Owners have filed 65 complaints
about the 2022 Winnebago Ekko with NHTSA between 2021 and 2026.
The largest single group is the electrical system.
Across this model's run it ranks 1 of 5 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 — 94
Against the median year of the Winnebago Ekko. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 87
16.9% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — not reported
Too few complaints recorded a mileage to measure this.
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Blind Spot Detection
1250.0%
Recreational Vehicle/Trailer
312.5%
Alternator/Generator/Regulator
312.5%
Tread/Belt
28.3%
Software
14.2%
Sensors
14.2%
Control Module
14.2%
Adaptive Cruise Control
14.2%
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.
Nov 2021peak 9Jun 2026
Recalls on the 2022 Winnebago Ekko
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 202620075 units in Canada
Accessories
Issue: On certain motorhomes, a software problem could cause the generator to start on its own. If this happens, exhaust fumes and carbon monoxide could build up inside the motorhome. Note: This recall only affects certain motorhomes equipped with a Precision Circuits touchscreen display. Safety Risk: A buildup of exhaust gas inside the motorhome could result in carbon monoxide poisoning. Corrective Actions: Winnebago will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your motorhome to a dealership to update the touchscreen display software.
Recall 202441998 units in Canada
Electrical
Issue: On certain motorhomes, the solar charging system may not have proper circuit protection. As a result, the fuse for the solar charging system could overheat and melt. Safety Risk: A fuse that overheats and melts could create the risk of a fire. Corrective Actions: Winnebago will notify owners by mail. The corrective actions for this recall are under development.
Recall 202401936 units in Canada
Electrical
Issue: On certain motorhomes, a wiring problem in the blind spot monitoring system may cause it to fail. Safety Risk: A blind spot monitoring system that doesn't work could reduce a driver's awareness when changing lanes and increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: Winnebago will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your motorhome to a dealership to replace the blind spot monitoring system wiring.
Recall 2023270160 units in Canada
Accessories
Issue: On certain motorhomes, a fuel hose on the generator may not be properly secured and could leak fuel. Note: This recall only affects motorhomes equipped with an Onan QG 2800i generator. Safety Risk: A fuel leak can create the risk of a fire. Corrective Actions: Cummins will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your motorhome to a Cummins authorized service center to inspect the fuel hose between the generator fuel filter and injection pump module. The fuel hose and clamps will be replaced, if necessary. To reduce the safety risk, Winnebago advises that you should not use the generator until the recall inspection is completed.
Recall 202320357 units in Canada
Electrical
Issue: On certain motorhomes, the wiring for the house 12 V battery charging system may have been routed incorrectly, and the electrical connections may be loose. As a result, the wiring could overheat and melt. Safety Risk: Wiring that overheats and melts could create the risk of a fire. Corrective Actions: Winnebago will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your motorhome to a dealership to reroute the wiring for the house 12 V battery charging system. The dealership will also inspect the connections, and tighten them if necessary. Winnebago recommends that you should check the charging status of the house 12 V batteries, and turn them off if they don't charge while driving.
Recall 2023155335 units in Canada
Accessories
Issue: On certain motorhomes, the aluminum tubes that connect the gas valves to the cooktop burners could crack. If this happens, the tubes could leak propane. Note: This recall only affects motorhomes equipped with a Suburban SDS2 cooktop. Safety Risk: A propane gas leak could create the risk of a fire or explosion. Corrective Actions: Winnebago will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your motorhome to a dealership to repair the cooktop. Winnebago advises not to use the cooktop until the recall repairs are completed.
Recall 202226913 units in Canada
Accessories
Issue: On certain motorhomes, a quick disconnect fitting on the propane (LP) hose for the outside cooktop may be defective. As a result, the fitting could crack and leak propane. Safety Risk: A propane gas leak could create the risk of a fire or explosion. Corrective Actions: Winnebago will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take the propane hose for the outdoor cooktop to a Winnebago dealership. The dealer will replace the hose assembly, free of charge. Winnebago recommends that you should not use the outdoor cooktop until this recall is completed.
