2009 Winnebago Vista 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 has notified nhtsa of a defect in certain model year 2008-2009 motorhomes fitted with ricon public use lifts. The restraint belt on these lifts was designed to prevent the lift from moving, unless the tongue of the belt is fully engaged and latched in the buckle. Ricon has discovered, however, that it is possible for the operator to insert the belt tongue into the buckle without fully engaging the latching mechanism. In this case, the restraint belt would appear to be latched, and the operator could run the lift. If the restraint belt tongue is not fully engaged into the restraint belt buckle, and latched, the lift may operate with an occupant on the platform.

Risk: The user of the lift could be injured should the lift move without the restraint belt properly buckled.

Fix: Winnebago is working with ricon and ricon will be handling the remedy for this campaign. Please see ricon's defect report 09e-060. Ricon will provide customers with a warning decal and a dvd-based training aid. The safety recall began on july 6, 2010. Owners may contact ricon customer service at 1-800-322-2884 or by email at [email protected].

Problem: Winnebago is recalling model year 2007-2008 access, aspect, sighteer and vista, model year 2007-2008 itasca impulse, cambria, sunova, and sunstar, model year 2009-2010 winnebago access, sightseer and vista, model year 2009-2010 itasca impulse, sunova, and sunstar motor homes. These motor homes may have a missing stove partition that isolates the furnace air.

Risk: If the furnace is operated at the same time as the stove and partition is missing, the stove flame may go out and the propane gas will continue to flow, which has the potential to ignite resulting in personal injury and/or vehicle and property damage.

Fix: Dealers will correct this situation by installing a stove partition that isolates the stove from the furnace return air at no charge to the owner. The recall began on september 30, 2009. Owners may contact winnebago at 1-800-537-1885.

Problem: Winnebago is recalling 36 my 2009 vista, sightseer, and itasca sunstar and sunova motor homes for failing to comply with the requirements of part 567, 'certification.' . These vehicles were produced with a vehicle certification label that states load range 'g' tires when in fact the vehicles are equipped with load range 'f' tires.

Risk: The purpose of this part is to specify the content and location of, and other requirements for, the certification label to be affixed to motor vehicles to address certification-related duties and liabilities, and to provide the consumer with information to assist him or her in determining which of the federal motor vehicle safety standards are applicable to the vehicle.

Fix: Winnebago will provide correct federal certification labels as well as installation instructions to the motor home owners. If an owner desires, they can have their dealer replace the tags for them. The recall is expected to begin on or about january 2, 2009. Owners may contact winnebago at 1-641-585-6939.

Problem: Winnebago is recalling 717 my 2006-2009 sightseer and vista, itasca sunova and sunstar motor homes built on workhorse chassis. The castle nut that retains the steering drag link to the pitman arm may have been improperly torqued during assembly. The improper torque may have damaged the castle nut and compromised the integrity of the connection.

Risk: If the drag link were to separate from the pitman arm, the driver would not have directional control of the vehicle possibly causing a crash.

Fix: Winnebago is working with workhorse to replace and properly tighten the castle nut that retains the steering drag link to the pitman arm (please see 08v442). Owners may contact workhorse at 1-877-946-7731 or winnebago at 1-641-585-3535.