2016 Airstream Interstate

This complaint concerns a 2016 Airstream Interstate motorhome that has experienced multiple safety-critical failures involving the electrical system, engine starting system, fuel/propulsion system, and electrically controlled exterior components. While driving at highway speed, the exterior power awning deployed without warning or user input. The awning repeatedly extended and retracted uncontrollably, and the control switches were ineffective. I was forced to pull over on the freeway shoulder, cut electrical power to stop the motion, manually retract the awning, and secure it to prevent detachment. This created an immediate risk of collision and danger to surrounding motorists. Additional failures include complete engine non-start, generator failure, and a severe propane odor originating from the exterior propane system. The propane odor was strong enough to trigger the interior propane alarm, indicating a potential fire or explosion risk. The vehicle is now completely inoperable. The engine will not start and the ignition key will not turn. The vehicle cannot be driven and would require towing for inspection. These failures occurred progressively under normal use and were not caused by collision, misuse, or modification. This vehicle is a 2016 Airstream Interstate built on a 2015 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter chassis; the VIN corresponds to the Mercedes chassis model year.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 DODGE 2500. THE VEHICLE WAS BEING USED TO TOW A 2016 AIRSTREAM INTERSTATE. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE TRAILER VEERED IN BOTH DIRECTIONS. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT HAD TO STEER THE VEHICLE IN EXCESS IN ORDER TO KEEP THE VEHICLE IN POSITION. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT APPLICABLE. UPDATED 09/23/16*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BY REPLACING THE SUSPENSION. THE CONSUMER STATED THE TRAILER HAS AN ILLEGAL AMOUNT OF TONGUE WEIGHT. *JS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 AIRSTREAM INTERSTATE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT A FUSE WAS BLOWN SEVERAL TIMES WITHOUT WARNING, WHICH SHORTED THE VARIOUS INTERIOR LIGHTING, THE GAUGES, MONITORS, AND FUNCTIONS INTERNALLY WITHIN THE RV. EACH TIME THE FAILURE RECURRED, THE LP MONITOR FLASHED AND THE FAILURE WAS PROGRESSING RANDOMLY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUSE WAS NOT SEPARATELY WIRED AS INDICATED IN THE OWNER'S MANUAL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED SEVERAL TIMES, BUT DID NOT RECEIVE A RESPONSE. THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 400.