FLEETWOOD Complaints

This “Defect” refers to the leveling system of a Class A motorhome; specifically a Southwind 35K manufactured by Fleetwood on a Ford F53 chassis. This is a gas powered, front engine motorhome. Overview: The leveling system provides a means of stabilizing the motorhome when parked by extending jacks to the ground and relies on a system of high-pressure hoses and jacks to perform this function. Two sets of hoses are used, one set extends or lowers the jacks and the other retracts or raises them. The jacks NEED to be in the retracted state in order for the motorhome to be driven safely. General: The hydraulic hose used to retract the leveling feet was incorrectly installed by the manufacturer and routed thru a hole in the front curb-side frame rail without any protection i.e. grommet. The hole was also not relieved in any way to prevent chaffing. Issue: During normal driving and use of the leveling system, the hose began to wear and eventually developed a leak spraying hydraulic fluid on the frame members and eventually producing a tell-tale puddle approximately 20” in diameter on the ground. Concern 1: As the leak intensifies, there is a distinct probability when deploying the jacks that hydraulic fluid could spray onto the hot engine and possibility igniting. Concern 2: As the leak intensifies and the pressure in the line drops below a certain threshold, the jacks could potentially “drop down” while the motorhome is in motion.

The contact owns a 2014 Fleetwood Storm RV. The contact stated that while driving there was wind in entering into the vehicle. The contact stated that the sidewalls were separating from the floor. The brackets and bolts on the side walls moved 1 to 2 inches. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who informed the contact that the vehicle might be dangerous to drive. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified however, no further assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 49,900.

I was doing a pre-buy inspection on a 2021 Fleetwood Fortis with approx. 1300 miles on it. As I walked up to the vehicle after it was brought up to front of dealership I could hear what sounded like noisy lifters. I looked at engine from over front passenger side front wheel and could see arching across a separated ignition wire. I know Ford has had an issue with ignition wires on their new 7.3 Triton engine. But why hasn't a recall been issued? I would think that this is a serious safety issue. The other question I have is - Did Ford authorize the faulty wires because the right wires were not available?

Passenger rear sway bar bracket came off after factory installed nuts and bolts became loose.

The contact owns a 2019 Fleetwood Discovery. The contact stated that while doing a post-inspection on the RV, he noticed that the passenger’s side rear tire was flat. The passenger side rear tire valve stem extension rubbed on the wheel rim, causing loss of tire pressure. The failure was a recurring failure even after the dealer performed a recall repair under NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V529000 (Tires). The dealer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that multiple failures after the recall repair were not experienced before. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 12,150.

2021 FLEETWOOD FORTIS. CONSUMER WRITES REGARDING VARIOUS ISSUES WITH VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER STATED THE A/C WOULD BLOW HOT AIR AND LEAK, THE VEHICLE WAS MISSING SCREWS/WASHERS/NUTS CAUSING LOUD VIBRATIONS, OUTSIDE STORAGE DOORS DO NOT CLOSE PROPERLY, AWNING WAS LOOSE,TRIM ON ETRANCE FALLS OFF,CLOSET FLOOR WAS BROKEN,FRONT TABLE LEG MISSING, VARIOUS DOORS WERE POORLY INSTALLED, FRONT LICENSE PLATE SUPPORT MISSING, DRIVER SEAT DOESN'T SWIVEL, WATER LEAKING UNDER KITCHEN CABINENT, WATER LEAKING ON ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT, AND KITCHEN DRAWERS WERE POORLY INSTALLED. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED TO HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED AND BE FULLY REIMBURSED.

Since new 14,500 miles ago when hitting road bumps or at speeds between 73-76 MPH the ABS & Traction Control lights come on. This causes lose of Anti-Lock Braking, Cruise Control, Hill Start Protection, & Stability Control. It has been back to Ford 5 times & not fixed. It was last to Rush Truck Center who replaced a damaged Tone Ring & Wheel Speed Sensor. Mine was the third one repaired in 2 weeks & all on the right rear. I just completed a 5,300 mile road trip & every day had these lights come on multiple times which required stopping shutting off the engine to reset the computer. Ford has had our unit in the shop now 100 days, first time for 58 straight days.

•NHTSA Recall Number: 21V202 •INADEQUATE REAR AXLE OIL FILL VOLUME Ford Recall number: 21S17 Ford does not appear to be able to address my concerns and repair this problem. I have attached a picture of the rear end drain plug with BURNT FLUID and METAL FILINGS as the rear end had NO LUBRICATION FOR 5300 miles. See the attached image. We need your help. Thank you!!! [XXX], RN, PhD and [XXX], PhD [XXX] VOX: [XXX] MOBILE: [XXX] and [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

Component failed: Unanticipated without warning complete engine power failure, loss of steering assist, ABS braking system failure, electrical gages on dash erratic. The vehicle is available for inspection at anytime. Safety: The event has occurred seven(7) times between 7/24/2020 and 6/17/2021 while traveling at highway speeds on major expressways and highways. The loss of engine power, steering assist and ABS caused high risk while controlling the vehicle to a stop or failure in an active traffic lane of an expressway or highway created a crash hazard. One property damage accident was caused with two unrelated vehicles avoiding a collision with our suddenly disabled vehicle. Problem confirmed/inspected: Between 7/24/2020 the vehicle has been towed or taken to two Ford Dealerships; Cain Ford Commerce Georgia and Jacky Jones Ford Cleveland Georgia. Also serviced by two independent shops in Georgia and Michigan. Several calls to Ford Engineering Hotline MR. Karl Griffs. The dash RPM indicator become erratic and then all gages and warning lights come on the engine fails and loss of steering and ABS braking.

Loose Lug Nuts (7 total) 2021 Fleetwood Fortis 36DB Ford F53 Chassis. 26k . While walking my dog and passing by my RV, I happened to look at my passenger side rear wheel and noticed a lug nut extremely loose. I walked over, and by hand, with one twist, I removed the lug nut. After proceeding around my vehicle, I removed 7 lug nuts in total... BY HAND... NOT with a tool. Passenger side rear (1) passenger side front (1) drivers side front (3) drivers side rear (2). I have had the vehicle since 2/12/21 and it arrived with about 200 miles on it. (Delivery from plant in Indiana to Ohio) It now has almost 3000 miles. It has the 22.5 aluminum Alcoa wheels. Not sure if those wheels are installed at Ford during chassis build or at Rev/Fleetwood during coach build. Reported to Ganley Ford ( Ford truck service center) June 22, 2021.