Recall 202200525 units in Canada
Accessories
Issue: On certain motorhomes, the bath sink and shower drain may leak. If this happens, nearby electrical parts (like the inverter) could get wet and cause a short circuit. Safety Risk: A short circuit can create the risk of a fire. Corrective Actions: Winnebago will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your motorhome to a dealer to replace the sump pump system. Winnebago will provide you with directions for sanitizing and protecting the drain until recall repairs are completed.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Allen, TXFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Winnebago recall 174 (NHTSA campaign 23V234000) regarding improper electrical wiring design and installation by Winnebago was recently completed on my RV. After completion of this recall I experienced another electrical fire in the engine compartment (my alternator had previously caught fire due to wiring and design defects noted in Winnebago recall 174). After extinguishing the fire I observed the Winnebago recall 174 remedy had been completed in such a way that an engine compartment wiring harness was under tension and in contact with the threads of a bolt on the backside of the new alternator installed as part of the Winnebago recall 174 remedy. This seems to have resulted in electrical anomalies and eventual ignition of the wiring harness. There were repeated brief intermittent brake and rear hatch warnings shortly before the fire (there is no rear hatch). The windshield washer system failed after uncommanded operation of the windshield wipers. Multiple other warnings and cautions flashed on the screen too fast for me to identify them. This all happened just prior to the fire which occurred during an engine start attempt while parked. I have video documentation of the smoke and photos showing fire damaged wiring and its location relative to the alternator bolt. Components are available for inspection. I have not yet contacted a dealer, service center or manufacturer yet since this event happened only days ago. My safety has been compromised by two engine compartment fires involving the same defect both before and after the Winnebago recall 174 remedy. For this to happen I have to assume either faulty mechanical completion of the recall or the recall remedy itself. This is but the latest fire hazard I have experienced with this unit (two actual fires, loose propane fitting which slowly flooded the coach with propane, overheated air conditioner that melted insulation in the ceiling and impending NHTSA campaign 24V541000 for solar fuse fire hazard).
NHTSA complaint #11614645 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Allen, TXFire
ENGINE
Winnebago recall 174 (NHTSA campaign 23V234000) regarding improper electrical wiring design and installation by Winnebago was recently completed on my RV. After completion of this recall I experienced another electrical fire in the engine compartment (my alternator had previously caught fire due to wiring and design defects noted in Winnebago recall 174). After extinguishing the fire I observed the Winnebago recall 174 remedy had been completed in such a way that an engine compartment wiring harness was under tension and in contact with the threads of a bolt on the backside of the new alternator installed as part of the Winnebago recall 174 remedy. This seems to have resulted in electrical anomalies and eventual ignition of the wiring harness. There were repeated brief intermittent brake and rear hatch warnings shortly before the fire (there is no rear hatch). The windshield washer system failed after uncommanded operation of the windshield wipers. Multiple other warnings and cautions flashed on the screen too fast for me to identify them. This all happened just prior to the fire which occurred during an engine start attempt while parked. I have video documentation of the smoke and photos showing fire damaged wiring and its location relative to the alternator bolt. Components are available for inspection. I have not yet contacted a dealer, service center or manufacturer yet since this event happened only days ago. My safety has been compromised by two engine compartment fires involving the same defect both before and after the Winnebago recall 174 remedy. For this to happen I have to assume either faulty mechanical completion of the recall or the recall remedy itself. This is but the latest fire hazard I have experienced with this unit (two actual fires, loose propane fitting which slowly flooded the coach with propane, overheated air conditioner that melted insulation in the ceiling and impending NHTSA campaign 24V541000 for solar fuse fire hazard).
NHTSA complaint #11614645 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Grand Junction, COFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The solar panels ceased to charge the batteries. I found a 40A Fuse holder behind the solar controller in the coach, that had melted and looked like it could have caught on fire.
NHTSA complaint #11534829 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Morristown, NJFire
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
This is allegedly related to the Balmar relay system installed by Winnebago in the Ford Transit van.It is currently at the dealer, Colonial Winnebago, in Millstone Twp., NJ. Dealer can be contacted for inspection. We began traveling at a 25 mph speed for about 2 miles when smoke began to flow from under the hood. We pulled over to inspect; 911 was called. Smoke and flames under the hood were visible and continued until the fire truck came and extinguished the fire. Our safety and the safety of others was put at risk as the unit did not display any warning signs on the dashboard, there was a fire and smoke under the hood, we were in a public parking lot, and the unit carries 2 20 lb. propane tanks. Problem was diagnosed by our local Ford dealer, who stated that this is a Winnebago issue, as this was a Winnebago specific modification to the Ford. Unit was not drivable and needed to be towed to Winnebago dealer for service. They know about this issue - and have known for some time - but have not yet released the recall. We do not know at this time when the unit can be repaired. I do not know who has inspected the vehicle other than the Ford dealer and Winnebago dealer. No other warning signs or symptoms before the incident occurred.
