Here is our monthly summary of RV recalls for April 2017 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.
UNITED STATES RECALLS
RECREATION VEHICLES
Entegra Coach (Entegra) is recalling certain 2012-2013 and 2015-2018 Anthem; 2013 and 2017-2018 Aspire; and 2012-2018 Cornerstone motorhomes built on a Spartan Motors chassis. The ball joints on the independent front suspension (IFS) modules can loosen and separate, leading to a partial loss of steering. A separated ball joint can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash. Entegra will notify owners, and Spartan service centers will remove, clean, apply thread locker, and reinstall the properly torqued ball joint, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact call Spartan customer service at 1-800-543-4277 or Entegra customer service at 1-800-945-4787.
Forest River Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2007-2011 Cherokee recreational trailers. The Federal Placards on these vehicles incorrectly state a Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) of 3,970 lbs., when the actual capacity is 3,500 lbs. The Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) is also incorrect. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of 49 CFR Part 567, “Certification.” The incorrect information may result in a user unintentionally overloading the vehicle, increasing the risk of the crash. Forest River will notify owners, and dealers will replace the Federal Placard with corrected one, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin June 5, 2017. Owners may contact Forest River at 1-260-593-4001 extension 17119. Forest River’s number for this recall is 17-04042017-0367.
Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2016-2017 XLR Toyhauler recreational vehicles. The fasteners for the side patio deck bar lock in these vehicles may not be strong enough, allowing the patio door to unlatch and the deck to drop unexpectedly. If the patio deck drops while the vehicle is in use, there would be an increased risk of a crash. Forest River will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fasteners with stronger ones, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin May 31, 2017. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-574-642-0432. Forest River’s number for this recall is 45-03242017-0360.
SIGN UP FOR OUR FREE MONTHLY
RV RECALLS NEWSLETTER
or any of the other free newsletters from RVtravel.com
Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2017 Rockwood and Flagstaff recreational vehicles. The Federal Placard may indicate an incorrect Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) of 2,200 lbs. when the correct GAWR actually is 3,000 lbs. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of 49 CFR Part 567, “Certification.” Inaccurate GAWR information on the Federal placard can increase the risk of a crash. Forest River will notify owners, and dealers will install a corrected Federal Placard, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on June 15, 2017. Owner’s may contact Forest River customer service at 1-574-642-2640. Forest River’s number for this recall is 10-04042017-0366.
Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2017 Salem and Wildwood recreational vehicles. The Federal Placard on these vehicles incorrectly lists the Gross Axle Weight Rating capacity (GAWR) being 5,080 lbs, when the axles actually have a capacity of 4,400 lbs. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of 49 CFR Part 567, “Certification.” The incorrect GAWR may result in the vehicle being overloaded, causing a loss of control and increasing the risk of a crash. Forest River will notify owners, and dealers will provide a new Federal Placard with the correct GAWR, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin May 29, 2017. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-574-534-4058. Forest River’s number for this recall is 27-03292017-0362.
Gulf Stream Coach, Inc. (Gulf Stream) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Amerilite trailers, model 14RBC. The Federal Placard on these vehicles may have incorrect Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) information. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of 49 CFR Part 567, “Certification.” Incorrect GVWR information may result in the trailer being overloaded. Gulf Stream will notify owners and will provide a corrected Federal Placard, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in April 2017. Owners may contact Gulf Stream customer service at 1-800-289-8787. Gulf Stream’s number for this recall is GS040417.
Keystone RV Company (Keystone) is recalling certain 2017 Cougar recreational trailers, models 326RDS, 327RKL, 333MKS, 336BHS and 359MBI. These vehicles were built with a manual-resetting 12 volt circuit breaker, which cannot be used in close proximity to the liquid propane storage. If the breaker sparks when it is being manually reset, it can increase the risk of a fire. Keystone will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the trailers and replace the breaker with one that automatically resets, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on March 29, 2017. Owners may contact Keystone customer service at 1-866-425-4369. Keystone’s number for this recall is 17-282.
Newmar Corporation (Newmar) is recalling certain 2017 King Aire motorhomes. The seals on the headlight harness connectors may not be properly seated, allowing water to enter the connector. As a result, the glass dash display may switch to the turn signal camera mode causing the dash to show the turn signal side camera view over the speedometer and RPM displays. If the driver cannot see the speedometer and RPM displays, there would be an increased risk of a crash. Newmar will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and reseat the seals as needed, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin June 3, 2017. Owners may contact Newmar customer service at 1-800-731-8300.
