2003 Winnebago Sightseer
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Winnebago › Sightseer › 2003
These records cover every 2003 Winnebago Sightseer. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
8 recalls name the 2003 Winnebago Sightseer. 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 vehicles equipped with axles that include bosh 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 would normally have warning of…
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 or winnebago at 1-641-585-3535.
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, models mr1031wb, mr1032bb, mr1033sb, mr1351wb, and mr1352bb, the microwaves 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…
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 1-800-932-3837 or winnebago at 1-641-585-3535.
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.
On certain motor homes, when the cooking range and furnace are operating at the same time, the flame on the cooking range could be forced downward over the burner or flame outage could occur. this condition IS due to the location of the furnace and cooking range whereby the furnace may draw air in from above the range burners and cause a downdraft.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Should this occur, the flame may go out, and the liquid propane (lp) gas will continue to flow. this IS a hazardous situation that could result in an explosion or fire.
Remedy
Dealers will install an air restrictor panel under the range. owner notification began july 10, 2003. owners should contact winnebago at 1-641-585-6939.
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.
On certain model D30B motor homes built on a ford chassis, a plate, which IS used to support the spare tire, was inadvertently left off a number of these motor homes.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Without this additional support, the spare tire could fall off the vehicle resulting in property damage and possibly personal injury.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the spare tire mount and, if necessary, install a new support plate. owner notification IS expected to begin during march 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 1-641-585-6939.
Owner complaints
11 complaints3 involved a fire
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Service brakes
TL* the contact owns a 2003 winnebago sightseer. Shortly after purchasing the recreational vehicle, the brake pedal was very soft and had to be depressed to the floorboard in order to stop the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the ABS melted on…
TL* the contact owns a 2003 winnebago sightseer. Shortly after purchasing the recreational vehicle, the brake pedal was very soft and had to be depressed to the floorboard in order to stop the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the ABS melted on the backing plate of the front wheels. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 25,500. updated 09/06/16*lj
- Service brakes
TL* the contact owns a 2003 winnebago sightseer. While driving approximately 50 mph, the steering wheel independently veered to the left. The contact noticed that the brake pedal was higher than usual. While reversing to park the vehicle, the brake pedal extended to the floor when it was depressed.…
TL* the contact owns a 2003 winnebago sightseer. While driving approximately 50 mph, the steering wheel independently veered to the left. The contact noticed that the brake pedal was higher than usual. While reversing to park the vehicle, the brake pedal extended to the floor when it was depressed. The contact noticed smoke emitting from the front driver side brake. The contact also noticed that the calipers on the front driver side wheel were sticking in the applied position. The ABS sensor was also melted and damaged. the contact was an independent mechanic and diagnosed that the brake pads, ABS sensor assembly, and the caliper assembly needed to be replaced. The contact had not yet repaired the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and stated that the vehicle was not included in nhtsa campaign number: 09v186000(service brakes, hydraulic). The approximate failure mileage was 49,000.
- Power train
TL* the contact owns a 2003 winnebago sightseer 33D. The contact stated that while driving 20 mph, he shifted to third gear and the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact mentioned that the failure recurred several times. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The technician was unable to…
TL* the contact owns a 2003 winnebago sightseer 33D. The contact stated that while driving 20 mph, he shifted to third gear and the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact mentioned that the failure recurred several times. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The technician was unable to diagnose the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 18,000 and the current mileage was 30,389. *tr
- Electrical system
Preparing to go camping, I started my winnebago sightseer and positioned it to attach my towed vehicle. I shut off the engine at that point. After completing the hitching procedure, I attempted to start my rv. It would not start. after having the vehicle towed to a local truck dealership, they…
Preparing to go camping, I started my winnebago sightseer and positioned it to attach my towed vehicle. I shut off the engine at that point. After completing the hitching procedure, I attempted to start my rv. It would not start. after having the vehicle towed to a local truck dealership, they found "that the ignition switch and one connector was burnt." they called winnebago and "found that there was an update relay harness for this problem" which they ordered an installed. Although this obviously was a recurring problem (otherwise why an updated kit), the service rep I then contacted at winnebago, claimed to have no knowledge of this defective switch and stated there was no recall or advisory bulletin concerning this problem. I did some rudimentary searching on the internet and found at least 2 different complaints re this same problem, one of which was on a 2005 sightseer. I in those incidents it seems that the switch shorted out while the rigs were underway, resulting in a sudden loss of engine power, power steering and power brakes. I consider myself fortunate that did not happen to me. however the towing, labor and parts charge came to over $1000, much of the labor cost due to the time involved in diagnosing the problem. the winnebago service rep made the observation that they should have called winnebago sooner, the implication being that winnebago knows about the problem. This again brings up the question why no recall or advisory bulletin to owners? I have the damaged switch and connector in my possession and have photographed them as well. *tr
