2003 Winnebago Vista Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Source: NHTSA · Updated Aug 23, 2011 · 1 owner complaints analyzed

Compared with other Vista years
Not enough data 10th of 30 for complaints
NHTSA crash rating
Not rated

Owners have filed 1 complaint with NHTSA about the 2003 Winnebago Vista. That ranks 10th out of 30 Vista model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is engine and engine cooling (1 complaints, 100%), typically at around 96,000 miles. There are 3 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 2003 Winnebago Vista problems

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

Engine and Engine Cooling1 · ~96,000 mi
Problem areaComplaintsShareMedian milesOwners mention mostTypical repair cost
Engine and Engine Cooling1100%96,000——

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

2003 Winnebago Vista recalls (3)

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.

Equipment:recreational vehicle/trailerJul 19, 2004 · NHTSA campaign 04V358000 · 5,645 vehicles

Problem: On certain motor homes equipped with samsung microwave ovens, models mr1031wb, mr1032bb, mr1033sb, mr1351wb, and mr1352bb, the microwaves 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 1-800-932-3837 or winnebago at 1-641-585-3535.

Equipment:recreational vehicle/trailerOct 16, 2003 · NHTSA campaign 03V405000 · 15,337 vehicles

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.

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

  • Engine cooling fan blade fracture (EA08002) — opened Jan 4, 2008, closed Mar 14, 2008.

Recent owner reports

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

Driving on interstate 15 n about 150 miles south of salt lake city, both radiator/cooling fans broke. Had to order the replacement fans, cost over $400. Had same problem as nhtsa action number: ea08002. *tr

Engine and Engine Cooling · received Aug 23, 2011 · NHTSA complaint 10421158

Other Winnebago Vista years

← 2002 Vista · 2004 Vista →

See all Winnebago Vista problems by year, every Winnebago model, or the VIN decoder.

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Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2003 Winnebago Vista?

Owners most often report engine and engine cooling problems. The top one, engine and engine cooling, accounts for 1 complaint.

Was there a recall on the 2003 Winnebago Vista?

Yes, 3 safety recalls. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.

Was the 2003 Winnebago Vista a good year?

Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other Vista model years, the 2003 has too little data to compare. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.