Owners have filed 16 complaints
about the 2004 Winnebago Journey with NHTSA between 2004 and 2022.
The largest single group is the equipment & accessories.
Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 2004 Winnebago Journey
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Equipment & Accessories
531.3%
Median failure at 50,000 miles
Body & Structure
318.8%
Median failure at 34,545 miles
Other & Unspecified
212.5%
Median failure at 65,000 miles
Fuel & Propulsion
212.5%
Median failure at 37,500 miles
Electrical System
212.5%
Median failure at 3,117 miles
Windows, Mirrors & Wipers
16.3%
Median failure at 840 miles
Brakes
16.3%
0 crashes, 1 fires · median 32,000 mi
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
17.7%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
430.8%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
430.8%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
323.1%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
17.7%
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.
Jul 2004peak 3Apr 2022
Recalls on the 2004 Winnebago Journey
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 2010368906 units in Canada
Accessories
Certain refrigerators used in Recreational Vehicles (RVs) contain either a sensing algorithm or a thermal switch to interrupt power when it detects high temperatures that could lead to a fire. An insufficient response time can result in the power not being shut-off in sufficient time to prevent a fire, which could result in property damage and/or personal injury. Correction: Dealers will install a thermocouple with a faster response time for all refrigerators with a sensing algorithm or a thermal switch.
Recall 200526214 units in Canada
Other
On certain motorhomes, the roof vent for the optional 4-door refrigerator was incorrectly located allowing excessive heat build-up which has the potential to ignite surrounding materials, resulting in personal injury and/or vehicle and property damage. Correction: Dealers will relocate the refrigerator roof vent.
Recall 2004399113 units in Canada
Seats And Restraints
On certain vehicles, the seat belts do not meet the strength requirements of CMVSS 209. In the event of a crash, the seat belt buckle could release, leaving the occupant unrestrained, possibly resulting in serious injury or death. Correction: Dealers will replace the seat belt buckle assemblies.
Recall 2004201123 units in Canada
Brakes
On certain vehicles built on FCCC XC motorhome chassis, in a situation where multiple alarms are active, a Check Engine, Stop Engine, or similar warning indicator is given priority over the Low Air alarm by the instrument system controller software. If the operator does not acknowledge these higher priority alarms a Low Air alarm may not be displayed. This is a non-compliance with the low air warning requirements of CMVSS 121. Correction: Dealers will reprogram the Multi-Module Data Controller (MMDC).
Recall 200408292 units in Canada
Other
On certain vehicles, stress cracks may develop on the LP tank weld joints where the mounting brackets are welded to the tank. This could lead to an LP leak through the weld joints. The escape of LP gas from the tank has the potential to ignite, resulting in personal injury and/or vehicle damage. Correction: Dealer will remove and insect the LP tank, and if necessary, replace the tank.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 32,000 milesDenver, COFire
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
ON JULY 1ST OF THIS YEAR OUR 2004 WINNEBAGO JOURNEY HAD A FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE WAS EVIDENT. THE TWO HYDRAULIC LINES FOR THE REAR SLIDE WERE ROUTED AROUND THE FRAME IMMEDIATELY ADJACENT TO THE TURBO CHARGER AND REPEATED EXPOSURE TO THE HEAT OF THAT UNIT HAD CAUSED THEM TO DETERIORATE, BURST AND SPRAY HYDRAULIC FLUID. THAT FLUID, HITTING THE VERY HOT TURBO CHARGER QUICKLY IGNITED AND CAUSED THE FIRE. I RETIRED IN 2003 AS THE MASTER MECHANIC FOR THE DENVER FIRE DEPARTMENT. AS SUCH I WAS IN CHARGE OF THE ENTIRE FLEET AND ALL EQUIPMENT FOR THE DENVER FIRE DEPARTMENT AND MY EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS ARE AS A MASTER TECHNICIAN (ASE CERTIFIED) FOR TRUCK AND AUTOMOBILE AND I HAVE A DEGREE IN BUSINESS AS WELL. I AFFECTED REPAIRS ON SITE THAT ALLOWED US TO GET TO DILLION, COLORADO WHERE I PULLED THE DEFECTIVE HYDRAULIC LINES AND HAD NEW ONE'S MADE. I INSTALLED THE NEW LINES (RE-ROUTING THEM AWAY FROM THE HEAT SOURCE) AND