Here is our monthly summary of RV recalls for February 2019 and related equipment we feel are of interest to our readers. This information has been gleaned from the U.S. National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. This is NOT a complete list of all vehicles and related equipment recalled.

Do you shop at Amazon? If so, would you use one of the links below to do your shopping? The link in the blue bar above also works. We get a tiny commission on what you buy. Even though our commission is small, at the end of the month it adds up, which helps fund this newsletter and our projects. Thanks.

U.S. shoppers: Shop at Amazon.com
Canadian shoppers: Shop at Amazon.ca

UNITED STATES RECALLS

RECREATION VEHICLES

Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2019 Forest River Salem and Wildwood recreational trailers. The clearance lights on these vehicles may not work due to being incorrectly wired. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, ““Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment.” Inoperative clearance lights can reduce the trailer’s visibility to others, increasing the risk of a crash. Forest River will notify owners, and dealers will correct the clearance light wiring, free of charge. The recall began December 18, 2018. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-574-534-6127. Forest River’s number for this recall is 63-0921.

Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2019 Rockport vehicles. The Federal Placard may indicate an incorrect Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR), which can allow the vehicle to be overloaded. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of 49 CFR Part 567, “Certification.” An overloaded vehicle may cause the operator to lose control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. Forest River has notified owners, and dealers will replace the Federal Placard with a new corrected Placard, free of charge. The recall began January 18, 2018. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-574-522-7599. Forest River’s number for this recall is 51-0919.

Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2019 Coachmen Apex, Spirit, Primetime Impression, and Tracer recreational trailers. The inner hub bearings may not have been sufficiently greased, which can cause the bearings to overheat and fail. If the bearings overheat, the hub may fail, affecting handling and increasing the risk of a crash. Forest River will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and repair the hubs and bearings, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began February 4, 2019. Owners may contact Primetime customer service at (574) 862-1025, Coachmen Apex (574) 358-0401, Coachmen Spirit (574) 825-8205, or Dexter Axle (574) 295-7888. Forest River’s number for this recall is 51-0923

Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2019 Salem and Wildwood recreational trailers. The power cord hatch is located above the water heater exhaust, possibly resulting in the cord or the hatch melting. A melted cord may result in bare wiring, increasing the risk of fire. Forest River has notified owners, and dealers will secure the power cord away from the water heater exhaust, free of charge. The recall began February 4, 2019. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 574-534-6127. Forest River’s number for this recall is 44-0929.

Heartland Recreational Vehicles, LLC (Heartland) is recalling certain Milestone recreational trailers, model 377MB. The liquid propane (LP) gas hose for the water heater may have been improperly secured with a zip tie. If the zip tie fails, the hose may contact the tire. If the LP hose contacts the tire, it can cause a propane leak, increasing the risk of a fire. Heartland will notify owners, and dealers will secure the hose with a P-clamp and replace the LP hose if damage is found, free of charge. The recall was expected to begin February 11, 2019. Owners may contact Heartland customer service at 1-877-262-8032. Heartland’s number for this recall is 99.01.44.

Keystone RV Company (Keystone) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Keystone Raptor recreational trailers. The quick disconnect rubber propane line may be incorrectly routed, allowing the outside grill to be stored while the fuel supply is still on and the flame is still lit. If the grill is stored while the flame is still lit, it can increase the risk of a fire. Keystone has notified owners, and dealers will replace the quick disconnect rubber propane line with a line that must be disconnected prior to storing the grill, free of charge. The recall began on January 14, 2019. Owners may contact Keystone customer service at 1-866-425-4369. Keystone’s number for this recall is 19-343.

Newmar Corporation (Newmar) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Newmar Essex, Ventana LE, Ventana, London Aire, and Mountain Aire vehicles. The brake caliper mounting bolts may not have been sufficiently tightened. Loose brake caliper mounting bolts can reduce brake effectiveness, increasing the risk of a crash. Newmar has notified owners, and Daimler Trucks North America dealers will inspect and tighten the brake caliper mounting bolts, free of charge. The recall began January 10, 2019. Owners may contact Newmar customer service at 1-800-731-8300. Newmar’s number for this recall is 18V-703.

Triple E Recreational Vehicles (Triple E) is recalling certain 2019 Serenity recreational vehicles, model S24CB. The coach battery compartment door support metal cable may contact the positive battery terminal. If the cable contacts the positive battery terminal, a short may occur, increasing the risk of a fire. Triple E will notify owners, and dealers will replace the battery compartment door support metal cable with one that is covered with tubing, free of charge. The recall was expected to begin in February 2019. Owners may contact Triple E customer service at 1-877-992-9906. Triple E’s number for this recall is CA#9208-1.

