2003 Holiday Rambler Ambassador
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Holiday Rambler › Ambassador › 2003
These records cover every 2003 Holiday Rambler Ambassador. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
5 recalls name the 2003 Holiday Rambler Ambassador. Newest first.
Monaco IS recalling certain motor homes equipped with norcold refrigerators. a fatigue failure in the section of the cooling unit which contains the refrigerant could allow the liquid solution to slowly leak.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Extended operation of a leaking cooling unit could lead to a fire from gas which might escape.
Remedy
Monaco IS working with norcold to repair these refrigerators. norcold will provide thermal switch kits to owners along with the necessary forms and instructions. The recall began on august 29, 2008. owners may contact norcold at 1-800-767-9101 or monaco at 1-800-685-6545.
On certain class a motor homes, the spacer plate under the trailing arms had a transverse weld which creates a heat riser and cause the trailing arms to crack.
Risk and remedy
Risk
This could create rough driving conditions and damage to rear suspension system. the driver could loose control of the motorhome and a crash could occur without prior notice.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the replace the trailing arms for cracks and replacing the trailing arms and u-bolts in the rear suspension of the motorhomes free of charge. the recall began on march 29, 2005. owners may contact monaco at 1-800-685-6545.
On certain motorhomes, the i-beam leaf imitator in the front axle suspension could crack and break due to an inadequate welding process.
Risk and remedy
Risk
The i-beams on the front axle and the panard bracket on the rear axle could crack and break causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the original i-beam. also, dealers will weld the stiffeners from the panard bar bracket to the center differential of the rear axle housing. owner notification began march 1, 2004. owners should contact monaco at 1-877-466-6226.
On certain motor homes, the battery cable that IS attached to the circuit breaker IS routed too close to the frame of the coach.
Risk and remedy
Risk
This could result in the cable becoming worn and creating an electrical short in the 12-volt system that could damage the battery and/or circuit breaker.
Remedy
Dealers will rotate the eyelet on the circuit breaker to eliminate the possibility of the cable rubbing on the frame. owner notification began august 22, 2003. owners should contact monaco at 1-800-685-6545.
On certain motor homes, the brake assemblies exhibit elevated temperatures that can lead to catastrophic deterioration of the wheel end components such as bearings, races, spindles, knuckles, seals, hubs, rotors, patch bolts, calipers, brake pads, and ABS sensors.
Risk and remedy
Risk
This could result in loss of control, and/or the potential for a fire.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the front and rear brake calipers for corrosion and replace or rebuild the calipers as necessary. the recall began on august 18, 2004. owners should contact monaco at 1-800-685-6545.
Owner complaints
18 complaints1 involved a crash
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Service brakes
TL* the contact owns a 2003 holiday rambler ambassador. The contact stated that while driving at various low speeds, the brake pedal was applied and instantly went to the floorboard. As a result, the contact crashed into a pole. The contact mentioned that crashing into the pole was the only way to…
TL* the contact owns a 2003 holiday rambler ambassador. The contact stated that while driving at various low speeds, the brake pedal was applied and instantly went to the floorboard. As a result, the contact crashed into a pole. The contact mentioned that crashing into the pole was the only way to stop the vehicle. The contact engaged the parking brake to stop the vehicle while in the reverse position because the vehicle continued to roll backwards while the brakes were applied. A police report was not filed. There were no injuries sustained. The vehicle was towed to premier truck group of knoxville (1413 everett road, knoxville, tennessee 37932 (800) 443-2324) where it was diagnosed that the foot valve was faulty and that air was induced into the brake lines. The dealer replaced the front right brake caliber, the front axle, and all of the ABS sensor lights on the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 53,500. *dt*jb
- Service brakes
TL* the contact owns a 2003 holiday rambler ambassador. While driving approximately 40 mph, the vehicle started to veer to one side and the ABS sensor light illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was merged over to the shoulder to cool off and was later driven to the contact's residence.…
TL* the contact owns a 2003 holiday rambler ambassador. While driving approximately 40 mph, the vehicle started to veer to one side and the ABS sensor light illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was merged over to the shoulder to cool off and was later driven to the contact's residence. The contact mentioned that the vehicle was included in nhtsa campaign number: 02v278000 (service brakes, hydraulic); however, the part needed to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time to address the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 45,000.