REPAIRED ALL OF THE WIRING AND HOSES INVOLVED AS WELL. LUCKILY DAMAGE WAS NOT EXTENSIVE AND WAS LIMITED TO THE ITEMS I DESCRIBED. MY CONCERN IS THAT THERE ARE MANY POTENTIAL FAILURES AND FIRE HAZARDS ON THE ROAD WITH SIMILAR JOURNEY'S AND THOSE OWNERS MIGHT NOT BE SO LUCKY. THE HOSE USED IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE SLIDES WAS, IN MY OPINION, A POOR ONE IN THAT IT IS NYLON REINFORCED AND PLASTIC COATED RATHER THAN THE STEEL REINFORCED ' HARD RUBBER COATED LINE USUALLY USED IN HYDRAULIC APPLICATIONS. THE ROUTING WAS ANOTHER POOR CHOICE IN THAT THERE IS AMPLE ROOM AND PROVISION FOR AVOIDING HEAT SOURCES, ESPECIALLY THE TURBO IN THAT IT IS THE GREATEST HEAT SOURCE IN THE AREA. I AM COPYING THIS LETTER TO THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION BECAUSE I BELIEVE THAT THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL OF ALL AFFECTED VEHICLES BUILT IN THIS MANNER UTILIZING THESE HOSES. IN FAIRNESS I AM NOTIFYING YOU OF THE PROBLEM AND MY INTENTIONS.
NHTSA complaint #10234400 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Apache Junction, AZ
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Winnebago propane road tank serial #1661055. This tank is mounted on the frame with 2 brackets which are welded to the tank and bolted to the frame. This is the second time for this failure. The tank forms a crack at the end of the bracket where the bracket has a sharp 90 degree corner. The bracket is not welded at this point and is welded 3/4 of an inch from where the leak forms. The second leak happened with a full tank of propane (37.6 gallons) and was at the bottom of the tank and therefore in liquid not gaseous propane. The leak was loud enough to be audible and as such scared the hell out of us. We had just driven the stretch of highway 93 between Phoenix and Henderson Nevada which is in very poor condition and is extremely rough in different sections. I believe the rough road is what contributed to this crack braking though the thin tank wall and the tank bounces up and down and flexes with pressure concentrating at the sharp 90 degree corner at the top and bottom of the bracket. We drained the tank so that we may continue to our destination. There is already a safety recall of Winnebago’s up to September 2003 manufacture date for this same problem. This safety recall should be expanded to include all Winnebago’s with the same mounting system. I understand that there is a change up bracket system that will support the weight of the tank better to prevent these tank cracks at the ends of the brackets. It was only due to being very lucky that we did not end up in a fatal fire or explosion. This defect needs to be addressed no matter how old the vehicle is as it is a deadly hazard.
NHTSA complaint #11460901 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Apache Junction, AZ
STRUCTURE
Winnebago propane road tank serial #1661055. This tank is mounted on the frame with 2 brackets which are welded to the tank and bolted to the frame. This is the second time for this failure. The tank forms a crack at the end of the bracket where the bracket has a sharp 90 degree corner. The bracket is not welded at this point and is welded 3/4 of an inch from where the leak forms. The second leak happened with a full tank of propane (37.6 gallons) and was at the bottom of the tank and therefore in liquid not gaseous propane. The leak was loud enough to be audible and as such scared the hell out of us. We had just driven the stretch of highway 93 between Phoenix and Henderson Nevada which is in very poor condition and is extremely rough in different sections. I believe the rough road is what contributed to this crack braking though the thin tank wall and the tank bounces up and down and flexes with pressure concentrating at the sharp 90 degree corner at the top and bottom of the bracket. We drained the tank so that we may continue to our destination. There is already a safety recall of Winnebago’s up to September 2003 manufacture date for this same problem. This safety recall should be expanded to include all Winnebago’s with the same mounting system. I understand that there is a change up bracket system that will support the weight of the tank better to prevent these tank cracks at the ends of the brackets. It was only due to being very lucky that we did not end up in a fatal fire or explosion. This defect needs to be addressed no matter how old the vehicle is as it is a deadly hazard.