NHTSA complaint #11523045 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Morristown, NJFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
This is allegedly related to the Balmar relay system installed by Winnebago in the Ford Transit van.It is currently at the dealer, Colonial Winnebago, in Millstone Twp., NJ. Dealer can be contacted for inspection. We began traveling at a 25 mph speed for about 2 miles when smoke began to flow from under the hood. We pulled over to inspect; 911 was called. Smoke and flames under the hood were visible and continued until the fire truck came and extinguished the fire. Our safety and the safety of others was put at risk as the unit did not display any warning signs on the dashboard, there was a fire and smoke under the hood, we were in a public parking lot, and the unit carries 2 20 lb. propane tanks. Problem was diagnosed by our local Ford dealer, who stated that this is a Winnebago issue, as this was a Winnebago specific modification to the Ford. Unit was not drivable and needed to be towed to Winnebago dealer for service. They know about this issue - and have known for some time - but have not yet released the recall. We do not know at this time when the unit can be repaired. I do not know who has inspected the vehicle other than the Ford dealer and Winnebago dealer. No other warning signs or symptoms before the incident occurred.
NHTSA complaint #11523045 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Todd, NCFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The auxillary alternator caught on fire. The dealer retained the part when replaced. Fire risk to ourselves and entire rig. Yes, the problem was confirmed by a dealer. The Yuma, Az fire department responded and wrote a report. There were no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms,
NHTSA complaint #11507189 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Fayetteville, AR
LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION
I am the owner of a 2022 Winnebago Ekko. My vehicle is subject to NHTSA Recall 24V-024 (Winnebago Campaign #181) regarding the Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) system. I am writing to request your guidance on how to proceed, as I am currently unable to obtain the required safety remedy. My local authorized dealer, has declined to open a repair order, stating that their internal system marks the recall as 'closed' due to a previous service campaign (74-05). Despite providing them with the official NHTSA Dealer Notification for Campaign #181, which clearly states this recall supersedes the previous campaign and must be performed regardless of ownership, they have refused to diagnose the system. Could you please provide guidance on the appropriate next steps to ensure this safety mandate is honored, or advise if there is an escalation process I should follow with the manufacturer to resolve this impasse? I am concerned about the safety risk of operating a vehicle with a known, failing BSM system and would appreciate your assistance in rectifying this." I took the vehicle on vacation last week. My wife drove while I navigated. The BSM worked well. After we arrived and were driving in heavy traffic we noticed the BSM wasn't indicating when lane changes were unsafe. Ive read on user forums that rain has affected their BSM units. I contacted Winnebago Customer Care prior to this, who wrote "From: Winnebago Motorhome Customer Care <[XXX]> Date: Thursday, June 18, 2026 at 9:46 AM To: Redacted Subject: Case:[XXX] Blind Spot Assist issue with Winnebago Ekko Hello, All recalls are complete for this coach. If the owner is experiencing issues it must be brought back to the repair dealer to diagnose the issue. Any warranty is given from the repairing dealer. As the dealer that performed the work is in Indiana & I am in Arkansas. It would be very inconvenient although If necessary I would try that too. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11745378 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Palm Harbor, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The Balmar alternator installed on our RV, which provides electrical power to charge the coach battery started a noticeable whine at idle, it stopped providing a charge to the coach battery, and upon further inspection, after opening the hood, we noticed a faint burning electrical smell. To confirm that the Balmar alternator was failing, I checked its electrical output to the battery, and it was not charging. I then proceeded to unplug the regulator for the alternator to see if the whine and smell were still present. They were not. Since the whine was not present with the Balmar alternator unplugged, the burning smell had dissipated, and no charge coming from the alternator when plugged in, I determined it was starting or already failed. Knowing that there have been multiple reports from other owners that their EKKO's caught fire or had severe smoke coming from the engine compartment, that was later found to be the Balmar alternator, I made the decision to leave it unplugged. I was concerned about our safety and the real possibility of a fire if we continued with it plugged in and running. This just happened to us so we have not had it looked at by a dealer or independent service center yet, but we could make it available for inspection upon request. Please note, this is the second Balmar that has failed on us in our four year ownership of this RV, and we have a friend that has had five Balmar's fail on him! Winnebago needs to be held accountable and should be required to remove and replace the Balmar alternator from all owners RV's and replace it with a more suitable and capable alternator that will provide the secondary power they advertise when they sell this model to consumers.
