Model year record

2003 Fleetwood Bounder recalls & problems

The 2003 Fleetwood Bounder has 8 safety recalls and 13 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is service brakes, hydraulic (5 complaints).

Recalls8safety recalls

Complaints13filed by owners

Crashes · fires0 · 0reported in complaints

Injuries · deaths0 · 0reported in complaints

Safety recalls

EquipmentJul 28, 2009

Equipment

Recall 09V3120006,684 vehicles

Problem: FLEETWOOD RV IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005 AND 2006 MOTORHOMES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN JULY 24, 2004 AND MARCH 11, 2005, EQUIPPED WITH NORCOLD MODEL 1200LR, 1200LRIM, AND 1201LRIM REFRIGERATORS WITH SERIAL NUMBERS BETWEEN 1273701 AND 1536607, NON-CONSECUTIVELY. A FATIGUE FAILURE IN THE SECTION OF THE COOLING UNIT WHICH CONTAINS THE REFRIGERANT COULD ALLOW THE LIQUID SOLUTION TO SLOWLY LEAK. IF A LEAK OCCURS AND THE REFRIGERATOR CONTINUES TO BE OPERATED AFTER SOLUTION CIRCULATION HAS CEASED THE HEAT SOURCE COULD GENERATE VERY HIGH TEMPERATURES. AT SUCH HIGH TEMPERATURES, THE COOLING UNIT COULD RUPTURE.
Risk: IF A LEAK OCCURS AND THE UNIT IS CONTINUES TO OPERATE, HYDROGEN GAS MAY BE EXPELLED AND CAN BE IGNITED, RESULTING IN A FIRE, POSSIBLY CAUSING SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.
Fix: FLEETWOOD RV WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND THE VEHICLE'S REFRIGERATOR WILL BE REPAIRED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING SEPTEMBER 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FLEETWOOD RV AT 1-800-509-3418 OR NORCOLD'S RECALL CENTER AT 1-800-767-9101.

Service brakes, airJun 2, 2009

Service brakes, air

Recall 09V198000509 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: FLEETWOOD IS RECALLING 509 MY 2001-2008 CLASS A MOTOR HOMES EQUIPPED WITH AXLES THAT INCLUDE BOSCH ZOPS OR ZOHT PIN SLIDE HYDRAULIC DISC BRAKES. WHEN COMBINED WITH OCCASIONAL OR SEASONAL VEHICLE OPERATION MAY EXPERIENCE CALIPERS STICKING IN THE APPLIED POSITION. THIS CAN RESULT IN ABNORMAL HEAT GENERATION AT THE WHEEL END CAUSING BRAKE DRAG. THE DRIVER WOULD NORMALLY HAVE WARNING OF THE BRAKE DRAG IF UNDETECTED BY THE DRIVER.
Risk: THE DRIVER WOULD NORMALLY DETECT THE BRAKE DRAG BUT IF UNDETECTED THE TEMPERATURE INCREASE AT THE WHEEL END CAN EVENTUALLY LEAD TO SOFT PEDAL CONDITIONS DUE TO BRAKE FLUID BOIL, AND POSSIBLE EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE NECESSARY COMPONENTS FREE OF CHARGE. WORKHORSE IS HANDLING THE REMEDY FOR THIS CAMPAIGN PLEASE SEE 09V-110. THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT YET PROVIDED AN OWNER NOTIFICATION SCHEDULE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT WORKHORSE AT 1-877-246-7731. WORKHORSE WILL CONDUCT THE OWNER AND DEALER NOTIFICATION.

