Model year record

2003 Winnebago Adventurer recalls & problems

The 2003 Winnebago Adventurer has 5 safety recalls and 16 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is service brakes, hydraulic (10 complaints).

Recalls5safety recalls

Complaints16filed by owners

Crashes · fires0 · 1reported in complaints

Injuries · deaths0 · 0reported in complaints

Safety recalls

EquipmentOct 26, 2010

Equipment

Recall 10V52500018,461 vehicles

Problem: WINNEBAGO IS RECALLING CERTAIN RECREATIONAL VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 1200-SERIES NORCOLD REFRIGERATORS. THE POPULATION OF REFRIGERATORS BEING ADDRESSED CONTAINS EITHER A SENSING ALGORITHM OR THERMAL SWITCH TO SHUT OFF POWER TO THE REFRIGERATOR WHEN HIGH TEMPERATURES ARE DETECTED IN ORDER TO PREVENT A POTENTIAL FIRE. THE RESPONSE TIMES OF THE SENSOR ALGORITHM AND THERMAL SWITCH DEVICES TO STOP POWER ARE NOT SUFFICIENT.
Risk: THE SENSING ALGORITHM OR THERMAL SWITCH INSTALLED TO SHUT OFF POWER TO THE REFRIGERATOR WHEN HIGH TEMPERATURES ARE DETECTED DUE TO A POSSIBLE HYDROGEN GAS LEAK MAY NOT SHUT OFF IN SUFFICIENT TIME TO PREVENT A FIRE.
Fix: WINNEBAGO IS WORKING WITH NORCOLD TO IDENTIFY AND NOTIFY ANY AFFECTED OWNERS. OWNERS WILL BE INSTRUCTED TO CONTACT NORCOLD DEALERS TO RECEIVE THE REMEDY FREE OF CHARGE. PLEASE SEE NORCOLD'S DEFECT REPORT 10E-049 FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING DECEMBER 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NORCOLD AT 1-800-767-9101 OR WINNEBAGO AT 1-641-585-3535.

EquipmentJul 29, 2009

Equipment

Recall 09V3000001,547 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: WINNEBAGO IS RECALLING 1,547 MODEL YEAR 2001-2003 RECREATIONAL VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH NORCOLD MODEL 1200LRIM REFRIGERATORS, MANUFACTURED FROM MARCH 1, 2001 TO DECEMBER 31, 2002, 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: WINNEBAGO IS WORKING WITH NORCOLD AND NORCOLD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND THE VEHICLE'S REFRIGERATOR WILL BE REPAIRED FREE OF CHARGE (PLEASE SEE 09E-027). OWNERS MAY CONTACT NORCOLD'S RECALL CENTER AT 1-800-767-9101.

EquipmentSep 14, 2005

Recreational vehicle/trailer

Recall 05V4070001,367 vehicles

Problem: ON CERTAIN MOTOR HOMES, THE ROOF VENT FOR THE OPTIONAL 4-DOOR REFRIGERATOR WAS INCORRECTLY LOCATED.
Risk: THIS CAN ALLOW EXCESSIVE HEAT BUILDUP WHICH HAS THE POTENTIAL TO IGNITE SURROUNDING MATERIALS, RESULTING IN PERSONAL INJURY AND/OI VEHICLE AND PROPERTY DAMAGE.
Fix: DEALERS WILL RELOCATE THE ROOF VENT. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 9, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT WINNEBAGO AT 1-641-585-6939.

Fuel system, gasolineDec 22, 2004

Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings

Recall 04V6090003,538 vehicles

Problem: ON CERTAIN MOTOR HOMES BUILT ON A 20,700 GVWR OR GREATER WORKHORSE CHASSIS, THERE MAY NOT BE SUFFICIENT CLEARANCE IN THE AREA WHERE THE FUEL LINE CROSSES THE FRAME CROSS MEMBER.
Risk: WITHOUT CLEARANCE, A CONDITION COULD DEVELOP WHERE THE CROSS MEMBER MAY WEAR INTO THE FUEL LINE AND A FUEL LEAK MAY DEVELOP. FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPAIR THESE MOTOR HOMES BY PROVIDING CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE FUEL LINE AND FRAME CROSS MEMBER. THE FUEL LINE WILL BE INSPECTED AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACED. THE RECALL BEGAN JANUARY 7, 2005. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT WINNEBAGO AT 1-800-537-1885.

