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2005 Itasca Suncruiser Problems, complaints & recalls

Owners have filed 5 complaints about the 2005 Itasca Suncruiser with NHTSA, most often about the brakes (2) and the equipment & accessories (1). It is covered by 6 recalls, the latest in October 2010 for the equipment. For comparison, the 2004 has 6 and the 2006 has 2.

NHTSA data checked

FFar more problems than a typical Suncruiser year, for its age

#259 most complained-about 2005 vehicle

Complaints
5
Recalls
6
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
0

Most common 2005 Itasca Suncruiser problems

Share of all 5 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.

2005 Itasca Suncruiser recalls 6

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

Equipment

10V52500018,461 vehicles affected

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.

Fuel system: tank assembly

09V1130002,331 vehicles affected

The problem
Winnebago is recalling 2,331 my 2002-2004 brave and itasca sunrise my 2005 2006 winnebago voyage, adventurer, itasca sunrise and suncruiser motor homes. The propane tank mounting bracket may have an incomplete or improper weld.
The risk
Should the weld fail, the propane tank can tip or fall, possibly releasing propane which has the potential to ignitea fire, resulting in personal injury and/or vehicle and property damage.
The fix
Dealers will inspect and properly weld the bracket free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during may 2009. Owners may contact winnebago at 800-537-1885.

Equipment: recreational vehicle / trailer

05V4070001,367 vehicles affected

The problem
On certain motor homes, the roof vent for the optional 4-door refrigerator was incorrectly located.
The risk
This can allow excessive heat buildup which has the potential to ignite surrounding materials, resulting in personal injury and/oi vehicle and property damage.
The fix
Dealers will relocate the roof vent. The recall began on september 9, 2005. Owners may contact winnebago at 1-641-585-6939.

Equipment: labels

05V077000228 vehicles affected

The problem
Certain motor homes built on 24,000-lb gross vehicle weight rating (gvwr)workhorse chassis with 235/80r22.5G xrv tires fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 120, 'Tire selection and rims for motor vehicles other than passenger cars.' The motor homes were inadvertently equipped with an incorrect load range tire label.
The risk
Failure to follow proper vehicle loading specifications and tire inflation recommendations can result in tire damage and vehicle instability, which could result in a crash.
The fix
Owners will be mailed supplementary tire labels containing the correct tire inflation information. If an owner desires, their dealer can install the label for them. The recall began on march 24, 2005. Owners may contact winnebago at 641-585-6939.

Fuel system: hoses, lines / piping, and fittings

04V6090003,538 vehicles affected

The problem
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.
The 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.
The fix
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.

Seat belts: buckle assembly

04V6080006,201 vehicles affected

The problem
Certain seat belt buckles on some motor homes fail to conform to the load requirement of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 209, "Seat belt assemblies."
The risk
The seat belt buckle may unlatch in the event of a vehicle crash, possibly resulting in personal injury to the seat occupant.
The fix
Dealers will replace the buckles. The recall began on november 12, 2004. Owners should contact amsafe at 1-574-266-8330 or winnebago at 1-800-537-1885.

What owners say

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5 complaints about the 2005 Itasca Suncruiser

Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners.

Brakes

While driving my itasca suncruiser motorhome to cobb & son rv repair I noticed I was unable to maintain normal speed. Arrived at cobb and explained to ritchie cobb the problem I was having. Ritchie had a tech measure the heat at the brakes and they were at 900 degrees. Informed recall from workhorse regarding a brake issue and that the vehicle would have to be driven to an authorized workhorse dealer for repair (100 miles away). Ritchie explained this could not be done as the vehicle was unsafe to drive and there...

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would be serious risk of injury and even further damage as the pads were worn and crystallized, calipers bad, and the brake failure have created serious grooves in the rotors. Additionally the brakes had already gone into locking up mode. Ritchie said the remedy was replacement of all this parts on all 4 brakes because of damage caused by the recall issue. Astounded that workhorse said I would have to drive the vehicle to their dealer facility(100 miles away), I personally called workhorse. I got the same answer from customer service, then the head of customer service, then thirdly from carl dahl their regional manager. I refused to risk driving the vehicle and had to have it towed at my expense as workhorse refused to do so. My next surprise was that workhorse would not replace rotors, pad, etc., Even though their recall issue caused all the damage. A policy to tell someone to drive an unsafe vehicle and then they would tow it when I break down on the side of the road is insane and irresponsible. Further they are ignoring their responsibility to repair all the damage that was caused by their recall. I have now had to pay over $1,100 to restore my brakes, pay for towing, and drive 200 miles to pick up my motorhome. I need your assistance to persuade workhorse to do the ethical and honorable thing and reimburse all the money I have spent. *Js

