2003 Winnebago Brave
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Winnebago › Brave › 2003
These records cover every 2003 Winnebago Brave. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
6 recalls name the 2003 Winnebago Brave. Newest first.
Winnebago IS recalling certain recreational vehicles equipped with 1200-series norcold refrigerators. the population of refrigerators being addressed contains either a sensing algorithm or thermal switch to shut off power to the refrigerator when high temperatures are detected in order to prevent a potential fire. the response times of the sensor…
Risk and remedy
Risk
The sensing algorithm or thermal switch installed to shut off power to the refrigerator when high temperatures are detected due to a possible hydrogen gas leak may not shut off in sufficient time to prevent a fire.
Remedy
Winnebago IS working with norcold to identify and notify any affected owners. owners will be instructed to contact norcold dealers to receive the remedy free of charge. please see norcold's defect report 10e-049 for additional information. the recall began during december 2010. owners may contact norcold at 1-800-767-9101 or winnebago at 1-641-585-3535.
Winnebago IS recalling 1,547 model year 2001-2003 recreational vehicles equipped with norcold model 1200lrim refrigerators, manufactured from march 1, 2001 to december 31, 2002, with serial numbers between 1273701 and 1536607, non-consecutively. a fatigue failure in the section of the cooling unit which contains the refrigerant could allow the liquid…
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
Winnebago IS working with norcold and norcold will notify owners and the vehicle's refrigerator will be repaired free of charge (please see 09e-027). owners may contact norcold's recall center at 1-800-767-9101.
Winnebago IS recalling 2,331 my 2002-2004 brave and itasca sunrise my 2005 2006 winnebago voyage, adventurer, itasca sunrise and suncruiser motor homes. the propane tank mounting bracket may have an incomplete or improper weld.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Should the weld fail, the propane tank can tip or fall, possibly releasing propane which has the potential to ignitea fire, resulting in personal injury and/or vehicle and property damage.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and properly weld the bracket free of charge. the recall IS expected to begin during may 2009. owners may contact winnebago at 800-537-1885.
On certain motor homes built on a 20,700 gvwr or greater workhorse chassis, there may not be sufficient clearance in the area where the fuel line crosses the frame cross member.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Without clearance, a condition could develop where the cross member may wear into the fuel line and a fuel leak may develop. fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.
Remedy
Dealers will repair these motor homes by providing clearance between the fuel line and frame cross member. the fuel line will be inspected and, if necessary, replaced. the recall began january 7, 2005. owners should contact winnebago at 1-800-537-1885.
On certain motor homes equipped with samsung microwave ovens, these units 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 winnebago at 641-585-3535.
Certain motor home chassis fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 105,"Hydraulic and electric brake systems." the brake system warning indicator may not function as required by the standard.
Risk and remedy
Risk
In some of the affected vehicles, the brake system warning indicator will not illuminate when the ignition IS in the start position or for a low brake fluid condition, if the body builder relied solely upon ford's ivm compliance statement for the system warning indicator.
Remedy
Dealers will repair these vehicles. owner notification began april 25, 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 winnebago at 1-641-585-3535.
Owner complaints
12 complaints2 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Visibility/wiper
My 2003 winnebago only has 9800 miles on it and IS kept under shelter. Obviously it has had little use. There IS a windshield leak on the passenger side, with rust particles falling on the dash. According to information on the internet, this IS a common issue with the winnebago/ itasca class a…
My 2003 winnebago only has 9800 miles on it and IS kept under shelter. Obviously it has had little use. There IS a windshield leak on the passenger side, with rust particles falling on the dash. According to information on the internet, this IS a common issue with the winnebago/ itasca class a motorhomes. I suspect the company IS aware of the issue, and has made no effort to recall and help customers with what could be a potentially dangerous situation. My fear IS driving down the highway,hitting a bump in the road, and having that windshield fall in on my wife or on the highway, not to mention the water damage or mold potential. This IS my 3RD winnebago. I bought it new at a cost of over $100K. I've taken very good care of it , keeping it under roof when not in use. The company told ma they can not do anything about it. I already replaced the windshield on the drivers side after it cracked mysteriously. I think winnebago/itasca owners should be notified of the potential, and the windshields should be repaired of rust on the inside of the windshield frame, and the glass resealed and reinstalled. I know of many safety issues that nhtsa has taken care of in the auto industry. This should be no different. Rv manufacturers should be held as responsible as the auto companies. For the money that IS spent on them, the customers deserve better consideration. Please look into this matter. Thank you
- Electrical system
TL* the contact owns a 2003 winnebago brave. While driving approximately 65 mph, the vehicle began to shudder and hesitate before suddenly stalling and shutting off. During the incident, an electrical burning odor was present inside the cabin. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was…
TL* the contact owns a 2003 winnebago brave. While driving approximately 65 mph, the vehicle began to shudder and hesitate before suddenly stalling and shutting off. During the incident, an electrical burning odor was present inside the cabin. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the electrical wires connecting the ignition switch were faulty and a protection kit was installed to remedy the failure. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 70,462.