EquipmentJul 15, 2008

Recreational vehicle/trailer

Recall 08V32000070,101 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: FLEETWOOD IS RECALLING 70,101 MY 2003-2007 SOUTHWIND, PACE ARROW, BOUNDER, FLAIR, STORM, FIESTA, TERRA GAS CLASS A MOTOR HOMES; BOUNDER, DISCOVERY, PROVIDENCE, EXCURSION, EXPEDITION, REVOLUTION, AMERICAN EAGLE, AMERICAN HERITAGE, AMERICAN TRADITION DIESEL CLASS A MOTOR HOMES; JAMBOREE TIOGA CLASS C MOTOR HOMES; AND PROWLER, WILDERNESS, TERRY, MALLARD, PIONEER, PRIDE AND TRIUMPH CONVENTIONAL AND FIFTH WHEEL TRAVEL TRAILERS EQUIPPED WITH A TWO-DOOR REFRIGERATORS MANUFACTURED BY THE DOMETIC CORPORATION. THE REFRIGERATOR MAY HAVE A DEFECT IN THE BOILER TUBE. PRESSURIZED COOLANT SOLUTION COULD BE RELEASED INTO AN AREA WHERE AN IGNITION SOURCE (GAS FLAME) IS PRESENT.
Risk: IF THIS SOLUTION IS EXPOSED TO AN IGNITION SOURCE UNDER CERTAIN SPECIFIC CIRCUMSTANCES, IT CAN RESULT IN A VEHICLE FIRE.
Fix: FLEETWOOD IS WORKING WITH DOMETIC TO REPAIR THESE REFRIGERATORS (PLEASE SEE 08E032). DOMETIC WILL REPAIR THESE REFRIGERATORS BY INSTALLING A SECONDARY BURN HOUSING, A THERMAL FUSE, AND A MELT FUSE FREE OF CHARGE. DOMETIC HAS RETAINED STERICYCLE INC. TO MANAGE THIS CAMPAIGN. STERICYCLE WILL ASSIST THE OWNER IN LOCATING DEALERSHIPS OR SERVICE CENTERS AND WILL PROVIDE ASSISTANCE WITH SCHEDULING OF APPOINTMENTS. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOMETIC/STERICYCLE AT 1-888-446-5157 OR FLEETWOOD AT 1-800-322-8216.

EquipmentMar 19, 2007

Recreational vehicle/trailer

Recall 07V120000167,096 vehicles

Problem: CERTAIN MOTOR HOMES AND TRAVEL TRAILERS EQUIPPED WITH A TWO-DOOR REFRIGERATOR, MANUFACTURED BY THE DOMETIC CORPORATION, MAY HAVE A DEFECT IN THE BOILER TUBE. PRESSURIZED COOLANT SOLUTION COULD BE RELEASED INTO AN AREA WHERE AN IGNITION SOURCE (GAS FLAME) IS PRESENT.
Risk: RELEASE OF COOLANT UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS COULD IGNITE AND RESULT IN A FIRE.
Fix: FLEETWOOD WILL BE WORKING WITH DOMETIC IN ORDER TO REPAIR THESE REFRIGERATORS (PLEASE SEE 06E076). DOMETIC WILL REPAIR THESE REFRIGERATORS BY INSTALLING A SECONDARY BURN HOUSING, A THERMAL FUSE, AND A MELT FUSE FREE OF CHARGE. DOMETIC HAS RETAINED STERICYCLE INC. TO MANAGE THIS CAMPAIGN. STERICYCLE WILL ASSIST YOU IN LOCATING DEALERSHIPS OR SERVICE CENTERS AND WILL PROVIDE ASSISTANCE WITH SCHEDULING OF APPOINTMENTS. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOMETIC/STERICYCLE AT 1-888-446-5157 OR FLEETWOOD AT 1-800-322-8216.

Electrical systemApr 12, 2006

Electrical system

Recall 06V1150007,205 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: CERTAIN MOTOR HOMES BUILT ON WORKHORSE CHASSIS AND EQUIPPED WITH ACTIA CORPORATE INSTRUMENT CLUSTERS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 101 "CONTROLS AND DISPLAYS" AND NO. 105 "HYDRAULIC AND ELECTRIC BRAKE SYSTEMS." IF THE BRAKE FAIL INPUT FALLS BELOW A VOLTAGE OF 1.5V, THE BRAKE FAILURE LAMP AND ALARM WILL BE ACTIVATED. ALSO ACTIVATION OF THE ABS TELLTALE WHEN THE ABS IS NOT PROPERLY FUNCTIONING DOES NOT ALWAYS OCCUR.
Risk: AT NIGHT THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER LIGHTS MAY FAIL AND THE DRIVER MAY NOT BE ABLE TO SEE THE INSTRUMENT PANEL GAUGES AND THE BRAKE WARNING LIGHT INDICATOR WHICH COULD INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Fix: WORKHORSE IS CONDUCTING THE OWNER NOTIFICATION AND REMEDY FOR THIS CAMPAIGN AND REPROGRAM THE INSTRUMENT PANEL CLUSTER FREE OF CHARGE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT WORKHORSE AT 1-877-246-7731 OR FLEETWOOD AT 1-800-322-8216.

