2009 Tiffin Phaeton Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Source: NHTSA · Updated Dec 28, 2017 · 1 owner complaints analyzed

Compared with other Phaeton years
Not enough data 13th of 28 for complaints
NHTSA crash rating
Not rated

Owners have filed 1 complaint with NHTSA about the 2009 Tiffin Phaeton. That ranks 13th out of 28 Phaeton model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is visibility/wiper (1 complaints, 100%), typically at around 29,000 miles. There are 8 safety recalls covering this model year. NHTSA has opened 1 defect investigation involving it.

Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.

Compare with another car

Most common 2009 Tiffin Phaeton problems

Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.

Visibility/wiper1 · ~29,000 mi
Problem areaComplaintsShareMedian milesOwners mention mostTypical repair cost
Visibility/wiper1100%29,000——

One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.

2009 Tiffin Phaeton recalls (8)

Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.

EquipmentDec 22, 2017 · NHTSA campaign 17V841000 · 36,005 vehicles

Problem: Tiffin Motorhomes, Inc. (Tiffin) is recalling certain 2009-2018 Allegro and Allegro RED, Bus and Phaeton vehicles, 2009-2010 Bay vehicles, 2011-2018 Breeze vehicles, and 2009-2015, and 2017-2018 Zephyr vehicles. These motorhomes are equipped with Kidde Plastic-Handle or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers that may become clogged, preventing the extinguisher from discharging as expected or excessive force may be needed to activate the extinguisher. Additionally, in certain models, the nozzle may detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury and also render the product inoperable. For a full list of the affected fire extinguisher models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17E062-5427.pdf

Risk: In the event of a fire, if the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury.

Fix: Tiffin will notify owners, and instruct them to contact Kidde for a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began on February 5, 2018. Owners may contact Kidde customer service toll-free at 1-855-262-3540, or online at www.kidde.com and click on "Product Safety Recall" for more information. Owners may also contact Tiffin customer service at 1-256-356-8661.

Visibility:windshield wiper/washerJul 13, 2016 · NHTSA campaign 16V532000 · 10,351 vehicles

Problem: Tiffin Motorhomes, Inc. (Tiffin) is recalling certain model year 2007-2011 Allegro, Allegro Bus, Phaeton, and Zephyr motorhomes, 2007-2010 Allegro Bay motorhomes, and 2010-2011 Allegro Breeze motorhomes. The windshield wiper arms on the affected vehicles may break off.

Risk: If the windshield wiper arms break, the driver's visibility may be reduced, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Tiffin will notify owners, and dealers will replace the wiper blade arms, free of charge. The recall began on August 19, 2016. Owners may contact Tiffin customer service at 1-256-356-8661. Tiffin's number for this recall is TIFF-100.

Equipment:recreational vehicle/trailerDec 28, 2015 · NHTSA campaign 15V880000 · 14,889 vehicles

Problem: Tiffin Motorhomes (Tiffin) is recalling certain model year 2007-2015 motorhomes manufactured May 1, 2007, to December 31, 2014, equipped with certain Coachstep Double and Triple Electric Steps. The bolt that attaches the fan gear assembly to the steps may fracture allowing the fan gear to disengage from the steps. As a result, the steps may not remain in the expected position and may become unstable.

Risk: Unstable entry and exit steps increase the risk of injury.

Fix: Dealers will install a retainer bracket on the double step assemblies and the Coachstep Linkage Assembly will be replaced and a retainer bracket will be installed on the trip step assemblies. The recall began on Ferbuary 10, 2016. Owners may contact Tiffin customer service at 1-256-356-8661, or Lippert customer service at 1-574-537-8900.

Exterior lighting; electrical system:wiring:fuses and circuit breakersMay 22, 2014 · NHTSA campaign 14V271000 · 4,414 vehicles

Problem: Tiffin Motorhomes, Inc. (Tiffin) is recalling certain model year 2009-2011 Allegro, 2010-2011 Bus and Breeze, and 2008-2011 Phaeton and Zephyr recreational vehicles, equipped with LED clearance lights made by Command Electronics, Inc. In the affected vehicles, moisture may enter the light and cause a short between two connections on the circuit board.