- Service brakes
TL* the contact 2003 winnebago brave class a. The contact stated that after parking his vehicle he applied the parking brake. After exiting the vehicle he noticed that it started to roll backwards. He immediately got back into the vehicle and depressed on the brakes. The vehicle was later taken to…
TL* the contact 2003 winnebago brave class a. The contact stated that after parking his vehicle he applied the parking brake. After exiting the vehicle he noticed that it started to roll backwards. He immediately got back into the vehicle and depressed on the brakes. The vehicle was later taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the switch for the parking brake was blown and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and they offered no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 55,018. The current mileage was approximately 55,518.
- Service brakes, hydraulic
I purchased a new winnebago brave motorhome in 2003 with a workhorse chassis. In october of 2006 I began feeling the steering wheel shake when I applied the brakes to the motorhome. I removed the front wheels and discovered huge cracks in the disc brake rotors. I replaced the front disc brake…
I purchased a new winnebago brave motorhome in 2003 with a workhorse chassis. In october of 2006 I began feeling the steering wheel shake when I applied the brakes to the motorhome. I removed the front wheels and discovered huge cracks in the disc brake rotors. I replaced the front disc brake rotors and the disc pads on 10-31-2006 (i have receipt). I also discovered, while replacing the brake parts, that the calipers were binding at the slide pin. I cleaned the pins and applied some white lithium grease so the calipers would move smoothly again. Approximately 1 and a half years later I discovered the same problem with the rear brake rotors and binding of the rear caliper. On 03-10-2008, I replaced the rear rotors and brake pads. I also lubricated the rear caliper pins. The cost of the replacement parts were approximately $600(I did the labor myself). Last weekend (02-22-2009) I saw that the left rear caliper was leaking from the piston boot. I called the dealer again and asked them for a price of a caliper rebuild kit. The dealer told me that the calipers could not be repaired and had to be replaced with new calipers. I also noticed that the brake fluid in the master cylinder had gelled from the extreme heat of the brake system. At this point I was completely disappointed with the brake system of the motorhome. Almost every part will need to be replaced. I looked up my problem on the internet and discovered that many other people have had the same problem with workhorse chassis between 2001-2005 I called the manufacturer of the chassis, "workhorse" and explained the problem with their product. They told me that they were not responsibility for the brake problem because my motorhome did not have a vin # that was part of their recall. Even though it fell in the 2001-2003 year. The tech manager at workhorse, greg did not want to help me with the repair of my motorhome and did not want to disclose any information regarding other motorhomes with similar problems. *Tr
- Service brakes, hydraulic
While driving my 2003 winnebago on a workhorse chassis through austin texas on a high traffic evening I had a bad overheating problem in the front brakes to the point that both wheels were smoking. I pulled off the road and waited hours for the brakes to release so that I could proceed to my…
While driving my 2003 winnebago on a workhorse chassis through austin texas on a high traffic evening I had a bad overheating problem in the front brakes to the point that both wheels were smoking. I pulled off the road and waited hours for the brakes to release so that I could proceed to my destination. after reading the blogs on various sites I am sure that I am experiencing the same problem that other workhorse chassis owners are having. I know that I am looking at a big repair bill that will not necessarily solve my problem... Please lets get to the bottom of this situation. I don't have a dollar amount on repairs yet. thanks *tr
- Service brakes, hydraulic
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 winnebago brave. the contact stated that there was a defect with the workhorse chassis. while driving approximately 45 mph, the contact heard a loud squealing noise and the brakes locked abruptly. prior to this failure, the ABS warning light illuminated on the…
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 winnebago brave. the contact stated that there was a defect with the workhorse chassis. while driving approximately 45 mph, the contact heard a loud squealing noise and the brakes locked abruptly. prior to this failure, the ABS warning light illuminated on the instrument panel and remained so until the engine was turned off. the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer and they stated that the malfunction was related to the bosh brake calipers. the vehicle was repaired. the vin was excluded from the recall, although the failures were identical. the failure mileage was 27,612 and current mileage was 27,631. updated 10/14/08 *bf the consumer was informed that the calipers were sticking or ocking up which was caused by extreme heat which damaged the rotors and pads. updated 10/15/08 *jb
- Structure
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 winnebago brave. the contact noticed the level of the propane tank and discovered that the frame was disengaged from the bracket. the bracket was damaged. the failure occurred without prior warning. at this time, the vehicle has not been taken to the authorized dealer…