Filed Incident Service brakesNHTSA 10463952
Brakes

On november 10, 2011 I was having recall #51101-c completed on my motor home. The mechanic had the brakes apart to replace the bosch brake calipers and he discovered all four rotors had 2 -3 cracks on the outside plate. The cracks started on the outside edge and radiated in about 2 inches. The cracks were completely through the plate. Workhorse refused to admit the cracked rotors might have something to do with the bad calipers or a manufacturing defect. They suggested the cracks were caused by driver error. For example, riding the brakes down a mountain or towing a car without auxiliary brakes. *Tr

Filed Incident Service brakes, hydraulicNHTSA 10438166
Engine & cooling

Driving on route 281 from brownsville tx. To san antonio tx. In my 2005 itasca suncruiser. At about 65 mph my vehicle started to drift on the road. Trying to correct it I found I had no steering...I put on my brakes and found I had no brakes. I was scared and did not know what to do. The dash instruments showed alternator problems. Engine problems..Etc...I felt death was near...I took my foot of the gas to let it slow down and stop...Praying nothing would get in front of me as I had no control...Water and steam...

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blew out over the window and things seemed to be getting worse. I stopped after an eternity. I had the rv towed off the road and was told that my engine belt broke....I am amazed that the rv had no back up system for steering or braking or anything...I am happy that I killed no one or caused a tragic accident. A new belt was put on the engine and I was told it probably wouldn't happen again..I ask about the safety of my 2005 itasca suncruiser ( 30000 lbs gw ) and was amazed no one thought anything of it....No one killed or maimed so who cares...Maybe when someone is injured someone will do something. Updated ivoq 12/01/10 *tr

Filed Incident Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 10360307
Fuel system

GAS TANK LEAKING. *JB

Filed Incident Fuel system, gasolineNHTSA 10175601
Electrical systemEquipment & accessories

Dt*: the contact stated there was a smell of something overheating in a reclining couch within the coach. The vehicle had a switch used to disconnect the power to the living area of the motor home. The switch was tripped, and the contact reached in to the motor area of the seat. The motor was exceedingly hot, so the contact allowed it to cool. 2 Months later, the motor was removed and examined to find melted wiring and melted brushes. A service dealer was contacted, who was unable to determine the problem. ...

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The frame of the couch was manufactured by shrock manufacturing incorporated. Updated 2/12/2007 - the problem was traced to sticking switch installed by winnebago industries. The switch occasionally became stuck in the retract position. Shrock, manufacturer of the coach frame, replaced motor but cautioned that the switch is a problem. *Nm

Filed Incident Electrical system · EquipmentNHTSA 10175568

Itasca Suncruiser: every year compared

YearComplaintsRecallsCrashesFiresTop problemGrade
20090300-C
20080300-C
20074301Body, doors & structureD
20062300Equipment & accessoriesC
20055600BrakesF
20046300BrakesD
20034500BrakesD
20022200BrakesC
20013200BrakesC
All Suncruiser years

2005 Itasca Suncruiser vs rivals

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.

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Questions about the 2005 Itasca Suncruiser

Does the 2005 Itasca Suncruiser have any recalls?

Yes - NHTSA lists 6 recalls for the 2005 Itasca Suncruiser: equipment (October 2010); tank assembly (April 2009); recreational vehicle / trailer (September 2005); labels (March 2005) 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 2005 Itasca Suncruiser?

By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the brakes (2), equipment & accessories (1), fuel system (1).

How many complaints has the 2005 Itasca Suncruiser had?

5 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on December 8, 2006 and the latest on July 2, 2012. Of these, 0 describe a crash and 0 a fire, and together they report 0 injuries and 0 deaths.

Is the 2005 Itasca Suncruiser a reliable vehicle?

Its Safety Index is 20 out of 100 (grade F: far more problems than a typical Itasca Suncruiser 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 Suncruiser years have the most complaints?
What should I do if my 2005 Itasca Suncruiser 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

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