Owners have filed 15 complaints
about the 2004 Winnebago Sightseer with NHTSA between 2003 and 2016.
The largest single group is the brakes.
Across this model's run it ranks 3 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 — 46
Against the median year of the Winnebago Sightseer. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 0
0% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 100
92% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2004 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 2004 Winnebago Sightseer
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Brakes
640.0%
Median failure at 29,000 miles
Suspension
426.7%
Median failure at 2,250 miles
Equipment & Accessories
213.3%
Median failure at 8,000 miles
Engine & Cooling
213.3%
Median failure at 12,886 miles
Fuel & Propulsion
16.7%
Median failure at 2,250 miles
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
1,000 – 9,999 miles
861.5%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
215.4%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
215.4%
50,000 – 74,999 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.
Nov 2003peak 5Mar 2016
Recalls on the 2004 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 2006305164 units in Canada
Lights And Instruments
Certain motorhomes fail to comply with the requirements of CMVSS 101 and 105. Incorrect software programmed into the instrument panel cluster may not allow activation of certain driver warning indicators. As a result, the instrument cluster may fail to illuminate the warning lamps indicating brake system failure. Correction: Dealers will reprogram the instrument panel cluster.
Recall 2006304264 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 200444564 units in Canada
Fuel System
Certain motorhomes may have insufficient clearance in the area where the fuel line and frame cross member intersect. The cross member may wear into the fuel line and cause a leak which has the potential to ignite, resulting in personal injury and/or vehicle and property damage. Correction: Dealers will inspect the fuel line for abrasion wear or damage, and pry the wiring support channel away from the line to provide additional clearance.
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 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.
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 29,000 milesSonoma, CA
SERVICE BRAKES
WE HAD COMPLETE BRAKE FAILURE AND THE BRAKE PEDDLE WENT RIGHT TO THE FLOOR. WE HAVE A WORKHORSE P32 AND I HAD TO APPLY THE E BRAKE TO STOP THE RV. WE HAD IT TOWED TO A FORD TRUCK SHOP AND FOUND OUT THE BRAKE CALIPERS AND ALL OTHER COMPONENTS WERE EITHER BURNT OR CRACKED. THIS SURE DOESN'T SEEM RIGHT TO ME SINCE THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE WORKHORSE W SERIES AND NOT THE P SERIES!
NHTSA complaint #10850813 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 56,000 milesOlney, IL
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 WINNEBAGO WITH A WORKHORSE CHASSIS. THE MODEL WAS UNKNOWN. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR THE BRAKES AND WAS TOLD BY THE DEALERSHIP IN HIS AREA, THAT THE MANUFACTURER WOULD ONLY SEND SIX KITS AT A TIME THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT BE REPAIRED FOR 8 MONTHS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT BECAUSE THEY USE THE VEHICLE IN ORDER TO TRAVEL SOUTH FOR THE WINTER AND THE BRAKE HAVE ALREADY FAILED WAS A SAFETY CONCERN. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 56000.
NHTSA complaint #10356782 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 29,000 milesNorth Port, FL
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 WINNEBAGO SIGHTSEER. THE CONTACT STATED THE BRAKES WOULD DRAG EXCESSIVELY AT ANY SPEED AND THE HUBCAPS WOULD OVERHEAT WHEN DRIVING AFTER A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CALIPERS WERE CLEANED AND LUBRICATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED FIVE MONTHS LATER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THEY CLEANED AND LUBRICATED THE CALIPERS A SECOND TIME. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 29,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 29,121. UPDATED 11/11/10 *BF THE CONSUMER WOULD LIKE TO CANCEL HIS COMPLAINT. A RECALL WAS ISSUED AND HIS VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. UPDATED 11/17/10.
