Model year record

2003 Winnebago Sightseer recalls & problems

The 2003 Winnebago Sightseer has 8 safety recalls and 11 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is suspension (2 complaints).

Recalls8safety recalls

Complaints11filed 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.

Service brakes, hydraulicMay 28, 2009

Service brakes, hydraulic

Recall 09V186000opened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: WINNEBAGO IS RECALLING VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AXLES THAT INCLUDE BOSH 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 OR WINNEBAGO AT 1-641-585-3535.

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.

EquipmentJul 19, 2004

Recreational vehicle/trailer

Recall 04V3580005,645 vehicles

Problem: ON CERTAIN MOTOR HOMES EQUIPPED WITH SAMSUNG MICROWAVE OVENS, MODELS MR1031WB, MR1032BB, MR1033SB, MR1351WB, AND MR1352BB, THE MICROWAVES 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 1-800-932-3837 OR WINNEBAGO AT 1-641-585-3535.

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.

EquipmentJul 8, 2003

Recreational vehicle/trailer

Recall 03V2430002,684 vehicles

Problem: ON CERTAIN MOTOR HOMES, WHEN THE COOKING RANGE AND FURNACE ARE OPERATING AT THE SAME TIME, THE FLAME ON THE COOKING RANGE COULD BE FORCED DOWNWARD OVER THE BURNER OR FLAME OUTAGE COULD OCCUR. 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.
Risk: SHOULD THIS OCCUR, THE FLAME MAY GO OUT, AND THE LIQUID PROPANE (LP) GAS WILL CONTINUE TO FLOW. THIS IS A HAZARDOUS SITUATION THAT COULD RESULT IN AN EXPLOSION OR FIRE.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL AN AIR RESTRICTOR PANEL UNDER THE RANGE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JULY 10, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT WINNEBAGO AT 1-641-585-6939.

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.

TiresFeb 20, 2003

Temporary/emergency spare tire

Recall 03V049000176 vehicles

Problem: ON CERTAIN MODEL D30B MOTOR HOMES BUILT ON A FORD CHASSIS, A PLATE, WHICH IS USED TO SUPPORT THE SPARE TIRE, WAS INADVERTENTLY LEFT OFF A NUMBER OF THESE MOTOR HOMES.
Risk: WITHOUT THIS ADDITIONAL SUPPORT, THE SPARE TIRE COULD FALL OFF THE VEHICLE RESULTING IN PROPERTY DAMAGE AND POSSIBLY PERSONAL INJURY.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE SPARE TIRE MOUNT AND, IF NECESSARY, INSTALL A NEW SUPPORT PLATE. OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING MARCH 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 1-641-585-6939.

