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2004 Fleetwood Wilderness

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Limited comparison data

There is not enough comparable history to draw a useful model-year comparison.

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How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

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Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.

What owners reported most

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: 3 of 10 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.

  • Structure. Review the 7 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Equipment. Review the 3 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Suspension. Review the 1 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

0 crash reports0 fire reports0 injury reports

Structure complaints

7 reports
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10,000 miles · Jul 7, 2009
Structure

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 (NA) FLEETWOOD WILDERNESS ADVANTAGE AX6 RV. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE SEWER TANK DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER DISCOVERED THAT THE FRAME FAILED AND CAUSED THE SEWER TANK TO FALL OFF. UPDATED 07/28/09. *LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE SEWER TANK DISLODGE FROM THE FRAME AND FELL ONT…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 (NA) FLEETWOOD WILDERNESS ADVANTAGE AX6 RV. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE SEWER TANK DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER DISCOVERED THAT THE FRAME FAILED AND CAUSED THE SEWER TANK TO FALL OFF. UPDATED 07/28/09. *LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE SEWER TANK DISLODGE FROM THE FRAME AND FELL ONTO THE ROAD. THE CONSUMER DISCONNECTED THE TANK AND PROCEEDED TO DRIVE AND WITHIN 3 MILES THE SHOCK ABSORBER BROKE PUNCTURING THE REAR TIRE AND CAUSING A BLOWOUT. THE DEALER STATED THE FRAME TWISTED CAUSING THE SEWER TANK TO FALL OFF. THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED THERE WAS A RECALL. 05V289000 THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THE RECALL DID NOT APPLY TO HIS RV. UPDATED 07/31/09.*JB

NHTSA ODI #10275952

10,000 miles · May 9, 2008
Structure

THE FOLDING SLIDE-OUT BAR UNDER THE RV IS BOLTED WITH 2 SMALL WOOD SCREWS TO A PIECE OF PLYWOOD. THE PLYWOOD IS NEXT TO THE TIRE AND GETS WET. THE PLYWOOD THEN ROTS AND THE WOOD SCREW PULL OUT. THEN THE 3 FT METAL SUPPORT FALLS INTO THE TIRE, DESTROYING THE TIRE, RIM & SUPPORT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10227171

Mileage unknown · Aug 28, 2006
StructureTires

CRACKS IN WELDS ON MAIN FRAME OF TRAILER. DRY ROTTED TIRES LESS THAN TWO YEARS OLD. I DO NOT HAVE THE TRAILER AVAILABLE TO DETERMINE THE BRAND OF TIRE FOR SURE BUT I THINK THEY ARE GOODYEAR. THE FIRST YEAR THAT WE OWNED THE TRAILER THE TIRES WERE SELDOM EXPOSED TO SUN LIGHT. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10166789

Mileage unknown · Aug 9, 2006
StructureSuspension

THE FIRST ONE IS THE ANGLE IRON BRACKET THE PROPANE BOTTLE SITS IN RUBS THE BOTTOM OF THE CYLINDER AND COULD CAUSE FAILURE OF THE CYLINDER. THE SECOND ONE IS THE SELF TAPPING SCREWS THAT ATTACH THE HOLD DOWN STRAPS FOR THE GENERATOR FUEL TANK WERE IN CONTACT WITH THE TANK AND COULD RUB A HOLE IN IT. THE THIRD COMPLAINT IS THAT…