NHTSA complaint #10350592 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Baton Rouge, LA
EQUIPMENT:RECREATIONAL VEHICLE/TRAILER
I OWN A 2004 WINNEBAGO MOTOR HOME AND THIS PAST WEEK WHILE I WAS HAVING WORK DONE ON THE COACH, I TOLD THEM I HAD A MICRO WAVE OVEN THAT HAS BEEN STARTING UP ON ITS OWN FOR NO REASON, AND COULD THEY CHECK IT OUT. IT TURNS OUT THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON THIS SAMSUNG MICROWAVE AND THEY GAVE ME INFO TO CONTACT THEM. I WAS SENT BY SAMSUNG TO A SERVICE TECH IN MY HOMETOWN AND HE TOLD ME THAT THE PART WAS NO LONGER AVAILABLE. I CONTACTED SAMSUNG AGAIN AND WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS NO LONGER THEIR PROBLEM. THE CLAIM # AT SAMSUNG WAS 3000534097 THE SERVICE ORDER # WAS 4005534563 THE LADY I TALKED TO AT SAMSUNG SAID THE WARRANTY HAD RUN OUT AND THEY WERE NO LONGER RESPONSIBLE FOR THE RECALL.
NHTSA complaint #10283995 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 23,523 milesSomerset, MA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
THIS MAY PERTAIN TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN EA07016. 2004 WINNEBAGO SIGHTSEER 35 N WITH WORKHORSE W22 (NOT SURE OF CHASSIS YEAR)CHASSIS. WHILE UNDERWAY NOTICED WHAT APPEARED TO BE A LOSS OF POWER, STEERING WHEEL PULLING TO THE LEFT. NOT UNDERSTANDING WHAT WAS HAPPENING ATTEMPTED TO SLOW DOWN/STOP COACH. PEDAL WAS NOT FIRM AND AT ONE POINT I THOUGHT I HAD LOST BRAKING. BURNING (SLIGHT) ODOR WAS NOTICED INSIDE THE COACH WITH WINDOWS CLOSED. STOPPED TWICE TO LOOK UNDER COACH FOR ANY EVIDENCE OF FLUID LEAKS (DARK OUT NO LIGHT) NO OBVIOUS LEAK. LEFT FRONT WHEEL ASSEMBLY WAS WARMER THAN OTHERS. THIS WAS ALL HAPPENING RELATIVELY QUICKLY. I PROCEEDED WITH CAUTION FOR ABOUT 10 MILES WHERE I FOUND A SHOPPING CENTER, STOPPED (NOW DAYLIGHT) CHECKED MASTER CYLINDER LEVEL AND FOUND THE DRIVERS SIDE NEEDING FLUID (RUBBER DIAPHRAGM UNDER CAP HAD EXPANDED) ADDED AT LEAST 3 MAYBE FOUR 9 OUNCE PAPER CUPS ABOUT 1/3 FULL AND RESERVOIR STILL HAD ROOM. NO EVIDENCE OF LEAKING. AFTER ABOUT 45 MIN. CONTINUED FOR ABOUT 100 MILES NO FURTHER PROBLEMS. BRAKES WORK BUT COULD BE BETTER. I STOPPED OVER NIGHT AT A FRIENDS HOUSE FOR 2 NIGHTS. HE WAS A SCHOOL BUS MECHANIC AND SUGGESTED THAT WE RAISE THE COACH (DID THAT WITH COACH JACKS) FIRST THE FRONT WHEELS AND FOUND THE LEFT FRONT WHEEL CALIPERS TO BE STICKING. WE EXERCISED THE PISTONS SEVERAL TIMES, ALSO FOUND THE PADS TO BE STICKING ON THE CALIPERS. A SMALL AMOUNT OF NEVERSEIZE WAS APPLIED BETWEEN THE PADS AND THE CALIPER CASTING SLIDING SURFACE. RAISED THE REAR OF THE COACH, AND REAR WHEELS SEEMED OK. HAVE CONTINUED ABOUT 200 MILES WITH NO FURTHER INCIDENCE. HAVE AROUND 23,500 ON COACH I AM ORIGINAL OWNER. I HAVE ABOUT 1100 MILES TO GO TO RETURN TO MY HOME.