NHTSA complaint #11460901 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Apache Junction, AZ
EQUIPMENT:RECREATIONAL VEHICLE/TRAILER:LPG SYSTEMS
Winnebago propane road tank serial #1661055. This tank is mounted on the frame with 2 brackets which are welded to the tank and bolted to the frame. This is the second time for this failure. The tank forms a crack at the end of the bracket where the bracket has a sharp 90 degree corner. The bracket is not welded at this point and is welded 3/4 of an inch from where the leak forms. The second leak happened with a full tank of propane (37.6 gallons) and was at the bottom of the tank and therefore in liquid not gaseous propane. The leak was loud enough to be audible and as such scared the hell out of us. We had just driven the stretch of highway 93 between Phoenix and Henderson Nevada which is in very poor condition and is extremely rough in different sections. I believe the rough road is what contributed to this crack braking though the thin tank wall and the tank bounces up and down and flexes with pressure concentrating at the sharp 90 degree corner at the top and bottom of the bracket. We drained the tank so that we may continue to our destination. There is already a safety recall of Winnebago’s up to September 2003 manufacture date for this same problem. This safety recall should be expanded to include all Winnebago’s with the same mounting system. I understand that there is a change up bracket system that will support the weight of the tank better to prevent these tank cracks at the ends of the brackets. It was only due to being very lucky that we did not end up in a fatal fire or explosion. This defect needs to be addressed no matter how old the vehicle is as it is a deadly hazard.
NHTSA complaint #11460901 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 110,000 milesBenton, KY
EQUIPMENT
The contact owns a 2004 Winnebago Journey travel trailer. The contact stated that there was a propane odor detected about a year ago but the propane leakage was recently found at the weld joints where there was a stress crack. The local dealer and Gander RV & Outdoors of Nashville (2614 Music Valley Dr, Nashville, TN 37214) were made aware of the failure and both dealers informed the contact that the propane tank needed to be replaced. The propane tank was not replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to two different dealers. The contact was relating the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 04V114000 (Equipment). The failure mileage was 110,000.
NHTSA complaint #11421799 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 65,000 milesStaten Island, NY
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
LPG TANK IS LEAKING FROM THE WELD WHERE THE MOUNTING BRACKET IS ATTACHED. THIS IS A RECALL.WINNEBAGO IS REFUSING TO MAKE GOOD ON THIS ISSUE.A LOT OF OTHER COMPLAINTS ON THE WEB FOR THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM.NOT VERY GOOD SERVICE FROM WINNEBAGO!!!
NHTSA complaint #10873962 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 65,000 milesStaten Island, NY
STRUCTURE:BODY
LPG TANK IS LEAKING FROM THE WELD WHERE THE MOUNTING BRACKET IS ATTACHED. THIS IS A RECALL.WINNEBAGO IS REFUSING TO MAKE GOOD ON THIS ISSUE.A LOT OF OTHER COMPLAINTS ON THE WEB FOR THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM.NOT VERY GOOD SERVICE FROM WINNEBAGO!!!