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THE FIRST ONE IS THE ANGLE IRON BRACKET THE PROPANE BOTTLE SITS IN RUBS THE BOTTOM OF THE CYLINDER AND COULD CAUSE FAILURE OF THE CYLINDER. THE SECOND ONE IS THE SELF TAPPING SCREWS THAT ATTACH THE HOLD DOWN STRAPS FOR THE GENERATOR FUEL TANK WERE IN CONTACT WITH THE TANK AND COULD RUB A HOLE IN IT. THE THIRD COMPLAINT IS THAT THE LOADED WEIGHT OF THE TRAILER COULD EXCEED THE SPECIFICATIONS OF THE TIRES AND AXLES. THE TWO AXLES ARE RATED AT 6000 LBS. EACH AND THE FOUR TIRES ARE RATED AT 3000 LBS EACH. WHEN THE TOW VEHICLE HITS A BUMP IN THE ROAD IT WILL TRANSFER THE FULLY LOAD TRAILER WEIGHT TO THE TIRES AND AXLES THEREFORE EXCEEDING THE RATED CAPACITY OF THE TIRES AND AXLES. THE GVWR IS LISTED AT 13500 LBS. IF YOU ASSUME 1600 POUND HITCH WEIGHT THAT WOULD LEAVE 11900 LBS. ON THE TIRES AND AXLES. NO ONE I HAVE EVER TALKED TO HAS EVER WEIGHED THE WEIGHT ON THE HITCH AFTER LOADING. THIS COULD CAUSE THE TIRES AND AXLES TO BE OVER LOADED WHEN YOU ONLY HAVE A 100 LB. SAFETY MARGIN. ALSO THEY TELL YOU TO EMPTY ALL HOLDING TANKS SO AS TO AVOID BEING OVERLOADED. THIS IS UNREALISTIC AS THIS IS A FIFTH WHEEL TRAILER AND PEOPLE EXPECT TO USE WATER AND SEWAGE WHEN TRAVELING. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10165042

Mileage unknown · Sep 15, 2005
Structure

NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 05V-289 I CONTACTED LIPPERT AND WAS TOLD THAT MY VIN# DOES NOT MATCH THOSE IN THE ABOVE MENTIONED RECALL. HOWEVER, MY FLEETWOOD WILDERNESS 365 ADVANTAGE AX6 FIFTH-WHEEL WAS TOWED 9/14/05 TO LIPPERT DUE TO BROKEN WELDS ON THE CHASSIS. MY HUSBAND WAS TOWING THE VEHICLE WHEN A PASSERBY FLAGGED HIM (ON THE F…

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NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 05V-289 I CONTACTED LIPPERT AND WAS TOLD THAT MY VIN# DOES NOT MATCH THOSE IN THE ABOVE MENTIONED RECALL. HOWEVER, MY FLEETWOOD WILDERNESS 365 ADVANTAGE AX6 FIFTH-WHEEL WAS TOWED 9/14/05 TO LIPPERT DUE TO BROKEN WELDS ON THE CHASSIS. MY HUSBAND WAS TOWING THE VEHICLE WHEN A PASSERBY FLAGGED HIM (ON THE FREEWAY) AND SAID TO PULL OVER DUE THE EXCESSIVE WEAVING OF THE TRAILER. HE DID SO AND SAW THAT THE UNIT HAD ACTUALLY SEPARATED FROM THE CHASSIS AND A BEND WAS VISIBLE THROUGHOUT THE INSIDE. HE SAW THE BROKEN CROSS STRAPS AND CALLED FLEETWOOD, WHO AFTER MUCH DEBATE, CONTACTED LIBBERT AND SENT TECHNICIANS TO WELD BACK TOGETHER. LIPPERT STATED AFTER WELDING IT WOULD BE TOWABLE, BUT MY HUSBAND REFUSED AND HAD A PROFESSION TOW COMPANY TAKE TO LIPPERT IN RIALTO, WHERE THEY ARE ATTEMPTING TO FIX IT. THIS SOUNDS LIKE THE SAME PROBLEM EXPERIENCED BY THE TRAILERS IN THE RECALL AND I DO NOT UNDERSTAND WHY OUR VEHICLE WAS NOT RESEARCHED FOR THIS RECALL...THE POTENTIAL FOR CATASTROPHE WAS HUGE AND WE WERE FORTUNATE THE PASSERBY WAS ABLE TO ALERT MY HUSBAND BEFORE THE TRAILER DISINTEGRATED ON THE 101 FREEWAY. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10136598

