- The problem
- Fleetwood rv is recalling certain model year 2005 and 2006 motorhomes manufactured between july 24, 2004 and march 11, 2005, equipped with norcold model 1200lr, 1200lrim, and 1201lrim refrigerators 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 solution to slowly leak. If a leak occurs and the refrigerator continues to be operated after solution circulation has ceased the heat source could generate very high temperatures. At such high temperatures, the cooling unit could rupture.
- The 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.
- The fix
- Fleetwood rv will notify owners and the vehicle's refrigerator will be repaired free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during september 2009. Owners may contact fleetwood rv at 1-800-509-3418 or norcold's recall center at 1-800-767-9101.
Vehicle safety record
2003 Fleetwood Bounder Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 13 complaints about the 2003 Fleetwood Bounder with NHTSA, most often about the brakes (5) and the electrical system (1). It is covered by 8 recalls, the latest in July 2009 for the equipment. For comparison, the 2002 has 12 and the 2004 has 28.
NHTSA data checked
DMore problems than a typical Bounder year, for its age
#225 most complained-about 2003 vehicle
- Complaints
- 13
- Recalls
- 8
- Crashes
- 0
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 2003 Fleetwood Bounder problems
Share of all 13 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
2003 Fleetwood Bounder recalls 8
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
- Fleetwood is recalling 509 my 2001-2008 class a motor homes equipped with axles that include bosch 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 the brake drag if undetected by the driver.
- The 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.
- The fix
- 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. Workhorse will conduct the owner and dealer notification.
- The problem
- Fleetwood is recalling 70,101 my 2003-2007 southwind, pace arrow, bounder, flair, storm, fiesta, terra gas class a motor homes; bounder, discovery, providence, excursion, expedition, revolution, american eagle, american heritage, american tradition diesel class a motor homes; jamboree tioga class c motor homes; and prowler, wilderness, terry, mallard, pioneer, pride and triumph conventional and fifth wheel travel trailers equipped with a two-door refrigerators manufactured by the dometic corporation. The refrigerator 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
- If this solution is exposed to an ignition source under certain specific circumstances, it can result in a vehicle fire.
- The fix
- Fleetwood is working with dometic to repair these refrigerators (please see 08e032). 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 the owner 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.
- 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.
- The problem
- Certain motor homes built on workhorse chassis and equipped with actia corporate instrument clusters fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 101 "Controls and displays" and no. 105 "Hydraulic and electric brake systems." If the brake fail input falls below a voltage of 1.5V, the brake failure lamp and alarm will be activated. Also activation of the abs telltale when the abs is not properly functioning does not always occur.
- The risk
- At night the instrument cluster lights may fail and the driver may not be able to see the instrument panel gauges and the brake warning light indicator which could increasing the risk of a crash.
- The fix
- Workhorse is conducting the owner notification and remedy for this campaign and reprogram the instrument panel cluster free of charge. Owners may contact workhorse at 1-877-246-7731 or Fleetwood at 1-800-322-8216.
- The problem
- Certain motor homes equipped with draw tite hitch receivers may be missing one or more welds between the hitch receiver box and the bottom support plate.
- The risk
- The welds could break, allowing the hitch receiver box and the towed load to separate from the towing vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- The fix
- Dealers will inspect and replace the hitch receiver. The recall is expected to begin during august 2004. Owners should contact fleetwood at 1-800-322-8216.
- The problem
- On certain travel trailers equipped with samsung microwave ovens, these ovens 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.
- The 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.
- The fix
- 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 fleetwood at 1-800-629-8454.
- The problem
- On certain motorhomes built on workhorse chassis, the hydraulic hose operating the leveling jack system was routed so it places the hose too close to the engine exhaust. The hot exhaust can cause the hydraulic hose to melt or abrade, releasing hydraulic fluid.
- The risk
- If the hydraulic fluid should ignite by an exhaust gas recirculating tube or other heat source, this could cause a fire.
- The fix
- Dealers will inspect and replace damaged hoses and relocate the affected hydraulic lines. Owner notification is expected to begin october 3, 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 fleetwood at 1-800-322-8216.