NHTSA complaint #10873962 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 28,000 milesBethel, MN
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 WINNEBAGO JOURNEY RECREATIONAL VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL TANK CONTINUOUSLY LEAKED NEAR THE WELDED FRONT BRACKET. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC STATED THAT THE FUEL TANK NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 28,000. UPDATED 10/03/14*LJ UPDATED 3/10/15
NHTSA complaint #10619033 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 47,000 milesPrescott, AZ
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 WINNEBAGO JOURNEY MOTOR HOME. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MOTOR HOME EMITTED A STRONG PROPANE ODOR. THE CONTACT ALSO NOTICED THAT THE PROPANE TANK HAD A HOLE IN THE BRACKET MOUNTING AREA DUE TO DEFECTIVE WELDING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE LP TANK NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V114000 (EQUIPMENT). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 47,000. UPDATED 8/19/14*CN UPDATED 09/5/2014
NHTSA complaint #10596601 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 55,000 milesWest Chester, PA
EQUIPMENT:RECREATIONAL VEHICLE/TRAILER:LPG SYSTEMS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 WINNEBAGO JOURNEY MOTOR HOME. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MOTOR HOME EMITTED A STRONG PROPANE ODOR. THE CONTACT ALSO NOTICED THAT THE PROPANE TANK HAD A HOLE IN THE BRACKET MOUNTING AREA DUE TO DEFECTIVE WELDING. THE MANUFACTURER DENIED ASSISTANCE WITH THE REPAIR. THE MOTOR HOME WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 55,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 65,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10457769 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 WINNEBAGO JOURNEY RV. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARKED, THE PROPANE DETECTION ALARM SOUNDED IN THE VEHICLE. WHEN EXAMINING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED A VERY SMALL CRACK WHERE THE PROPANE TANK WAS WELDED TO THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT HIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 04V114000 (EQUIPMENT: RECREATIONAL VEHICLE: LPG TANK ASSEMBLY). THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO RECUR AND THE PROPANE TANK WAS REPLACED AT AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR FACILITY AT THE CONTACTS EXPENSE. THE FAILURE DID NOT RECURRED SINCE THE REPAIR. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 48,000.
NHTSA complaint #10339699 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 32,000 milesDenver, COFire
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
ON JULY 1ST OF THIS YEAR OUR 2004 WINNEBAGO JOURNEY HAD A FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE WAS EVIDENT. THE TWO HYDRAULIC LINES FOR THE REAR SLIDE WERE ROUTED AROUND THE FRAME IMMEDIATELY ADJACENT TO THE TURBO CHARGER AND REPEATED EXPOSURE TO THE HEAT OF THAT UNIT HAD CAUSED THEM TO DETERIORATE, BURST AND SPRAY HYDRAULIC FLUID. THAT FLUID, HITTING THE VERY HOT TURBO CHARGER QUICKLY IGNITED AND CAUSED THE FIRE. I RETIRED IN 2003 AS THE MASTER MECHANIC FOR THE DENVER FIRE DEPARTMENT. AS SUCH I WAS IN CHARGE OF THE ENTIRE FLEET AND ALL EQUIPMENT FOR THE DENVER FIRE DEPARTMENT AND MY EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS ARE AS A MASTER TECHNICIAN (ASE CERTIFIED) FOR TRUCK AND AUTOMOBILE AND I HAVE A DEGREE IN BUSINESS AS WELL. I AFFECTED REPAIRS ON SITE THAT ALLOWED US TO GET TO DILLION, COLORADO WHERE I PULLED THE DEFECTIVE HYDRAULIC LINES AND HAD NEW ONE'S MADE. I INSTALLED THE NEW LINES (RE-ROUTING THEM AWAY FROM THE HEAT SOURCE) AND REPAIRED ALL OF THE WIRING AND HOSES INVOLVED AS WELL. LUCKILY DAMAGE WAS NOT EXTENSIVE AND WAS LIMITED TO THE ITEMS I DESCRIBED. MY CONCERN IS THAT THERE ARE MANY POTENTIAL FAILURES AND FIRE HAZARDS ON THE ROAD WITH SIMILAR JOURNEY'S AND THOSE OWNERS MIGHT NOT BE SO LUCKY. THE HOSE USED IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE SLIDES WAS, IN MY OPINION, A POOR ONE IN THAT IT IS NYLON REINFORCED AND PLASTIC COATED RATHER THAN THE STEEL REINFORCED ' HARD RUBBER COATED LINE USUALLY USED IN HYDRAULIC APPLICATIONS. THE ROUTING WAS ANOTHER POOR CHOICE IN THAT THERE IS AMPLE ROOM AND PROVISION FOR AVOIDING HEAT SOURCES, ESPECIALLY THE TURBO IN THAT IT IS THE GREATEST HEAT SOURCE IN THE AREA. I AM COPYING THIS LETTER TO THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION BECAUSE I BELIEVE THAT THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL OF ALL AFFECTED VEHICLES BUILT IN THIS MANNER UTILIZING THESE HOSES. IN FAIRNESS I AM NOTIFYING YOU OF THE PROBLEM AND MY INTENTIONS.