NHTSA complaint #11697004 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Madison, WI
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
October 10, 2025. The vehicle is a 2022 Winnebago EKKO RV on a 2021 Ford Transit with 49,000 miles. The incident occurred after driving the vehicle for about 5 minutes with outside temperatures around 50 degrees Fahrenheit and noticed an unusual high pitch whine. When I opened the hood the Balmar MC-618 Alternator unit was extremely hot, smoking, and had a strong burning smell. Since the EKKO models have had numerous reports of secondary alternator/Balmar malfunctions I knew enough to disable the alternator by unplugging the 4 pin connector on the Balmar 618 regulator before traveling any further. The following morning I plugged the Balmar unit back in and the whining sound and burning smell immediately returned. There is a NHTSA Safety Recall 23V-234, Campaign # 174 EKKO 12V Charging System, sent out by Winnebago for this very safety issue due to fires. This recall was completed during the time that the original owner had this 2022 Winnebago EKKO (prior to our purchasing this 2022 Winnebago EKKO in June 2024). There have been numerous failures on Balmar units that have had the campaign #174 recall completed, including ones performed at the factory. The Winnebago fix is obviously not working and is still an extreme fire issue.
NHTSA complaint #11692854 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Madison, WI
ENGINE
October 10, 2025. The vehicle is a 2022 Winnebago EKKO RV on a 2021 Ford Transit with 49,000 miles. The incident occurred after driving the vehicle for about 5 minutes with outside temperatures around 50 degrees Fahrenheit and noticed an unusual high pitch whine. When I opened the hood the Balmar MC-618 Alternator unit was extremely hot, smoking, and had a strong burning smell. Since the EKKO models have had numerous reports of secondary alternator/Balmar malfunctions I knew enough to disable the alternator by unplugging the 4 pin connector on the Balmar 618 regulator before traveling any further. The following morning I plugged the Balmar unit back in and the whining sound and burning smell immediately returned. There is a NHTSA Safety Recall 23V-234, Campaign # 174 EKKO 12V Charging System, sent out by Winnebago for this very safety issue due to fires. This recall was completed during the time that the original owner had this 2022 Winnebago EKKO (prior to our purchasing this 2022 Winnebago EKKO in June 2024). There have been numerous failures on Balmar units that have had the campaign #174 recall completed, including ones performed at the factory. The Winnebago fix is obviously not working and is still an extreme fire issue.
NHTSA complaint #11692854 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Reno, NV
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
SUMMARY: Propane leaks from outside LP hose when factory zip-tie failed resulting in LP hose detached and damaged from rubbing against the tire. 2022 Winnebago EKKO. DETAILS: RV has a LP hose that routes above the passenger side rear tires from the propane tanks to other locations of the RV. This hose was held back from the rear tire at two locations each with a thin metal tab and a single plastic zip-tie. One of the zip-tie failed, resulting in the LP hose rubbing on the tire when driving. The rubbing made a hole on the hose and propane leaked from the hole. I was cooking next to the RV at a campground when propane was leaking from the damaged hose. The leak could have caused an explosion and serious injury to anyone nearby. The design to use plastic zip-tie to keep the LP hose from the tires is unsafe. I have taken photos of the damage and reported this incident to Winnebago customer service via email on 9/11/25. This issue was not reported to the police or insurance company due to no injury. Prior to the propane leak there was no warning or message or other symptoms of the problem. Problem first appeared during a camping trip in late July 2025 when I was camping at White River campground in Mt Rainier National Park in WA.
NHTSA complaint #11687962 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Reno, NV
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
SUMMARY: Propane leaks from outside LP hose when factory zip-tie failed resulting in LP hose detached and damaged from rubbing against the tire. 2022 Winnebago EKKO. DETAILS: RV has a LP hose that routes above the passenger side rear tires from the propane tanks to other locations of the RV. This hose was held back from the rear tire at two locations each with a thin metal tab and a single plastic zip-tie. One of the zip-tie failed, resulting in the LP hose rubbing on the tire when driving. The rubbing made a hole on the hose and propane leaked from the hole. I was cooking next to the RV at a campground when propane was leaking from the damaged hose. The leak could have caused an explosion and serious injury to anyone nearby. The design to use plastic zip-tie to keep the LP hose from the tires is unsafe. I have taken photos of the damage and reported this incident to Winnebago customer service via email on 9/11/25. This issue was not reported to the police or insurance company due to no injury. Prior to the propane leak there was no warning or message or other symptoms of the problem. Problem first appeared during a camping trip in late July 2025 when I was camping at White River campground in Mt Rainier National Park in WA.
