2003 Fleetwood Southwind
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Fleetwood › Southwind › 2003
These records cover every 2003 Fleetwood Southwind. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
8 recalls name the 2003 Fleetwood Southwind. Newest first.
Fleetwood rv IS recalling certain model year 2005 and 2006 motorhomes manufactured between july 24, 2004 and march 11, 2005, equipped with norcold model 1200lr, 1200lrim, and 1201lrim refrigerators with serial numbers between 1273701 and 1536607, non-consecutively. a fatigue failure in the section of the cooling unit which contains the refrigerant could…
Risk and remedy
Risk
If a leak occurs and the unit IS continues to operate, hydrogen gas may be expelled and can be ignited, resulting in a fire, possibly causing serious injury or death.
Remedy
Fleetwood rv will notify owners and the vehicle's refrigerator will be repaired free of charge. the safety recall IS expected to begin during september 2009. owners may contact fleetwood rv at 1-800-509-3418 or norcold's recall center at 1-800-767-9101.
Fleetwood IS recalling 509 my 2001-2008 class a motor homes equipped with axles that include bosch zops or zoht pin slide hydraulic disc brakes. When combined with occasional or seasonal vehicle operation may experience calipers sticking in the applied position. This can result in abnormal heat generation at the wheel end causing brake drag. the driver…
Risk and remedy
Risk
The driver would normally detect the brake drag but if undetected the temperature increase at the wheel end can eventually lead to soft pedal conditions due to brake fluid boil, and possible extended stopping distance increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and replace the necessary components free of charge. workhorse IS handling the remedy for this campaign please see 09v-110. the manufacturer has not yet provided an owner notification schedule. owners may contact workhorse at 1-877-246-7731. workhorse will conduct the owner and dealer notification.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
Certain motor homes built on workhorse chassis and equipped with actia corporate instrument clusters fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 101 "controls and displays" and no. 105 "hydraulic and electric brake systems." if the brake fail input falls below a voltage of 1.5V, the brake failure lamp and alarm will be…
Risk and remedy
Risk
At night the instrument cluster lights may fail and the driver may not be able to see the instrument panel gauges and the brake warning light indicator which could increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Workhorse IS conducting the owner notification and remedy for this campaign and reprogram the instrument panel cluster free of charge. owners may contact workhorse at 1-877-246-7731 or fleetwood at 1-800-322-8216.
Certain motor homes equipped with draw tite hitch receivers may be missing one or more welds between the hitch receiver box and the bottom support plate.
Risk and remedy
Risk
The welds could break, allowing the hitch receiver box and the towed load to separate from the towing vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and replace the hitch receiver. the recall IS expected to begin during august 2004. owners should contact fleetwood at 1-800-322-8216.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
On certain motorhomes built on workhorse chassis, the hydraulic hose operating the leveling jack system was routed so it places the hose too close to the engine exhaust. the hot exhaust can cause the hydraulic hose to melt or abrade, releasing hydraulic fluid.
Risk and remedy
Risk
If the hydraulic fluid should ignite by an exhaust gas recirculating tube or other heat source, this could cause a fire.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and replace damaged hoses and relocate the affected hydraulic lines. owner notification IS expected to begin october 3, 2003. 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 fleetwood at 1-800-322-8216.
Owner complaints
24 complaints1 involved a fire
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Service brakes
3 times now while driving my brakes have failed. Brakes have gotten hot and overheated. Can smell a burning smell. ABS lights come on. Brake pedal goes to the floor and will not stop. Only way to stop IS to shift vehicle to low gear and apply emergency brake which has taken an extremely long time…
3 times now while driving my brakes have failed. Brakes have gotten hot and overheated. Can smell a burning smell. ABS lights come on. Brake pedal goes to the floor and will not stop. Only way to stop IS to shift vehicle to low gear and apply emergency brake which has taken an extremely long time with narrow misses. On time while driving down a windy road. Another time in stop and go traffic and just after the brakes smelled of burning. By the time I pulled over smoke was coming out of the front brakes. I lifted the front wheels off of the ground and the wheels would not turn. I cracked open a brake line and the fluid was boiling. I replaced the front brakes and calipers also both front ABS sensors. Recently for the third time I lost brakes after traffic, a burning smell occurred and brakes went to the floor again this time coming front the rear brakes. Also the ABS light came on. Please help. Also the brake master cylinder has been replaced.
