2001 Winnebago Adventurer Problems, Complaints & Recalls

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.

Problem: Winnebago is recalling 1,547 model year 2001-2003 recreational vehicles equipped with norcold model 1200lrim refrigerators, manufactured from march 1, 2001 to december 31, 2002, with serial numbers between 1273701 and 1536607, non-consecutively. A fatigue failure in the section of the cooling unit which contains the refrigerant could allow the liquid solution to slowly leak. If a leak occurs and the refrigerator continues to be operated after solution circulation has ceased the heat source could generate very high temperatures. At such high temperatures, the cooling unit could rupture.

Risk: If a leak occurs and the unit is continues to operate, hydrogen gas may be expelled and can be ignited, resulting in a fire, possibly causing serious injury or death.

Fix: Winnebago is working with norcold and norcold will notify owners and the vehicle's refrigerator will be repaired free of charge (please see 09e-027). Owners may contact norcold's recall center at 1-800-767-9101.

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.

Problem: Vehicle description: motor homes built on a workhorse chassis. The black pipe supplying liquid propane (lp) gas to the furnace was not long enough, which could cause the copper line that is connected to this pipe to come in contact with the end of the leaf spring of the suspension.

Risk: If this happens, the copper line may get damaged and over time, a leak could develop which has the potential to ignite, resulting in bodily injury and/or property damage.

Fix: Dealers will replace the black pipe and replace the lp line. Owner notification began august 10, 2001. 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.

Problem: Vehicle description: class a motor homes equipped with safety belt assemblies built by am-safe. On some seat belts, the buckle and connector may unlatch during a collision.

Risk: Serious injury or death could occur if the vehicle occupant is not properly restrained.

Fix: Dealers will inspect the lap belts and, if necessary, replace it with a new belt assembly. Owner notification began may 25, 2001. 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 am-safe at 1-219-266-8330 or winnebago at 1-641-585-6939.

Problem: Vehicle description: motor homes. The copper line supplying liquid propane gas (lpg) to the furnace may have been improperly clamped, which could cause the line to come in contact with a metal flange.

Risk: If this happens, the copper line could be damaged and could develop a leak which has the potential to ignite.

Fix: Dealers will re-route the lpg line. Owner notification began april 12, 2001. 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.