- Service brakes
Front calipers did not release, causing abnormal wear and tear on the rotors and pads I have a roadmaster chassis. *tr
- Tires
TL* the contact owns a 2003 holiday rambler ambassador equipped with hercules S208 load rating tires, size: 255 70 22.5. The contact stated that while traveling 65 mph, the front passenger's side tire blew and the tread became separated from the tire. The contact spoke with the distributor of the…
TL* the contact owns a 2003 holiday rambler ambassador equipped with hercules S208 load rating tires, size: 255 70 22.5. The contact stated that while traveling 65 mph, the front passenger's side tire blew and the tread became separated from the tire. The contact spoke with the distributor of the tire and was advised that they had received numerous complaints from truck drivers about the tires. The tires were replaced. The failure mileage was 45,000. The vin was not available. *tr
- Service brakes, hydraulic · Wheels
I have a 2003 holiday rambler ambassador on a roadmaster chassis. I have the same bosch brakes that are currently being recalled on the work horse chassis. I should be included in the work horse recall since I have the same brakes. Holiday rambler went out of business and was bought by monaco and…
I have a 2003 holiday rambler ambassador on a roadmaster chassis. I have the same bosch brakes that are currently being recalled on the work horse chassis. I should be included in the work horse recall since I have the same brakes. Holiday rambler went out of business and was bought by monaco and it went out of business also. Navistar bought monaco. No one IS looking at the holiday rambler brake problems that are the same as the work hours recall. I had to have all calipers ,rotors, brake pads, and ABS sensors changed due to the caliper not releasing and heating the rotors. *Tr
- Service brakes, hydraulic
2003 holiday rambler motorhome bosch brake calibers sticking. 73MM. Had to change all 4 calibers. Now drivers side sticking. Very dangerous and expensive. *Tr
- Air bags · Structure
Events leading to discovery of failure - failure of airbag and panhard tie arm on 2003 holiday rambler 36' ambassador diesel pusher motorhome while 500mi from home, and then second airbag punctured and replaced, along with swaying action that caused difficulty driving led to discovery of…
Events leading to discovery of failure - failure of airbag and panhard tie arm on 2003 holiday rambler 36' ambassador diesel pusher motorhome while 500mi from home, and then second airbag punctured and replaced, along with swaying action that caused difficulty driving led to discovery of broken(complete break) trailing arm on driver side of mh. it IS unknown how long the trailing arm may have been driven with crack(s). the airbag failures, along with the panhard tie rod caused by broken trailing arm. due to information received regarding 2ND failures of trailing arms that had been replaced, a new replacement set of trailing arms was purchased from source engr mfg. *Tr
- Suspension › Rear · Suspension › Rear › Springs › Leaf spring assembly
Rear trailing arm on monaco and holiday rambler break my vehicle had previously been recalled ( 05v053000 ) in 2005 for same problem. a check of rv forums indicate many others are having the same failure. The company that IS now manufacturing replacement parts indicated to me they were…
Rear trailing arm on monaco and holiday rambler break my vehicle had previously been recalled ( 05v053000 ) in 2005 for same problem. a check of rv forums indicate many others are having the same failure. The company that IS now manufacturing replacement parts indicated to me they were shipping 8 to 10 sets (they only supply parts in sets, both sides) a week. Company's name IS source manufacturing, elmira, or 541-935-0308. *Tr
- Service brakes, hydraulic
2003 holiday rambler, ambassador, 34pst, after light stop and go traffic at highway speed the brake calipers and brake system overheat, the disk brake calipers fail to release completely overheating the front and rear passenger side brakes to the point of burning. Gear oil can be smelled and the…
2003 holiday rambler, ambassador, 34pst, after light stop and go traffic at highway speed the brake calipers and brake system overheat, the disk brake calipers fail to release completely overheating the front and rear passenger side brakes to the point of burning. Gear oil can be smelled and the wheels are locked with the motorcoach off the ground. After cooling they relesed. Nhtsa recall 02v278000 monaco r02175 applies. Dealer tom raper refuses to repair. *Tr
- Structure
2003 holiday rambler ambassador motor home. grab bar on outside of coach broke off while my husband climbed into the coach. *Tr
- Structure · Suspension › Rear
As owners of 2003 holiday rambler ambassador, while traveling in nova scotia canada on the freeway at 60 miles per hour the passenger side control -arm broke causing the air bag to blow, and the frame of the motorhome sat down on the axle and the axle moved back swerving the motorhome causing…
As owners of 2003 holiday rambler ambassador, while traveling in nova scotia canada on the freeway at 60 miles per hour the passenger side control -arm broke causing the air bag to blow, and the frame of the motorhome sat down on the axle and the axle moved back swerving the motorhome causing partial loss of control of the rig. we had it towed to anrv repair/dealership in bedford, ns. upon inspection by heavy duty mechanics, it was found the control arm was broken on the passenger side, and the drivers side control arm was cracked. with the force and the bang of the frame hitting onto the axle, the mechanics commented this probably caused dislodged wires in the inverter causing the inverter to short out. the cost to repair the airbag, 2 new control arms, inverter, and labor came to over $5000.00. we contacted a holiday rambler dealer, who submitted paperwork to hr's head office whose response was they would compensate us $337.00. this motorhome had been inspected on a recall regarding the control arms by an authorized holiday rambler dealer and the only defect found was a u-bolt, which they replaced. it would be interesting to know how many other holiday rambler motorhomes have been impacted by this same problem. *tr
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip › Abs warning light · Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › Caliper · Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › Pads · Service brakes, hydraulic › Power assist › Vacuum · Suspension › Rear
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 holiday rambler ambassador. while 55 mph, the calipers would lock the brakes, which caused the wheels to overheat. in addition, the rear passenger side wheel bearings, seals, brake pads also failed. the dealer made the repair however; the ABS warning light remained illuminated. the failure mileage was 4,000 and current mileage was 24,000.
