Owners have filed 17 complaints
about the 2002 Winnebago Sightseer with NHTSA between 2003 and 2023.
The largest single group is the brakes.
Across this model's run it ranks 2 of 3 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 — 52
Against the median year of the Winnebago Sightseer. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 30
5.9% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 100
60% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2002 compares with every other Winnebago Sightseer
Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 2002 Winnebago Sightseer
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Brakes
741.2%
Median failure at 44,000 miles
Electrical System
317.6%
0 crashes, 1 fires · median 28,479 mi
Equipment & Accessories
211.8%
Acceleration & Cruise Control
15.9%
Suspension
15.9%
Median failure at 44,000 miles
Body & Structure
15.9%
Steering
15.9%
Engine & Cooling
15.9%
Median failure at 28,479 miles
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 2003peak 4Jul 2023
Recalls on the 2002 Winnebago Sightseer
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 2009194279 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 2003350341 units in Canada
Other
On certain recreational vehicles equipped with a Samsung microwave oven, an electrical short can occur in the microwave oven's membrane panel keypad causing the oven to activate without pressing any keypads. This could result in excessive heat, smoke or possibly a fire. Correction: Samsung will notify its customers and repair the membrane panel keypad. In the meantime, consumers should unplug their microwave ovens, if possible. If the consumer is unable to unplug the microwave, they should leave the door ajar until the membrane panel keypad is replaced.
Recall 200316657 units in Canada
Other
On certain vehicles, the flame on the cooking range may be forced downward over the burner or flame outage may occur when the cooking range and furnace are operating at the same time. This condition is due to the location of the furnace and cooking range whereby the furnace may draw air in from above the range burners and cause a downdraft. Should this occur, the flame may go out, the LP gas will continue to flow which will result in a hazardous situation. Personal injury and/or vehicle damage may result. Correction: Dealer will inspect the galley cabinet partition and, if necessary, install a panel to reduce the amount of airflow between the two appliances.
Recall 2003101160 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.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 19,000 milesSanta FE, TXFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
IN TRYING TO START THE MOTOR HOME, I NOTED THE IGNITION KEY WOULD NOT TURN. AFTER REPEATED ATTEMPTS TO TURN THE KEY, IT STARTED. WHILE DRIVING I NOTICED A PUNGENT ODOR, INDICATIVE OF BURNING ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS. AFTER SHUTTING DOWN, I NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM BELOW THE STEERING COLUMN. UPON FURTHER INVESTIGATION I FOUND BURNT WIRING AND CONNECTORS BELOW THE STEERING COLUMN. THE IGNITION SWITCH APPARENTLY OVERHEATED, DISTORTED AND CONTINUED BURNING IN PLACE. IT IS MY UNDERSTANDING THAT WORKHORSE, THE CHASSIS MANUFACTURER, SELLS AN AFTERMARKET KIT TO MITIGATE THIS DANGEROUS SITUATION. IT IS OBVIOUS THAT THIS SWITCH IS OVERLOADED AND THE LOAD SHOULD BE DECREASED ON IT, OR THE SWITCH SHOULD BE DESIGNED WITH THE INCREASED LOAD COMPENSATION INCLUDED. WINNEBAGO/WORKHORSE SHOULD BE SUPPLYING A "FIX" FOR THIS PROBLEM AND INFORMING THE MOTORING PUBLIC OF THE DANGER INHERENT IN THE FLAWED DESIGN OF THIS IGNITION SYSTEM.