NHTSA complaint #10264427 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 23,523 milesSomerset, MA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
THIS MAY PERTAIN TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN EA07016. 2004 WINNEBAGO SIGHTSEER 35 N WITH WORKHORSE W22 (NOT SURE OF CHASSIS YEAR)CHASSIS. WHILE UNDERWAY NOTICED WHAT APPEARED TO BE A LOSS OF POWER, STEERING WHEEL PULLING TO THE LEFT. NOT UNDERSTANDING WHAT WAS HAPPENING ATTEMPTED TO SLOW DOWN/STOP COACH. PEDAL WAS NOT FIRM AND AT ONE POINT I THOUGHT I HAD LOST BRAKING. BURNING (SLIGHT) ODOR WAS NOTICED INSIDE THE COACH WITH WINDOWS CLOSED. STOPPED TWICE TO LOOK UNDER COACH FOR ANY EVIDENCE OF FLUID LEAKS (DARK OUT NO LIGHT) NO OBVIOUS LEAK. LEFT FRONT WHEEL ASSEMBLY WAS WARMER THAN OTHERS. THIS WAS ALL HAPPENING RELATIVELY QUICKLY. I PROCEEDED WITH CAUTION FOR ABOUT 10 MILES WHERE I FOUND A SHOPPING CENTER, STOPPED (NOW DAYLIGHT) CHECKED MASTER CYLINDER LEVEL AND FOUND THE DRIVERS SIDE NEEDING FLUID (RUBBER DIAPHRAGM UNDER CAP HAD EXPANDED) ADDED AT LEAST 3 MAYBE FOUR 9 OUNCE PAPER CUPS ABOUT 1/3 FULL AND RESERVOIR STILL HAD ROOM. NO EVIDENCE OF LEAKING. AFTER ABOUT 45 MIN. CONTINUED FOR ABOUT 100 MILES NO FURTHER PROBLEMS. BRAKES WORK BUT COULD BE BETTER. I STOPPED OVER NIGHT AT A FRIENDS HOUSE FOR 2 NIGHTS. HE WAS A SCHOOL BUS MECHANIC AND SUGGESTED THAT WE RAISE THE COACH (DID THAT WITH COACH JACKS) FIRST THE FRONT WHEELS AND FOUND THE LEFT FRONT WHEEL CALIPERS TO BE STICKING. WE EXERCISED THE PISTONS SEVERAL TIMES, ALSO FOUND THE PADS TO BE STICKING ON THE CALIPERS. A SMALL AMOUNT OF NEVERSEIZE WAS APPLIED BETWEEN THE PADS AND THE CALIPER CASTING SLIDING SURFACE. RAISED THE REAR OF THE COACH, AND REAR WHEELS SEEMED OK. HAVE CONTINUED ABOUT 200 MILES WITH NO FURTHER INCIDENCE. HAVE AROUND 23,500 ON COACH I AM ORIGINAL OWNER. I HAVE ABOUT 1100 MILES TO GO TO RETURN TO MY HOME.
NHTSA complaint #10264427 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fort Myers, FL
PARKING BRAKE
2004 WINNEBAGO SIGHTSEER ELECTRIC PARK BRAKE SYSTEM PROBLEMS. CUSTOMER STATES THAT HE HAS HAD THE SENSOR, ACTUATOR, SWITCH, AND PUMP REPLACED. CONSUMER STATES IT BECAME DISABLED AND HAD TO BE TOWED FOR REPAIR. *KB THE PARTS THAT WERE REPLACED WERE LEAKING HYDRAULIC FLUID.