- Vehicle speed control
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 winnebago sightseer. the contact received a recall notice for nhtsa campaign ID number 07v336000 (vehicle speed control). the dealer disconnected the speed control and stated that the parts would be unavailable until the first quarter of 2008. the contact was…
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 winnebago sightseer. the contact received a recall notice for nhtsa campaign ID number 07v336000 (vehicle speed control). the dealer disconnected the speed control and stated that the parts would be unavailable until the first quarter of 2008. the contact was dissatisfied with the remedy and the amount of time it would take to repair. there had been no failure to date. the engine size was unknown. the current mileage was 37,500. updated 11/06/07 *tr
- Steering › Linkages › Arm › Idler and attachment
Dt*: the contact stated when the vehicle was purchased, it was recommended that the vehicle be loaded and taken in for wheel alignment. while having the front end aligned, the independent repair shop determined the front linkages, idler arm and relay switch needed to be replaced. the parts were…
Dt*: the contact stated when the vehicle was purchased, it was recommended that the vehicle be loaded and taken in for wheel alignment. while having the front end aligned, the independent repair shop determined the front linkages, idler arm and relay switch needed to be replaced. the parts were replaced and the failure recurred. the manufacturer indicated the parts might not be heavy enough for the vehicle and could fail again. updated 08/25/06. *Jb
- Electrical system › Wiring · Equipment · Structure › Body › Door · Unknown or other
Bought 2003 winnebago/ sightseer model 30B leftover from meyers super store in new york on february 14, 2004. since then have had numerous defects on unit. hydraulic jacks failed on first trip- leak on jack at fitting, jack would not retract. taken for service, could not find problem. service…
Bought 2003 winnebago/ sightseer model 30B leftover from meyers super store in new york on february 14, 2004. since then have had numerous defects on unit. hydraulic jacks failed on first trip- leak on jack at fitting, jack would not retract. taken for service, could not find problem. service dealer replaced numerous parts in five trips to dealership (manifold replaced; solenoid replaced; switched wires; replaced switch box inside unit - touchpad). left rear jack still does not seem to work in unison with other jacks when used. second trip out - water heater failed to ignite on 2ND day. resistor replaced under warranty. other problems encountered so far: pod left of entry door leaks, stain on carpet by table when slide IS out - shampooed out twice - returns; entry door hard to close - must be slammed to close tight; border in bathroom and kitchen areas falling off; stain on curtain - passenger side - front shade; 30 amp plug separating from cord on landline for camper - replaced warranty. entry door rattles when unit IS moving. on 9-27-04, on 2ND trip back to service dealer for repair of generator (not working) engine compartment caught fire when jacks were being put down due to hydraulic fluid hitting exhaust manifold from broken hydraulic line where it exits raceway for hoses behind engine. on 10-8-04 , heard from service dealer (spitler rv, montoursville, pa) that winnebago acknowledges sharp edge of rail caused hose to be cut and authorized spitlers to do necessary repairs. do not feel that repairs are warranted at this time due to problems and fire on unit. unit should be replaced or bought back at original sales price & trade in should be refunded in cash. *nm
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components · Unknown or other
Drove motorhome for 1.25 hrs. To deliver for repair of generator which was not working. unit approximately 8 months old - still under warranty. on arrival at dealer, attempted to put down hydraulic jacks. fire started in engine compartment area from leak on hydraulic line that broke due to…
Drove motorhome for 1.25 hrs. To deliver for repair of generator which was not working. unit approximately 8 months old - still under warranty. on arrival at dealer, attempted to put down hydraulic jacks. fire started in engine compartment area from leak on hydraulic line that broke due to design defect. this was confirmed on 10-5-04 by insurance adjuster inspector. unit had previous problems with the hydraulic jack system, starting on 4-30-04 to present.*ak
- Equipment › Appliance › Air conditioner · Structure · Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer
Numerous defects involving 2003 winnebago sightseer. *mr passenger side windshield leak, driver side windshield leak, slide out leak behind the driver seat, compartment to left of the entry door leaked, under the slid out leaked, dining cushion was coming apart, the driver's seat not aligned…
Numerous defects involving 2003 winnebago sightseer. *mr passenger side windshield leak, driver side windshield leak, slide out leak behind the driver seat, compartment to left of the entry door leaked, under the slid out leaked, dining cushion was coming apart, the driver's seat not aligned squarely with the steering wheel, chassis a/c didn't get cold, kitchen sink had a crack, kitchen faucet leaked, outside temperature sensor didn't work, the leak in the back corner on the driver;s side, the front drapes water stained on delivery, entry door constantly squeaked, the vent for the stove constantly rattled, the vinyl coming off the molding to the slide out fascia, the trim on the refrigerator was poorly attached, the cold bath faucet handled marred, the water pump was noisy in the bedroom area, the windshield wiper washer hose had broken, the jacks were not represented when the unit was sold, front alignment was performed, and levels sensors appeared to be very inaccurate. *sc *jb
- Suspension
While driving over 50 mph vehicle swerved and bounced all over the highway. dealer examined the vehicle, and claimed that the vehicle was handling normally. *Ak
- Suspension
While driving 45 mph steering wheel vibrated uncontrollably. driver was able to drive the motorhome to a dealer for analysis, but the mechanic was not able to resolve the problem. *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.
- 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 Sightseer model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.