- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- Release of coolant under certain conditions could ignite and result in a fire.
- The fix
- 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.
Vehicle safety record
1997 Fleetwood Bounder Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 29 complaints about the 1997 Fleetwood Bounder with NHTSA, most often about the brakes (8) and the engine & cooling (5). Those complaints describe 1 crash. It is covered by 5 recalls, the latest in March 2007 for the recreational vehicle / trailer. For comparison, the 1996 has 24 and the 1998 has 24.
NHTSA data checked
FFar more problems than a typical Bounder year, for its age
#119 most complained-about 1997 vehicle
- Complaints
- 29
- Recalls
- 5
- Crashes
- 1
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 1997 Fleetwood Bounder problems
Share of all 29 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
1997 Fleetwood Bounder recalls 5
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. The driver's and passenger's side windows do not meet the requirements of fmvss no. 205, "Glazing materials," for an acceptable level of tint.
- The risk
- This condition could cause the driver reduced visibility through the side windows when backing up, when using the mirrors for lane changes, or whenever looking through the windows, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
- The fix
- DEALERS WILL REPLACE THESE WINDOWS.
- The problem
- Vehicle description: class a motor homes. The hydraulic hoses which operate the leveling jack system is routed too close to the engine exhaust manifold causing the hose to melt, releasing hydraulic fluid.
- The risk
- This hydraulic fluid can ignite in the engine compartment causing a fire.
- The fix
- Dealers will inspect, replace any damaged hoses, and relocate the affected hydraulic lines.
- The problem
- The e-z slide-out room can operate unexpectedly. Water can cause an electrical short in the slide-out room control relay.
- The risk
- If the slide-out room operates unexpectedly, the motor home width will increase which could lead to an accident if traveling or property damage could occur while the motor home is parked.
- The fix
- Dealers will install a replacement control relay in a waterproof location on these motor homes.
- The problem
- Miswiring of the low beam headlamp receptacle for the replaceable halogen lamp causes a noncompliance to fmvss no. 108, "Lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."
- The risk
- This condition causes reduced lighting levels with the low beam operation resulting in reduced visibility during dark driving conditions.
- The fix
- Dealers will inspect and modify the motor home wiring to provide correct circuit connections.
What owners say
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29 complaints about the 1997 Fleetwood Bounder
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 2.
The side windows have lost the seal and are now beyond repair . Visibility is impossible. Tried to find the windows and is impossible to find.Seems odd that this has been written up many times.Owned this vehicle for ten years and this started after second year of ownership. *Js
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 fleetwood bounder. The contact referenced nhtsa recall campaign id number: 97v178000, equipment:mechanical:jacks. The vehicle was purchased used in 2000 and the contact stated that the recall work was performed. While inspecting he found several cracked hoses and fluid leaking from the engine. He called the manufacturer and they would not assume liability for the repairs. The failure and current mileages were 18,500.
In october 2004 I bought 4 big o lt235/85r16 tires for my motor home. In october 2005, after putting on about 16,000 miles, the tread came off of one of the tires while traveling about 60 mph. Five months later, but only 1,000 miles more, the second tire lost it tread. One hundred miles later the third tire lost its tread. In all three cases there was total separation of the tread from the carcass, just like the semi trucks losing the tread on a re-treaded tire. As a result of these incidents, considerable damage was done to the underside of the motor home, including rupture of a propane line, which could have resulted in a major fire. *Tr
I own a 1997 fleetwood bounder. The drivers side window has became clouded at different times of the day and travel direction it is almost impossible to see out into the rear view mirrors. There has been no accidents yet, and it is extremely difficult to see out. *Tr
The parking brake on my 1997 bounder motor home that's built on a chevrolet p-30 chassis will fail without warning & allow the coach to roll. It has been rebuilt & works most of the time. It's that one time it won't work that worries me. I am using wheel chaulks whenever I park it. *Tr. Updated 01/11/08. *Lj updated *jb
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 fleetwood bounder. Approximately three years ago,the contact began experienced visibility problems with the driver side window. He stated that the windows were dual, insulated pane, and the glass seals have failed, causing poor visibility while driving. The contact's vehicle had the same failure with the passenger's side window. He stated that there was a growth between the panes that had a clear crystal look, and produced a foggy look on the window. The contact insisted ...