NHTSA complaint #10206111 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 2,250 milesLake Ronkonkoma, NY
SUSPENSION:REAR
MAKE: WINNEBAGO SIGHTSEER MODEL: 2004 WFD30B SERIAL NO: [XXX] (WINNEBAGO INDUSTRIES) CHASSIS VIN: [XXX](WORKHORSE CUSTOM CHASSIS) DELIVERY DATE: JAN. 24, 2004 (PURCHASED NEW) CURRENT MILEAGE: 14,000 1. GAS TANK LEAK ~RIGHT SIDE OF GAS TANK LEAKING FUEL; NOTICED FUEL POURING FROM REAR OF TANK WHEN FILLING UP AT STATION 2. SAFETY RECALL ~SEAT BELTS (WINNEBAGO ISSUE NOT CORRECTED, WAITING FOR PARTS)3. SWAY BAR ~BOLTS FELL FROM VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING (APRIL 2005) 4. SAFETY RECALL ~INSTRUMENT CLUSTER (APRIL 2005) 5. AIRBAG ~RIGHT FRONT AIRBAG IN SUSPENSION SYSTEM DEFLATED AFTER ONLY 49 DAYS OF USE (AUGUST 2005) 6. DIFFERENTIAL ~DEFECT CAUSING FLUID TO LEAK FROM AXLE TUBE IN REAR-END (AUGUST 2005) 7. SHOCK BRACKET ~MANGLED AND TWISTED, CAUSING SHOCK TO FALL (AUGUST 2005) UNDETERMINED CAUSE; NOT A ROADHAZARD 8. DASH AIR ~BLOWS HOT AIR WHEN SITTING IN TRAFFIC OR AT IDLE; OVERHEATS AND LEAKS ANTIFREEZE REQUIRED NUMEROUS REPAIR ATTEMPTS: FOUR IN 2004 AND THEN AGAIN FOUR IN 2005 TOTAL DAYS IN SHOP FOR THIS DEFECT ALONE: 45 (26 IN 2004 AND 19 IN 2005) WORKHORSE REPS STATED TO ME THAT "CERTAIN MODELS" OF MOTORHOME HAVE "FLAWS IN THE SYSTEM" THAT THE ENGINEERS OF BOTH CORPORATIONS REFUSE TO ACKNOWLEDGE AS THEIR RESPONSIBILITY. THEY KNOWINGLY SELL A PRODUCT THAT IS EXPECTED TO FAIL. SINCE MOST OF THEIR CUSTOMERS ARE ELDERLY (RETIRED) AND COMPLACENT, THE COMPANY BANKS ON NOT HEARING FROM THEM. WHEN THEY DO, THE CUSTOMER IS FORCED TO NEGOTIATE REPAIRS. WORKHORSE REPS EXCUSE POOR PERFORMANCE OF SYSTEMS ON THEIR CHASSIS BY STATING THAT IT IS NOT DESIGNED FOR MOTORHOME USE; YET THEY SELL THEIR PRODUCT TO MOTORHOME MANUFACTURERS. THIS IS IRRESPONSIBLE AND COMPROMISES THE SAFETY OF NOT ONLY THEIR CUSTOMERS AND FAMILIES BUT EVERYONE SHARING THE ROAD WITH THEIR VEHICLES. UPDATED 07/19/2012 *JS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM
NHTSA complaint #10134428 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 2,250 milesLake Ronkonkoma, NY
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM
MAKE: WINNEBAGO SIGHTSEER MODEL: 2004 WFD30B SERIAL NO: [XXX] (WINNEBAGO INDUSTRIES) CHASSIS VIN: [XXX](WORKHORSE CUSTOM CHASSIS) DELIVERY DATE: JAN. 24, 2004 (PURCHASED NEW) CURRENT MILEAGE: 14,000 1. GAS TANK LEAK ~RIGHT SIDE OF GAS TANK LEAKING FUEL; NOTICED FUEL POURING FROM REAR OF TANK WHEN FILLING UP AT STATION 2. SAFETY RECALL ~SEAT BELTS (WINNEBAGO ISSUE NOT CORRECTED, WAITING FOR PARTS)3. SWAY BAR ~BOLTS FELL FROM VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING (APRIL 2005) 4. SAFETY RECALL ~INSTRUMENT CLUSTER (APRIL 2005) 5. AIRBAG ~RIGHT FRONT AIRBAG IN SUSPENSION SYSTEM DEFLATED AFTER ONLY 49 DAYS OF USE (AUGUST 2005) 6. DIFFERENTIAL ~DEFECT CAUSING FLUID TO LEAK FROM AXLE TUBE IN REAR-END (AUGUST 2005) 7. SHOCK BRACKET ~MANGLED AND TWISTED, CAUSING SHOCK TO FALL (AUGUST 2005) UNDETERMINED CAUSE; NOT A ROADHAZARD 8. DASH AIR ~BLOWS HOT AIR WHEN SITTING IN TRAFFIC OR AT IDLE; OVERHEATS AND LEAKS ANTIFREEZE REQUIRED NUMEROUS REPAIR ATTEMPTS: FOUR IN 2004 AND THEN AGAIN FOUR IN 2005 TOTAL DAYS IN SHOP FOR THIS DEFECT ALONE: 45 (26 IN 2004 AND 19 IN 2005) WORKHORSE REPS STATED TO ME THAT "CERTAIN MODELS" OF MOTORHOME HAVE "FLAWS IN THE SYSTEM" THAT THE ENGINEERS OF BOTH CORPORATIONS REFUSE TO ACKNOWLEDGE AS THEIR RESPONSIBILITY. THEY KNOWINGLY SELL A PRODUCT THAT IS EXPECTED TO FAIL. SINCE MOST OF THEIR CUSTOMERS ARE ELDERLY (RETIRED) AND COMPLACENT, THE COMPANY BANKS ON NOT HEARING FROM THEM. WHEN THEY DO, THE CUSTOMER IS FORCED TO NEGOTIATE REPAIRS. WORKHORSE REPS EXCUSE POOR PERFORMANCE OF SYSTEMS ON THEIR CHASSIS BY STATING THAT IT IS NOT DESIGNED FOR MOTORHOME USE; YET THEY SELL THEIR PRODUCT TO MOTORHOME MANUFACTURERS. THIS IS IRRESPONSIBLE AND COMPROMISES THE SAFETY OF NOT ONLY THEIR CUSTOMERS AND FAMILIES BUT EVERYONE SHARING THE ROAD WITH THEIR VEHICLES. UPDATED 07/19/2012 *JS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM
NHTSA complaint #10134428 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 2,250 milesLake Ronkonkoma, NY
SUSPENSION:REAR:SHOCK ABSORBER
MAKE: WINNEBAGO SIGHTSEER MODEL: 2004 WFD30B SERIAL NO: [XXX] (WINNEBAGO INDUSTRIES) CHASSIS VIN: [XXX](WORKHORSE CUSTOM CHASSIS) DELIVERY DATE: JAN. 24, 2004 (PURCHASED NEW) CURRENT MILEAGE: 14,000 1. GAS TANK LEAK ~RIGHT SIDE OF GAS TANK LEAKING FUEL; NOTICED FUEL POURING FROM REAR OF TANK WHEN FILLING UP AT STATION 2. SAFETY RECALL ~SEAT BELTS (WINNEBAGO ISSUE NOT CORRECTED, WAITING FOR PARTS)3. SWAY BAR ~BOLTS FELL FROM VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING (APRIL 2005) 4. SAFETY RECALL ~INSTRUMENT CLUSTER (APRIL 2005) 5. AIRBAG ~RIGHT FRONT AIRBAG IN SUSPENSION SYSTEM DEFLATED AFTER ONLY 49 DAYS OF USE (AUGUST 2005) 6. DIFFERENTIAL ~DEFECT CAUSING FLUID TO LEAK FROM AXLE TUBE IN REAR-END (AUGUST 2005) 7. SHOCK BRACKET ~MANGLED AND TWISTED, CAUSING SHOCK TO FALL (AUGUST 2005) UNDETERMINED CAUSE; NOT A ROADHAZARD 8. DASH AIR ~BLOWS HOT AIR WHEN SITTING IN TRAFFIC OR AT IDLE; OVERHEATS AND LEAKS ANTIFREEZE REQUIRED NUMEROUS REPAIR ATTEMPTS: FOUR IN 2004 AND THEN AGAIN FOUR IN 2005 TOTAL DAYS IN