Mileage unknown · Aug 12, 2005
Structure

DT: THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FLEETWOOD WILDERNESS ADVANTAGE. A RECALL NOTICE ON THE CHASSIS WAS ISSUED, AND THEY TOLD HIM TO CALL ONE NUMBER. HOWEVER THEY GAVE THE CONSUMER LITTLE OR NO INFORMATION ABOUT THE RECALL, THEY JUST TOLD HIM THE CHASSIS WAS MISSING WELD, TO BEEF UP THE CHASSIS, AND ABOUT SEVERAL INSTANCES WHERE THE CHA…

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DT: THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FLEETWOOD WILDERNESS ADVANTAGE. A RECALL NOTICE ON THE CHASSIS WAS ISSUED, AND THEY TOLD HIM TO CALL ONE NUMBER. HOWEVER THEY GAVE THE CONSUMER LITTLE OR NO INFORMATION ABOUT THE RECALL, THEY JUST TOLD HIM THE CHASSIS WAS MISSING WELD, TO BEEF UP THE CHASSIS, AND ABOUT SEVERAL INSTANCES WHERE THE CHASSIS BUCKLED. HE ASKED FLEETWOOD TO COME AND PICK UP THE TRAILER, AND THEY REFUSED TO PICK UP THE TRAILER. HE ASKED TO SPEAK WITH A SUPERVISOR FROM FLEETWOOD, AND THEY WOULD NOT LET HIM SPEAK WITH ANYONE. IT SOUNDED TO HIM LIKE FLEETWOOD WAS UNPREPARED AND DID NOT KNOW WHAT THEY WERE DOING. IN THE RECALL LETTER THAT HE RECEIVED HIS NAME WAS MISSPELLED. HE HAD NOT SPOKEN WITH THE DEALERSHIP WHERE HE PURCHASED THE TRAILER.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10132616

200 miles · Nov 25, 2003
Structure

WHEN THE CONSUMER RECEIVING THE TRAILER HE NOTICED THAT THE ROOF WAS COMING APART. THE CONSUMER SENT THE TRAILER BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP TO BE REPAIRED. THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE ROOF BUT THE ROOF IS COMING APART AGAIN. THIS OCCURRED DURING THE TRIP FROM THE DEALERSHIP IN MARYLAND TO THE CONSUMER IN MAINE. THE CAUSE OF THE R…

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WHEN THE CONSUMER RECEIVING THE TRAILER HE NOTICED THAT THE ROOF WAS COMING APART. THE CONSUMER SENT THE TRAILER BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP TO BE REPAIRED. THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE ROOF BUT THE ROOF IS COMING APART AGAIN. THIS OCCURRED DURING THE TRIP FROM THE DEALERSHIP IN MARYLAND TO THE CONSUMER IN MAINE. THE CAUSE OF THE ROOF COMING APART IS YET TO BE DETERMINED. *NLM

NHTSA ODI #10048691

Official recalls

9

08V320000 · Equipment:recreational Vehicle/trailer

Jul 15, 2008

FLEETWOOD IS RECALLING 70,101 MY 2003-2007 SOUTHWIND, PACE ARROW, BOUNDER, FLAIR, STORM, FIESTA, TERRA GAS CLASS A MOTOR HOMES; BOUNDER, DISCOVERY, PROVIDENCE, EXCURSION, EXPEDITION, REVOLUTION, AMERICAN EAGLE, AMERICAN HERITAGE, AMERICAN TRADITION DIESEL CLASS A MOTOR HOMES; JAMBOREE TIOGA CLASS C MOTOR HOMES; AND PROWLER, WILDERNESS, TERRY, MALLARD, PIONEER, PRIDE AND TRIUMPH CONVENTIONAL AND FIFTH WHEEL TRAVEL TRAILERS EQUIPPED WITH A TWO-DOOR REFRIGERATORS MANUFACTURED BY THE DOMETIC CORPORATION. THE REFRIGERATOR 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: IF THIS SOLUTION IS EXPOSED TO AN IGNITION SOURCE UNDER CERTAIN SPECIFIC CIRCUMSTANCES, IT CAN RESULT IN A VEHICLE FIRE.