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that these windows should be of a better quality and not use dual panes that crack and cause poor visibility. The contact stated that a complaint was previously made for the same year, make, and model with odi # 10043211 (visibility:glass, side/rear). The current mileage is 37,000 and failure mileage was 30,000.*Ak
My complaint does not involve an accident but does involve a failure to act (by fleetwood motorhome co.) And rectify what I feel is a major safety issue with my motorhome. I purchased my 1997 fleetwood bounder new in 1997 and have been trying to get fleetwood to recognize that the fire escape window in my motorhome is sorely inadequate. They merely placed a decal that reads "fire exit" on a standard window and expect that to suffice. A normal fire escape window has two red handles that secure the window frame...
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during normal operation and can also be turned to unlatch the window frame for egress in the event of a fire. I contacted fleetwood about this problem and they had me go to a local authorized fleetwood repair facility where a service manager took pictures of my window and sent them to fleetwood. Fleetwood responded to them , and they to me, that I have the correct configuration. Last week I went to a rv show where there were new and used bounders on sale. The new bounder had the correct fire escape window (red release handles). In another bounder (used) that was a year or so newer than mine there was no real fire escape window. It was un-equipped, just like mine. In the event of a fire, an older couple such as my wife and i, would have great difficulty exiting the vehicle. I fear that we would surely sustain severe burns at the very least. Since there were other motorhomes in my motorhome's era with the same problem, many people could be at risk. I would appreciate it if you could resolve this public danger. Thank you. *Nm
When driving over bumps in the road the steering column became difficult to maneuver. . Please provide additional information. *Jb
Problems with exhaust manifold and head gasket.*Mr the vehicle exhaust manifold made noise while driving. Several attempts at have the problem resolved has ailed. The consumer spoke with several other people who also have motorhomes with low mileage 460 ford engine's. The consumer contacted ford customer service who indicated that rust was the cause of the problem. The representative went on to say that he banks header system was the cure which would cost about $4000. The consumer had the header system installed and it seem to be working well. The consumer feels that the manufacturer knows of the faulty exhaust manifold but continues to manufacture them. *Nm
Consumer heard a disturbing noise coming from exhaust manifold system. Dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem. *Ak
Bought bounder new in 1998. It is a 1997 model. Ford 460 motor. Since we bought it, we had to have the transmission seals replaced at least three times, two new heads, one new manifold system and the radiator had problems. The leveling jack alarm wouldn't shut off. Now, the transmission has completely failed. We had an extended warranty, but the inspector says that there was another leak in the front tranny seal, and that was what caused the failure of the tranny and they won't cover the failure. The fluid...
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drained when we got to our destination, but they are insisting that we drove it without the fluid. Not so, and we have a witness. Anyway, our request is for ford to do something about this problem as we have fought with this seal problem since we bought the unit. It is obviously a manufacture defect. Help. *Jb
Transmissioin failure. Had to have the seals replaced almost from the day we bought the unit new. Now the transmission has to be replaced. Had two heads replaced and an entire manifold since we bought it. Have been told by dealers that that year of motorhome engine had lots of problems. Ended up with a 350 dollar towing bill and out the use of the motorhome as we are "negotiating" with the extended warranty company to see if they will pay for the failure.*Ak
Vehicle had a tendency to roll due to poor brake line design. The brake line was one half inch from manifold. The manifold melted the brake line, causing the brakes to seize. Dealer was aware of the problem with the brake line.*Ak
The vehicle had a state inspection performed from another state before the consumer took ownership. The consumer felt that some things were overlooked at the time of inspection. *La the consumer was informed the vehicle had many problems, such as defective speedometer, poor windshield wiper blades, which failed to clean the windshield, an exhaust leak which was leaking at the exhaust header, a defective rear roof ladder, and a improperly misaligned steering wheel. The consumer no longer owns the recreational vehicle. *Jb
After putting vehicle in park it will roll. Contacted dealer. Dealer replaced shoe around driveshaft, but problem is still occurring. *Ak consumer stated when gear shift goes into park, auto park does not engage, vehicle would not hold, the dealer found the park brake shoes glazed and out of adjustment, the park brake cable was replaced.*Jb
Right rear axle leaf spring has a broken. Dealer noticed broken leaf spring during inspection. Please add further comments. *Ak
The chassis selected by fleetwood is of insufficient capacity to safely carry the weight of such a large motorhome (34' motorhome on a chevrolet truck p-30), while driving on irregular surfaces and over passes control was almost lost creating an extremely dangerous situation. Nlm
