Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
Limited mileage data: 12 of 29 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
Suspension. Review the 6 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 5 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Parking Brake. Review the 4 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
1 crash reports0 fire reports0 injury reports
What owners actually said
29 reports
39,500 miles · Jun 27, 2004
Power Train
BOUGHT BOUNDER NEW IN 1998. IT IS A 1997 MODEL. FORD 460 MOTOR. SINCE WE BOUGHT IT, WE HAD TO HAVE THE TRANSMISSION SEALS REPLACED AT LEAST THREE TIMES, TWO NEW HEADS, ONE NEW MANIFOLD SYSTEM AND THE RADIATOR HAD PROBLEMS. THE LEVELING JACK ALARM WOULDN'T SHUT OFF. NOW, THE TRANSMISSION HAS COMPLETELY FAILED. WE HAD AN EXT…
Read full complaint
BOUGHT BOUNDER NEW IN 1998. IT IS A 1997 MODEL. FORD 460 MOTOR. SINCE WE BOUGHT IT, WE HAD TO HAVE THE TRANSMISSION SEALS REPLACED AT LEAST THREE TIMES, TWO NEW HEADS, ONE NEW MANIFOLD SYSTEM AND THE RADIATOR HAD PROBLEMS. THE LEVELING JACK ALARM WOULDN'T SHUT OFF. NOW, THE TRANSMISSION HAS COMPLETELY FAILED. WE HAD AN EXTENDED WARRANTY, BUT THE INSPECTOR SAYS THAT THERE WAS ANOTHER LEAK IN THE FRONT TRANNY SEAL, AND THAT WAS WHAT CAUSED THE FAILURE OF THE TRANNY AND THEY WON'T COVER THE FAILURE. THE FLUID DRAINED WHEN WE GOT TO OUR DESTINATION, BUT THEY ARE INSISTING THAT WE DROVE IT WITHOUT THE FLUID. NOT SO, AND WE HAVE A WITNESS. ANYWAY, OUR REQUEST IS FOR FORD TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS PROBLEM AS WE HAVE FOUGHT WITH THIS SEAL PROBLEM SINCE WE BOUGHT THE UNIT. IT IS OBVIOUSLY A MANUFACTURE DEFECT. HELP. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10078888
39,500 miles · Jun 14, 2004
Power Train
TRANSMISSIOIN FAILURE. HAD TO HAVE THE SEALS REPLACED ALMOST FROM THE DAY WE BOUGHT THE UNIT NEW. NOW THE TRANSMISSION HAS TO BE REPLACED. HAD TWO HEADS REPLACED AND AN ENTIRE MANIFOLD SINCE WE BOUGHT IT. HAVE BEEN TOLD BY DEALERS THAT THAT YEAR OF MOTORHOME ENGINE HAD LOTS OF PROBLEMS. ENDED UP WITH A 350 DOLLAR TOWING BIL…
Read full complaint
TRANSMISSIOIN FAILURE. HAD TO HAVE THE SEALS REPLACED ALMOST FROM THE DAY WE BOUGHT THE UNIT NEW. NOW THE TRANSMISSION HAS TO BE REPLACED. HAD TWO HEADS REPLACED AND AN ENTIRE MANIFOLD SINCE WE BOUGHT IT. HAVE BEEN TOLD BY DEALERS THAT THAT YEAR OF MOTORHOME ENGINE HAD LOTS OF PROBLEMS. ENDED UP WITH A 350 DOLLAR TOWING BILL AND OUT THE USE OF THE MOTORHOME AS WE ARE "NEGOTIATING" WITH THE EXTENDED WARRANTY COMPANY TO SEE IF THEY WILL PAY FOR THE FAILURE.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10075341
27,000 miles · May 19, 2004
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
VEHICLE HAD A TENDENCY TO ROLL DUE TO POOR BRAKE LINE DESIGN. THE BRAKE LINE WAS ONE HALF INCH FROM MANIFOLD. THE MANIFOLD MELTED THE BRAKE LINE, CAUSING THE BRAKES TO SEIZE. DEALER WAS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM WITH THE BRAKE LINE.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10073864
Mileage unknown · Feb 19, 2004
Engine And Engine CoolingEquipmentSteering
THE VEHICLE HAD A STATE INSPECTION PERFORMED FROM ANOTHER STATE BEFORE THE CONSUMER TOOK OWNERSHIP. THE CONSUMER FELT THAT SOME THINGS WERE OVERLOOKED AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION. *LA THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THE VEHICLE HAD MANY PROBLEMS, SUCH AS DEFECTIVE SPEEDOMETER, POOR WINDSHIELD WIPER BLADES, WHICH FAILED TO CLEAN…
Read full complaint
