Owners have filed 12 complaints
about the 2005 Fleetwood Southwind with NHTSA between 2008 and 2018.
The largest single group is the brakes.
Across this model's run it ranks 6 of 10 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 — 37
Against the median year of the Fleetwood Southwind. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 43
8.3% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 100
83% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2005 compares with every other Fleetwood Southwind
Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 2005 Fleetwood Southwind
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Windows, Mirrors & Wipers
433.3%
Median failure at 20,000 miles
Brakes
433.3%
Median failure at 17,905 miles
Other & Unspecified
18.3%
0 crashes, 1 fires · median 24,000 mi
Acceleration & Cruise Control
18.3%
Median failure at 51,000 miles
Body & Structure
18.3%
Median failure at 30,000 miles
Engine & Cooling
18.3%
Median failure at 51,000 miles
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
1,000 – 9,999 miles
216.7%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
650.0%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
216.7%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
216.7%
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.
Apr 2008peak 3Nov 2018
Recalls on the 2005 Fleetwood Southwind
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 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 2006235252 units in Canada
Fuel System
On certain motorhomes equipped with Workhorse Custom Chassis, the engine fuel rail pulse damper retainer clip may fracture, resulting in inadequate retention of the damper. If the damper comes loose, a fuel leak may result in the underhood area which may result in a fire. Correction: Dealers will replace the engine fuel rail pulse damper retainer clip.
Recall 20062081,501 units in Canada
Fuel System
On certain motorhomes equipped with Workhorse Custom Chassis, the engine fuel rail pulse damper retainer clip may fracture, resulting in inadequate retention of the damper. If the damper comes loose, a fuel leak may result in the underhood area which may result in a fire. Correction: Dealers will replace the engine fuel rail pulse damper retainer clip.
Recall 200614422 units in Canada
Steering
On certain vehicles, an incorrect steering shaft may have been installed during vehicle assembly. As a result, the shaft could become loose at the steering box during tight steering manoeuvres. If this occurs, steering control could be lost, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash. Correction: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the steering intermediate shafts.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 24,000 milesOelwein, IAFire
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
WE ARE UNABLE TO READ WHAT GEAR IT IS IN AND SOME OTHER INDICATORS THAT ARE IN THE DISPLAY WINDOW ABOVE STEERING. WE ALSO HAD TO HAVE THE MODEL 1200 DOMETIC REFRIDGERATER REPLACED AFTER OVERHEATING AND SHORTED OUT ELECTRICAL SYSTEM INCLUDING THE RESET ELECTRICAL PLUG IN BATHROOM AND GENERATOR SWITCH TWICE, BECAUSE THE REPLACEMENT REFRIDGERATER STILL HAD THE SAME RECALLED PART ON IT, IT OVERHEATED AGAIN, HAD TO CALL FIRE DEPARTMENT AND THE WATER HEATER AND THE MICROWAVE WHICH ARE ALL ON THE SAME ELECTRICAL BREAKER FRIED AND HAD TO BE REPLACED
NHTSA complaint #11151174 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 24,000 milesOelwein, IAFire
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
WE ARE UNABLE TO READ WHAT GEAR IT IS IN AND SOME OTHER INDICATORS THAT ARE IN THE DISPLAY WINDOW ABOVE STEERING. WE ALSO HAD TO HAVE THE MODEL 1200 DOMETIC REFRIDGERATER REPLACED AFTER OVERHEATING AND SHORTED OUT ELECTRICAL SYSTEM INCLUDING THE RESET ELECTRICAL PLUG IN BATHROOM AND GENERATOR SWITCH TWICE, BECAUSE THE REPLACEMENT REFRIDGERATER STILL HAD THE SAME RECALLED PART ON IT, IT OVERHEATED AGAIN, HAD TO CALL FIRE DEPARTMENT AND THE WATER HEATER AND THE MICROWAVE WHICH ARE ALL ON THE SAME ELECTRICAL BREAKER FRIED AND HAD TO BE REPLACED
NHTSA complaint #11151174 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 18,000 milesApple Valley, CA
VISIBILITY/WIPER
DRIVERS AND PASSENGER SIDE WINDOWS FOG AND GET MOISTURE BETWEEN THE 2 PIECES OF GLASS WHICH CAUSES MINERAL BUILD UP THUS GREATLY REDUCES VISIBILITY OF MIRRORS. VEHICLE IS A CLASS A MOTORHOME.
NHTSA complaint #11030736 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 30,000 milesSeattle, WA
STRUCTURE:BODY
THE SIDE WINDOWS HAVE FOGGED UP TO THE POINT I CAN'T SEE OUT THE PASSENGER SIDE MIRROR. I HAVE HAD NUMEROUS CLOSE CALLS TRYING TO CHANGE LANES. I HAD ALL 13 WINDOWS REPLACED IN 2014. NOW IN MARCH 2016 THEY ARE STARTING TO FOG UP AGAIN.