NHTSA complaint #10270164 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Maynardville, TN
SERVICE BRAKES
We were driving the Rv home immediately after purchase. I was in the vehicle with my two children. I was traveling down a flat road at roughly 40 mph when the brakes began to drag. I thought possibly it was simply because the rv was so large and I had never driven one that big before. Until the brakes would no longer work at all. I tried pumping them a few times and the pedal just hit the floor. Thank goodness I was safely able to put into neutral while using the e brake to coast off the road. I’m beyond grateful my family wasn’t harmed. I had to have the vehicle towed to my home and now I seriously worry about the safety of it. I have read in numerous forums upon searching that there have been many recalls on the brakes in workhorse chassis from 2001- 2007 I believe. I’ve called everyone I could think to call, checking for a recall as exactly per the recall states my vehicle malfunctioned. The dealer is not willing to help me. These brakes failed completely. Please advise
NHTSA complaint #11531364 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 44,000 milesSpringfield, OH
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 WINNEBAGO SIGHTSEER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKES FAILED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO COAST TO A STOP AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MECHANIC ADVISED HIM THAT THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THE FAILURE UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 09V186000 (SERVICE BRAKES: HYDRAULIC). THE CONTACT DID NOT CONFIRM WITH THE MANUFACTURER IF HIS PARTICULAR VIN WAS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL CAMPAIGN. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 44,000. ... UPDATED 02/28/13 *BF UPDATED 03/12/2013
NHTSA complaint #10490788 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 44,000 milesSpringfield, OH
SUSPENSION:FRONT:WHEEL BEARING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 WINNEBAGO SIGHTSEER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKES FAILED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO COAST TO A STOP AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MECHANIC ADVISED HIM THAT THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THE FAILURE UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 09V186000 (SERVICE BRAKES: HYDRAULIC). THE CONTACT DID NOT CONFIRM WITH THE MANUFACTURER IF HIS PARTICULAR VIN WAS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL CAMPAIGN. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 44,000. ... UPDATED 02/28/13 *BF UPDATED 03/12/2013
NHTSA complaint #10490788 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 44,000 milesSpringfield, OH
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:ANTILOCK:WHEEL SPEED SENSOR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 WINNEBAGO SIGHTSEER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKES FAILED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO COAST TO A STOP AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MECHANIC ADVISED HIM THAT THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THE FAILURE UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 09V186000 (SERVICE BRAKES: HYDRAULIC). THE CONTACT DID NOT CONFIRM WITH THE MANUFACTURER IF HIS PARTICULAR VIN WAS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL CAMPAIGN. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 44,000. ... UPDATED 02/28/13 *BF UPDATED 03/12/2013
NHTSA complaint #10490788 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 44,000 milesSpringfield, OH
SERVICE BRAKES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 WINNEBAGO SIGHTSEER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKES FAILED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO COAST TO A STOP AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MECHANIC ADVISED HIM THAT THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THE FAILURE UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 09V186000 (SERVICE BRAKES: HYDRAULIC). THE CONTACT DID NOT CONFIRM WITH THE MANUFACTURER IF HIS PARTICULAR VIN WAS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL CAMPAIGN. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 44,000. ... UPDATED 02/28/13 *BF UPDATED 03/12/2013
NHTSA complaint #10490788 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 14,000 milesPlant City, FL
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 WINNEBAGO SIGHTSEER RV WITH A WORKHORSE CHASSIS, MODEL NUMBER: WPD27C. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH AND DEPRESSING THE BRAKES, HE NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE WHEELS. AFTER INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, HE DISCOVERED THAT THE BRAKES WERE EXTREMELY HOT TO THE TOUCH. THE CONTACT HAD TO WAIT APPROXIMATELY 2-3 HOURS BEFORE THE BRAKES COOLED OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THEY ADVISED HIM THAT HE NEEDED TO REPLACE ALL OF THE BENNIX BRAKE CALIPERS. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 14,000.
NHTSA complaint #10446787 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 19,000 milesSanta FE, TXFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
IN TRYING TO START THE MOTOR HOME, I NOTED THE IGNITION KEY WOULD NOT TURN. AFTER REPEATED ATTEMPTS TO TURN THE KEY, IT STARTED. WHILE DRIVING I NOTICED A PUNGENT ODOR, INDICATIVE OF BURNING ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS. AFTER SHUTTING DOWN, I NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM BELOW THE STEERING COLUMN. UPON FURTHER INVESTIGATION I FOUND BURNT WIRING AND CONNECTORS BELOW THE STEERING COLUMN. THE IGNITION SWITCH APPARENTLY OVERHEATED, DISTORTED AND CONTINUED BURNING IN PLACE. IT IS MY UNDERSTANDING THAT WORKHORSE, THE CHASSIS MANUFACTURER, SELLS AN AFTERMARKET KIT TO MITIGATE THIS DANGEROUS SITUATION. IT IS OBVIOUS THAT THIS SWITCH IS OVERLOADED AND THE LOAD SHOULD BE DECREASED ON IT, OR THE SWITCH SHOULD BE DESIGNED WITH THE INCREASED LOAD COMPENSATION INCLUDED. WINNEBAGO/WORKHORSE SHOULD BE SUPPLYING A "FIX" FOR THIS PROBLEM AND INFORMING THE MOTORING PUBLIC OF THE DANGER INHERENT IN THE FLAWED DESIGN OF THIS IGNITION SYSTEM.