Trailer hitchesJul 20, 2004

Trailer hitches

Recall 04V3520008,969 vehicles

Problem: CERTAIN MOTOR HOMES EQUIPPED WITH DRAW TITE HITCH RECEIVERS MAY BE MISSING ONE OR MORE WELDS BETWEEN THE HITCH RECEIVER BOX AND THE BOTTOM SUPPORT PLATE.
Risk: THE WELDS COULD BREAK, ALLOWING THE HITCH RECEIVER BOX AND THE TOWED LOAD TO SEPARATE FROM THE TOWING VEHICLE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE HITCH RECEIVER. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING AUGUST 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FLEETWOOD AT 1-800-322-8216.

EquipmentNov 4, 2003

Recreational vehicle/trailer

Recall 03V45200060,877 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: ON CERTAIN TRAVEL TRAILERS EQUIPPED WITH SAMSUNG MICROWAVE OVENS, THESE OVENS WERE PRODUCED WITH A DEFECTIVE PANEL. AN ELECTRICAL SHORT CAN OCCUR BETWEEN CIRCUIT PATTERNS ON THE MEMBRANE PANEL, ESPECIALLY OVERLAPPED BY A "JUMPER" OR JUMP WIRE. THIS MAY CAUSE THE OVEN TO ACTIVATE WITHOUT PRESSING ANY KEY PADS.
Risk: AN ELECTRICAL SHORT CAN OCCUR CAUSING THE OVEN TO ACTIVATE WITHOUT PRESSING ANY KEY PADS. THIS COULD RESULT IN EXCESSIVE HEAT, SMOKE, OR POSSIBLY A FIRE.
Fix: SAMSUNG WILL NOTIFY CUSTOMERS AND REPAIR THE PANEL FREE OF CHARGE. IN THE MEANTIME, CONSUMERS SHOULD UNPLUG THEIR MICROWAVE, IF POSSIBLE. IF THE CONSUMER IS UNABLE TO UNPLUG THE MICROWAVE, THEY SHOULD LEAVE THE DOOR AJAR UNTIL THE PANEL IS REPLACED. CONSUMERS SHOULD NEVER USE THE MICROWAVE OVEN FOR STORAGE OR LEAVE ANY TOWELS, PAPER, CLOTH OR OTHER PRODUCTS IN THE MICROWAVE AFTER USE. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT SAMSUNG AT 800-932-3837 OR FLEETWOOD AT 1-800-629-8454.

EquipmentSep 16, 2003

Mechanical › Integrated jack/leveler/stabilizer

Recall 03V3440001,100 vehicles

Problem: ON CERTAIN MOTORHOMES BUILT ON WORKHORSE CHASSIS, THE HYDRAULIC HOSE OPERATING THE LEVELING JACK SYSTEM WAS ROUTED SO IT PLACES THE HOSE TOO CLOSE TO THE ENGINE EXHAUST. THE HOT EXHAUST CAN CAUSE THE HYDRAULIC HOSE TO MELT OR ABRADE, RELEASING HYDRAULIC FLUID.
Risk: IF THE HYDRAULIC FLUID SHOULD IGNITE BY AN EXHAUST GAS RECIRCULATING TUBE OR OTHER HEAT SOURCE, THIS COULD CAUSE A FIRE.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE DAMAGED HOSES AND RELOCATE THE AFFECTED HYDRAULIC LINES. OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN OCTOBER 3, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FLEETWOOD AT 1-800-322-8216.

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

What owners report

Problem area	Complaints	Typical mileage*
Service brakes, hydraulicFoundation components › Disc › Rotor; Foundation components › Disc › Caliper	5	20,238 mi
Tires	1	—
Structure	1	—
SteeringHydraulic power assist › Power steering fluid	1	—
Vehicle speed control	1	—
Fuel system, otherStorage › Fuel gauge system	1	—
Parking brake	1	—
Electrical systemWiring › Interior/under dash	1	—
Unknown or other	1	—
Visibility	1	—
Service brakes, air	1	—
Power trainManual transmission › Shift pattern indicator	1	—

