WINNEBAGO Complaints

The contact owned a 2023 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500. The contact stated that while driving at 25 MPH, the vehicle hesitated upon depression of the accelerator pedal. The contact then heard a hose burst, followed by white steam emitting from the engine. The contact then heard a second burst, and upon inspection of the vehicle, the contact discovered a fire in the engine compartment. The contact called 911, and the fire was extinguished by a local fire department. No injuries were reported, and a police report was not filed. The vehicle was towed to an independent tow yard, where it was deemed a total loss. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer had yet been notified of the failure. The vehicle was destroyed. The failure mileage was approximately 5,000.

We had reported on Sat, 3/21/26 to Winnebago that we noticed our Balmar alternator had stopped charging the battery the night before on Fri, 3/20/26 during a 2.5 hour trip to Sebastapol, CA. We drove to Santa Clara, recharged batteries with shore power and then drove to Santa Cruz, CA. This morning on Sun 3/22/26, our 2nd Balmar Alternator installed by NIRVC/Las Vegas in Mar-April 2024 under the 174 Recall caught on fire. Fortunately, we were idling in a parking lot before getting on the freeway, and could hear the whining noise, smell the burning alternator, and see the smoke coming out of the engine before the fire grew too large. We were able to extinguish the fire and keep the damage limited to the Balmar alternator. Had we gotten out onto Highway 17, ours and others lives could have been severely impacted, as we likely would not have noticed nor been able to deal with the fire as quickly. We have unplugged the 4-pin wire plug from the Balmar regulator. Once we restarted the engine, a piece of plastic came flying out, and then everything started spinning freely. We were able to drive home. We have reported the fire to Winnebago and are awaiting communication as to next steps. We have video footage of the fire and vehicle is available for inspection.

The contact owns a 2018 Winnebago Vista. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V826000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages, Structure); however, when the local dealer was contacted, the contact was informed that the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the hood latch bracket had become detached. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.

Summary of the Safety Defect The passenger-side window of my 2024 Winnebago Era 70X fell out of the vehicle. The window detached from the frame and separated from the RV while the vehicle was stationary. This failure represents a serious safety hazard, as the window could have fallen out while driving, potentially causing injury to occupants, other motorists, or pedestrians. Winnebago has acknowledged the issue but has stated that the replacement window is on backorder with no estimated timeline. The vehicle cannot be safely operated without this window. Details of the Incident The passenger-side window unexpectedly detached from the RV. The window assembly appears to have failed at the adhesive or mounting points. This failure could have resulted in the window falling out at highway speeds. The defect compromises structural integrity, weather sealing, and occupant safety. The RV has been unusable since the incident. Manufacturer Response Winnebago Customer Care has stated: The window is “still on backorder.” No estimated date for replacement is available. They have not provided a temporary fix or safe-operability guidance. This leaves the vehicle in an unsafe, non-operational condition. Why This Is a Safety Concern A window detaching from a motor vehicle is a critical safety defect because: It can detach while driving and strike other vehicles or people. It exposes occupants to road debris, weather, and potential ejection hazards. It compromises the structural integrity of the vehicle’s sidewall. It prevents safe operation of the RV. Requested Action I am requesting that NHTSA investigate this defect to determine whether: The window detachment is part of a broader pattern among Winnebago Era models The adhesive/mounting system is defective A recall or corrective action is warranted I am also requesting that NHTSA document this incident as part of its safety defect database.

Balmar alternator began smoking and emitting a burning smell, also began discharging the house batteries. This condition caused us to be disabled along the roadway and entailed crawling under the vehicle to disconnect the wiring from the alternator. Unable to get immediately repaired as no Balmar replacement parts were available from Winnebago. Repairs completed December 2024 by dealer. Additional Service Campaign 75-09 on Balmar alternators May 20, 2025 to cut charging rate by approximately 50% to prevent overloading. This service also completed by dealer August 18, 2025

The contact owns a 2004 Winnebago Itasca RV. The contact stated that there was an abnormal propane odor coming from the RV. The contact linked the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 04V114000 (Equipment). The local dealer was not contacted. The RV was not diagnosed or repaired. The RV was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that there was a crack in the propane tank at the weld joints. The manufacturer was contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 80,600.

The Winnebago Ekko recall 200 (dually valve stem replacement) is completely unreasonable. It has turned my rig from one where I could easily check and maintain my inner dually tire pressure to one that is extremely difficult and requires specialized tools (and extended tire inflation wand). As a result, it is practically impossible for me to maintain proper tire inflation and impossible for me to solve pressure issues on the road (since most gas stations don't have an extended inflation wand). The Winnebago fix violates 49 U.S.C. § 30120(a) in that it swaps one safety defect (leaking valve stem) for another (improperly inflated tires). Proper remedies for this issue are either: (1) redesigned valve stem that allows for proper tire inflation, or (2) replacement wheels that have a proper dually valve stem setup.

The second alternator, Balmer, used to charge the lithium batteries overheated and failed. It is located under the hood near the engine. It made a whining sound and failed to charge. I took it to Camping World in Marysville and they said the sound was “normal” and preformed the deregulation . A few months later, I brought it back and after insisting on inspection and calling Winnebago, they said it had failed. This is the second time it has failed. I am still waiting for a replacement as Winnebago says they are back ordered. I am now without a charging system, but at least my vehicle didn’t catch on fire like others have. This is an unacceptable problem that Winnebago refuses to remedy.

I was notified by Winnebago via letter dated 11/26/24 of NHTSA Safety Recall 24V733 (Winnebago#189) regarding non-compliance with FMVSS No. 108 "Lamps, Reflective Devices and Associated Equipment". According to Winnebago Customer Relations there is still no fix available. Since this is an important SAFETY RECALL what is being done to get Winnebago to bring my vehicle into compliance? [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

The window panel separated from its retaining track in the window frame. The sash (the part of the window that holds the acrylic panel) disengaged from the upper frame, and a portion of the retaining track was visibly deformed. The window is designed to remain secured in the frame during normal operation, but in this instance that did not occur. The detached sash and deformed track are available for inspection. This window is part of the vehicle’s exterior opening. Because the sash is no longer secured in the frame, the window cannot be safely operated or relied upon to remain in place. There is a risk that the panel could fall out during vehicle movement or while parked, allow water intrusion into the interior and compromise occupant safety or comfort. I have been advised that no manufacturer-approved replacement parts are currently available, and no interim guidance has been provided on how to safely secure or operate the window while awaiting replacement. The issue was inspected by an RV service technician. The technician confirmed that the sash had separated from the window frame, the retaining track/sash interface was deformed, and original replacement parts for this window are no longer available. I contacted the vehicle manufacturer (Winnebago) and the window manufacturer (Dometic). Both confirmed that the factory window assembly and key components are discontinued, no replacement parts are currently supplied through the manufacturer, and no interim repair or safety guidance has been provided. I have a quote to fabricate a possible but no guarantee fix. There were no warning lights, alerts, or messages on the vehicle prior to the window failure. The condition became apparent only when the sash could no longer engage with the frame. At this time, there is no manufacturer-supported path to replace or repair the window, and there is no guidance on how to safely operate the vehicle with this compromised window condition.