NHTSA complaint #10270164 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kerrville, TX
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
2002 MOTORHOME WITH A RECALL FOR THE SCDS RECALL. CUSTOMER STATES THE MECHANIC UNPLUGGED THE ( SCDS) SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH. MECHANIC ALSO STATED IT WOULD BE DECEMBER WHEN THEY COULD ACTUALLY FIX THE PROBLEM. *KB THE CONSUMER WOULD LIKE TO THE KNOW THE STATUS OF VEHICLE BEING REPAIRED. UPDATED 10/03/07
NHTSA complaint #10203834 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Port Charlotte, FL
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:ABS WARNING LIGHT
NAR 9-8-03. DEALER UNABLE TO PERFORM THE BRAKE WARNING LIGHT INDICATOR REPAIR.
NHTSA complaint #10039862 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
CONSUMER RECEIVED NHTSA RECALL 03V243000 CONCERNING RECREATIONAL VEHICLE:LPG FURNACE COOKING RANGE. CONSUMER CONTACTED THE DEALER TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT FOR HIS VEHICLE. MECHANIC INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT SOMEONE WOULD CONTACT HIM TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT. IT HAS BEEN NINE MONTHS AND NO ONE HAS CONTACTED HIM. CONSUMER RECEIVED A SECOND RECALL NOTICE.
NHTSA complaint #10072226 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 28,479 milesBuckley, WA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE STALLED DUE TO A MALFUNCTION IN THE IGNITION SWITCH WIRING. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO FOUND DETERMINED THAT IGNITION SWITCH WIRES MELTED. IGNITION SWITCH WAS REPLACED THREE TIMES. *AK AUTO PARK SYSTEM FAILED MULTIPLE TIMES. ALSO, SPARK PLUG WIRES BURNED UP. IT WAS ASSUMED THAT THERE WAS A FAULT IN THE FUEL PUMP, BUT VEHICLE STILL MALFUNCTIONED AFTER THE REPLACEMENT OF THE FUEL PUMP. WHEN AIR CONDITIONER IS ON, ENGINE TEMPERATURE ROSE AROUND 210 DEGREES FAHRENHEIT, DEALER CHECKED VEHICLE AND FOUND THAT THERMOSTAT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. INSTALLED NEW THERMOSTAT. VEHICLE WAS RUNNING ROUGH WHEN BEING DRIVEN UPHILL. UPON INSPECTION, IT WAS FOUND THAT SPARK PLUGS WHERE WORN OUT. DEALER REPLACED SPARK PLUGS AND IGNITION WIRES.
NHTSA complaint #10063030 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 28,479 milesBuckley, WA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM
WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE STALLED DUE TO A MALFUNCTION IN THE IGNITION SWITCH WIRING. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO FOUND DETERMINED THAT IGNITION SWITCH WIRES MELTED. IGNITION SWITCH WAS REPLACED THREE TIMES. *AK AUTO PARK SYSTEM FAILED MULTIPLE TIMES. ALSO, SPARK PLUG WIRES BURNED UP. IT WAS ASSUMED THAT THERE WAS A FAULT IN THE FUEL PUMP, BUT VEHICLE STILL MALFUNCTIONED AFTER THE REPLACEMENT OF THE FUEL PUMP. WHEN AIR CONDITIONER IS ON, ENGINE TEMPERATURE ROSE AROUND 210 DEGREES FAHRENHEIT, DEALER CHECKED VEHICLE AND FOUND THAT THERMOSTAT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. INSTALLED NEW THERMOSTAT. VEHICLE WAS RUNNING ROUGH WHEN BEING DRIVEN UPHILL. UPON INSPECTION, IT WAS FOUND THAT SPARK PLUGS WHERE WORN OUT. DEALER REPLACED SPARK PLUGS AND IGNITION WIRES.