NHTSA complaint #10234400 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 4,090 milesHager City, WI
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
WHEN IN OPERATION ON WET ROAD CONDITIONS OUR 2004 WINNEBAGO JOURNEY OVER CHARGES THE COACH BATTERIES. THE INVERTER OVER CHARGES OVER 16 VOLTS CAUSING A HIGH VOLTAGE TO THE BATTERIES. AFTER THIS OCCURS THERE ARE SEVERAL ELECTRONIC INSTRUMENTS THAT ARE BURNT OUT. THERE HAS BEEN MULTIPLE ATTEMPTS TO FIX THIS ISSUE, BUT NO SUCCESSFUL SOLUTION HAS BEEN FOUND.
NHTSA complaint #10229978 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 4,090 milesHager City, WI
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
WHEN IN OPERATION ON WET ROAD CONDITIONS OUR 2004 WINNEBAGO JOURNEY OVER CHARGES THE COACH BATTERIES. THE INVERTER OVER CHARGES OVER 16 VOLTS CAUSING A HIGH VOLTAGE TO THE BATTERIES. AFTER THIS OCCURS THERE ARE SEVERAL ELECTRONIC INSTRUMENTS THAT ARE BURNT OUT. THERE HAS BEEN MULTIPLE ATTEMPTS TO FIX THIS ISSUE, BUT NO SUCCESSFUL SOLUTION HAS BEEN FOUND.
NHTSA complaint #10229978 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 4,090 milesHager City, WI
EQUIPMENT
WHEN IN OPERATION ON WET ROAD CONDITIONS OUR 2004 WINNEBAGO JOURNEY OVER CHARGES THE COACH BATTERIES. THE INVERTER OVER CHARGES OVER 16 VOLTS CAUSING A HIGH VOLTAGE TO THE BATTERIES. AFTER THIS OCCURS THERE ARE SEVERAL ELECTRONIC INSTRUMENTS THAT ARE BURNT OUT. THERE HAS BEEN MULTIPLE ATTEMPTS TO FIX THIS ISSUE, BUT NO SUCCESSFUL SOLUTION HAS BEEN FOUND.
NHTSA complaint #10229978 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 840 milesDupont, WA
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER
FRONT WINDSHIELD WIPERS STOPPED OPERATING DURING INCLEMENT WEATHER. CONSUMER PULLED OVER VEHICLE UNTIL IT STOPPED RAINING. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO THE DEALER.
NHTSA complaint #10101951 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 2,144 milesRIO Vista, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
THE MOTOR HOME FAILS TO RESTART AFTER BEING DRIVEN AND TURN OFF. THE MOTOR HOME HAS BEEN TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP TWICE, BUT THE DEALERSHIP JUST LET THE MOTOR HOME SIT AND DON'T REPAIR IT. THE CHAISE IS MADE BY FREIGHLINER. THE FREIGHLINER DEALERSHIP IS REMEDY CANNOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #10083281 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.