Remedy: FLEETWOOD IS WORKING WITH DOMETIC TO REPAIR THESE REFRIGERATORS (PLEASE SEE 08E032). 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 THE OWNER 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.

07V120000 · Equipment:recreational Vehicle/trailer

Mar 19, 2007

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.

05V511000 · Equipment:other:labels

Nov 7, 2005

CERTAIN TRAVEL TRAILERS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 120 "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS FOR MOTOR VEHICLES OTHER THAN PASSENGER CARS." THE TIRE AND LOADING INFORMATION PLACARD CONTAINS INCORRECT "LOAD RANGE "B" INFORMATION REGARDING THE MAXIMUM CARGO CARRYING CAPACITY. THE CORRECT TIRE IS A LOAD RANGE "C".

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A FULLY LOADED TRAVEL TRAILER WILL OVERLOAD THE TIRES, WHICH COULD LEAD TO TIRE FAILURE, LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, AND COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE TIRES THAT ARE MARKED "LOAD RANGE "B" AND REPLACE IT WITH A "LOAD RANGE "C" TIRE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 30, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FLEETWOOD AT 1-800-445-3307.

05V433000 · Equipment:recreational Vehicle/trailer:lpg Systems:lines And Fittings

Sep 27, 2005

ON CERTAIN FIFTH WHEEL TRAILERS, THE PROPANE GAS LINES THAT RUN THROUGH THE FLOOR OF THE SLIDE OUT ROOM PENETRATE THE FLOOR TOO FAR FROM THE OUTSIDE WALL CAUSING THE POTENTIAL FOR PINCHED LINES DURING SLIDE OUT ROOM OPERATION.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THIS COULD LEAD TO A PROPANE GAS LEAK AND THE POTENTIAL FOR AN EXPLOSION AND/OR FIRE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, AS NECESSARY, REROUTE THE PROPANE GAS LINE. THIS RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 24, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FLEETWOOD AT 1-800-509-3418.

05V289000 · Structure

Jun 21, 2005

CERTAIN FIFTH WHEEL TRAVEL TRAILERS HAVE MISSING WELDS ON THE CHASSIS CROSS-MEMBERS.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE THE CROSS-MEMBER TO BECOME DISLODGED, CREATING A ROAD HAZARD IF THE FIFTH WHEEL TRAVEL TRAILER IS IN MOTION, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.

Remedy: LIPPERT COMPONENTS, IN CONJUNCTION WITH FLEETWOOD, WILL INSPECT THE CROSS-MEMBERS FOR MISSING WELDS, REPAIR THE WELDS IF NECESSARY, AND ADD ADDITIONAL SUPPORT TO THE AFFECTED AREA. OWNERS MAY CONTACT LIPPERT DIRECTLY AT 1-866-524-7821 TO MAKE ARRANGEMENTS TO HAVE THIS INSPECTION AND REPAIR PERFORMED. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 4, 2005.

04V310000 · Wheels

Jun 28, 2004

ON CERTAIN FIFTH WHEEL AND CONVENTIONAL TRAVEL TRAILERS EQUIPPED WITH ALUMINUM WHEELS MAY NOT HAVE HAD THE PROPER WHEEL LUG NUT TORQUE APPLIED. ADDITIONALLY, PAINT APPLIED TO THE MATING SURFACE OF THE HUB MAY CAUSE THE LUG NUTS TO BE MORE SENSITIVE TO LOOSENING DURING THE INITIAL SETTLING-IN OF COMPONENTS AND AFTER A WHEEL HAS BEEN REMOVED FOR SERVICE.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A WHEEL SEPARATION COULD OCCUR, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT, REPAIR, OR REPLACE ANY DAMAGED WHEELS, LUG NUTS, LUG STUDS, AND MATING SURFACES. DEALERS WILL ALSO REMOVE PAINT FILM FROM THE MATING SURFACES. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 5, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FLEETWOOD AT 1-800-509-3418.