OTHER VEHICLES

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2010 Dodge Ram 3500, Ram 4500/5500, 2010-2011 Dodge Dakota, 2010-2014 Dodge Challenger, 2010-2015 Dodge Challenger, Chrysler 300, and 2010-2016 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver’s frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to explode. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger’s frontal air bag, the inflator could explode with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began February 4, 2019. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler’s number for this recall is V01.

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Ram 3500 and 2014-2017 Ram 3500 Chassis Cab and Ram 2500 vehicles. The outboard steering linkage jam nut may loosen, allowing one end of the drag link to separate. A drag link separation can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of crash. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will check the steering linkage jam nut tightness, replacing the drag link assembly or welding the nut to the adjuster sleeve, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on March 16, 2019. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler’s number for this recall is V06.

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The instrument cluster may fail resulting in a lack of activation of warning chimes, messages, and gauges. Without the activation of warning chimes, messages, and gauges to provide vehicle information to the driver, there would be an increased risk of a crash. Chrysler has notified owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, replace the instrument cluster, free of charge. The recall began February 7, 2019. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler’s number for this recall is UC4.

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019 Ram 1500 vehicles equipped with adjustable pedals. The affected vehicles have a brake pedal that may move too far and separate from the pedal assembly. If the brake pedal separates from the pedal assembly, the driver may be unable to brake the vehicle, increasing the risk of crash. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will repair the adjustable pedal assembly, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on March 27, 2019. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler’s number for this recall is V07.

Amazon Deals of the Day!
Here are more than 1,000 special deals, just for today. And the items just keep on changing. If you can’t find a great deal here on something you want, then, well, you must not need anything. If nothing else, it sure is fun to poke around here to see the incredible array of cool stuff that’s available at this very moment at bargain prices! Click here for today’s deals!

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019 Ram 1500 vehicles. The battery ground fastener on the driver-side front fender may have been improperly secured, possibly resulting in a loss of power steering assist. A loss of power steering could vary the steering effort required, possibly causing vehicle oversteer or understeer, increasing the risk of crash. Chrysler has notified owners, and dealers will properly secure the ground fastener, free of charge. The recall began on February 11, 2019. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler’s number for this recall is V04.

Daimler Vans USA, LLC (Daimler Vans) is recalling certain 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter VS30 vehicles. The steering shaft that connects to the steering gear may disconnect without warning. The steering shaft disconnecting from the steering gear can cause a sudden loss of steering control, increasing risk of a crash. Daimler Vans will notify owners, advising them to stop driving the vehicle immediately. Dealers will inspect the bolts connecting the steering shaft to the steering gear, fully tightening and/or adjusting them, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began February 15, 2019. Owners may contact Daimler Van’s customer service at 1-800-367-6372. Daimler Van’s number for this recall is 2019010006.

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2013 F-150 vehicles equipped with a 6-speed automatic transmission. The transmission may unexpectedly downshift into first gear, regardless of vehicle speed. Unexpectedly downshifting into first gear may result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin March 4, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford’s number for this recall is 19S07.

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014 Ford Mustang vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of AL, CA, FL, GA, Hawaii, LA, MS, SC, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or “Zone A.” Additionally, Ford is recalling certain 2011 Ford Ranger and Mercury Milan vehicles, 2011-2012 Ford Fusion and Lincoln Zephyr/MKZ vehicles and 2011-2014 Ford Mustang vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of AZ, AR, DE, District of Columbia, IL, IN, KS, KY, MD, MO, NE, NV, NJ, NM, NC, Ohio, OK, PA, TN, VA, and WV or “Zone B.” Ford is also recalling certain 2010 Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX vehicles, 2010-2011 Ford Ranger and Mercury Milan vehicles, 2010-2012 Ford Fusion and Lincoln Zephyr/MKZ vehicles, and 2010-2014 Ford Mustang vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of AK, CO, CT, ID, IA, ME, MA, MI, MN, MT, NH, NY, ND, OR, RI, SD, UT, VT, WA, WI, and WY or “Zone C.” These vehicles are equipped with air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, used as original equipment or replacement equipment (such as after a vehicle crash necessitating replacement of the original air bags), that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall was expected to begin February 18, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford’s number for this recall 19S01.

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Ridgeline trucks. Exposure to acids, such as from car wash soaps, can result in the fuel pump feed port cracking. A crack in the fuel pump feed port can allow pressurized fuel to leak out, increasing the risk of a fire. Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump, if necessary, and install a fuel pump cover, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on March 7, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. The recall number for this recall is Q3V.