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip · Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip › Abs warning light
ABS sensor keeps on burning out. Have replaced left rear 2 times, front left and right front. Was told that housing unit needs to be replaced by manufacturer, called manufacturer and they said they have had no recalls on the unit. *tr
- Suspension › Rear › Springs › Leaf spring assembly
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 holiday rambler ambassador. while driving 45 mph the weight of the vehicle dropped low on the right side almost as if he had a flat tire. The contact stopped the vehicle immediately and noticed that the trailer arm was broken, and the passenger side rear tire was…
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 holiday rambler ambassador. while driving 45 mph the weight of the vehicle dropped low on the right side almost as if he had a flat tire. The contact stopped the vehicle immediately and noticed that the trailer arm was broken, and the passenger side rear tire was shifted backward. the vehicle was towed to a certified monaco repair shop, who confirmed that the trailer arm broke and damaged the beauty ring by rubbing the inside of the wheel well of the rear suspension. the inner tire was damaged. The vehicle was taken to dealer by the previous owner per recall # 05v053000. The manufacturer stated that the repair was not made, but the vehicle was inspected and determined that the vehicle was operating normally. also, the manufacturer stated that because motor home was inspected they will not reimburse the contact. the current and failure mileage were 32,000. *Ak
- Suspension › Rear
Dt: while driving motor home the trailing arm in the rear end snapped in half. The caller was going 65 mph, vehicle jerked the rear end to right, but the caller was able to get vehicle to the side of road. The caller said there was recall05v053000 on model built at a different plant but not this…
Dt: while driving motor home the trailing arm in the rear end snapped in half. The caller was going 65 mph, vehicle jerked the rear end to right, but the caller was able to get vehicle to the side of road. The caller said there was recall05v053000 on model built at a different plant but not this model. Dealer was out of business. Manufacturer said they would pay for all costs and repairs. Caller was concerned about replacement parts being the same as original parts. Caller said police would not stop to offer help. *Ak
- Suspension › Rear › Springs › Leaf spring assembly
Dt: the contact stated that the 2003 holiday rambler ambassador had the spacer plate under the trailing arm and had a transverse weld and the rear suspension broke in half. The owner was driving at 65 mph in heavy traffic when the rear suspension gave way and nearly caused the family in the motor…
Dt: the contact stated that the 2003 holiday rambler ambassador had the spacer plate under the trailing arm and had a transverse weld and the rear suspension broke in half. The owner was driving at 65 mph in heavy traffic when the rear suspension gave way and nearly caused the family in the motor home to crash. The driver was barely able to get the motor home to the emergency lane. When the owner had gotten the motor home to the side of the road, then the air bag suspension blew up. The owner finally was able to get the motor home to come to a complete stop. The owner then had to have the motor home towed into a truck repair shop, and they welded the right side back together, then sent the family back home in the motor home. The repair shop told the consumer that the other side was about to break also. The owner was in contact with holiday rambler and they told the consumer to drive it on home. Hr did call and check and the family while driving home. Hr said they would only fix the motor home and not give the family a different motor home. There was a recall on the same issue on the suspension on nhtsa # 05v053000 and monoco # r04062. the owner IS highly upset that his family was in danger in this motor home. The owner wants to know why he was not informed about the recall and why his motor home was not recalled. The consumer was informed that hr in using the same trailing arms to put back into the motor home. There were no police or report. The dealer that sold the consumer the motor home IS no longer in business. The repair shop owner stated that once it IS replaced with the same thing he would not trust the motor home either. The name of the repair garage IS r & s auto and truck spring works, bladensburg, md. Hr IS dening that there IS a recall on the suspension on the motor home.*ak
- Suspension › Front
Consumer received nhtsa recall 04V 038 000 concerning i-beam imitator in front axle suspension crack in march, 2004. Parts were ordered on 3-15-04. As of today, parts were still unavailable. Manufacturer indicated that parts were not available, and there was no date of availability. However, consumer was thirteenth on the list for repairs. *Ak
- Service brakes, hydraulic
Intermittently when the brake pedal IS depressed ABS and service brake light illuminate on the dashboard, then the brakes lock up. driver has to pump the pedal to disengage the brakes. braking system components burned 5 times after this had occurred. the dealership replaced the entire breaking system several times, but the problem still exists.*ak
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.
- 10006588Resealing of the taillights. To include 2003 monaco socialite.
- 10005763Monaco coach corporation IS distributing a technical service information bulletin #139 for specific 2003 class a motorhomes that require the installation of the generator spark arrestor. Service bulletin and owner notification.
- 10003083Jb radiator inner cooler failure on aluminum radiators.
Every Holiday Rambler Ambassador model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.