- Unknown or other
What does "the vin you entered cannot be processed at this time. If the vin was entered correctly, please contact your vehicle manufacturer for more information. " mean when I cannot find the true manufacturer?
- Service brakes, hydraulic
TL* the contact owns a 2003 fleetwood southwind. While driving 25 mph, the brake pedal felt spongy when depressed. Approximately one mile later, the ABS indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 28,000. The vin…
TL* the contact owns a 2003 fleetwood southwind. While driving 25 mph, the brake pedal felt spongy when depressed. Approximately one mile later, the ABS indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 28,000. The vin was not available. updated 12/13/16*lj the consumer learned a recall was issued on the brakes. The rotors, calipers sensors and pads were replaced. Updated 12/19/16.*jb
- Fuel/propulsion system
Generator fuel line from main tank to generator ruptured while vehicle was in motion on an interstate highway.
- Service brakes, air
Recall 09v198000 bought used 2003 southwind motorhome and attempted at several workhorse service centers to get the brake recall performed. was told by all that workhorse has no calipers to ship and no plans to order any more. how can this be allowed to happen when there are still vehicles that need the work performed? *tr
- Service brakes, hydraulic
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 fleetwood southwind 36B. The contact stated that the ABS failed without warning; the calipers stuck and the ABS no longer functioned after having them replaced. The dealer stated that the ABS was set to not work. The vin was unavailable. The failure mileage was approximately 14,000 and the current mileage was 16,948.
- Service brakes, hydraulic
Tl*the contact owns 2003 fleetwood southwind motorhome on a work horse chassis. the contact stated that when the brakes were applied they failed. The contact pulled over and inspected the brakes and then continued to drive. When the contact reached his destination he noticed that the brakes were…
Tl*the contact owns 2003 fleetwood southwind motorhome on a work horse chassis. the contact stated that when the brakes were applied they failed. The contact pulled over and inspected the brakes and then continued to drive. When the contact reached his destination he noticed that the brakes were extremely hot. The contact called the manufacturer regarding the brakes and calipers and stated that the replacement brakes were on back order. the contact purchased after market brakes to replace the current brakes on the vehicle. after replacing the brakes and calipers the calipers began to leak. The vehicle was taken to a dealer who was referred by the manufacturer. The dealer replaced the rotors, calipers, and the brake pads. The failure had not recurred. The contact stated that workhorse did compensate him for the repairs. the failure mileage was 26,000.
- Service brakes, hydraulic
TL* the contact owns a 2003 fleetwood southwind rv. While the contact was driving at approximately between 50-55 mph, there was a burning smell inside of the vehicle. The brake pedal was applied with no power response. Suddenly, the emergency brake was engaged and the vehicle was able to slow down.…
TL* the contact owns a 2003 fleetwood southwind rv. While the contact was driving at approximately between 50-55 mph, there was a burning smell inside of the vehicle. The brake pedal was applied with no power response. Suddenly, the emergency brake was engaged and the vehicle was able to slow down. The vehicle was coasted to the side of the road. The engine was turned off. The vehicle resumed operation normally. The vehicle was taken to the authorized dealership three times for the identical failures with no repairs. The failure was contributed to the rear brake calipers. The vehicle had not been repaired at the time of the complaint. The failure mileage was approximately 29,000. Updated 09/01/10. *Lj updated 09/14/10
- Service brakes, hydraulic
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 fleetwood southwind motor home. While driving 35 mph, when the contact applied the brakes, the pedal extended to the floorboard and the vehicle began pulling to the right. When the failure occurred there was also a burning smell. After examining the vehicle, the contact…
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 fleetwood southwind motor home. While driving 35 mph, when the contact applied the brakes, the pedal extended to the floorboard and the vehicle began pulling to the right. When the failure occurred there was also a burning smell. After examining the vehicle, the contact saw brake fluid underneath the front passenger side of the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer where the contact was informed that the rear brake calipers needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The current and failure mileages were approximately 16,000.
