Illustration1979 CHIEFTAN CAUGHT ON FIRE. *TS THE RV BURNED TO THE GROUND. *JB
1979 Winnebago Chieftan
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
Limited comparison data
There is not enough comparable history to draw a useful model-year comparison.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Chieftan years →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: 0 of 1 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.
- Engine And Engine Cooling. 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 reports1 fire reports0 injury reports
What owners actually said
1 reportsOfficial recalls
281V149000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly:filler Pipe And Cap
Dec 16, 1981
THE AREA SURROUNDING THE GASOLINE FILLER PIPE SHROUD MAY NOT BE PROPERLY SEALED. THIS MAY ALLOW GAS VAPORS TO TRAVEL INTO THE INTERIOR OF THE COACH WHEN REFUELING.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Not supplied
Remedy: THE GAS FILLER PIPE SHROUD WILL BE RESEALED WITHOUT CHARGE.
80V055000 · Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac System:heater Core
May 8, 1980
AN INSUFFICIENT NUMBER OF ATTACHMENT SCREWS MAY HAVE BEEN USED TO SECURE THE SHELF THAT SUPPORTS FURNACE. THE SHELF MAY SETTLE OR COLLAPSE UNDER THE WEIGHT OF THE FURNACE. THIS WOULD, IN TURN, DISLODGE THE FURNACE EXHAUST PIPE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Not supplied
Remedy: THE DEALER WILL INSTALL ADEQUATE SHELF ATTACHMENT SCREWS AT NO COST TO THE OWNER.
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
0No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.