- The problem
- 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 algorithm and thermal switch devices to stop power are not sufficient.
- The 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.
- The fix
- 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.
Vehicle safety record
2003 Itasca Horizon Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 1 complaint about the 2003 Itasca Horizon with NHTSA, most often about the body, doors & structure (1) and the brakes (1). It is covered by 4 recalls, the latest in October 2010 for the equipment. For comparison, the 2002 has 0 and the 2004 has 3.
NHTSA data checked
DMore problems than a typical Horizon year, for its age
#427 most complained-about 2003 vehicle
- Complaints
- 1
- Recalls
- 4
- Crashes
- 0
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 2003 Itasca Horizon problems
Share of all 1 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
2003 Itasca Horizon recalls 4
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
- 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 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
- 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.
- The problem
- On certain motorhomes, the lp tank has stress on weld joints at the point where mounting brackets are welded to the tank.
- The risk
- This could cause stress cracks at the weld joints and lead to an lp leak and cause personal injury and/or vehicle damage.
- The fix
- Dealers will reinstall a cradle-style carrier, and, if necessary replace the lp tank. The recall began on march 25, 2004. Owners should contact winnebago at 641-585-6939.
- The problem
- On certain motor homes equipped with caterpillar 3126e hydraulically controlled electronically actuated unit injected diesel engines with high efficiency pumps (hep8). The pump components may experience a high pressure seal failure which can result in a short period of rough running and subsequent engine stall due to a loss of injection actuation pressure.
- The risk
- Once engine stall occurs, the engine cannot be restarted, increasing the risk of a crash.
- The fix
- Caterpillar is conducting the owner notification and remedy for this campaign. Dealers will inspect the pump serial numbers and replace the pump if necessary. 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 caterpillar at 1-800-447-4986 or winnebago at 1-641-585-6966.
What owners say
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1 complaints about the 2003 Itasca Horizon
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners.
There was a problem with the hydraulic system that ran the leveling jacks and room slide outs . Took vehicle to the dealership and it was leaking fluid from the hose , the hydraulic hose was too close to motor, which was in the rear of the motor home. The exhaust system needed a heat shield, but winnebago said they knew nothing of the rv needing a heat shield. It was a misrouted hose that needed to be rerouted. Also, a heat shield was needed. This was omitted and needed immediate attention. *Ak *jb *nlm
Itasca Horizon: every year compared
All Horizon years2003 Itasca Horizon vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 Itasca Horizon | 1 | 4 | D | |
| 2003 Itasca Suncruiser | 4 | 5 | D | Compare |
| 2003 Itasca Sunova | 4 | 7 | F | Compare |
| 2003 Itasca Sunrise | 3 | 6 | F | Compare |
| 2003 Itasca Meridian | 2 | 2 | C | Compare |
| 2003 Itasca Spirit | 2 | 4 | F | 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 Itasca Horizon
Does the 2003 Itasca Horizon have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2003 Itasca Horizon: equipment (October 2010); equipment (July 2009); tank assembly (March 2004); fuel pump (January 2003). 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 Itasca Horizon?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the body, doors & structure (1), brakes (1).
How many complaints has the 2003 Itasca Horizon had?
1 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on November 5, 2003 and the latest on November 5, 2003. Of these, 0 describe a crash and 0 a fire, and together they report 0 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 2003 Itasca Horizon a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 33 out of 100 (grade D: more problems than a typical Itasca Horizon 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 Itasca Horizon years have the most complaints?
2000 (6), 2004 (3), 2007 (2). See every Itasca Horizon year compared.
What should I do if my 2003 Itasca Horizon 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