Service brakes, hydraulicFeb 21, 2003

Brake fluid low warning › Lamp

Recall 03V0600008,532 vehicles

Problem: CERTAIN MOTOR HOME CHASSIS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 105,"HYDRAULIC AND ELECTRIC BRAKE SYSTEMS." THE BRAKE SYSTEM WARNING INDICATOR MAY NOT FUNCTION AS REQUIRED BY THE STANDARD.
Risk: IN SOME OF THE AFFECTED VEHICLES, THE BRAKE SYSTEM WARNING INDICATOR WILL NOT ILLUMINATE WHEN THE IGNITION IS IN THE START POSITION OR FOR A LOW BRAKE FLUID CONDITION, IF THE BODY BUILDER RELIED SOLELY UPON FORD'S IVM COMPLIANCE STATEMENT FOR THE SYSTEM WARNING INDICATOR.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPAIR THESE VEHICLES. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN APRIL 25, 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 WINNEBAGO AT 1-641-585-3535.

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	Fires	Typical mileage*
Service brakes, hydraulicBrake fluid low warning › Lamp; Foundation components › Disc › Caliper	10	1	29,924 mi
EquipmentAppliance › Air conditioner	3	0	—
SteeringSteering wheel/handle bar	2	0	—
Unknown or other	1	0	—
SuspensionFront	1	0	—
Electrical system	1	0	—
Engine and engine coolingExhaust system	1	0	—
VisibilityGlass, side/rear	1	0	—
Trailer hitches	1	0	—