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 winnebago brave. the contact noticed the level of the propane tank and discovered that the frame was disengaged from the bracket. the bracket was damaged. the failure occurred without prior warning. at this time, the vehicle has not been taken to the authorized dealer and repaired. the contact was unable to drive the vehicle and IS concerned of the safety risk involved. the failure and current mileages were 27,631. updated 10/14/08. *lj updated 10/16/08. *Jb
- Equipment › Appliance › Air conditioner · Service brakes, hydraulic
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 winnebago brave. five miles away from home, while driving 50 mph, the contact smelled a horrible burning smell and the vehicle became difficult to accelerate. a mechanic stated that both the front and rear calipers were burned, the compressor in the air conditioner was…
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 winnebago brave. five miles away from home, while driving 50 mph, the contact smelled a horrible burning smell and the vehicle became difficult to accelerate. a mechanic stated that both the front and rear calipers were burned, the compressor in the air conditioner was burned, and the serpentine belt needed to be replaced. the contact was informed that her vin was not included in nhtsa campaign ID number 03v06000 (service brakes, hydraulic:switches:brake warning) and the vehicle was no longer under warranty. the failure mileage was 29,109. Updated 10/08/08. *Lj the ac failed due to a leak in lines. The serpentine belt was split. Updated 10/10/08. *Jb
- Parking brake
Dt*: the contact stated while traveling 50 mph, the parking brake warning light illuminated. the automatic parking brake failed, locked up and would not disengage. the brake was attempted to activate while the vehicle was in motion. the service dealer and manufacturer were notified.
- Latches/locks/linkages › Doors › Latch
The entry door lock IS faulty to the point that we have been "locked out" of our rig over 20 times during our past trip! we ask suncoast of ocala to fix it before we traveled in dec. Of 04 but found that it wasn't fixed when we took a month long trip this past september. we have contacted…
The entry door lock IS faulty to the point that we have been "locked out" of our rig over 20 times during our past trip! we ask suncoast of ocala to fix it before we traveled in dec. Of 04 but found that it wasn't fixed when we took a month long trip this past september. we have contacted winnebago and have been told that our lock was not on any recall list so they can do nothing. they did have entry door locks recalled and we assume that ours must be a part of that as there are no parts available for this model any longer and to fix it a new lock has got to purchased from winnebago. we purchased our winnebago brave new in october of 03 and had not used it much before our recent trip. please help us to resolve this problem with winnebago. we are so thankful that our small grandchildren were not inside when we were unable to reenter the rig! I entered sep 4, 2005 because that was the day of our departure. the incidents were on going the entire month long trip. thank you, dottie and larry ryherd. *Jb
- Equipment › Recreational vehicle/trailer
The consumer received the wrong part for his samsung microwave. the consumer called the manufacturer and explained the mistake. the manufacturer indicated that they did not have the correct part at this moment and were not sure when it would be available. *nm
- Equipment
Shower faucet installed in a 2003 itasca motor home model 32V IS very difficult to operate. Causing either cold or very hot burst of water to hit the person in the shower. the hot water caused a scalding the last time the shower was used. the faucet controls the water by a side to side motion…
Shower faucet installed in a 2003 itasca motor home model 32V IS very difficult to operate. Causing either cold or very hot burst of water to hit the person in the shower. the hot water caused a scalding the last time the shower was used. the faucet controls the water by a side to side motion that IS about 1/2" in either direction. once set (even temperature) it only takes a slight movement to change the temperature. I know this IS a minor complaint but a correction to the faucet really needs to be done. scalding IS not minor. *jb
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.
- 10252834Service Bulletin sent to dealers advising of the required legal verbiage each RO should document.
- 10251128Service Bulletin sent to all Winnebago dealers. Bulletin outlines the characteristics of new roof sealant being used.
- 10226724Service Bulletin sent to all Winnebago dealers. Bulletin advises of a manufacturing change to the shower surround sealant process for all units.
- 10213593Service Bulletin sent to all dealers. This bulletin advises dealers they no longer need to email Winnebago the signed Vehicle Registration Form, but they should retain a copy for their records.
- 10199382Service Bulletin to dealers reminding them to understand their state's Lemon Law and to comply with Winnebago Motorhome mandates outlined in the Policy & Procedure Manual.
- 10199381Service Bulletin to dealers advising them of part sales training opportunities.
- 10199380General Parts and Service Letter to dealers detailing the warranty part return procedure.
Every Winnebago Brave model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.