THE VEHICLE HAD A STATE INSPECTION PERFORMED FROM ANOTHER STATE BEFORE THE CONSUMER TOOK OWNERSHIP. THE CONSUMER FELT THAT SOME THINGS WERE OVERLOOKED AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION. *LA THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THE VEHICLE HAD MANY PROBLEMS, SUCH AS DEFECTIVE SPEEDOMETER, POOR WINDSHIELD WIPER BLADES, WHICH FAILED TO CLEAN THE WINDSHIELD, AN EXHAUST LEAK WHICH WAS LEAKING AT THE EXHAUST HEADER, A DEFECTIVE REAR ROOF LADDER, AND A IMPROPERLY MISALIGNED STEERING WHEEL. THE CONSUMER NO LONGER OWNS THE RECREATIONAL VEHICLE. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10059503
Mileage unknown · Jun 20, 2002
Parking Brake
AFTER PUTTING VEHICLE IN PARK IT WILL ROLL. CONTACTED DEALER. DEALER REPLACED SHOE AROUND DRIVESHAFT, BUT PROBLEM IS STILL OCCURRING. *AK CONSUMER STATED WHEN GEAR SHIFT GOES INTO PARK, AUTO PARK DOES NOT ENGAGE, VEHICLE WOULD NOT HOLD, THE DEALER FOUND THE PARK BRAKE SHOES GLAZED AND OUT OF ADJUSTMENT, THE PARK BRAKE CABLE WAS…
Read full complaint
AFTER PUTTING VEHICLE IN PARK IT WILL ROLL. CONTACTED DEALER. DEALER REPLACED SHOE AROUND DRIVESHAFT, BUT PROBLEM IS STILL OCCURRING. *AK CONSUMER STATED WHEN GEAR SHIFT GOES INTO PARK, AUTO PARK DOES NOT ENGAGE, VEHICLE WOULD NOT HOLD, THE DEALER FOUND THE PARK BRAKE SHOES GLAZED AND OUT OF ADJUSTMENT, THE PARK BRAKE CABLE WAS REPLACED.*JB
NHTSA ODI #8012240
Mileage unknown · Jun 18, 2001
Suspension
RIGHT REAR AXLE LEAF SPRING HAS A BROKEN. DEALER NOTICED BROKEN LEAF SPRING DURING INSPECTION. PLEASE ADD FURTHER COMMENTS. *AK
NHTSA ODI #890580
Mileage unknown · Feb 5, 2001
StructureSuspension
THE CHASSIS SELECTED BY FLEETWOOD IS OF INSUFFICIENT CAPACITY TO SAFELY CARRY THE WEIGHT OF SUCH A LARGE MOTORHOME (34' MOTORHOME ON A CHEVROLET TRUCK P-30), WHILE DRIVING ON IRREGULAR SURFACES AND OVER PASSES CONTROL WAS ALMOST LOST CREATING AN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS SITUATION. NLM
NHTSA ODI #559446
Mileage unknown · Aug 9, 2000
Parking Brake
WHEN FOOT IS ON "T"-HANDLE TO RELEASE EMERGENCY BRAKE, WOULD PULL BY HAND, IT WOULD JUMP OUT & COULD BREAK FINGERS. LOCATION IS TOO CLOSE TO FOOT PEDAL. CHEVROLET TRUCK CHASSIS FOR A BOUNDER (MOTORHOME). *AK
NHTSA ODI #867285
Mileage unknown · May 8, 2000
Suspension
SERIOUS SHIMMY IN CHASSIS AT 40/45 MPH. FEEL MOTORHOME COULD LOSE CONTROL AND CAUSE ACCIDENT. DEALER AND MANUFACTURE OF CHASSIS AND MOTORHOME NO RESPONSIVE TO THIS SINCE PURCHASED. ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN. NEED IT REPORT TO THEM. I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE AS OTHERS HAVE TRIED TO GET FIXED ACCORDING TO DEALER. I REPORTED THIS PR…
Read full complaint
SERIOUS SHIMMY IN CHASSIS AT 40/45 MPH. FEEL MOTORHOME COULD LOSE CONTROL AND CAUSE ACCIDENT. DEALER AND MANUFACTURE OF CHASSIS AND MOTORHOME NO RESPONSIVE TO THIS SINCE PURCHASED. ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN. NEED IT REPORT TO THEM. I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE AS OTHERS HAVE TRIED TO GET FIXED ACCORDING TO DEALER. I REPORTED THIS PREVIOUSLY TO NHTSA. *AK
NHTSA ODI #722424
Mileage unknown · Apr 17, 2000
Suspension
SHIMMING WAS PRESENT FROM DATE OF PURCHASE. DEALER COULD NOT FIX NOR CAN CHEVY FIX. SERVICED BY TWO LOCAL CHEVY DEALERS. EARNHARDTS FIRST TRIED BY GAVE UP. AFRAID SHIMMY WILL CAUSE MOTORHOME TO GO OUT OF CONTROL,LOOSE A TIRE OR CAUSE STEERING PROBLEMS THAT MANY CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. NUMEROUS THINGS HAVE BEEN DONE TO CORRECT BUT AL…
Read full complaint