Newmar Corporation (Newmar) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Dutch Star, 2016-2018 Mountain Aire and London Aire, and 2012-2018 Essex and King Aire motorhomes built on a Spartan Motors chassis. The ball joints on the independent front suspension (IFS) modules can loosen and separate, leading to a partial loss of steering. A separated ball joint can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash. Newmar will notify owners, and Spartan service centers will remove, clean, apply thread locker, reinstall and torque the ball joints, as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin May 21, 2017. Owners may contact Spartan at 1-800-543-4277 to locate a qualified service center or contact Newmar customer service at 1-574-773-7791. Newmar’s number for this recall is 17004.
REV Recreation Group (REV) is recalling certain 2017 Fleetwood Bounder and Holiday Rambler Vacationer vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with Federal Placards that incorrectly list a tire size of 235/80R 22.5 G when the actual tire size is 255/80R 22.5 G. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of 49 CFR Part 567, “Certification.” If the operator were to replace the tires according to the information on the Federal Placard, it could increase the risk of a crash. REV will notify owners, and dealers will install a corrected label, free of charge. The recall began on April 12, 2017. Owners may contact REV customer service at 1-800-509-3417. REV’s number for this recall is 170317REV.
Thor Motor Coach (TMC) is recalling certain 2017 Palazzo 36.1 and 36.3 motorhomes. The Federal certification label on these vehicles indicates an incorrect front tire rim size. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of 49 CFR Part 567, “Certification.” If the front rim is replaced based on the incorrect label information, it can cause an unsafe driving condition, increasing the risk of a crash. TMC will notify owners and will provide corrected replacement labels, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin June 5, 2017. Owners may contact TMC customer service at 1-877-500-1020. TMC’s number for this recall is RC000133.
Now available!
Locate services at Interstate exits
The 2017 Next Exit is the most complete USA Interstate highway exit directory ever published for every exit of major and most minor routes. Find what’s located at upcoming exits on your route — gas, food, lodging, camping, shopping, hospitals, Walmarts and much more. A best-seller year after year. Learn more or order.
Tiffin Motorhomes, Inc. (Tiffin) is recalling certain 2011-2016 Allegro Open Road motorhomes. The tow hitch on these vehicles can detach from the coach under heavy loading or hard braking conditions. If the hitch detaches, the tow vehicle would not be connected to the motorhome, increasing the risk of a crash. Tiffin will notify owners, and dealers will install frame rail extension liner brackets, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Tiffin Motorhomes customer service at 1-256-356-8661.
Tiffin Motorhomes, Inc. (Tiffin) is recalling certain 2017 Allegro Breeze motorhomes. The ball joints on the independent front suspension (IFS) modules can loosen and separate, leading to a partial loss of steering. A separated ball joint can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash. Tiffin will notify owners, and dealers will inspect, clean and secure the ball joint free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Tiffin customer service at 1-256-356-8661. Tiffin’s number for this recall is TIF-108.
Triple E Recreational Vehicles (Triple E) is recalling certain 2017 Wonder motorhomes, model W24MB. These vehicles are missing the ‘Exit’ decal that should have been installed on the driver side cab door. If the ‘Exit’ decal is missing, in the event of an emergency, occupants may not remember that the driver side cab door is an exit, increasing their risk of a injury. Triple E has notified owners and sent them an ‘Exit’ decal to install, free of charge. The recall began on March 27, 2017. Owners may contact Triple E customer service at 1-877-992-9906. Triple E’s number for this recall is CA #8593-1.
DO YOU HAVE A NORCOLD REFRIGERATOR?
If so, watch this important video about a critical recall where a class action lawsuit has been settled. Click on this page for the settlement website and a link to the court ruling.Â
OTHER VEHICLES
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014 Escape, 2014-2015 Fiesta ST, 2013-2014 Fusion and 2013-2015 Transit Connect vehicles equipped with 1.6L GTDI engines. If the vehicle is started and driven with an insufficient level of coolant within the engine cooling system, the engine cylinder head may overheat, crack and leak oil. If the cylinder head cracks and leaks oil, the oil may contact a hot engine or exhaust component, increasing the risk of a fire. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will install a coolant level sensor and the supporting hardware and software, free of charge. Remedy parts are currently unavailable. Interim notices informing owners of the safety risk were expected to be mailed April 18, 2017. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available, currently expected to be in late-2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford’s number for this recall is 17S09.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014 Ford Fiesta, 2013-2014 Ford Fusion and 2013-2014 Lincoln MKZ vehicles. A component within the door latches may break making the doors difficult to latch and/or leading the driver or a passenger to believe a door is securely closed when, in fact, it is not. A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace all four door latches, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin May 1, 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford’s number for this recall is 15S16.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017 Edge vehicles equipped with the optional Panoramic Vista Roof. These vehicles may have an improperly welded windshield header, reducing the vehicle’s lateral structural integrity. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 214, “Side Impact Protection.” If the vehicle has reduced lateral structural integrity, the occupants are at an increased risk of injury in the event of a side-impact crash. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will repair the windshield header, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin May 15, 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford’s number for the recall is 17C05
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017 Ford F-250 Super Duty trucks equipped with 6.2L engines and six-speed automatic transmissions. These transmissions may have a damaged park rod actuating plate that can result in unexpected vehicle movement even though the transmission has been shifted to ‘Park.’ As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 102, “Transmission Shift Lever Sequence/Starter Interlock/Transmission Braking Effect”, and number 114, “Theft Protection.” Unexpected vehicle movement such as a vehicle rollaway can increase the risk of a crash. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the park rod actuating plate and replace it, if necessary, free of charge. Remedy parts are currently unavailable. Interim notices informing owners of the safety risk are expected to be mailed in April 2017. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford’s number for this recall is 17C06.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017 Ford F-450 and F-550 Super Duty vehicles. Operating the vehicle at highway speeds may cause the driveline to vibrate and fracture the driveline components or the transmission. If the driveline or transmission fractures, the vehicle may lose motive power, increasing the risk of a crash. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driveshaft and two center bearing brackets, free of charge. Remedy parts are currently unavailable. Interim notices informing owners of the safety risk were mailed on April 6, 2017. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford recall number 17S08.