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Power train › Manual transmission › Shift pattern indicator
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FLEETWOOD BOUNDER RV. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHENEVER HE WOULD OPERATE THE VEHICLE, HE WOULD NOTICE THAT THE LCD SHIFT INDICATOR WOULD TAKE UNUSUALLY LONG TO ILLUMINATE BEFORE FAILING COMPLETELY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED FOR THE FAILURE OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 40,000.
Nov 14, 2005 · 20,000 miles
Service brakes, air
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FLEETWOOD BOUNDER 35E RV. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE BRAKE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. HE THEN SMELLED A STRONG BURNING ODOR. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE FRONT BRAKE CALIPER MELTED THE SENSOR. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER RECALL CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 09V198000 (SERVICE BRAKES, AIR). THE MANUFACTURER REFUSED TO ACCEPT FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE REAR BRAKE SYSTEM REPLACEMENT. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED FOR THE REAR BRAKES. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 13,760. THE VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Jul 31, 2009 · 13,760 miles
Visibility
THE DUAL PANE WINDOWS IN MY MOTOR HOME ARE FOGGED UP MAKING IT HARD TO SEE IN MY REAR VIEW MIRROR. THERE ARE MORE WINDOWS FOGGING UP BUT NOT ONES THAT WOULD AFFECT MY ABILITY TO SEE WHILE DRIVING. FLEETWOOD KNOWS ABOUT THIS PROBLEM BUT CONTINUES TO DO BUSINESS WITH SI-GE WINDOWS AND IS NOT CONCERNED WITH THE PROBLEM. *TR
Mar 1, 2009 · 41,000 miles
Service brakes, hydraulic
I OWN 2003 BOUNDER BUILT ON THE W/22 (WORKHORSE) CHASIS.. THREE TIMES NOW I HAVE HAD MY LEFT FRONT ABS (BOSCH SYSTEM) BRAKE WHEN APPLIED GOING DOWN STEEP GRADE DRAG. MEANING RATHER THAN THE PUMPING ACTION OF ABS IT WAS NOT RELEASING, AND ONE COULD HERE AND FEEL THE SOUND SIMILAR TO METAL ON METAL. PULLED OFF TO SIDE OF ROAD AND FELT ALL WHEELS. LEFT FRONT ACTUALLY SLIGHTLY BLISTERED MY FINGER TIPS. IN A FEW WEEKS I AM AS PART OF MY MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE HAVING THE BRAKE SYSTEM BLED. I AM HOPING THAT WHEN THEY PULL MY WHEELS THAT ALL IS WELL. THE MH HAS 23,385 MILES ON IT. TWO YEARS AGO A ZRK FITTING WAS INSTALLED ON THE BELL CRANK. *TR
Dec 16, 2008 · 25,180 miles
Service brakes, hydraulic
BRAKE FAILURES(2) ON 2003 BOUNDER MOTORHOME WITH WORKHORSE W22 CHASSIS. CHASSIS PURCHASED NEW ON JAN.14,2004. LR BRAKE FAILED ON 8-29-08 ON I-5 AT OLYMPIA, WA, WITH APPROX. 21,100 MILES ON VEHICLE. RR BRAKE FAILED ON 9-29-08 ON HWY. 20 IN COUPEVILLE, WA AT APPROX.21,482 MILES. WEATHER WAS CLEAR AND ROADS WERE DRY; DUAL HOLDING TANKS WERE EMPTY; 100 GAL WATER TANK WAS ALSO EMPTY; FUEL TANK WAS ABOUT 1/2 FULL (35 GAL.). MOTORHOME WAS NOT OVERLOADED AND NO VEHICLE WAS IN TOW. 8-29 FAILURE OCCURRED WHILE SLOWING IN PRE-LABOR DAY WEEKEND TRAFFIC AND BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR ON INITIAL APPLICATION. REPEATED APPLICATIONS OF BRAKE PEDAL GAVE ABOUT 1/2 PEDAL TRAVEL WITH GREATLY LESSENED…
Aug 29, 2008 · 21,000 miles
Unknown or other
I OWN A 2003 BOUNDER MOTOR HOME BUILT ON THE WORK HORSE CHASSIS. ON AUG. 08, 2008 WHEN I STARTED MY MOTOR HOME I NOTICED THAT THE LCD SCREEN (WINDOW) WAS IMPOSSIBLE TO READ. THIS LCD WINDOW IS PRT OF THE ACTIA INSTRUMENT CLUSTER. I CALLED A WORK HORSE AUTHORIZED REPAIR CENTER IN BATH, NY AND MADE AN APPOINTMENT FOR AUG. 24. THEY TOLD ME IN THE MEANTIME THEY WOULD CONTACT WORK HORSE ON THIS TO SEE WHAT COULD BE DONE TO SPEED UP THE REPAIR. IN THAT TIME PERIOD WORK HORSE DID NOT GET BACK TO THEM, AND SO THE DAY I ARRIVED AFTER DRIVING OVER TWO HOURS I WAS INFORMED NO WORD YET. I KNEW THAT THEY HAD TO DO A DIAGNOSTIC TO VERIFY THE PROBLEM. ALL ONE HAD TO DO WAS LOOK AT THE SCREEN AND SEE THAT…
Aug 5, 2008 · 27,000 miles
Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › Rotor
IN JUNE, AFTER TIRE REPLACEMENT, A CERTIFIED BRAKE AND ALIGNMENT SHOP DISCOVERED THAT ALL FOUR BRAKE CALIPERS HAD BEEN INTERMITTENTLY STICKING WHICH CAUSED SEVERE OVERHEATING OF ALL BRAKE AND BEARING COMPONENTS. THE ROTORS, CALIPERS, AND ALL BEARINGS HAD FAILED. THIS WAS INDEPENDENTLY CONFIRMED BY AN INSPECTOR SENT OUT BY THE EXTENDED WARRANTY PEOPLE. AFTER REPLACING ALL THESE COMPONENTS, I WAS DRIVING TO OREGON AND THE LEFT FRONT SPEED SENSOR OF THE ABS SYSTEM FAILED (INTERMITTENTLY), AND THE MOTORHOME WOULD PULL VIOLENTLY TO THE RIGHT ALMOST CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS BEFORE REPAIR COULD BE OBTAINED. THAT SENSOR HAS NOW BEEN REPLACED. ALL PARTS ARE STILL AVAILABLE (AT…
Jun 16, 2007 · 20,238 miles
Electrical system › Wiring › Interior/under dash
DT: INTERMITTENTLY THE DASHBOARD GAUGE PANEL WENT DEAD. TOOK THE VEHICLE TO DEALER, AND THEY REPLACED THE ENTIRE GAUGE PACKAGE, AND TODAY IT WENT DEAD AGAIN. THEY REPLACED THE PANEL ON APRIL 4, 2005. SEPTEMBER 19, 2005 IS THE FIRST TIME THIS HAPPENED SINCE IT WAS REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER KNEW THERE WAS A PROBLEM. THEY DID A FLASH THEN HAD A REPLACEMENT. *AK
Apr 4, 2005