NHTSA complaint #10860840 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 30,000 milesSeattle, WA
VISIBILITY/WIPER
THE SIDE WINDOWS HAVE FOGGED UP TO THE POINT I CAN'T SEE OUT THE PASSENGER SIDE MIRROR. I HAVE HAD NUMEROUS CLOSE CALLS TRYING TO CHANGE LANES. I HAD ALL 13 WINDOWS REPLACED IN 2014. NOW IN MARCH 2016 THEY ARE STARTING TO FOG UP AGAIN.
NHTSA complaint #10860840 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 51,000 milesStayton, OR
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FLEETWOOD SOUTHWIND. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE FAILED WHEN THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS ENGAGED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE FUNCTIONED AS NORMAL UNTIL THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS ACTIVATED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN TO THE DEALER. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 51,000. UPDATED 7/23/12
NHTSA complaint #10459161 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 51,000 milesStayton, OR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FLEETWOOD SOUTHWIND. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE FAILED WHEN THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS ENGAGED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE FUNCTIONED AS NORMAL UNTIL THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS ACTIVATED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN TO THE DEALER. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 51,000. UPDATED 7/23/12
NHTSA complaint #10459161 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 9,000 milesBakersfield, CA
VISIBILITY
BOTH DRIVER SIDE AND PASSENGER SIDE DUAL GLAZED WINDOWS ARE FOGGED UP AND MAKING DRIVING HAZARDOUS. THE OTHER WINDOWS IN THE MOTOR HOME ARE FOGGING UP AS WELL. I'VE CHECKED OTHER FORUMS ON-LINE HAVE FOUND THIS TO BE A PROBLEM WITH OTHER OWNERS AS WELL.
NHTSA complaint #10456054 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 22,000 milesSeattle, WA
VISIBILITY
WINDOWS ARE FOGGED UP. THE DRIVERS SIDE WINDOW & PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW ARE THE WORST. CAN'T SEE OUT SIDE MIRRORS. HAVE HAD SEVERAL CLOSE CALLS, CHANGING LANES.
NHTSA complaint #10357217 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 7,000 milesOcaen View, NJ
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FLEETWOOD SOUTHWIND. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE BRAKES QUIT WORKING WHEN TRIED TO STOP THE VEHICLE. HE RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE. HE CALLED THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS UNABLE TO SPEAK WITH THEM. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 7,000.
NHTSA complaint #10315589 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 17,905 milesBeaverton, OR
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FLEETWOOD SOUTHWIND 32VS. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL, BUT THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO MOVE. HE HAD TO DEPRESS THE PEDAL COMPLETELY TO THE FLOOR IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER ADVISED HIM TO LET THE BRAKES COOL AND BRING THEM THE VEHICLE. AFTER ALLOWING THE BRAKES TO COOL FOR TWO AND A HALF HOURS, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER REPLACED THE CALIPER PINS AND TURNED THE ROTORS. THE PARTS HAVE BEEN REPLACED TWICE BY THE SAME DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 04V084000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS EXPERIENCING THE SAME FAILURES STATED IN ACTION NUMBER EA07016. THE VIN, ENGINE SIZE, NUMBER OF CYLINDERS, AND POWERTRAIN WERE UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 18,905 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 17,905.
NHTSA complaint #10223064 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 17,905 milesBeaverton, OR
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FLEETWOOD SOUTHWIND 32VS. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL, BUT THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO MOVE. HE HAD TO DEPRESS THE PEDAL COMPLETELY TO THE FLOOR IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER ADVISED HIM TO LET THE BRAKES COOL AND BRING THEM THE VEHICLE. AFTER ALLOWING THE BRAKES TO COOL FOR TWO AND A HALF HOURS, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER REPLACED THE CALIPER PINS AND TURNED THE ROTORS. THE PARTS HAVE BEEN REPLACED TWICE BY THE SAME DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 04V084000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS EXPERIENCING THE SAME FAILURES STATED IN ACTION NUMBER EA07016. THE VIN, ENGINE SIZE, NUMBER OF CYLINDERS, AND POWERTRAIN WERE UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 18,905 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 17,905.
NHTSA complaint #10223064 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 17,905 milesBeaverton, OR
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FLEETWOOD SOUTHWIND 32VS. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL, BUT THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO MOVE. HE HAD TO DEPRESS THE PEDAL COMPLETELY TO THE FLOOR IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER ADVISED HIM TO LET THE BRAKES COOL AND BRING THEM THE VEHICLE. AFTER ALLOWING THE BRAKES TO COOL FOR TWO AND A HALF HOURS, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER REPLACED THE CALIPER PINS AND TURNED THE ROTORS. THE PARTS HAVE BEEN REPLACED TWICE BY THE SAME DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 04V084000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS EXPERIENCING THE SAME FAILURES STATED IN ACTION NUMBER EA07016. THE VIN, ENGINE SIZE, NUMBER OF CYLINDERS, AND POWERTRAIN WERE UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 18,905 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 17,905.
NHTSA complaint #10223064 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.