NHTSA complaint #11687962 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Reno, NV
EQUIPMENT:RECREATIONAL VEHICLE/TRAILER
SUMMARY: Propane leaks from outside LP hose when factory zip-tie failed resulting in LP hose detached and damaged from rubbing against the tire. 2022 Winnebago EKKO. DETAILS: RV has a LP hose that routes above the passenger side rear tires from the propane tanks to other locations of the RV. This hose was held back from the rear tire at two locations each with a thin metal tab and a single plastic zip-tie. One of the zip-tie failed, resulting in the LP hose rubbing on the tire when driving. The rubbing made a hole on the hose and propane leaked from the hole. I was cooking next to the RV at a campground when propane was leaking from the damaged hose. The leak could have caused an explosion and serious injury to anyone nearby. The design to use plastic zip-tie to keep the LP hose from the tires is unsafe. I have taken photos of the damage and reported this incident to Winnebago customer service via email on 9/11/25. This issue was not reported to the police or insurance company due to no injury. Prior to the propane leak there was no warning or message or other symptoms of the problem. Problem first appeared during a camping trip in late July 2025 when I was camping at White River campground in Mt Rainier National Park in WA.
NHTSA complaint #11687962 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Great Falls, VA
TIRES
The front driver side tire (Hankook Dynapro HT 205/75R16) on our RV suddenly caused a wobbly ride while driving. Upon close inspection we noticed a bulge which had formed on the tread of the tire. We then noticed a large part of the side wall and tread to start separating on the inside of the tire. A technician at the tire store advised us to replace the tire immediately.
NHTSA complaint #11671934 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lebanon, PA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
This is to report a failure after NHTSA campaign number 23V234000 was addressed by Winnebago through their campaign number 174. I had the fix performed by Winnebago at their factory service center about 20k miles ago and the alternator failed again with the exact same symptoms. This is my 5th alternator failure in 60,000 miles and 3 years.
NHTSA complaint #11650999 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cape May, NJ
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1The stock Balmar alternator failed on or around [XXX]. That alternator was replaced on or about November 22, 2022 by a certified Winnebago service center in Connecticut. 2The second failed on or about [XXX] following Service Campaign 7303 work performed at Forest City. It was replaced under the 174 recall on or about February 7, 2024 at a certified Winnebago service center in Las Vegas. 3The third alternator failed on or about [XXX]. 4The fourth was installed October 7, 2024 by a certified Winnebago service center in New Jersey. 5. The fourth alternator failed sometime between [XXX] and [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11640521 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pasco, WA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The vehicle is a 2021 Ford Transit with a 2022 Winnebago Ekko RV. The incident occurred when I started the engine and noticed an unusual high pitch whine. When I opened the hood the Balmar unit was extremely hot with a strong burning smell. Since the Ekko models have had numerous reports of secondary alternator / Balmar malfunctions I knew enough to disable the alternator by unplugging the 4 pin connector on the Balmar 618 regulator before traveling any further. The following morning I plugged the Balmar unit back in place to see if the high pitch sound reoccurred. The sound immediately returned and I used my infrared thermometer which read 438 degrees Fahrenheit on the Balmar alternator. The Lithionics battery app indicated the batteries were 90 percent full but would no longer charge, leaving me only shore power to recharge the batteries. There is a NHTSA Safety Recall 23V-234, Campaign # 174 Ekko 12V Charging System, sent out by Winnebago for this very safety issue due to fires. We had this recall completed at the Forest City Iowa Winnebago factory in April of 2024. There have been numerous failures on Balmar units that have had the campaign #174 recall completed, including ones performed at the factory. The Winnebago fix is obviously not working and is still an extreme fire issue.