Camco Store at Amazon.com
There isn’t much you need for your RV that Camco doesn’t have. If you think we’re kidding, then click through to the Camco store on Amazon where you’ll find some of their best-selling products — all for your RV or for you to make your RVing better. Click here and you’ll feel like a kid in a candy store.
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2016 Honda Pilot 2WD and AWD vehicles. The affected vehicles have fuel tanks that may leak. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire. Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel tank, free of charge. The recall was expected to begin April 24, 2017. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda’s number for this recall is KE8.
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2013-2014 Sonata and Santa Fe Sport vehicles. Machining errors during the engine manufacturing process may cause premature bearing wear within the engine. Bearing wear may result in the engine seizing, increasing the risk of a crash. Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine, replacing the engine short block, as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin May 19, 2017. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai’s number for this recall is 162.
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2017 Elantra vehicles. The affected vehicles may have a damaged Electronic Power Steering (EPS) connector resulting in a loss of electric power steering assistance. Loss of power steering assist would require higher steering effort, especially at lower speeds, which may increase the risk of a crash. Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the EPS motor, free of charge. The recall was expected to begin April 28, 2017. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-243-7766. Hyundai’s number for this recall 161.
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2016 Outlander and Outlander Sport vehicles. The inside door latch mechanisms may not latch securely in high temperatures, allowing the doors to open while the vehicle is in motion. If a door opens while the vehicle is being driven, it can increase the risk of injury. MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the door latches, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA’s number for this recall is SR-17-002.
RV Camping in Corps of Engineers Parks
The U.S Army Corps of Engineers manages more than 12 million acres of land and water nationwide. In fact, it’s the largest federal provider of outdoor recreation in the nation. This book will guide you to more than 600 Corps-managed campgrounds with sites suitable for RV camping on nearly 200 lakes around the country. Many RVers believe Corps campgrounds are among the best out there! Learn more or order.
OTHER EQUIPMENT AND TIRES
Nothing significant to report this month.
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.
Did you miss
last Saturday’s issue of RV Travel?Â
Editor Chuck Woodbury explains why we don’t really need public campgrounds anymore.
You can read it here.
SIGN UP FOR OUR FREE MONTHLY
RV RECALLS NEWSLETTER
or any of the other free newsletters from RVtravel.com
This newsletter is copyright © 2017 by RVtravel.com.
Â
With all the income from advertising and product sales on your website, I find it unusual and awkward that you ask for donations from readers to further supplement your income. Very tacky tactic ?
We have far less advertising than we had years ago. Our major income used to come from our site RVbookstore.com. Then the book business died and we had to figure a way to increase our revenue without adding more advertising. Most of the ads you see are from Amazon. Those are not paid ads. We get a very small cut if our readers buy something by responding to those ad-like messages. If nobody buys, we earn nothing.
And think about it: most of the magazines we all read ask for subscriptions, but they are packed with ads.
In the online publishing business, reader support is increasingly becoming a way to make ends meet. Maybe if you saw our expenses including the fact that we pay most of our writers (most small websites and even big ones do not, they just take advantage of their writers), you would understand.
Chuck
He does not obligate you to donate in order to continue your subscription. It seems to me that your criticism isn’t merited, and may be even more tacky than a suggested subscription price of 40 cents a month, or……golly…….a whole $5 a year for subject matter that is diverse and of interest to just about anyone one who has an RV
What about Dometic refers they have been corroding for years why are they not recalled?