04V145000 · Electrical System:wiring:fuses And Circuit Breakers

Mar 22, 2004

ON CERTAIN CONVENTIONAL AND FIFTH WHEEL TRAVEL TRAILERS EQUIPPED WITH SIEMENS Q CIRCUIT BREAKER, THE CIRCUIT BREAKERS WERE MIS-MARKED.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THIS COULD RESULT IN AN OVERHEATED CONDUCTOR IN A SUSTAINED OVERLOAD CONDITION WHICH COULD CAUSE PERSONAL INJURY AND/OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE CIRCUIT BREAKER IF NECESSARY. OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN BY APRIL 5, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FLEETWOOD AT 1-800-322-8216.

03V437000 · Wheels

Nov 4, 2003

ON CERTAIN CONVENTIONAL AND FIFTH WHEEL TRAVEL TRAILERS, THE OWNER MANUALS EITHER DO NOT CONTAIN THE WHEEL LUG NUT TORQUE INFORMATION OR CONTAIN INCORRECT WHEEL LUG NUT TORQUE INFORMATION FOR THE OPTIONAL "ALUMINUM WHEEL"

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: VEHICLE OPERATION WITHOUT THE PROPER TORQUE APPLIED TO THE WHEEL LUG NUTS COULD RESULT IN THE LUG NUTS BECOMING LOOSE AND A WHEEL SEPARATION THAT COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.

Remedy: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH A LABEL AND INSERT TO BE ADDED TO THE OWNER'S MANUAL. IF THE VEHICLE HAS THE "ALUMINUM WHEEL" OPTION, OWNERS ARE REQUESTED TO BRING THEIR VEHICLE INTO A DEALER TO HAVE THE WHEEL LUG NUTS TORQUED TO THE PROPER SPECIFICATIONS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN NOVEMBER 26, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FLEETWOOD AT 1-800-445-3307.

03V452000 · Equipment:recreational Vehicle/trailer

Nov 4, 2003

ON CERTAIN TRAVEL TRAILERS EQUIPPED WITH SAMSUNG MICROWAVE OVENS, THESE OVENS WERE PRODUCED WITH A DEFECTIVE PANEL. AN ELECTRICAL SHORT CAN OCCUR BETWEEN CIRCUIT PATTERNS ON THE MEMBRANE PANEL, ESPECIALLY OVERLAPPED BY A "JUMPER" OR JUMP WIRE. THIS MAY CAUSE THE OVEN TO ACTIVATE WITHOUT PRESSING ANY KEY PADS.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: AN ELECTRICAL SHORT CAN OCCUR CAUSING THE OVEN TO ACTIVATE WITHOUT PRESSING ANY KEY PADS. THIS COULD RESULT IN EXCESSIVE HEAT, SMOKE, OR POSSIBLY A FIRE.

Remedy: SAMSUNG WILL NOTIFY CUSTOMERS AND REPAIR THE PANEL FREE OF CHARGE. IN THE MEANTIME, CONSUMERS SHOULD UNPLUG THEIR MICROWAVE, IF POSSIBLE. IF THE CONSUMER IS UNABLE TO UNPLUG THE MICROWAVE, THEY SHOULD LEAVE THE DOOR AJAR UNTIL THE PANEL IS REPLACED. CONSUMERS SHOULD NEVER USE THE MICROWAVE OVEN FOR STORAGE OR LEAVE ANY TOWELS, PAPER, CLOTH OR OTHER PRODUCTS IN THE MICROWAVE AFTER USE. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT SAMSUNG AT 800-932-3837 OR FLEETWOOD AT 1-800-629-8454.

