2004 Winnebago Brave 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 2,331 my 2002-2004 brave and itasca sunrise my 2005 2006 winnebago voyage, adventurer, itasca sunrise and suncruiser motor homes. The propane tank mounting bracket may have an incomplete or improper weld.

Risk: Should the weld fail, the propane tank can tip or fall, possibly releasing propane which has the potential to ignitea fire, resulting in personal injury and/or vehicle and property damage.

Fix: Dealers will inspect and properly weld the bracket free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during may 2009. Owners may contact winnebago at 800-537-1885.

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.

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.

Problem: On certain motor homes equipped with samsung microwave ovens, these units were produced with a defective panel. An electrical short can occur between circuit patterns on the membrane panel, especially overlapped by a "jumper" or jump wire. This may cause the oven to activate without pressing any key pads.

Risk: An electrical short can occur causing the oven to activate without pressing any key pads. This could result in excessive heat, smoke, or possibly a fire.

Fix: Samsung will notify customers and repair the panel free of charge. In the meantime, consumers should unplug their microwave, if possible. If the consumer is unable to unplug the microwave, they should leave the door ajar until the panel is replaced. Consumers should never use the microwave oven for storage or leave any towels, paper, cloth or other products in the microwave after use. 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 samsung at 800-932-3837 or winnebago at 641-585-3535.