NHTSA complaint #10063030 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 28,479 milesBuckley, WA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE STALLED DUE TO A MALFUNCTION IN THE IGNITION SWITCH WIRING. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO FOUND DETERMINED THAT IGNITION SWITCH WIRES MELTED. IGNITION SWITCH WAS REPLACED THREE TIMES. *AK AUTO PARK SYSTEM FAILED MULTIPLE TIMES. ALSO, SPARK PLUG WIRES BURNED UP. IT WAS ASSUMED THAT THERE WAS A FAULT IN THE FUEL PUMP, BUT VEHICLE STILL MALFUNCTIONED AFTER THE REPLACEMENT OF THE FUEL PUMP. WHEN AIR CONDITIONER IS ON, ENGINE TEMPERATURE ROSE AROUND 210 DEGREES FAHRENHEIT, DEALER CHECKED VEHICLE AND FOUND THAT THERMOSTAT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. INSTALLED NEW THERMOSTAT. VEHICLE WAS RUNNING ROUGH WHEN BEING DRIVEN UPHILL. UPON INSPECTION, IT WAS FOUND THAT SPARK PLUGS WHERE WORN OUT. DEALER REPLACED SPARK PLUGS AND IGNITION WIRES.
NHTSA complaint #10063030 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 28,479 milesBuckley, WA
PARKING BRAKE
WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE STALLED DUE TO A MALFUNCTION IN THE IGNITION SWITCH WIRING. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO FOUND DETERMINED THAT IGNITION SWITCH WIRES MELTED. IGNITION SWITCH WAS REPLACED THREE TIMES. *AK AUTO PARK SYSTEM FAILED MULTIPLE TIMES. ALSO, SPARK PLUG WIRES BURNED UP. IT WAS ASSUMED THAT THERE WAS A FAULT IN THE FUEL PUMP, BUT VEHICLE STILL MALFUNCTIONED AFTER THE REPLACEMENT OF THE FUEL PUMP. WHEN AIR CONDITIONER IS ON, ENGINE TEMPERATURE ROSE AROUND 210 DEGREES FAHRENHEIT, DEALER CHECKED VEHICLE AND FOUND THAT THERMOSTAT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. INSTALLED NEW THERMOSTAT. VEHICLE WAS RUNNING ROUGH WHEN BEING DRIVEN UPHILL. UPON INSPECTION, IT WAS FOUND THAT SPARK PLUGS WHERE WORN OUT. DEALER REPLACED SPARK PLUGS AND IGNITION WIRES.
NHTSA complaint #10063030 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
LOS Angeles, CA
EQUIPMENT
THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM WAS OVER LOADED. *AK THE NEW TELEVISION WHICH OPERATED FROM A 12 VOLT INVERTER OVERLOADED. DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE TELEVISION AND POWER INVERTER AND INSTALLED AN AUTO 25 AMP BREAKER. CONSUMER REMOVED THE AUTO RESET BREAKER AND INSTALLED A STANDARD 25 AMP FUSE. HOWEVER CIRCUIT WAS STILL OVERLOADED. DEALERSHIP NOT WILLING TO ASSIST ANYTHING FURTHER. *TT
NHTSA complaint #10022668 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Joplin, MO
STEERING
THE RECREATIONAL VEHICLE WAS UNSTABLE ON THE ROAD AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. *AK THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THE INSTABILITY PROBLEM WAS A DESIGN ISSUE CAUSED BY EXCESSIVE WEIGHT BEING BUILT IN REARWARD OF THE REAR AXLE. THE VEHICLE HAD AN OVER STEERING PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #10012397 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Joplin, MO
STRUCTURE
THE RECREATIONAL VEHICLE WAS UNSTABLE ON THE ROAD AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. *AK THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THE INSTABILITY PROBLEM WAS A DESIGN ISSUE CAUSED BY EXCESSIVE WEIGHT BEING BUILT IN REARWARD OF THE REAR AXLE. THE VEHICLE HAD AN OVER STEERING PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #10012397 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.