- Service brakes, hydraulic
Front end had begun to mildly vibrate when brakes were applied. on cursory inspection could tell that at least one of the front rotors was cracked clear through. called workhorse, was directed to closest repair shop. found both front rotors with multiple cracks, some clear through on both front.…
Front end had begun to mildly vibrate when brakes were applied. on cursory inspection could tell that at least one of the front rotors was cracked clear through. called workhorse, was directed to closest repair shop. found both front rotors with multiple cracks, some clear through on both front. brake pads only 1/3 gone, no evident glaze or heat signs apparent (pictures available on request) on the pads. calipers were functioning properly. Rotors were replaced and the brake pads were replaced as safety precaution. I know about the safety recall for the calipers which guides me to believe that some how they are related directly to my rotor failures. there are no signs of excessive heat that would be due to continuous hard braking or riding the brakes. I am a very experienced driver (50 years) and I know how to avoid overheating the brakes, primarily to keep them functioning when you need them. these repairs (at 34,000) cost $954, I sent request for reimbursement to workhorse which was promptly denied. so now I am filing an official complaint. [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6). *Tr
- Service brakes, hydraulic
Returned from 75 mile trip, right rear brake and wheel liner very hot and smell of brake burning. *Tr
- Service brakes, hydraulic
After 75 mile trip, right rear wheel was hot and smoking, no loss of braking, return trip 8 days later no problem. *Tr
- Service brakes, hydraulic
After 100 mile trip, lost braking on my motorhome, with the smell of brake burning, while stopped in traffic, brake pedal went to the floor. Rear wheel liners both sides were too hot to touch. After about 30 minutes, brake fluid cooled off and braking returned. return trip of 100 miles 3 days later with no problems. *Tr
- Service brakes, hydraulic
After 90 mile trip, lost braking on my motorhome, with the smell of brake burning, brake pedal at the floor. Rear wheel liners both sides were too hot to touch. After about 30 minutes, brake fluid cooled off and braking returned. return trip of 90 miles 2 days later with no problems. *Tr
- Equipment › Recreational vehicle/trailer
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 fleetwood southwind rv. on may 15, 2007, the vehicle was repaired according to a recall for the dometic refrigerator. recently, when the contact opened the refrigerator, he noticed that it failed and was warm inside. he went to service the unit located outside of the…
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 fleetwood southwind rv. on may 15, 2007, the vehicle was repaired according to a recall for the dometic refrigerator. recently, when the contact opened the refrigerator, he noticed that it failed and was warm inside. he went to service the unit located outside of the vehicle and noticed a yellow substance inside the service department of the vehicle. he also smelled ammonia. the vehicle was taken to the dealer and they stated that the lines failed that were connected to the unit, which caused ammonia to leak out. the refrigerator was replaced at the cost of $1,914.35. the manufacturer stated that no compensation would be made because the warranty was expired. the nhtsa campaign ID number and refrigerator information were unknown. the failure mileage was 50,800 and current mileage was 56,373. updated 08/04/09. *lj the consumer stated the refrigerator leaked ammonia. updated 08/06/09.*jb
- Service brakes, hydraulic
Coming through mountains in pennsylvania, the millage was about 25000. Right rear brake locked and overheated. I was not riding the brakes, only right rear brake locked up. I had a similar problem with both front brakes with millage at 18000 or so. *Tr
- Service brakes, hydraulic
Brake failure on a 2003 fleetwood workhorse chassis motorhome. Pedal goes to the floor. *tr
- Electrical system
Led cluster on dash faded and became unreadable. could not read the gear the vehicle was in, e.g. Park, reverse, or drive, mileage, and trip mileage was also unreadable, but did not create safety issue. *tr
- Trailer hitches
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 fleetwood south wind. the contact noticed that the trailer hitch pushed up into his coach. as a result, the hitch crushed the fiberglass. upon inspection, he found that the bottom part of the hitch weld had not penetrated the steel. there IS a safety recall for the…
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 fleetwood south wind. the contact noticed that the trailer hitch pushed up into his coach. as a result, the hitch crushed the fiberglass. upon inspection, he found that the bottom part of the hitch weld had not penetrated the steel. there IS a safety recall for the trailer hitches (nhtsa campaign ID 04v352000). the current mileage was 24,000 and failure mileage was 17,000. the vehicle purchase date was unavailable.
