Model year record

2005 Winnebago Sightseer recalls & problems

The 2005 Winnebago Sightseer has 5 safety recalls and 8 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is service brakes (3 complaints).

Recalls5safety recalls

Complaints8filed by owners

Crashes · fires0 · 0reported 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.

Seat beltsOct 5, 2010

Seat belts

Recall 10V4670001,925 vehicles

Problem: WINNEBAGO IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005 THROUGH 2009 WINNEBAGO SIGHTSEER AND ITASCA SUNOVA MOTOR HOMES BECAUSE THE DINETTE AREA SEAT BELT RESTRAINTS ON THOSE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 210, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY ANCHORAGES." IN A COLLISION, THE GENERATED CRASH FORCES CAN CAUSE THE RESTRAINT'S ATTACHMENT TO TEAR AND ALLOW THE ANCHOR TO SEPARATE FROM THE BODY OF THE VEHICLE.
Risk: IF THE RESTRAINT SEPARATES FROM THE VEHICLE DURING A CRASH, THE BELT WILL NOT PROPERLY RESTRAIN THE SEAT OCCUPANT, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY OR DEATH TO THE OCCUPANT.
Fix: WINNEBAGO WILL NOTIFY OWNERS A DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 10, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT WINNEBAGO AT 1-800-537-1885.

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.

Seat beltsDec 18, 2004

Front › Buckle assembly

Recall 04V6080006,201 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: CERTAIN SEAT BELT BUCKLES ON SOME MOTOR HOMES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE LOAD REQUIREMENT OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 209, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES."
Risk: THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE MAY UNLATCH IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN PERSONAL INJURY TO THE SEAT OCCUPANT.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE BUCKLES. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 12, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT AMSAFE AT 1-574-266-8330 OR WINNEBAGO AT 1-800-537-1885.

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	3	—
Service brakes, hydraulic	2	—
Seat belts	1	—
EquipmentRecreational vehicle/trailer › Lpg systems › Lines and fittings	1	—
Electrical systemInstrument cluster/panel	1	—

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

Recent owner complaints

Service brakes
When driving the ABS warning alerted us. We stopped and inspected, but came up with nothing. After returning to drive mode the RV started making a loud hissing sound. We stopped and had it towed to a mechanic shop. The Park Assist brake burnt up and needed to be replaced. After paying several thousands for the part and the labor we received the RV back and proceeded to our next trip. After about 1hr into our drive, when attempting to stop at a red light the brake peddle was hard to push down barley being able to stop. But the peddle did not return. It had to manually be returned. We pulled off right away into a parking lot and the same issue occurred again. After googling this, it said…
Jul 1, 2022
Service brakes
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 WINNEBAGO SIGHTSEER. WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND THE BRAKES SEIZED CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO STOP PREMATURELY. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL HAD TO BE LIFTED WITH THE FOOT IN ORDER FOR IT TO RETURN TO NORMAL WORKING POSITION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 19,700.
Aug 23, 2015 · 19,700 miles
Service brakes
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 WINNEBAGO SIGHTSEER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 30 MPH, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE AND A BURNING ODOR EMITTING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE WAS EXTREMELY HOT AFTER TURNING OFF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED AND SHIFTED INTO REVERSE. THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND TRAVELED TO THE FLOORBOARD. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THERE WAS EXCESSIVE HEAT, THE CALIPERS WERE STICKING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 09V186000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC) AND 09V110000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). THE…
May 29, 2015
Service brakes, hydraulic
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 WINNEBAGO SIGHTSEER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE WAS HESITANT TO RESPOND TO THE BRAKES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE BRAKE CALIPER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 09V186000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AT A COST OF $400. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 14,000...UPDATED 06/16/14 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE REAR BRAKE CALIPER FROZE UP,WHILE DRIVING. THE CAMPER HAS NOT BEEN DRIVEN OVER THREE MONTHS.
Apr 22, 2014 · 14,000 miles
Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel
RECALL MADE DECEMBER 2005 TO REPAIR/REPLACE ACTIA INSTRUMENT CLUSTER (BULLETIN #8051-IA, REPLACES 80201-I, DATED MARCH 2002). HAVE HAD MOTOR HOME AT REPAIR SHOP SINCE OCTOBER, 2012 & HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO GET "WORKHORSE (NAVISTAR) CUSTOMER SERVICE TO CORRECT THE FAULT. KEEP GETTING PROMISE, WEEKLY, WITH NO RESULT. HAVE WRITTEN WINNEBAGO & WORKHORSE (NAVISTAR) ON OTHER PROBLEMS AND GET NO HELP FROM EITHER. THIS MOTOR HOME COST $86,000 NEW AND THEY REFUSE TO CORRECT A FAULT THAT MIGHT COST THEM LESS THAN $1,000 (MY GUESS). NEED SOMEONE TO PUT THEIR FEET TO THE FIRE AND GET THIS COMPLETED (AT NO COST TO ME) BFORE TRYING TO READ LCD READOUTS CAUSES A CATASTROPHIC EVENT. [XXX] INFORMATION…
Mar 1, 2013 · 16,000 miles
Service brakes, hydraulic
BOSCH HYDRAULIC BRAKE SYSTEM FAILURE ON WORKHORSE W22 CHASIS. RIGHT FRONT BRAKE HUNG UP IN PARTIAL POSITION CAUSING OVERHEATING AND SEVERE DAMAGE TO BRAKE PARTS AND DAMAGING (MELTING) THE ANTI-LOCK WHEEL SENSOR. LOSS OF BRAKE PERFORMANCE. COMPLETE BRAKE SYSTEM (4) REPLACEMENT BY DEALERSHIP SERVICE DEPARTMENT REQUIRED AT COST OF $2,600.00. OLD PARTS AVAILABLE. *TR
Feb 11, 2009 · 26,000 miles
Equipment › Recreational vehicle/trailer › Lpg systems › Lines and fittings
DT: 2005 WINNEBAGO SIGHTSEER 29. THE PROPANE GAS LINE FOR THE STOVE IS COLLAPSING EACH TIME THE SLIDE OUT IS BROUGHT IN. THE PROPANE GAS LINE HAS A POTENTIAL OF FRACTURING AFTER REPEATED COLLAPSING, ALLOWING THE PROPANE GAS TO ESCAPE AND SET THE MOTOR HOME ON FIRE. THE CONSUMER CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER, AND THEY URGED HIM TO CONTACT THE DEALERSHIP THAT THEY WOULD SEND OUT AN INSPECTOR. THE CONSUMER CANNOT USE MOTOR HOME BECAUSE IT IS A POTENTIAL FIRE TRAP. THE COLLAPSING HAPPENS EVERY TIME THE SLIDE OUT COMES IN EACH TIME THE CONSUMER CAMPS. PURCHASED THE VEHICLE ON JANUARY 29, 2005. IT IS THE DESIGN OF THE VEHICLE THAT CAUSES THIS PROBLEM. *AK
Jan 29, 2005
Seat belts
2005 WINNEBAGO SIGHTSEER MODEL 29R SAFETY PROBLEM WITH THE SEAT BELT SYSTEM.*MR THE CONSUMER STATED THERE WAS NO VERTICAL ADJUSTMENT FOR THE SEAT BELT, WHICH COULD POSSIBLY CAUSE SERIOUS INJURIES TO THE CONSUMER IF THERE WAS AN ACCIDENT. *JB THE CONSUMERS WIFE WAS FORCED TO WRAP THE SHOULDER BELT AROUND THE ARM REST MAKING THE SEAT BELT USELESS.
Jan 1, 1901

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