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Sonata and 2013-2014 Santa Fe Sport vehicles previously repaired under recall numbers 15V-568 and 17V-226. The high pressure fuel pipe that connects to the fuel pump outlet may have been damaged, misaligned, or improperly torqued during the engine replacement procedure, allowing fuel to leak from the pipe. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire. Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pipe, as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in February 2019. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai’s recall number for this recall is 180.

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Optima, 2012-2017 Sorento and 2011-2018 Sportage vehicles that previously received an engine replacement under recall number 17V-224, warranty, or the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) Product Improvement Campaign. The high pressure fuel pipe that connects to the fuel pump outlet may have been damaged, misaligned or improperly torqued during the engine replacement procedure, possibly causing a fuel leak. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire. Kia has notified owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pipe, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 17, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia’s number for this recall is SC172.

Easily clean those stubborn bugs off your RV
The Microfiber Mesh Bug and Tar Sponge has millions of tiny fibers embedded in the microfiber cloth that grabs and holds the dust and dirt. It is so effective it even cleans without chemicals, saving both time and money. The secret of this sponge lies in its unique, double-layer microfiber mesh. Older nylon bug sponges can harm your clear coat, but this one is completely paint safe. Learn more or order.

Nissan of North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2009 Murano vehicles. The valves within the ABS Hydraulic Control Units (HCU) may react with brake fluids containing specific corrosion preventative additives. This reaction may cause the valves to not close properly. If the valves do not properly close, additional brake pedal travel may be required to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. Nissan has notified owners, and dealers will flush the brake system with DOT 4 fluid. The HCU will then be tested to detect a possible stuck valve condition. If necessary, the HCU will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began February 7, 2019. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669.

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2018 Legacy, Outback, and BRZ vehicles. In the affected vehicles, a software issue may cause the audio display system to not initialize, resulting in the camera display remaining blank. If this occurs, the rearview image will not display while backing up the vehicle. As a result, the vehicles fail to comply with requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety (FMVSS) number 111, “Rearview Mirrors.” Failure to display the rearview image while backing up increases the risk of crash. Subaru has notified owners, and dealers will reprogram the audio system display software, free of charge. The recall began on February 5, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru’s number for this recall is WTZ-85.

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2019 Toyota Tundra standard and long bed trucks equipped with a spray-in bed liner. The load carrying capacity modification label may have been incorrectly calculated. If the label is followed, the vehicle may be overloaded. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, “Tire Selection and Rims.” An overloaded vehicle can increase the risk of a crash. Toyota has notified owners, and provided corrected load carrying capacity labels, free of charge. The recall began on January 24, 2019. The recall number is J08. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371.

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Volkswagen Atlas, 2015 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen, and 2019 Volkswagen Jetta vehicles. The rear coil springs may prematurely fracture. If a coil spring fractures while driving, it may damage a rear tire causing a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash. Volkswagen has notified owners, and dealers will replace the rear axle coil springs, free of charge. The recall began January 31, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen’s number for this recall is 42J2/42J3.

JOIN THE FACEBOOK GROUP: RV Horror Stories (A place to share your story about a new RV you recently bought that is riddled with defects that your dealer or manufacturer can’t or won’t repair.)

OTHER EQUIPMENT AND TIRES

Nothing significant to report at this time.

Please note: This is only a list of recalls we feel may be of interest to the RVing community. There may be other recalls which may affect you — please make it a point to visit appropriate government sources for more information.

What is a recall?
When a manufacturer or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) determines that a car or item of motor vehicle equipment creates an unreasonable risk to safety or fails to meet minimum safety standards, the manufacturer is required to fix that car or equipment at no cost to the consumer. That can be done by repairing it, replacing it, offering a refund (for equipment) or, in rare cases, repurchasing the car.

What should I do if my vehicle is included in this recall?
If your vehicle is included in this recall, it is very important that you get it fixed as soon as possible given the potential danger to you and your passengers if it is not addressed. You should receive a separate letter in the mail from the vehicle manufacturer, notifying you of the recall and explaining when the remedy will be available, whom to contact to repair your vehicle or equipment, and to remind you that the repair will be done at no charge to you. If you believe your vehicle is included in the recall, but you do not receive a letter in the mail from the vehicle manufacturer, please call NHTSA’s Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236, or contact your vehicle manufacturer or dealership.

Thank you for your attention to this important safety matter and for your commitment to helping save lives on America’s roadways.

Here are some useful websites regarding recalls:
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is the agency which handles vehicle recalls.
• Here is a link to the main NHTSA website, which covers everything they do.
• Here’s a link to where you can enter your vehicle’s VIN to see if it has ever been involved in a recall.
• Here is the link if you ever want to file a vehicle safety complaint.

Did you miss last week’s issue of RV Travel? You can read it here.

This newsletter is copyright © 2019 by RVtravel.com.