- Service brakes, hydraulic
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 fleetwood southwind W22. on july 3 2007, while driving 45 mph, the front passenger side of the vehicle shook. the contact smelled something burning and pulled over to the side of the road. he noticed that the brake caliper locked. the failure was repaired at the cost…
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 fleetwood southwind W22. on july 3 2007, while driving 45 mph, the front passenger side of the vehicle shook. the contact smelled something burning and pulled over to the side of the road. he noticed that the brake caliper locked. the failure was repaired at the cost of $837. on february 1, 2008, the driver's side caliper also failed. the contact pulled over and waited until the caliper released. she then drove the vehicle to the dealer and they repaired the failure at the cost of $873. the manufacturer was notified. the current mileage was 25,722 and failure mileage was 24,162. updated 03-11-08 *bf
- Suspension › Rear › Springs › Leaf spring assembly › Leaf
Upon entering onto a highway from a place of business we heard a very loud snap noise. Just thinking it was a piece of ice coming the coach. When we reached our final destination, we discovered a broken leaf spring on the right rear axel. This could have been very serious had the other spring broken while moving{ through mountains}! *tr
- Service brakes, air › Disc
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 fleetwood southwind. while driving 15 mph, the front brakes failed as the contact attempted to stop the vehicle and he smelled something burning. when the brakes cooled down, he took the vehicle to a repair shop and the mechanic stated that the pads were worn and the…
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 fleetwood southwind. while driving 15 mph, the front brakes failed as the contact attempted to stop the vehicle and he smelled something burning. when the brakes cooled down, he took the vehicle to a repair shop and the mechanic stated that the pads were worn and the rotors needed to be changed. the vehicle was repaired, however, the failure recurred four months later. the number of cylinders and powertrain were unknown. the current and failure mileages were 24,000.
- Equipment
Dt*: the contact stated there are currently no problems with the microwave, but a recall letter was received, march 16, 2006. the recall, #03v452000, IS on the microwave. the manufacturer has been contacted and suggested multiple places to have the repairs made; none of these places have been…
Dt*: the contact stated there are currently no problems with the microwave, but a recall letter was received, march 16, 2006. the recall, #03v452000, IS on the microwave. the manufacturer has been contacted and suggested multiple places to have the repairs made; none of these places have been willing to assist in the repair. updated 5/2/2006 - samsung sent recall 04-e-031 for the microwave. the consumer call the 800 number and they set up and appt and sent a work order to appliance store. the appliance store changed their mind and refused to repair unit. samsung then had the consumer contacted maytag who sad the unit had not been recalled. the consumer called samsung back who also said unit was not recalled. samsung model # mc1015bb, ser# 75at800086p, date aug 2002.*nm
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
2003 fleetwood 32VS has suffered engine shut down 19 times.*mr the diagnostic test reads "engine reduced power". the engine continued to idle rough but there was no throttle power. in one year the coach has been to the workhorse repair station six times for the same problem. so far the problem…
2003 fleetwood 32VS has suffered engine shut down 19 times.*mr the diagnostic test reads "engine reduced power". the engine continued to idle rough but there was no throttle power. in one year the coach has been to the workhorse repair station six times for the same problem. so far the problem has not been fixed. the coach would usually restart and proceed normally after being allowed to cool for about two hours. *Nm
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Inadvertent slide-out extension movement
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…
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)
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10014720Air intake baffle procedure/installation which may be susceptible to stalling or sputtering during heavy rains or when water IS sprayed directly at the front end. The check engine light may illuminate also. Various models including fleetwood 2005 bounder, pace arrow, flair and storm.
Every Fleetwood Southwind model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.