NHTSA complaint #11630850 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pasco, WA
ENGINE
The vehicle is a 2021 Ford Transit with a 2022 Winnebago Ekko RV. The incident occurred when I started the engine and noticed an unusual high pitch whine. When I opened the hood the Balmar unit was extremely hot with a strong burning smell. Since the Ekko models have had numerous reports of secondary alternator / Balmar malfunctions I knew enough to disable the alternator by unplugging the 4 pin connector on the Balmar 618 regulator before traveling any further. The following morning I plugged the Balmar unit back in place to see if the high pitch sound reoccurred. The sound immediately returned and I used my infrared thermometer which read 438 degrees Fahrenheit on the Balmar alternator. The Lithionics battery app indicated the batteries were 90 percent full but would no longer charge, leaving me only shore power to recharge the batteries. There is a NHTSA Safety Recall 23V-234, Campaign # 174 Ekko 12V Charging System, sent out by Winnebago for this very safety issue due to fires. We had this recall completed at the Forest City Iowa Winnebago factory in April of 2024. There have been numerous failures on Balmar units that have had the campaign #174 recall completed, including ones performed at the factory. The Winnebago fix is obviously not working and is still an extreme fire issue.
NHTSA complaint #11630850 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Salida, CO
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The Winnebago factory installed secondary alternator (manufactured by Balmar) responsible for charging the batteries in my motorhome started to whine and overheat. Luckily the week prior, I had read about another EKKO owner experiencing the same symptoms before it created enough smoke that caused the driver to immediately pull off the road and extinguish the engine bay with a fire extinguisher. In an effort to avoid that, I disconnected the Balmer until it was able to be replaced. This original problem was supposed to be addressed in recall 174. Over a year later the recall supposedly addressed the issues by moving the regulator out of the engine bay, replacing the Balmer and a major reworking of the electrical system. After multiple components failed during the recall repair, my EKKO took over 6 weeks to get a working solution at a Winnebago dealership. That was a year ago. 10 days ago the same symptoms of whining and overheating returned resulting in me returning to the same dealer with them diagnosing the Balmer as defective and a health risk. Had I not disconnected the Balmer it would’ve overheated and resulted in melting the primary drive belt and potentially damaging the engine and other major components as documented by numerous other EKKO owners.
NHTSA complaint #11626738 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Salida, CO
ENGINE
The Winnebago factory installed secondary alternator (manufactured by Balmar) responsible for charging the batteries in my motorhome started to whine and overheat. Luckily the week prior, I had read about another EKKO owner experiencing the same symptoms before it created enough smoke that caused the driver to immediately pull off the road and extinguish the engine bay with a fire extinguisher. In an effort to avoid that, I disconnected the Balmer until it was able to be replaced. This original problem was supposed to be addressed in recall 174. Over a year later the recall supposedly addressed the issues by moving the regulator out of the engine bay, replacing the Balmer and a major reworking of the electrical system. After multiple components failed during the recall repair, my EKKO took over 6 weeks to get a working solution at a Winnebago dealership. That was a year ago. 10 days ago the same symptoms of whining and overheating returned resulting in me returning to the same dealer with them diagnosing the Balmer as defective and a health risk. Had I not disconnected the Balmer it would’ve overheated and resulted in melting the primary drive belt and potentially damaging the engine and other major components as documented by numerous other EKKO owners.
NHTSA complaint #11626738 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fruita, CO
TIRES:TREAD/BELT
TIRE BLOW OUT AND TREAD SEPERATION AT 70 MPH. 35000 MILES. STARTLING EXPLOSION HARD TO CONTROL BUT MANAGED TO SLOW AND PULL OFF ROAD. HAS HAPPENED TO MANY EKKO OWNERS. NO WARNINGS, TIRES INSPECTED BEFORE TRIP WITH NO INDICATION OF ABNORMALITIES. $1400 IN DAMAGES TO VEHICLE FRONT END.
NHTSA complaint #11626291 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Northfield, NJ
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
8 October 2024 Winnebago Ekko owners are looking for clarification on NHTSA recall 23V-234. The number of owners who have experienced Balmar alternator failure after the recall work is growing. We are among them. A post-recall fire has also been reported (October 6 2024 in Washington State) Manufacturer's response to this situation has been, so far: 1) Replace the alternator at no charge 2) Replace the alternator at no charge, with a verbal warning that no more alternators will be furnished free of charge, directing owners to instead contact the component manufacturer (Balmar) for additional relief. Both are unacceptable. The recall was ordered to prevent 1) alternator failure and 2) a potential fire. The recall does neither and the RV manufacturer must be held accountable. Our 23V-234 recall work was completed in February 2024. The alternator failed in June 2024. Yesterday, October 7, the dealer installed a manufacturer-authorized replacement alternator (our fourth, to date, since the RV purchase.) No other work was performed, to our knowledge. We asked the dealer what work the manufacturer was planning to complete to fix the root cause of the alternator failures. Answer: no additional work; only an alternator replacement. Wrong answer. If the manufacturer is planning modifications to address the root cause of multiple alternator failures (and fire risk) the owners have a right to know. To date we have received no indication that any such plan is underway. I am not suggesting they are -not- planning a fix. But we have no indication to the contrary and we have a right to information. In fact we have indications to the contrary. This is not just a major inconvenience (it is - when the alternator fails, it makes everyday life in the RV very challenging.) It's much more than that - it's a fire risk that could impact both life and property. What remedy is the manufacturer planning, and when? Thank you.
