WAS FOUND IN THE BOILER TUBE WHICH RELEASED THE PRESSURIZED COOLANT. THE CONSUMER BELIEVED HE EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM AS STATED IN THE RECALL, EVEN THOUGH THE MODEL NUMBER WAS NOT INCLUDED.
NHTSA complaint #10202666 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 32,000 milesPhoenix, AZ
EQUIPMENT
TL* - THE CONTACT READ IN THE GOOD SAMARITAN MAGAZINE THAT THERE IS A RECALL ON DOMETIC REFRIGERATORS, WHICH IS IN HIS 2003/FLEETWOOD/PACE ARROW RV. THE DETAILS IN THE MAGAZINE INDICATE THE REFRIGERATOR COULD IGNITE AND RESULT IN A FIRE. THE CONTACT HAS NOT HAD ANY INCIDENTS WITH HIS DOMETIC REFRIGERATOR.
NHTSA complaint #10176848 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Oviedo, FL
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:CONCEALMENT DEVICES
2003 FLEETWOOD PACE ARROW MOTOR HOME PASSENGER SIDE HEADLIGHT AND FIXTURE FLEW OFF THE VEHICLE. *KB THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THE HEADLIGHT FIXTURE WAS INSTALLED BY USING GLUE.
NHTSA complaint #10168009 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 33,000 milesNorth Little Rock, AR
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE HAD BRAKE PROBLEMS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP FIVE TIMES. THE BRAKES NEEDED TO BE PUMPED MANY TIMES TO STOP THE VEHICLE.*AK UPDATED 9/15/2006 - WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS PUSHED THE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR AND THE LOW PRESSURE LIGHT ILLUMINATED.
NHTSA complaint #10165051 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 6,300 milesBath, PA
SUSPENSION
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH, THERE WAS A CHATTERING NOISE THAT SOUNDED LIKE METAL HITTING METAL COMING FROM THE FRONT LEFT WHEEL. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN INSPECTED BY A MECHANIC.
NHTSA complaint #10162371 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
CONSUMER'S MOTOR HOME WAS PLUGGED INTO THE OUTLET CONNECTED TO HIS SON'S HOME WHEN THE VEHICLE'S FLOOR STARTED TO SMOKE. MOTOR HOME BECAME ENGULFED WITH SMOKE. THE PLUG WAS PULLED OUT BEFORE THERE WAS A FIRE, HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WAS WITHOUT POWER. MANUFACTURER OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE.
NHTSA complaint #10117380 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100 milesUpland, CA
SEATS
2003 FLEETWOOD PACE ARROW MOTOR HOME WITH FACTORY INSTALLED SWIVEL, ROCKER, RECLINER CHAIR. CHAIR WILL SWIVEL, ROCK AND BANG AGAINST THE WALL WHILE TRAVELING DISTRACTING THE DRIVER FROM THE OPERATION OF THE VEHICLE. HAD FACTORY "FIX IT KIT" INSTALLED, DID NOT SOLVE THE PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #10056504 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.