What owners say
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13 complaints about the 2003 Fleetwood Bounder
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 fleetwood bounder rv. The contact stated that whenever he would operate the vehicle, he would notice that the lcd shift indicator would take unusually long to illuminate before failing completely. The vehicle was not diagnosed for the failure or repaired. The failure mileage was 20,000 and the current mileage was 40,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 fleetwood bounder 35e rv. While driving approximately 35 mph, the brake warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. He then smelled a strong burning odor. The vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer for inspection. The technician stated that the front brake caliper melted the sensor. The vehicle was repaired under recall campaign id number 09v198000 (service brakes, air). The manufacturer refused to accept financial responsibility for the rear brake system replacement. The vehicle has not been repaired for the rear brakes. The failure and current mileages were 13,760. The vehicle identification number was unavailable.
The dual pane windows in my motor home are fogged up making it hard to see in my rear view mirror. There are more windows fogging up but not ones that would affect my ability to see while driving. Fleetwood knows about this problem but continues to do business with si-ge windows and is not concerned with the problem. *Tr
I own 2003 bounder built on the w/22 (workhorse) chasis.. Three times now I have had my left front abs (bosch system) brake when applied going down steep grade drag. Meaning rather than the pumping action of abs it was not releasing, and one could here and feel the sound similar to metal on metal. Pulled off to side of road and felt all wheels. Left front actually slightly blistered my finger tips. In a few weeks I am as part of my maintenance schedule having the brake system bled. I am hoping that when they pull my wheels that all is well. The mh has 23,385 miles on it. Two years ago a zrk fitting was installed on the bell crank. *Tr
Brake failures(2) on 2003 bounder motorhome with workhorse w22 chassis. Chassis purchased new on jan.14,2004. Lr brake failed on 8-29-08 on i-5 at olympia, wa, with approx. 21,100 Miles on vehicle. Rr brake failed on 9-29-08 on hwy. 20 In coupeville, wa at approx.21,482 Miles. Weather was clear and roads were dry; dual holding tanks were empty; 100 gal water tank was also empty; fuel tank was about 1/2 full (35 gal.). Motorhome was not overloaded and no vehicle was in tow. 8-29 Failure occurred while slowing in...
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pre-labor day weekend traffic and brake pedal went to the floor on initial application. Repeated applications of brake pedal gave about 1/2 pedal travel with greatly lessened deceleration time and stopping distance . The second failure on 9-29-08 of the right rear brake assembly was less surprising and brake pedal pumping was more instinctive. Stopping a 24,000 pound motorhome on an emergency brake that merely clamps around the drive shaft is not a viable option. Repairs required replacement of all affected brake rotors, bosch calipers, and brake pads, plus a wheel speed sensor for the abs system on the right rear brake failure. Approx. $2200 In repair costs for two brakes. A neighbor of mine with exact same year and model motorhome/chassis as mine is now at a repair facility in yuba city, ca having experienced failure or burn-out of all 4 brake assembles while enroute from reno,nv to sacramento,ca.. I strongly feel that the safety recall on w-22 brake systems needs to be extended beyond the chassis #33356806 cutoff specified in nhsta recall 04v084000. Thank you for your time and consideration in this matter. *Tr
I own a 2003 bounder motor home built on the work horse chassis. On aug. 08, 2008 When I started my motor home I noticed that the lcd screen (window) was impossible to read. This lcd window is prt of the actia instrument cluster. I called a work horse authorized repair center in bath, ny and made an appointment for aug. 24. They told me in the meantime they would contact work horse on this to see what could be done to speed up the repair. In that time period work horse did not get back to them, and so the day I...