NHTSA complaint #11618741 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cape Coral, FL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I put Other, as my husband was driving the 2022 EKKO when the sound bar above him fell down...he caught it and had to drive one handed to get to a safe spot to stop. wires were hanging as was the sound bar
NHTSA complaint #11617116 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cape Coral, FL
EQUIPMENT:RECREATIONAL VEHICLE/TRAILER
I put Other, as my husband was driving the 2022 EKKO when the sound bar above him fell down...he caught it and had to drive one handed to get to a safe spot to stop. wires were hanging as was the sound bar
NHTSA complaint #11617116 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Green Valley, AZ
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Winnebago adds a 2nd alternator to the engine for charging the coach/house Lithionics batteries. This 2nd alternator is a Balmer brand. The Balmer alternator suddenly developed a high pitched whine. Once whining it ceased to charge the batteries. The Balmer regulator begins to smoke quickly once the alternator is whining. We’ve been told to disconnect the regulator quickly or a fire can happen (we’ve been told others have had fires). This is our 2nd Balmer alternator failure. The first failed alternator was replaced at the factory end of July 2024 (apx 60 days ago). Changing the alternator is not addressing the root cause and the danger of a fire. Winnebago and Balmer have been aware of this risk for months and have not been able to identify the root cause.
NHTSA complaint #11616992 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Richmond, VA
TIRES:TREAD/BELT
started vibrating Gradually getting worse. Stopped & inspected several times, checked psi, all good. Plenty of tread. No bubbles or delaminating visible on outside. Eventually tire blew apart at 23K. 205/75R16
NHTSA complaint #11614634 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Allen, TXFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Winnebago recall 174 (NHTSA campaign 23V234000) regarding improper electrical wiring design and installation by Winnebago was recently completed on my RV. After completion of this recall I experienced another electrical fire in the engine compartment (my alternator had previously caught fire due to wiring and design defects noted in Winnebago recall 174). After extinguishing the fire I observed the Winnebago recall 174 remedy had been completed in such a way that an engine compartment wiring harness was under tension and in contact with the threads of a bolt on the backside of the new alternator installed as part of the Winnebago recall 174 remedy. This seems to have resulted in electrical anomalies and eventual ignition of the wiring harness. There were repeated brief intermittent brake and rear hatch warnings shortly before the fire (there is no rear hatch). The windshield washer system failed after uncommanded operation of the windshield wipers. Multiple other warnings and cautions flashed on the screen too fast for me to identify them. This all happened just prior to the fire which occurred during an engine start attempt while parked. I have video documentation of the smoke and photos showing fire damaged wiring and its location relative to the alternator bolt. Components are available for inspection. I have not yet contacted a dealer, service center or manufacturer yet since this event happened only days ago. My safety has been compromised by two engine compartment fires involving the same defect both before and after the Winnebago recall 174 remedy. For this to happen I have to assume either faulty mechanical completion of the recall or the recall remedy itself. This is but the latest fire hazard I have experienced with this unit (two actual fires, loose propane fitting which slowly flooded the coach with propane, overheated air conditioner that melted insulation in the ceiling and impending NHTSA campaign 24V541000 for solar fuse fire hazard).
