WINNEBAGO Complaints

Winnebago adds a 2nd alternator to the engine for charging the coach/house Lithionics batteries. This 2nd alternator is a Balmer brand. The Balmer alternator suddenly developed a high pitched whine. Once whining it ceased to charge the batteries. The Balmer regulator begins to smoke quickly once the alternator is whining. We’ve been told to disconnect the regulator quickly or a fire can happen (we’ve been told others have had fires). This is our 2nd Balmer alternator failure. The first failed alternator was replaced at the factory end of July 2024 (apx 60 days ago). Changing the alternator is not addressing the root cause and the danger of a fire. Winnebago and Balmer have been aware of this risk for months and have not been able to identify the root cause.

The Winnebago installed under hood generator (Balmar brand) produced a burnt, smokey smell immediately upon starting the engine on September 22nd. The previously 3 days when the vehicle was started and driven a whining type notice was coming from the generator. This was the first time any noise from the Balmar generator was given... 18,000 miles had been put on the vehicle during the last 11 months without issues. Since this is a well known issue with the Winnebago Ekkos I knew to pull the 4 pin connection to the house battery system to prevent any fires or other issues. With the Balmar being disconnected from the battery system there is no noise or burnt smell coming from the Balmar generator. And vehicle could be driven. As mentioned, Winnebago is well aware of this issue and said they had fixed the problem when I purchased this camper RV in 2023. No one has looked at the vehicle yet but I will have Winnebago or the dealer look at it when I can get it scheduled.

The adaptive cruise control will suddenly and unexpectedly stop working while driving on highways... This also disables active brake assist (emergency braking if an object is detected ahead). After a random period of time, the systems will start working again for a certain time until the scenarios repeat. This issue is widely reported on multiple web sites like the following... [XXX] This potentially could pose a collision safety hazard if traveling at highway speeds in heavy traffic. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Winnebago recall 174 (NHTSA campaign 23V234000) regarding improper electrical wiring design and installation by Winnebago was recently completed on my RV. After completion of this recall I experienced another electrical fire in the engine compartment (my alternator had previously caught fire due to wiring and design defects noted in Winnebago recall 174). After extinguishing the fire I observed the Winnebago recall 174 remedy had been completed in such a way that an engine compartment wiring harness was under tension and in contact with the threads of a bolt on the backside of the new alternator installed as part of the Winnebago recall 174 remedy. This seems to have resulted in electrical anomalies and eventual ignition of the wiring harness. There were repeated brief intermittent brake and rear hatch warnings shortly before the fire (there is no rear hatch). The windshield washer system failed after uncommanded operation of the windshield wipers. Multiple other warnings and cautions flashed on the screen too fast for me to identify them. This all happened just prior to the fire which occurred during an engine start attempt while parked. I have video documentation of the smoke and photos showing fire damaged wiring and its location relative to the alternator bolt. Components are available for inspection. I have not yet contacted a dealer, service center or manufacturer yet since this event happened only days ago. My safety has been compromised by two engine compartment fires involving the same defect both before and after the Winnebago recall 174 remedy. For this to happen I have to assume either faulty mechanical completion of the recall or the recall remedy itself. This is but the latest fire hazard I have experienced with this unit (two actual fires, loose propane fitting which slowly flooded the coach with propane, overheated air conditioner that melted insulation in the ceiling and impending NHTSA campaign 24V541000 for solar fuse fire hazard).

started vibrating Gradually getting worse. Stopped & inspected several times, checked psi, all good. Plenty of tread. No bubbles or delaminating visible on outside. Eventually tire blew apart at 23K. 205/75R16

The contact owns a 2017 Winnebago Forza built on a 2017 Freightliner XC-S Chassis. The contact stated that the rear brake lights and left turn signals failed to function as intended. No warning lights were illuminated. The RV was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed that the power distribution module failed and needed to be replaced. The RV was not repaired due to the VIN not being included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V582000 (Exterior Lighting, Electrical System), nor 20V404000 (Electrical System, Exterior Lighting). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 32,000.

The contact owns a 2023 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed, however, the RV failed to accelerate as intended. In addition, the contact noticed a burning odor in the interior of the RV. The RV was driven to the shoulder of the road. The contact and the contact's husband exited the RV. The contact stated that the RV burst into flames. The fire department arrived and extinguished the fire. The contact stated that a fire report was filed. The RV was towed to a tow yard. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact stated that Winnebago is scheduled to complete an inspection in the next few days. The failure mileage was approximately 4,400.

The LT 225/ 75R 16 rear driver and passenger tires started shredding on my 2020 Winnebago Travato at around 12,000 miles. First the rear driver side one and then about 300 miles later the rear passenger. I drove only on well paved roads, mostly highway, and kept it under a RV carport in my garage when not in use

Glass on main cabin door became loose while driving on the interstate (08/10/2024) and we had to duct tape it on to prevent it from completely coming off. Called Winnebago on 8/20/2024 to report it and to obtain repair advice.

Picked up our brand new Winnebago in Boise, ID on [XXX]. While en route to our home in the Seattle area I noticed a loud flapping noise while driving on the highway. I could see the plexiglass window that is part of the RV coach door was coming loose and flapping in the wind. Upon further inspection I could see that the bottom and top portion of the plexiglass was no longer adhered to the door frame. It was only held in place by the middle portion that was still adhered to the door. I put tape on the door to hold the plexiglass in place until I could make more permanent repairs. This part coming completely loose on the highway is a serious hazard to others driving nearby. It could also be disorienting to the driver of the RV and potentially cause distraction that could lead to an accident. I have read on Winnebago forums that this is a common problem with the style of coach door used on this year/model. It has not been adequately addressed by Winnebago and they are still selling new vehicles with this defect. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)