Model year record

2002 Winnebago Brave recalls & problems

The 2002 Winnebago Brave has 5 safety recalls and 16 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is structure (4 complaints).

Recalls5safety recalls

Complaints16filed by owners

Crashes · fires0 · 3reported 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.

Fuel system, dieselApr 8, 2009

Storage › Tank assembly

Recall 09V1130002,331 vehicles

Problem: WINNEBAGO IS RECALLING 2,331 MY 2002-2004 BRAVE AND ITASCA SUNRISE MY 2005 2006 WINNEBAGO VOYAGE, ADVENTURER, ITASCA SUNRISE AND SUNCRUISER MOTOR HOMES. THE PROPANE TANK MOUNTING BRACKET MAY HAVE AN INCOMPLETE OR IMPROPER WELD.
Risk: SHOULD THE WELD FAIL, THE PROPANE TANK CAN TIP OR FALL, POSSIBLY RELEASING PROPANE WHICH HAS THE POTENTIAL TO IGNITEA FIRE, RESULTING IN PERSONAL INJURY AND/OR VEHICLE AND PROPERTY DAMAGE.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND PROPERLY WELD THE BRACKET FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING MAY 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT WINNEBAGO AT 800-537-1885.

EquipmentOct 16, 2003

Recreational vehicle/trailer

Recall 03V40500015,337 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: ON CERTAIN MOTOR HOMES EQUIPPED WITH SAMSUNG MICROWAVE OVENS, THESE UNITS 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 WINNEBAGO AT 641-585-3535.

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*
StructureFrame and members; Frame and members › Underbody shields	4	0	—
Electrical systemWiring; Ignition › Switch	4	1	17,831 mi
EquipmentRecreational vehicle/trailer; Recreational vehicle/trailer › Lpg systems › Lines and fittings	3	0	—
SuspensionFront › Stabilizer bar; Front › Wheel bearing	2	1	—
Service brakes, hydraulicBrake fluid low warning › Lamp	2	1	—
Unknown or other	1	0	—
TiresSidewall	1	0	—
Visibility	1	0	—
Service brakes	1	0	—