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arrived after driving over two hours I was informed no word yet. I knew that they had to do a diagnostic to verify the problem. All one had to do was look at the screen and see that nothing on it could be read. The screen serves a number of functions beside showing what gear the vehicle is in. Right now it is a matter of feeling the shift through to drive. First click reverse, 2nd. Click neutral, 3rd. Click drive. Any other down shift too dangerous trying to find 3, 2, 1....The lcd screen also shows the mileage which is not able to be read. Can't sell it or trade if I wanted to. It also shows mpg, oil pressure, individual trip, and a number of other driver aid functions..It is part of the warning system of a number of problems. Now if a buzzer or beep sounds the screen would normally indicate what it is about. Kind of like driving blind! The actia cluster had a recall repair on this feb. 2006, I bought the mh march 2006. The recall pertained to a re-programming of the instrument cluster for the abs brake warning. The lcd is part of the instrument cluster..Wh said the dealership was not an authorized wh dealership. It did to get done. Later I was told in phone conversation with wh that there was a courtesy recall good until feb. '09. Oct 8, I took it to lazy days because they are authorized. They said wh will not take care of it because the recall was about a brake issue.. Research shows that no lcd screen is very common. Contact me please. *Tr
In june, after tire replacement, a certified brake and alignment shop discovered that all four brake calipers had been intermittently sticking which caused severe overheating of all brake and bearing components. The rotors, calipers, and all bearings had failed. This was independently confirmed by an inspector sent out by the extended warranty people. After replacing all these components, I was driving to oregon and the left front speed sensor of the abs system failed (intermittently), and the motorhome would pull...
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violently to the right almost causing loss of control on several occasions before repair could be obtained. That sensor has now been replaced. All parts are still available (at the service centers). *Tr updated 01-14-08. *Kb updated
Dt: intermittently the dashboard gauge panel went dead. Took the vehicle to dealer, and they replaced the entire gauge package, and today it went dead again. They replaced the panel on april 4, 2005. September 19, 2005 is the first time this happened since it was replaced. The manufacturer knew there was a problem. They did a flash then had a replacement. *Ak
The parking brake sometimes does not fully engage. *Nm the dashboard assembly was curved and as it was installed it restricted the movement of the lever downward thus causing the pawl to not fully engage. The pawl lever rests on the dashboard causing the pawl to be only partially engaged when the parking brake is on, thus, only a small forward movement of the dashboard will push the lever up. Releasing the parking brake. *Tc
The speedometer is not registering the proper speed while driving, and the fuel gauge is not registering the proper amount of fuel in the tank. The fuel gauge needle would drop to empty while a quarter tank or more of fuel remains in the tank. Vehicle had been to dealer on five occasions, and they cannot locate the problem.*Ak the speedometer also indicates wrong speeds. Speed shown is 25-30 mph slower than the vehicle is acually going. *Tc
While driving 65 mph power steering pump malfunctioned. As a result, the power brakes failed. No impact reported. The part had been replaced or repaired six times. However, the problem recurred. *Ak
We bought a new 2003 fleetwood, bounder motorhome and we are experiencing much difficulty in having a leak repaired in our rear bedroom. Our carpeting has been soaked in a certain spot and now we believe mildew is setting in. *Ak
Safety of michelin xrv 225/80 r 22.5 Tires. *Mr the consumer expressed concerns related to the carrying capacity of the michelin xrv tires. The consumer witnessed first hand the blowout of a passenger side inside dual tire on a 2001 bounder. The consumer believes his tires may also experience this type of failure, he therefore contacted his local michelin tire dealer. The dealer refused to trade the tires stating that there was no market for a used michelin xrv. *Nm *jb *sc *jb
Fleetwood Bounder: every year compared
All Bounder years2003 Fleetwood Bounder vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 Fleetwood Bounder | 13 | 8 | D | |
| 2003 Fleetwood Discovery | 6 | 4 | D | Compare |
| 2003 Fleetwood Excursion P | 2 | 1 | - | Compare |
| 2003 Fleetwood Chesapeake | 1 | 0 | - | Compare |
| 2003 Fleetwood American Dream | 1 | 2 | C | Compare |
| 2003 Fleetwood Expedition | 1 | 3 | C | Compare |
| 2003 Fleetwood Bounder Diesel | 1 | 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 2003 Fleetwood Bounder
Does the 2003 Fleetwood Bounder have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 8 recalls for the 2003 Fleetwood Bounder: equipment (July 2009); service brakes, air (June 2009); recreational vehicle / trailer (July 2008); recreational vehicle / trailer (March 2007) 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 2003 Fleetwood Bounder?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the brakes (5), electrical system (1), body, doors & structure (1).
How many complaints has the 2003 Fleetwood Bounder had?
13 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on January 15, 2004 and the latest on September 24, 2010. Of these, 0 describe a crash and 0 a fire, and together they report 0 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 2003 Fleetwood Bounder a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 31 out of 100 (grade D: 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 2003 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