Risk: A short in the circuit board increases the risk of a fire.

Fix: Tiffin will notify owners, and dealers will install a one amp inline fuse into the front and rear circuits that will blow if there is a short in any of the clearance lights, free of charge. The recall began on July 31, 2014. Owners may contact Tiffin customer service at 1-256-356-8661.

Service brakes, hydraulic:pedals and linkagesAug 25, 2011 · NHTSA campaign 11V452000 · 1,960 vehicles

Problem: Tiffin motorhomes is recalling certain model year 2007-2011 phaeton, my 2008-2010 bus, and my 2010 allegro motorhomes equipped with kongsberg automotive adjustable brake pedals. The adjustable brake pedal arm may loosen allowing the arm to rotate around its shaft and swing in front of the accelerator pedal, reducing braking function.

Risk: A loose brake pedal increases the risk of a crash.

Fix: Damiler trucks (dtna) is performing recall repairs and notification to owners. The owners were initially notified by dtna trucks on december 22, 2009, and a follow up notice was mailed to owners on july 20, 2011. Owners may contact dtna warranty claims department at 1-800-547-0712 or tiffin motorhomes at 1-256-356-8661 for more information.

Equipment:recreational vehicle/trailerNov 22, 2010 · NHTSA campaign 10V585000 · 2,717 vehicles

Problem: Tiffin 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: Tiffin 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 on february 17, 2011. Owners may contact norcold at 1-800-767-9101 or tiffin at 1-256-356-8661.

Trailer hitchesFeb 27, 2009 · NHTSA campaign 09V069000 · 1,408 vehicles

Problem: Tiffin is recalling 1,408 my 2006-2009 allegro bus, my 2007-2009 phaeton and my 2005-2009 zephyr vehicles built on spartan chassis and equipped with putman hitches. Certain trailer hitches may fracture which could result in the loss of the trailer.

Risk: Suspect hitches may develop fractures and subsequent separation may occur, resulting in a vehicle crash, property damage or pedestrian harm.

Fix: Tiffin is working with spartan and spartan is handling the remedy for this campaign (please see 08v-567). The trailer hitch will be replaced free of charge. Owners may contact spartan at 1-517-543-6400 or tiffin at 256-356-8661.

SuspensionJun 17, 2008 · NHTSA campaign 08V269000 · 2,506 vehicles

Problem: Daimler trucks is recalling 2,506 my 2008 xc motor home chassis and thomas built hdx school and transit buses equipped with saf-holland adl series rear suspensions. In some instances the transverse beam was not properly welded which could result in a failure of the weld.

Risk: If the weld fails, vehicle stability while cornering could be affected resulting in loss of vehicle control, possibly resulting in a crash. In addition, the transverse beam could drop to the ground causing sparks that could cause a fire hazard.

Fix: Daimler trucks is working with saf-holland to have a visual inspection of the adl transverse beam performed. If a weld defect is identified, saf-holland will provide a service replacement kit that contains a new transverse beam, all necessary installation hardware, beam replacement, and instructions free of charge (please see 08e031). The recall recall began on september 12, 2008 (thomas built buses) and october 8, 2008. Owners may contact saf-holland at 1-231-773-3271 or daimler trucks at 1-800-547-0712.

To see whether a specific car still has an open recall, enter its VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup. You can also decode a VIN here.

NHTSA defect investigations

  • Loss of Windshield Wiper Function (PE16004) — opened Apr 13, 2016, closed Sep 3, 2016, led to recall 16V532000.

Recent owner reports

Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 tiffin phaeton rv. The contact stated that while driving 50 mph in a rain storm, both windshield wiper brackets broke off. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the contact purchases two new arm assemblies to reinstall the windshield brackets himself. The…

Visibility/wiper · received Oct 5, 2012 · NHTSA complaint 10478772

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Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2009 Tiffin Phaeton?

Owners most often report visibility/wiper problems. The top one, visibility/wiper, accounts for 1 complaint.

Was there a recall on the 2009 Tiffin Phaeton?

Yes, 8 safety recalls. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.

Was the 2009 Tiffin Phaeton a good year?

Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other Phaeton model years, the 2009 has too little data to compare. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.