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*
Suspension	2	0	—
StructureBody › Door	2	1	—
EquipmentAppliance › Air conditioner	2	1	—
Unknown or other	2	2	—
Electrical systemWiring	2	1	—
Service brakes	2	1	—
VisibilityWindshield wiper/washer	1	0	—
Service brakes, hydraulicFoundation components	1	1	—
SteeringLinkages › Arm › Idler and attachment	1	0	—
Vehicle speed control	1	0	—
Power train	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
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 WINNEBAGO SIGHTSEER. SHORTLY AFTER PURCHASING THE RECREATIONAL VEHICLE, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS VERY SOFT AND HAD TO BE DEPRESSED TO THE FLOORBOARD IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ABS MELTED ON THE BACKING PLATE OF THE FRONT WHEELS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 25,500. UPDATED 09/06/16*LJ
May 20, 2016 · 25,500 miles
Service brakesFire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 WINNEBAGO SIGHTSEER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL INDEPENDENTLY VEERED TO THE LEFT. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS HIGHER THAN USUAL. WHILE REVERSING TO PARK THE VEHICLE, THE BRAKE PEDAL EXTENDED TO THE FLOOR WHEN IT WAS DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE EMITTING FROM THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE BRAKE. THE CONTACT ALSO NOTICED THAT THE CALIPERS ON THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE WHEEL WERE STICKING IN THE APPLIED POSITION. THE ABS SENSOR WAS ALSO MELTED AND DAMAGED. THE CONTACT WAS AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND DIAGNOSED THAT THE BRAKE PADS, ABS SENSOR ASSEMBLY, AND THE CALIPER ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT YET…
Jul 14, 2015 · 49,000 miles
Power train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 WINNEBAGO SIGHTSEER 33D. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, HE SHIFTED TO THIRD GEAR AND THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 18,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 30,389. *TR
Sep 29, 2011 · 18,000 miles
Electrical system
PREPARING TO GO CAMPING, I STARTED MY WINNEBAGO SIGHTSEER AND POSITIONED IT TO ATTACH MY TOWED VEHICLE. I SHUT OFF THE ENGINE AT THAT POINT. AFTER COMPLETING THE HITCHING PROCEDURE, I ATTEMPTED TO START MY RV. IT WOULD NOT START. AFTER HAVING THE VEHICLE TOWED TO A LOCAL TRUCK DEALERSHIP, THEY FOUND "THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH AND ONE CONNECTOR WAS BURNT." THEY CALLED WINNEBAGO AND "FOUND THAT THERE WAS AN UPDATE RELAY HARNESS FOR THIS PROBLEM" WHICH THEY ORDERED AN INSTALLED. ALTHOUGH THIS OBVIOUSLY WAS A RECURRING PROBLEM (OTHERWISE WHY AN UPDATED KIT), THE SERVICE REP I THEN CONTACTED AT WINNEBAGO, CLAIMED TO HAVE NO KNOWLEDGE OF THIS DEFECTIVE SWITCH AND STATED THERE WAS NO RECALL OR…
Jul 6, 2008 · 37,382 miles
Vehicle speed control
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 WINNEBAGO SIGHTSEER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 07V336000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE DEALER DISCONNECTED THE SPEED CONTROL AND STATED THAT THE PARTS WOULD BE UNAVAILABLE UNTIL THE FIRST QUARTER OF 2008. THE CONTACT WAS DISSATISFIED WITH THE REMEDY AND THE AMOUNT OF TIME IT WOULD TAKE TO REPAIR. THERE HAD BEEN NO FAILURE TO DATE. THE ENGINE SIZE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 37,500. UPDATED 11/06/07 *TR
Sep 1, 2007
Steering › Linkages › Arm › Idler and attachment
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED, IT WAS RECOMMENDED THAT THE VEHICLE BE LOADED AND TAKEN IN FOR WHEEL ALIGNMENT. WHILE HAVING THE FRONT END ALIGNED, THE INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP DETERMINED THE FRONT LINKAGES, IDLER ARM AND RELAY SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE PARTS WERE REPLACED AND THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER INDICATED THE PARTS MIGHT NOT BE HEAVY ENOUGH FOR THE VEHICLE AND COULD FAIL AGAIN. UPDATED 08/25/06. *JB
Jul 2, 2006 · 11,744 miles
Unknown or otherFire
BOUGHT 2003 WINNEBAGO/ SIGHTSEER MODEL 30B LEFTOVER FROM MEYERS SUPER STORE IN NEW YORK ON FEBRUARY 14, 2004. SINCE THEN HAVE HAD NUMEROUS DEFECTS ON UNIT. HYDRAULIC JACKS FAILED ON FIRST TRIP- LEAK ON JACK AT FITTING, JACK WOULD NOT RETRACT. TAKEN FOR SERVICE, COULD NOT FIND PROBLEM. SERVICE DEALER REPLACED NUMEROUS PARTS IN FIVE TRIPS TO DEALERSHIP (MANIFOLD REPLACED; SOLENOID REPLACED; SWITCHED WIRES; REPLACED SWITCH BOX INSIDE UNIT - TOUCHPAD). LEFT REAR JACK STILL DOES NOT SEEM TO WORK IN UNISON WITH OTHER JACKS WHEN USED. SECOND TRIP OUT - WATER HEATER FAILED TO IGNITE ON 2ND DAY. RESISTOR REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY. OTHER PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED SO FAR: POD LEFT OF ENTRY DOOR LEAKS, STAIN…
Feb 14, 2004 · 5,738 miles
Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation componentsFire
DROVE MOTORHOME FOR 1.25 HRS. TO DELIVER FOR REPAIR OF GENERATOR WHICH WAS NOT WORKING. UNIT APPROXIMATELY 8 MONTHS OLD - STILL UNDER WARRANTY. ON ARRIVAL AT DEALER, ATTEMPTED TO PUT DOWN HYDRAULIC JACKS. FIRE STARTED IN ENGINE COMPARTMENT AREA FROM LEAK ON HYDRAULIC LINE THAT BROKE DUE TO DESIGN DEFECT. THIS WAS CONFIRMED ON 10-5-04 BY INSURANCE ADJUSTER INSPECTOR. UNIT HAD PREVIOUS PROBLEMS WITH THE HYDRAULIC JACK SYSTEM, STARTING ON 4-30-04 TO PRESENT.*AK
Sep 27, 2004 · 5,738 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.