When foot is on "t"-handle to release emergency brake, would pull by hand, it would jump out & could break fingers. Location is too close to foot pedal. Chevrolet truck chassis for a bounder (motorhome). *Ak
Serious shimmy in chassis at 40/45 mph. Feel motorhome could lose control and cause accident. Dealer and manufacture of chassis and motorhome no responsive to this since purchased. Accident waiting to happen. Need it report to them. I am not the only one as others have tried to get fixed according to dealer. I reported this previously to nhtsa. *Ak
Shimming was present from date of purchase. Dealer could not fix nor can chevy fix. Serviced by two local chevy dealers. Earnhardts first tried by gave up. Afraid shimmy will cause motorhome to go out of control,loose a tire or cause steering problems that many cause an accident. Numerous things have been done to correct but all attempts have failed to date. Only happens between 40/45 mph. Very common speed for city driving. Help. *Ak
When applying the brakes under any circumstances, brakes stick and won't release. The problem was reported to the ford manufacturer. Rear brakes and calipers were repaired at owner's expense. Please provide any furhter information. *Ak
Leveling jack hydraulic fluid reservoir is mounted directly in front of the front tire, and has no protection from the elements thrown from the tire which causes corrosion on the hydraulic lines. Manufacturer has been notified. *Ak
I have a 1996 fleetwood bounder motorhome model 32h on a ford f-super duty motorhome chassis with a 460 cid engine. With 12,200 miles on the odometer I was driving on an interstate highway when I came to to the transition between the highway and the bridge, there was a level change between the bridge and the highway. I felt a small jar and immediately the front end went into a violent back and forth vibration with lots of amplitude. I thought the motorhome was going to leave the frame. The back and forth motion...
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did not stop until I came to a complete stop. About 10-20 miles further, the same conditions resulted in the same violent reaction. The motorhome now has 15,200 mile on it and I haven't had the problem, however I am aware the problem exists and am very cautious when I approach a bridge. However, I am certain it will happen again if a chuckhole is encountered. I live in fear that I will lose control of the vehicle and will cause a terrible accident. It was all I could do to hold onto the steering wheel. If my wife was driving it's doubtful she could have handled it. I talked with a ford representative in arizona, phone 1-800-444-3311 ext 261 and he told me to have the whole front end inspected and to have the steering stabilizer replaced. This problem occured at 12,200 miles. What could wear at 12,200 miles to cause such a major problem? Does this mean I should have the steering stabilizer replaced every 10,000 miles? Other motorhome owners with ford chassis have had the exact experience. To listen to their stories is scarry as it's usually so identical to what happened to me. I feel what the ford representative told me is a smokescreen. There is an after-market product called a davis trutrac bar that keeps the axle from swinging back and forth,thus eliminating the problem. It costs $332.10. Ford should pay for its installation or come up with a fix of their own. It is a design flaw and should be corrected. *Ak
FUEL PUMP FAILURE CAUSING ENGINE TO DIE.
While driving at low speeds the automatic parking brake engages, causing the vehicle to completely stop. Please give any further details. *Ak
Fleetwood Bounder: every year compared
All Bounder years1997 Fleetwood Bounder vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1997 Fleetwood Bounder | 29 | 5 | F | |
| 1997 Fleetwood Discovery | 13 | 4 | F | Compare |
| 1997 Fleetwood Pace Arrow | 11 | 4 | D | Compare |
| 1997 Fleetwood Jamboree | 10 | 2 | F | Compare |
| 1997 Fleetwood Avion | 5 | 1 | F | Compare |
| 1997 Fleetwood Fleetwood | 5 | 1 | D | Compare |
| 1997 Fleetwood Flair | 3 | 2 | C | Compare |
| 1997 Fleetwood American Eagle | 2 | 2 | C | Compare |
| 1997 Fleetwood Montara | 2 | 1 | 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 1997 Fleetwood Bounder
Does the 1997 Fleetwood Bounder have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 1997 Fleetwood Bounder: recreational vehicle / trailer (March 2007); windshield (June 1998); integrated jack / leveler / stabilizer (October 1997); power window devices and controls (November 1996) and more. 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 1997 Fleetwood Bounder?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the brakes (8), engine & cooling (5), visibility & wipers (4).
How many complaints has the 1997 Fleetwood Bounder had?
29 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on May 9, 1997 and the latest on February 7, 2015. Of these, 1 describe a crash and 0 a fire, and together they report 0 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 1997 Fleetwood Bounder a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 24 out of 100 (grade F: far more problems than a typical Fleetwood Bounder 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 Fleetwood Bounder years have the most complaints?
1999 (35), 1997 (29), 2004 (28). See every Fleetwood Bounder year compared.
What should I do if my 1997 Fleetwood Bounder 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