SHOP FOR THIS DEFECT ALONE: 45 (26 IN 2004 AND 19 IN 2005) WORKHORSE REPS STATED TO ME THAT "CERTAIN MODELS" OF MOTORHOME HAVE "FLAWS IN THE SYSTEM" THAT THE ENGINEERS OF BOTH CORPORATIONS REFUSE TO ACKNOWLEDGE AS THEIR RESPONSIBILITY. THEY KNOWINGLY SELL A PRODUCT THAT IS EXPECTED TO FAIL. SINCE MOST OF THEIR CUSTOMERS ARE ELDERLY (RETIRED) AND COMPLACENT, THE COMPANY BANKS ON NOT HEARING FROM THEM. WHEN THEY DO, THE CUSTOMER IS FORCED TO NEGOTIATE REPAIRS. WORKHORSE REPS EXCUSE POOR PERFORMANCE OF SYSTEMS ON THEIR CHASSIS BY STATING THAT IT IS NOT DESIGNED FOR MOTORHOME USE; YET THEY SELL THEIR PRODUCT TO MOTORHOME MANUFACTURERS. THIS IS IRRESPONSIBLE AND COMPROMISES THE SAFETY OF NOT ONLY THEIR CUSTOMERS AND FAMILIES BUT EVERYONE SHARING THE ROAD WITH THEIR VEHICLES. UPDATED 07/19/2012 *JS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM
NHTSA complaint #10134428 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 2,250 milesLake Ronkonkoma, NY
SUSPENSION:FRONT:STABILIZER BAR
MAKE: WINNEBAGO SIGHTSEER MODEL: 2004 WFD30B SERIAL NO: [XXX] (WINNEBAGO INDUSTRIES) CHASSIS VIN: [XXX](WORKHORSE CUSTOM CHASSIS) DELIVERY DATE: JAN. 24, 2004 (PURCHASED NEW) CURRENT MILEAGE: 14,000 1. GAS TANK LEAK ~RIGHT SIDE OF GAS TANK LEAKING FUEL; NOTICED FUEL POURING FROM REAR OF TANK WHEN FILLING UP AT STATION 2. SAFETY RECALL ~SEAT BELTS (WINNEBAGO ISSUE NOT CORRECTED, WAITING FOR PARTS)3. SWAY BAR ~BOLTS FELL FROM VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING (APRIL 2005) 4. SAFETY RECALL ~INSTRUMENT CLUSTER (APRIL 2005) 5. AIRBAG ~RIGHT FRONT AIRBAG IN SUSPENSION SYSTEM DEFLATED AFTER ONLY 49 DAYS OF USE (AUGUST 2005) 6. DIFFERENTIAL ~DEFECT CAUSING FLUID TO LEAK FROM AXLE TUBE IN REAR-END (AUGUST 2005) 7. SHOCK BRACKET ~MANGLED AND TWISTED, CAUSING SHOCK TO FALL (AUGUST 2005) UNDETERMINED CAUSE; NOT A ROADHAZARD 8. DASH AIR ~BLOWS HOT AIR WHEN SITTING IN TRAFFIC OR AT IDLE; OVERHEATS AND LEAKS ANTIFREEZE REQUIRED NUMEROUS REPAIR ATTEMPTS: FOUR IN 2004 AND THEN AGAIN FOUR IN 2005 TOTAL DAYS IN SHOP FOR THIS DEFECT ALONE: 45 (26 IN 2004 AND 19 IN 2005) WORKHORSE REPS STATED TO ME THAT "CERTAIN MODELS" OF MOTORHOME HAVE "FLAWS IN THE SYSTEM" THAT THE ENGINEERS OF BOTH CORPORATIONS REFUSE TO ACKNOWLEDGE AS THEIR RESPONSIBILITY. THEY KNOWINGLY SELL A PRODUCT THAT IS EXPECTED TO FAIL. SINCE MOST OF THEIR CUSTOMERS ARE ELDERLY (RETIRED) AND COMPLACENT, THE COMPANY BANKS ON NOT HEARING FROM THEM. WHEN THEY DO, THE CUSTOMER IS FORCED TO NEGOTIATE REPAIRS. WORKHORSE REPS EXCUSE POOR PERFORMANCE OF SYSTEMS ON THEIR CHASSIS BY STATING THAT IT IS NOT DESIGNED FOR MOTORHOME USE; YET THEY SELL THEIR PRODUCT TO MOTORHOME MANUFACTURERS. THIS IS IRRESPONSIBLE AND COMPROMISES THE SAFETY OF NOT ONLY THEIR CUSTOMERS AND FAMILIES BUT EVERYONE SHARING THE ROAD WITH THEIR VEHICLES. UPDATED 07/19/2012 *JS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM
NHTSA complaint #10134428 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 2,250 milesLake Ronkonkoma, NY
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
MAKE: WINNEBAGO SIGHTSEER MODEL: 2004 WFD30B SERIAL NO: [XXX] (WINNEBAGO INDUSTRIES) CHASSIS VIN: [XXX](WORKHORSE CUSTOM CHASSIS) DELIVERY DATE: JAN. 24, 2004 (PURCHASED NEW) CURRENT MILEAGE: 14,000 1. GAS TANK LEAK ~RIGHT SIDE OF GAS TANK LEAKING FUEL; NOTICED FUEL POURING FROM REAR OF TANK WHEN FILLING UP AT STATION 2. SAFETY RECALL ~SEAT BELTS (WINNEBAGO ISSUE NOT CORRECTED, WAITING FOR PARTS)3. SWAY BAR ~BOLTS FELL FROM VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING (APRIL 2005) 4. SAFETY RECALL ~INSTRUMENT CLUSTER (APRIL 2005) 5. AIRBAG ~RIGHT FRONT AIRBAG IN SUSPENSION SYSTEM DEFLATED AFTER ONLY 49 DAYS OF USE (AUGUST 2005) 6. DIFFERENTIAL ~DEFECT CAUSING FLUID TO LEAK FROM AXLE TUBE IN REAR-END (AUGUST 2005) 7. SHOCK BRACKET ~MANGLED AND TWISTED, CAUSING SHOCK TO FALL (AUGUST 2005) UNDETERMINED CAUSE; NOT A ROADHAZARD 8. DASH AIR ~BLOWS HOT AIR WHEN SITTING IN TRAFFIC OR AT IDLE; OVERHEATS AND LEAKS ANTIFREEZE REQUIRED NUMEROUS REPAIR ATTEMPTS: FOUR IN 2004 AND THEN AGAIN FOUR IN 2005 TOTAL DAYS IN SHOP FOR THIS DEFECT ALONE: 45 (26 IN 2004 AND 19 IN 2005) WORKHORSE REPS STATED TO ME THAT "CERTAIN MODELS" OF MOTORHOME HAVE "FLAWS IN THE SYSTEM" THAT THE ENGINEERS OF BOTH CORPORATIONS REFUSE TO ACKNOWLEDGE AS THEIR RESPONSIBILITY. THEY KNOWINGLY SELL A PRODUCT THAT IS EXPECTED TO FAIL. SINCE MOST OF THEIR CUSTOMERS ARE ELDERLY (RETIRED) AND COMPLACENT, THE COMPANY BANKS ON NOT HEARING FROM THEM. WHEN THEY DO, THE CUSTOMER IS FORCED TO NEGOTIATE REPAIRS. WORKHORSE REPS EXCUSE POOR PERFORMANCE OF SYSTEMS ON THEIR CHASSIS BY STATING THAT IT IS NOT DESIGNED FOR MOTORHOME USE; YET THEY SELL THEIR PRODUCT TO MOTORHOME MANUFACTURERS. THIS IS IRRESPONSIBLE AND COMPROMISES THE SAFETY OF NOT ONLY THEIR CUSTOMERS AND FAMILIES BUT EVERYONE SHARING THE ROAD WITH THEIR VEHICLES. UPDATED 07/19/2012 *JS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM
NHTSA complaint #10134428 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 8,000 milesAnnapolis, MD
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:ABS WARNING LIGHT
WHEN BEING SOLD THE BRAKE SENSOR LIGHT STAYED ON AND THE LP GAS TANK WAS LEAKING. DEALER HAS SINCE RE[PAIRED THE PROBLEMS.