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

Recent owner complaints

Service brakes, hydraulic
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 WINNEBAGO ADVENTURER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH THE CONTACT FELT A VIBRATION IN THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND INSPECTED THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT DID NOT FIND ANY PROBLEMS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE REAR CALIPERS LOCKED UP AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 03V060000, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:SWITCHES:BRAKE WARNING. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT WHEN THE PARTS BECAME AVAILABLE HE WOULD BE NOTIFIED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AFTER THE FAILURE OCCURRED AND STATED THEY…
Feb 1, 2011 · 29,849 miles
Service brakes, hydraulic
I HAVE EXPERIENCED BRAKE DRAG FOR A THIRD TIME ON MY MOTOR HOME AND AM FILING A THIRD COMPLAINT. TRAVEL WAS ON LEVEL ROADS IN URBAN AREA TRAFFIC (LOW SPEED STOP AND GO) WHEN THE FRONT BRAKES BEGAN TO DRAG. I FOUND A SAFE PLACE TO PULL OFF THE ROAD SURFACE AND HAD TO WAIT HOURS FOR THE BRAKES TO COOL DOWN. I WAS ABLE TO PROCEED HOME BY BEING VERY CAUTIOUS WITH APPLYING BRAKES AND AVOIDING ANY CONGESTED AREAS. I HAD THE WORKHORSE AUTHORIZED SERVICE CENTER INSPECT THE BRAKES AND THEY FOUND NO EXTERNAL CAUSE FOR THE DRAG (CORRODED SLIDES, ETC.) ROTORS WERE REPLACED AFTER THE FIRST OCCURRENCE (MAR 2009) AND BRAKE FLUID WAS CHANGED TO MAKE SURE MOISTURE RETENTION WAS NOT A PROBLEM. I HAVE BEEN…
Oct 8, 2009 · 49,550 miles
Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › Caliper
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 WINNEBAGO ADVENTURER RV. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CALIPER ON THE FRONT BRAKES LOCKED UP. WORKHORSE CHASSIS ISSUED RECALL NUMBER 50901-C AND STATED THAT THE PARTS WOULD NOT BE AVAILABLE UNTIL THE FALL OF 2009. THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED TO BRING IN THE VEHICLE FOR A BRAKE REPLACEMENT IF ANY FAILURES BEGAN TO OCCUR. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, BUT THEY CURRENTLY DO NOT WANT TO REPLACE THE BRAKES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 18,000.
Aug 11, 2009 · 18,000 miles
Service brakes, hydraulic
MY 2003 WINNEBAGO ADVENTURER 38G WITH WORKHORSE CHASSIS HAD A REAR BRAKE FAILURE THAT WAS IDENTICAL TO BRAKE FAILURES COVERED BY A WORKHORSE RECALL THROUGH THE 2002 MODELS. AFTER CONSIDERABLE CORRESPONDENCE WITH WORKHORSE & FINALLY WITH WINNEBAGO, WORKHORSE RELUCTANTLY AGREED TO PAY 1/2 OF THE COST. ON JANUARY 19, 2009, THE FRONT BRAKES FAILED ON THIS SAME MOTOR HOME. I AM NOW LOOKING AT OVER $2,000 IN REPAIRS. IT IS SUPPOSE TO BE COMPLETED BY COGGIN CHEVROLET AT THE AVENUES, JACKSONVILLE, FL. ON MONDAY, JANUARY 26, 2009. MIRACULOUSLY, WE WERE ONLY ABOUT 5 MILES FROM COGGIN WHEN THE FRONT BRAKES FAILED. THEY OTHERWISE WOULD HAVE CAUGHT ON FIRE PRIOR TO GETTING TO COGGIN. THE FRONT BRAKES…
Jan 19, 2009 · 30,000 miles
Service brakes, hydraulic
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 WINNEBAGO ADVENTURER. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE BRAKE CALIPERS BEGAN TO STICK WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE FAILURE CAUSED OTHER BRAKING ISSUES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A REPAIR SHOP AND THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE HEAT FROM THE BRAKES WAS OVER 1,000 DEGREES. THE REPAIR WOULD COST APPROXIMATELY $4,000. THE CONTACT IS CONTEMPLATING ON WHETHER OR NOT TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000.
Nov 1, 2008 · 40,000 miles
Service brakes, hydraulic
WHILE TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY I COULD NOT GO ANY FASTER THAN 40 MPH. THE ABS WARNING LIGHT THEN LIT UP ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL OF MY MOTORHOME WITH A WORKHORSE W-20 CHASSIS. I THEN BEGAN TO SMELL BURNING BRAKES. I THEN SLOWED AND TRAVELED A MILE OR SO TO THE NEAREST EXIT. WHILE ON THE EXIT RAMP I LOST ALL BRAKES, THE PEDAL GOING TO THE FLOOR. AS I WAS NOT GOING VERY FAST, I USED THE TRANSMISSION TO SLOW DOWN AND PULL ONTO THE SHOULDER. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TOWED TO A LOCAL WINNEBAGO DEALER WHERE IT WAS NECESSARY FOR THEM TO REPLACE ALL CALIPERS AND PADS, REAR ABS SENSORS, AND BRAKE FLUIDS AS IT HAD BOILED THE SYSTEM. A ZERK FITTING WAS ALSO INSTALLED INTO THE BRAKE BAR. AFTER READING…
Nov 5, 2007 · 8,592 miles
Trailer hitches
2003 WINNEBAGO ADVENTURER TOW-BAR RECEIVER BECAME UNBOLTED ON THE LEFT SIDE WHILE DRIVING. CONSUMER STATES THAT THE TOW BAR WAS ALSO BENT BACKWARD AND DOWN SINCE THE RIGHT SIDE WAS STILL SECURELY BOLTED. *KB THE OWNER OF THE WELDING SHOP STATED THE BOLTS WERE NEVER TIGHTENED PROPERLY. *JB
Apr 24, 2008
Service brakes, hydraulicFire
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 WINNEBAGO ADVENTURER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH AND DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE CONTACT SMELLED A STRONG BURNING ODOR. THE DEALER REPAIRED HIS VEHICLE ACCORDING TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 03V060000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:SWITCHES:BRAKE WARNING). FIFTEEN MONTHS LATER, THE ABS WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT CONTROL PANEL ACCOMPANIED BY THE BURNING ODOR. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER AND THEY REPAIRED THE FRONT HUB SEALS, BRAKE PADS, AND ABS SENSORS. ONE YEAR LATER, WHILE ATTEMPTING TO APPLY PRESSURE TO THE BRAKES, THE BRAKE PEDAL EXTENDED COMPLETELY TO THE FLOOR WITHOUT STOPPING THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE…
Mar 28, 2005 · 20,634 miles

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