SHIMMING WAS PRESENT FROM DATE OF PURCHASE. DEALER COULD NOT FIX NOR CAN CHEVY FIX. SERVICED BY TWO LOCAL CHEVY DEALERS. EARNHARDTS FIRST TRIED BY GAVE UP. AFRAID SHIMMY WILL CAUSE MOTORHOME TO GO OUT OF CONTROL,LOOSE A TIRE OR CAUSE STEERING PROBLEMS THAT MANY CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. NUMEROUS THINGS HAVE BEEN DONE TO CORRECT BUT ALL ATTEMPTS HAVE FAILED TO DATE. ONLY HAPPENS BETWEEN 40/45 MPH. VERY COMMON SPEED FOR CITY DRIVING. HELP. *AK
CERTAIN MOTOR HOMES AND TRAVEL TRAILERS EQUIPPED WITH A TWO-DOOR REFRIGERATOR, MANUFACTURED BY THE DOMETIC CORPORATION, MAY HAVE A DEFECT IN THE BOILER TUBE. PRESSURIZED COOLANT SOLUTION COULD BE RELEASED INTO AN AREA WHERE AN IGNITION SOURCE (GAS FLAME) IS PRESENT.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: RELEASE OF COOLANT UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS COULD IGNITE AND RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy: FLEETWOOD WILL BE WORKING WITH DOMETIC IN ORDER TO REPAIR THESE REFRIGERATORS (PLEASE SEE 06E076). DOMETIC WILL REPAIR THESE REFRIGERATORS BY INSTALLING A SECONDARY BURN HOUSING, A THERMAL FUSE, AND A MELT FUSE FREE OF CHARGE. DOMETIC HAS RETAINED STERICYCLE INC. TO MANAGE THIS CAMPAIGN. STERICYCLE WILL ASSIST YOU IN LOCATING DEALERSHIPS OR SERVICE CENTERS AND WILL PROVIDE ASSISTANCE WITH SCHEDULING OF APPOINTMENTS. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOMETIC/STERICYCLE AT 1-888-446-5157 OR FLEETWOOD AT 1-800-322-8216.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MOTOR HOMES. THE DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S SIDE WINDOWS DO NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 205, "GLAZING MATERIALS," FOR AN ACCEPTABLE LEVEL OF TINT.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE THE DRIVER REDUCED VISIBILITY THROUGH THE SIDE WINDOWS WHEN BACKING UP, WHEN USING THE MIRRORS FOR LANE CHANGES, OR WHENEVER LOOKING THROUGH THE WINDOWS, INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CLASS A MOTOR HOMES. THE HYDRAULIC HOSES WHICH OPERATE THE LEVELING JACK SYSTEM IS ROUTED TOO CLOSE TO THE ENGINE EXHAUST MANIFOLD CAUSING THE HOSE TO MELT, RELEASING HYDRAULIC FLUID.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS HYDRAULIC FLUID CAN IGNITE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT CAUSING A FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT, REPLACE ANY DAMAGED HOSES, AND RELOCATE THE AFFECTED HYDRAULIC LINES.
THE E-Z SLIDE-OUT ROOM CAN OPERATE UNEXPECTEDLY. WATER CAN CAUSE AN ELECTRICAL SHORT IN THE SLIDE-OUT ROOM CONTROL RELAY.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF THE SLIDE-OUT ROOM OPERATES UNEXPECTEDLY, THE MOTOR HOME WIDTH WILL INCREASE WHICH COULD LEAD TO AN ACCIDENT IF TRAVELING OR PROPERTY DAMAGE COULD OCCUR WHILE THE MOTOR HOME IS PARKED.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A REPLACEMENT CONTROL RELAY IN A WATERPROOF LOCATION ON THESE MOTOR HOMES.
MISWIRING OF THE LOW BEAM HEADLAMP RECEPTACLE FOR THE REPLACEABLE HALOGEN LAMP CAUSES A NONCOMPLIANCE TO FMVSS NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS CONDITION CAUSES REDUCED LIGHTING LEVELS WITH THE LOW BEAM OPERATION RESULTING IN REDUCED VISIBILITY DURING DARK DRIVING CONDITIONS.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND MODIFY THE MOTOR HOME WIRING TO PROVIDE CORRECT CIRCUIT CONNECTIONS.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
0
No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.
1997 Fleetwood Bounder Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year
Illustration