NHTSA complaint #10106718 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 8,000 milesAnnapolis, MD
EQUIPMENT:RECREATIONAL VEHICLE/TRAILER:LPG SYSTEMS
WHEN BEING SOLD THE BRAKE SENSOR LIGHT STAYED ON AND THE LP GAS TANK WAS LEAKING. DEALER HAS SINCE RE[PAIRED THE PROBLEMS.
NHTSA complaint #10106718 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 2,200 milesNewbury Park, CA
SUSPENSION:FRONT
THERE IS AN EXTREME AMOUNT OF VIBRATION THAT CAUSES THE DASHBOARD TO BOUNCE ENOUGH TO MAKE IT HARD TO READ THE GAUGES. THIS VIBRATION IS FELT IN THE STEERING WHEEL AS WELL AS THE FLOOR. THE VIBRATION IS VERY FATIGUING ON OUR HANDS. *AK ALSO THE UNIT HAS A LOT OF BACK AND FORTH SWAY IN TURNS AND PASSING OTHER TRUCKS AND CARS. OUR COMMENTS-LET'S TAKE IT FROM THE TOP. FIRST OF ALL, WE HAVE HEARD MANY OF YOUR COMPLAINTS FROM OTHER OWNERS OF THE WINNEBAGO SIGHTSEER, SO THIS IS NOT THE FIRST TIME WE HAVE BEEN DOWN THIS ROAD. THE MOST COMMON COMPLAINT REGARDING THIS MODEL IS POOR HANDLING IN THE WIND AND WE WOULD SUGGEST BOTH SWAY BAR AND SHOCK UPGRADES. THAT WILL TAME SOME OF THE WANDER. YOU ALSO WILL WANT TO GET YOUR COACH WEIGHED TO BE SURE THAT YOU HAVE ENOUGH WEIGHT ON THE FRONT AXLE. REMEMBER, 1/3 OF THE GW ON THE FRONT AXLE, 2/3S ON THE BACK AXLE. OKAY, NOW ONTO THE VIBRATION. BALANCING AND ALIGNMENT DO NO GOOD IF THE WHEELS ARE OUT OF ROUND, AN ONGOING PROBLEM WITH THE FORD CHASSIS, OR ALSO A POSSIBILITY, THE TIRES ARE OUT OF ROUND. SOMEONE NEEDS TO CHECK THE RUN-OUT ON THE TIRES. FOR THE RECORD, WE HAVE DRIVEN THE FORD CHASSIS SEVERAL TIMES IN TYPE AS AND VIBRATION IS NOT NORMALLY PART OF THE MENU. YOUR CD PLAYER IS ALMOST SURELY SKIPPING DUE TO VIBRATION, IF IT IS AS BAD AS YOU DESCRIBE. UNLESS YOUR DEALER IS A CERTIFIED FORD SERVICE CENTER, WE WOULD TRY WORKING WITH A FORD DEALER THAT ROUTINELY DEALS WITH MOTORHOMES. SOME NOISE FROM THE POWER STEERING PUMP MAY BE NORMAL. IT DEPENDS ON HOW MUCH. ARE YOU HAVING ANY PROBLEM WITH IT? AGAIN, WHY NOT HAVE FORD CHECK IT RATHER THAN YOU DEALER? AS A FINAL NOTE, YOUR CHASSIS IS WARRANTED BY FORD, WHY DO YOU CARE WHAT YOUR DEALER WANTS? IF THEY CAN'T FIX IT, GET TO SOMEONE THAT CAN!! VIBRATION OF THIS MAGNITUDE MAY BE DANGEROUS. FILE A REPORT WITH THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY SAFETY ADMINISTRATION. THANKS FOR WRITING THE STAFF @ MRO
NHTSA complaint #10045836 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.