2005 Winnebago Sightseer Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Source: NHTSA · Updated Aug 4, 2022 · 8 owner complaints analyzed

Compared with other Sightseer years
Not enough data 4th of 23 for complaints
NHTSA crash rating
Not rated

Owners have filed 8 complaints with NHTSA about the 2005 Winnebago Sightseer. That ranks 4th out of 23 Sightseer model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is service brakes (3 complaints, 38%), typically at around 19,700 miles. There are 5 safety recalls covering this model year.

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

Compare with another car

Most common 2005 Winnebago Sightseer problems

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

Service Brakes3 · ~19,700 mi
Service Brakes, Hydraulic2 · ~20,000 mi
Electrical System1 · ~16,000 mi
Equipment1
Seat Belts1
Problem areaComplaintsShareMedian milesOwners mention mostTypical repair cost
Service Brakes338%19,700——
Service Brakes, Hydraulic225%20,000——
Electrical System113%16,000——
Equipment113%———
Seat Belts113%———

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

Complaints by year received

Peak: 2005, with 2 complaints
2005: 2200522009: 1200912013: 1201312014: 1201412015: 2201522022: 120221

n = 8 complaints · Source: NHTSA

2005 Winnebago Sightseer recalls (5)

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

EquipmentOct 26, 2010 · NHTSA campaign 10V525000 · 18,461 vehicles

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.

Seat beltsOct 5, 2010 · NHTSA campaign 10V467000 · 1,925 vehicles

Problem: Winnebago is recalling certain model year 2005 through 2009 winnebago sightseer and itasca sunova motor homes because the dinette area seat belt restraints on those vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 210, "seat belt assembly anchorages." in a collision, the generated crash forces can cause the restraint's attachment to tear and allow the anchor to separate from the body of the vehicle.

Risk: If the restraint separates from the vehicle during a crash, the belt will not properly restrain the seat occupant, increasing the risk of injury or death to the occupant.

Fix: Winnebago will notify owners a dealers will repair the vehicles free of charge. The safety recall began on december 10, 2010. Owners may contact winnebago at 1-800-537-1885.

Service brakes, hydraulicMay 28, 2009 · NHTSA campaign 09V186000

Problem: Winnebago is recalling vehicles equipped with axles that include bosh zops or zoht pin slide hydraulic disc brakes. When combined with occasional or seasonal vehicle operation may experience calipers sticking in the applied position. This can result in abnormal heat generation at the wheel end causing brake drag. The driver would normally have warning of the brake drag if undetected by the driver.

Risk: The driver would normally detect the brake drag but if undetected the temperature increase at the wheel end can eventually lead to soft pedal conditions due to brake fluid boil, and possible extended stopping distance increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the necessary components free of charge workhorse is handling the remedy for this campaign please see 09v-110. The manufacturer has not yet provided an owner notification schedule. Owners may contact workhorse at 1-877-246-7731 or winnebago at 1-641-585-3535.

Fuel system, gasoline:delivery:hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsDec 22, 2004 · NHTSA campaign 04V609000 · 3,538 vehicles

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.

Seat belts:front:buckle assemblyDec 18, 2004 · NHTSA campaign 04V608000 · 6,201 vehicles

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.

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.

Recent owner reports

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

When driving the ABS warning alerted us. We stopped and inspected, but came up with nothing. After returning to drive mode the RV started making a loud hissing sound. We stopped and had it towed to a mechanic shop. The Park Assist brake burnt up and needed to be replaced. After paying several…

Service Brakes · received Aug 4, 2022 · NHTSA complaint 11477518

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 winnebago sightseer. While driving at 40 mph, the brake pedal was depressed and the brakes seized causing the vehicle to stop prematurely. The contact mentioned that the brake pedal had to be lifted with the foot in order for it to return to normal working position. The…

Service Brakes · received Aug 25, 2015 · NHTSA complaint 10759199

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 winnebago sightseer. The contact stated that while driving at 30 mph, there was an abnormal noise and a burning odor emitting from the vehicle. The contact discovered that the front driver's side tire was extremely hot after turning off the vehicle. The vehicle was…

Service Brakes · received Jun 3, 2015 · NHTSA complaint 10723282

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 winnebago sightseer. The contact stated that while driving various speeds, the vehicle was hesitant to respond to the brakes. The vehicle was taken to a private mechanic where it was diagnosed that the brake caliper needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified…

Service Brakes, Hydraulic · received Apr 24, 2014 · NHTSA complaint 10584604

Recall made december 2005 to repair/replace actia instrument cluster (bulletin #8051-ia, replaces 80201-i, dated march 2002). Have had motor home at repair shop since october, 2012 & have not been able to get "workhorse (navistar) customer service to correct the fault. Keep getting promise, weekly…

Electrical System · received Mar 1, 2013 · NHTSA complaint 10500969

Other Winnebago Sightseer years

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Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2005 Winnebago Sightseer?

Owners most often report service brakes, service brakes, hydraulic, electrical system problems. The top one, service brakes, accounts for 3 complaints.

Was there a recall on the 2005 Winnebago Sightseer?

Yes, 5 safety recalls. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.

Was the 2005 Winnebago Sightseer a good year?

Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other Sightseer model years, the 2005 has too little data to compare. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.