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.

NHTSA defect investigations

INADVERTENT SLIDE-OUT EXTENSION MOVEMENTClosed
THIS INVESTIGATION WAS OPENED BASED ON ODI'S RECEIPT OF A CONGRESSIONAL LETTER ON BEHALF OF A CONSTITUENT.THE CONSTITUENT REPORTED INCIDENTS WHERE THE SLIDE OUT ROOM OF HIS MOTOR HOME WOULD INADVERTENTLY MOVE (EXTEND) DURING HIGHWAY USE.ODI WAS CONCERNED THAT A FULLY EXTENDED SLIDE OUT WOULD DEGRADE THE VEHICLE'S DYNAMIC HANDLING CHARACTERISTICS AND/OR POSSIBLY IMPACT AN OBJECT OR ANOTHER VEHICLE, RESULTING IN A CRASH.ODI CONTACTED FLEETWOOD AND DISCOVERED THAT SLIDE OUT ROOMS WERE INSTALLED IN MOTOR HOMES, TRAVEL TRAILERS AND FOLDING TRAILERS. AS PART OF THE INVESTIGATION ODI VISITED A RV SHOW AND THE FLEETWOOD PAXINOS PLANT TO EXAMINE SLIDE OUTS IN VARIOUS NEW MAKE AND MODEL VEHICLES AND GAIN AN UNDERSTANDING OF HOW THE SYSTEMS WORK.DURING THE INVESTIGATION ODI LEARNED THAT THERE ARE TWO METHODS USED TO EXTEND SLIDE OUT ROOMS.SOME MANUFACTURERS USE HYDRAULIC SYSTEMS AND OTHERS, SUCH…
PE06005 · opened Jan 20, 2006 · closed May 2, 2006