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

Recent owner complaints

Suspension › Front › Wheel bearingFire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 WINNEBAGO BRAVE. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE HOOD WAS LIFTED AND THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE WAS ON FIRE WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE WHEEL BEARING BURNED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Jul 27, 2015 · 50,000 miles
Service brakes
PARKING BRAKE ON VEHICLE LOCKS UP WHEN VEHICLE IS STOPPED AND WILL NOT RELEASE. VEHICLE CANNOT BE MOVED. PARKING BRAKE ALSO TRIES TO ENGAGE WHILE TRAVELING DOWN THE HIGHWAY. THIS HAS OCCURRED SIX TIMES SINCE 2011. EACH TIME THE PARKING BRAKE PRESSURE SENSOR IS REPLACED AND ONE TIME THE PARKING BRAKE SHOES WERE REPLACED AS WELL. THERE IS ALSO A LEAK IN THE ACTUATOR. WE HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO FIX THIS WITHOUT THE PROBLEM OCCURRING AGAIN AND AGAIN. *TR
Jul 7, 2011 · 28,796 miles
Service brakes, hydraulic › Brake fluid low warning › LampFire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 WINNEBAGO BRAVE MOTOR HOME. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 10 MPH AND APPROACHING A STOP. AS THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, THE PEDAL ABNORMALLY WENT INTO THE FLOORBOARD AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT RESPOND. THE CONTACT APPLIED STEADY, CONSTANT PRESSURE TO THE PEDAL BEFORE THE VEHICLE WOULD COME TO A STOP. THE CONTACT MOVED THE VEHICLE OFF THE ROADWAY AND UPON FURTHER INSPECTION, FOUND THAT THE BRAKE FLUID WAS BOILING. HE THEN DISCOVERED THAT THE BRAKES WERE LOCKED AND THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO MANUALLY RELEASE THEM. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE FRONT AND REAR BRAKES WERE REPAIRED. THE FAILURE RECURRED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER…
Apr 10, 2010 · 52,000 miles
Service brakes, hydraulic
THIS CONCERNS SAFETY RECALL 50901-C ON WORKHORSE CUSTOM CHASSIS WITH BOSCH BRAKES. THIS IS THE SECOND RECALL FOR PROBLEMS WITH THE BOSCH BRAKES WHICH WAS NOT CORRECTED THE FIRST TIME. THE BRAKE CALIPERS AND PADS AND ROTORS WERE REPLACED AT 40000 MILES. THIS TIME I EXPERIENCED BRAKE LOSS IN OCTOBER OF 2009 SO I CALLED THE WORKHORSE NUMBER TODAY TO GET AND IDEA OF WHEN THE BRAKES WOULD BE REPLACED (AGAIN) AND A YOUNG LADY PROCEEDED TO LECTURE ME ON WHAT THEY WERE NOT GOING TO DO AND ALL THE DISCLAIMERS. WE ARE PREPARING TO TRAVEL IN APRIL 2010 FOR THE SUMMER. HOW MANY TIMES DO THEY GET A CHANCE TO GET IT RIGHT AND PLACE ALL THE BURDEN ON THE CONSUMER?*TR
Oct 17, 2009 · 70,000 miles
Visibility
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 WINNEBAGO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INSULATED GLASS IN THE DRIVER'S AREA FOGS UP AND PREVENTS HIM FROM VIEWING THE REAR VIEW MIRROR CLEARLY AT NIGHT. THE GLARE FROM THE LIGHTS OF OTHER VEHICLES PREVENT HIM FROM SEEING OUT OF THE WINDOW. THE FAILURE WAS NOTICED WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH. HE HAS REPLACED THE WINDOWS AT LEAST THREE TIMES, BUT THE FAILURE PERSISTS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,000.UPDATED 09/10/08. *LJ UPDATED 09/11/08 *JB
Apr 11, 2008 · 20,000 miles
Equipment › Recreational vehicle/trailer
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 WINNEBAGO BRAVE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NHTSA RECALL NOTICE NUMBER 03E044000 (EQUIPMENT: RECREATIONAL VEHICLE) FOR HIS SAMSUNG MICROWAVE (MR 6699GB, SERIAL NUMBER 71MR500345V). THE RECALL REPAIR WAS PERFORMED, BUT THE MICROWAVE FAILED AGAIN SEVEN MONTHS LATER. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THEY WERE ONLY REQUIRED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE ONCE. THE PURCHASE DATE WAS UNKNOWN. UPDATED 09/18/07 *TR
Jul 19, 2007
Equipment › Recreational vehicle/trailer › Lpg systems › Lines and fittings
THE 2002 WINNWBAG BRAVE MODEL 34D EXPERIENCED A FAILURE OF THE FRONT ATTACHMENT BRACKET TO THE LIQUID PROPANE TANK. THE APPROXIMATELY 1/4 THICK BY 10"HIGH BRACKET CRACKED COMPLETELY AND LEFT THE TANK SUSPENDED BY ONLY TWO BOLTS AT THE REAR THAT APPEARED TO HAVE BEEN INTENDED TO STABILIZE THE TANK ,BUT NOT SUPPORT THE WEIGHT AS THEY WERE ATTACHED TO ONLY TWO SMALL TABS. THIS PROBLEM WAS DISCOVERED DURING MAINTENANCE TO REPLACE TWO OF THE FAILED STABILIZER HYDRAULIC JACKS. IF IT HAD NOT BEEN FOR THIS WORK BEING DONE I WAS CERTAIN ONE OF THE REMAINING SUPPORTS WOULD HAVE BROKEN WHILE TRAVELING AND WE WOULD HAVE BEEN DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD WITH A PRESSURIZED TANK DRAGGING ON THE PAVEMENT. THE…
Jun 23, 2002 · 17,928 miles
Equipment › Recreational vehicle/trailer
2002 WINNEBAGO BRAVE MICROWAVE HAS TO BE REMOVED TO PERFORM SAFETY RECALL AT OWNERS EXPENSE. *TS THE TECHNICIAN INFORMED THE CONSUMER IT WAS THE WAY THE MICROWAVE WAS INSTALLED. *JB
May 1, 2006

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