NHTSA complaint #11614645 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Allen, TXFire
ENGINE
Winnebago recall 174 (NHTSA campaign 23V234000) regarding improper electrical wiring design and installation by Winnebago was recently completed on my RV. After completion of this recall I experienced another electrical fire in the engine compartment (my alternator had previously caught fire due to wiring and design defects noted in Winnebago recall 174). After extinguishing the fire I observed the Winnebago recall 174 remedy had been completed in such a way that an engine compartment wiring harness was under tension and in contact with the threads of a bolt on the backside of the new alternator installed as part of the Winnebago recall 174 remedy. This seems to have resulted in electrical anomalies and eventual ignition of the wiring harness. There were repeated brief intermittent brake and rear hatch warnings shortly before the fire (there is no rear hatch). The windshield washer system failed after uncommanded operation of the windshield wipers. Multiple other warnings and cautions flashed on the screen too fast for me to identify them. This all happened just prior to the fire which occurred during an engine start attempt while parked. I have video documentation of the smoke and photos showing fire damaged wiring and its location relative to the alternator bolt. Components are available for inspection. I have not yet contacted a dealer, service center or manufacturer yet since this event happened only days ago. My safety has been compromised by two engine compartment fires involving the same defect both before and after the Winnebago recall 174 remedy. For this to happen I have to assume either faulty mechanical completion of the recall or the recall remedy itself. This is but the latest fire hazard I have experienced with this unit (two actual fires, loose propane fitting which slowly flooded the coach with propane, overheated air conditioner that melted insulation in the ceiling and impending NHTSA campaign 24V541000 for solar fuse fire hazard).
NHTSA complaint #11614645 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Inverness, FL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Balmar alternator or regulator fails to work as designed. No charging of batteries when idling or driving. This is a Safety Issue because fires have been reported as a result of these electrical system failures. Lithionics (battery) app confirms no charge reaching the batteries, see attached screenshots. Potential Risk of Fire when not working properly as evidenced by others with Balmar failures as reported to NHTSA. This is the 3rd failure we have encountered: 1st failure confirmed by Winnebago, and was replaced with like parts. 2nd failure occurred just prior to the 2023 recall, and was addressed by Winnebago Factory Service during recall by replacing parts again. 3rd failure occurred today. The current failure happened when the unit (2022 Winnebago EKKO) was parked in our driveway, not while travelling. Upon starting the vehicle, the alternator emitted a loud whining sound and subsequently provided no charging to the batteries. We are aware of the symptoms based upon our previous failures, and know of others who also had a Balmar failure after having the prior recall completed. We desire a lasting permanent solution for this problem as it has not been adequately addressed by the previous Winnebago recall.
NHTSA complaint #11606008 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Inverness, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Balmar alternator or regulator fails to work as designed. No charging of batteries when idling or driving. This is a Safety Issue because fires have been reported as a result of these electrical system failures. Lithionics (battery) app confirms no charge reaching the batteries, see attached screenshots. Potential Risk of Fire when not working properly as evidenced by others with Balmar failures as reported to NHTSA. This is the 3rd failure we have encountered: 1st failure confirmed by Winnebago, and was replaced with like parts. 2nd failure occurred just prior to the 2023 recall, and was addressed by Winnebago Factory Service during recall by replacing parts again. 3rd failure occurred today. The current failure happened when the unit (2022 Winnebago EKKO) was parked in our driveway, not while travelling. Upon starting the vehicle, the alternator emitted a loud whining sound and subsequently provided no charging to the batteries. We are aware of the symptoms based upon our previous failures, and know of others who also had a Balmar failure after having the prior recall completed. We desire a lasting permanent solution for this problem as it has not been adequately addressed by the previous Winnebago recall.
NHTSA complaint #11606008 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Inverness, FL
ENGINE
Balmar alternator or regulator fails to work as designed. No charging of batteries when idling or driving. This is a Safety Issue because fires have been reported as a result of these electrical system failures. Lithionics (battery) app confirms no charge reaching the batteries, see attached screenshots. Potential Risk of Fire when not working properly as evidenced by others with Balmar failures as reported to NHTSA. This is the 3rd failure we have encountered: 1st failure confirmed by Winnebago, and was replaced with like parts. 2nd failure occurred just prior to the 2023 recall, and was addressed by Winnebago Factory Service during recall by replacing parts again. 3rd failure occurred today. The current failure happened when the unit (2022 Winnebago EKKO) was parked in our driveway, not while travelling. Upon starting the vehicle, the alternator emitted a loud whining sound and subsequently provided no charging to the batteries. We are aware of the symptoms based upon our previous failures, and know of others who also had a Balmar failure after having the prior recall completed. We desire a lasting permanent solution for this problem as it has not been adequately addressed by the previous Winnebago recall.
NHTSA complaint #11606008 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.