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

2

PE06005 · Inadvertent SLIDE-OUT Extension Movement

Opened Jan 20, 2006 · Closed May 2, 2006

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Equipment:recreational Vehicle/trailer

THIS INVESTIGATION WAS OPENED BASED ON ODI'S RECEIPT OF A CONGRESSIONAL LETTER ON BEHALF OF A CONSTITUENT.THE CONSTITUENT REPORTED INCIDENTS WHERE THE SLIDE OUT ROOM OF HIS MOTOR HOME WOULD INADVERTENTLY MOVE (EXTEND) DURING HIGHWAY USE.ODI WAS CONCERNED THAT A FULLY EXTENDED SLIDE OUT WOULD DEGRADE THE VEHICLE'S DYNAMIC HANDLING CHARACTERISTICS AND/OR POSSIBLY IMPACT AN OBJECT OR ANOTHER VEHICLE, RESULTING IN A CRASH.ODI CONTACTED FLEETWOOD AND DISCOVERED THAT SLIDE OUT ROOMS WERE INSTALLED IN MOTOR HOMES, TRAVEL TRAILERS AND FOLDING TRAILERS. AS PART OF THE INVESTIGATION ODI VISITED A RV SHOW AND THE FLEETWOOD PAXINOS PLANT TO EXAMINE SLIDE OUTS IN VARIOUS NEW MAKE AND MODEL VEHICLES AND GAIN AN UNDERSTANDING OF HOW THE SYSTEMS WORK.DURING THE INVESTIGATION ODI LEARNED THAT THERE ARE TWO METHODS USED TO EXTEND SLIDE OUT ROOMS.SOME MANUFACTURERS USE HYDRAULIC SYSTEMS AND OTHERS, SUCH AS FLEETWOOD, USE AN ELECTRIC MOTOR. (CONTINUED ON PAGE 2)

EA04009 · Wheel Separations

Opened Mar 17, 2004 · Closed Nov 24, 2004

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Wheels:lugs/nuts/bolts/studs

ON JUNE 30, 2004, FLEETWOOD FILED A DEFECT NOTICE (04V-310) THAT OUTLINES A NOTIFICATION AND REPAIR PROGRAM INTENDED TO HAVE 2002-2004 MODEL YEAR FLEETWOOD FIFTH WHEEL AND TRAVEL TRAILER UNITS EQUIPPED WITH ALUMINUM WHEELS INSPECTED FOR THE PRESENCE OF PAINT AND OTHER FOREIGN SUBSTANCES IN THE CLAMP JOINT, ESPECIALLY BETWEEN THE WHEEL AND HUB CLAMP FACES, AND TO INSPECT FOR, AND CORRECT, ANY DAMAGE THAT MAY HAVE OCCURRED TO THE WHEELS OR HUBS DUE TO LOOSENING. THE CAMPAIGN INCLUDES A PROVISION TO PROVIDE THE AFFECTED VEHICLE OWNERS WITH INFORMATION ABOUT THE METHOD AND IMPORTANCE OF TORQUING THE WHEEL NUTS WITH A TORQUE WRENCH AS DESCRIBED IN THE CAMPAIGN NOTICE AND IN FLEETWOOD'S PUBLISHED OWNER'S MANUAL.ODI EXPRESSED CONCERN ABOUT THE CAMPAIGN PROGRAM BECAUSE IT ASKS OWNERS TO PERFORM THE POST-INSPECTION AND REPAIR TORQUING OF THE WHEEL MOUNTING NUTS (AT INTERVALS OF 10, 25, AND 50 MILES OR UNTIL STABILIZED).TO ASSURE THAT THIS ASPECT OF THE CAMPAIGN IS COMPLETED SUCCESSFULLY, ODI HAS ASKED FLEETWOOD TO NOTIFY ODI OF ANY INCIDENTS OF WHEEL SEPARATIONS THAT OCCUR ON CAMPAIGN-REPAIRED VEHICLES WHOSE OWNERS WERE ASKED TO PERFORM THE POST-REPAIR WHEEL NUT TORQUE PROCEDURE.