- The problem
- Certain travel trailers and motor homes 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.
- The risk
- Release of coolant under certain conditions could ignite and result in a fire.
- The fix
- Damon 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 damon at 1-800-860-3812.
Vehicle safety record
1998 Damon Challenger Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 6 complaints about the 1998 Damon Challenger with NHTSA, most often about the body, doors & structure (2) and the brakes (1). It is covered by 3 recalls, the latest in March 2007 for the recreational vehicle / trailer. For comparison, the 1997 has 2 and the 1999 has 6.
NHTSA data checked
CAbout as many problems as a typical Challenger year, for its age
#195 most complained-about 1998 vehicle
- Complaints
- 6
- Recalls
- 3
- Crashes
- 0
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 1998 Damon Challenger problems
Share of all 6 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
1998 Damon Challenger recalls 3
Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do
- The problem
- Vehicle description: motor homes. A generator muffler strap was omitted during the installation process.
- The risk
- The muffler and exhaust tail pipe can vibrate loose, possibly detaching from the unit.
- The fix
- DEALERS WILL INSTALL A MUFFLER STRAP.
- The problem
- Vehicle description: class a and c motor homes. The hardware used to secure the liquid propane (lp) tank was not tightened properly.
- The risk
- If the lp tank is not secured, the tank could fall to the ground while the motor home is being driven.
- The fix
- Dealers will inspect the motor homes to verify that the proper hardware is being used and that all nuts are tightened properly.
What owners say
Be the first Challenger owner to share.
Problems or none - your experience is exactly what the next buyer is looking for. Write it now
6 complaints about the 1998 Damon Challenger
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners.
Both exhaust manifolds cracked . One manifold stud broke off at the head. Wiring harness started to melt due to hot exhaust. This is a 454 chev. Engine. We had to insert metal plate to deflect the exhaust until we could get it fixed. It is in the shop now for repair on the right exhaust manifold and replacement on the left exhaust manifold. We will have the old parts when done. *Jb
Bought unit used ,defroster did not work. Air conditioner has to be put on to get the heat out of the vents prior to using the vents. None of the door are switching to direct the air. *Jb
The springs on the driver side of the motorhome collasped. Consumer states that the size 16 chassis is not sufficient enough to carry a 3500 foot motorhome. Please give any further details. Mr
The motor home was leaning on the front driver's side and it continued to worsen until the spring collapsed. The dealer stated that the spring collapsed due to being over weight and wanted to cut off the right spring to balance the rv. *Yh
Screws were rusting out on latter located on back of trailer. Consumer felt this was very dangerous. Please provide any further information.*Ak
When driving with foot on the accelerator driver can raise and catch underneath the brake pedal. Dealer and manufacturer contacted and admitted to problem, but will not remedy the problem. *Ak
Damon Challenger: every year compared
All Challenger years1998 Damon Challenger vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1998 Damon Challenger | 6 | 3 | C | |
| 1998 Damon Ultrasport | 3 | 2 | C | Compare |
| 1998 Damon Intruder | 2 | 1 | A | Compare |
| 1998 Damon Daybreak | 1 | 3 | C | Compare |
More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.
Questions about the 1998 Damon Challenger
Does the 1998 Damon Challenger have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 1998 Damon Challenger: recreational vehicle / trailer (March 2007); electrical (July 1999); mounting (September 1998). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
What are the most common problems with the 1998 Damon Challenger?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the body, doors & structure (2), brakes (1), engine & cooling (1).
How many complaints has the 1998 Damon Challenger had?
6 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on December 21, 1998 and the latest on November 22, 2004. Of these, 0 describe a crash and 0 a fire, and together they report 0 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 1998 Damon Challenger a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 50 out of 100 (grade C: about as many problems as a typical Damon Challenger year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
Which Damon Challenger years have the most complaints?
2003 (7), 1998 (6), 1999 (6). See every Damon Challenger year compared.
What should I do if my 1998 Damon Challenger has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data