- 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 Sunova Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 4 complaints about the 2003 Itasca Sunova with NHTSA, most often about the brakes (3) and the electrical system (3). Those complaints describe 1 fire. It is covered by 7 recalls, the latest in October 2010 for the equipment. For comparison, the 2002 has 2 and the 2004 has 1.
NHTSA data checked
FFar more problems than a typical Sunova year, for its age
#283 most complained-about 2003 vehicle
- Complaints
- 4
- Recalls
- 7
- Crashes
- 0
- Fires
- 1
- Injuries
- 0
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 2003 Itasca Sunova problems
Share of all 4 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
2003 Itasca Sunova recalls 7
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
- 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.
- The problem
- On certain motor homes equipped with samsung microwave ovens, models mr1031wb, mr1032bb, mr1033sb, mr1351wb, and mr1352bb, the microwaves 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 1-800-932-3837 or winnebago at 1-641-585-3535.
- The problem
- On certain motor homes equipped with samsung microwave ovens, these units 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 winnebago at 641-585-3535.
- The problem
- On certain motor homes, when the cooking range and furnace are operating at the same time, the flame on the cooking range could be forced downward over the burner or flame outage could occur. This condition is due to the location of the furnace and cooking range whereby the furnace may draw air in from above the range burners and cause a downdraft.
- The risk
- Should this occur, the flame may go out, and the liquid propane (lp) gas will continue to flow. This is a hazardous situation that could result in an explosion or fire.
- The fix
- Dealers will install an air restrictor panel under the range. Owner notification began july 10, 2003. Owners should contact winnebago at 1-641-585-6939.
- The problem
- Certain motor home chassis fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 105,"Hydraulic and electric brake systems." The brake system warning indicator may not function as required by the standard.
- The risk
- In some of the affected vehicles, the brake system warning indicator will not illuminate when the ignition is in the start position or for a low brake fluid condition, if the body builder relied solely upon ford's ivm compliance statement for the system warning indicator.
- The fix
- Dealers will repair these vehicles. Owner notification began april 25, 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 winnebago at 1-641-585-3535.
- The problem
- On certain model d30b motor homes built on a ford chassis, a plate, which is used to support the spare tire, was inadvertently left off a number of these motor homes.
- The risk
- Without this additional support, the spare tire could fall off the vehicle resulting in property damage and possibly personal injury.
- The fix
- Dealers will inspect the spare tire mount and, if necessary, install a new support plate. Owner notification is expected to begin during march 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 winnebago at 1-641-585-6939.
What owners say
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4 complaints about the 2003 Itasca Sunova
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 itasca sunova. While driving approximately 10 mph, the contact smelled a burning odor and noticed that the steering wheel was abnormally pulling to the left. In addition, the brake pedal began to stick. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The mechanic advised that the front and rear passenger side brakes were overheating, causing the calipers to stick and the hydro boost to stop functioning. The mechanic then advised that the brake system would have to be repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The vin was not available. The approximate failure mileage was 12,600.
BRAKE FAILURE ITASCA RV. *TR
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 itasca sunova. The contact stated that while driving at low speeds the brakes were applied and they would not release. The vehicle was able to be driven after waiting a while. The vehicle was inspected by an independent mechanic who advised him that the brakes needed to be replaced along with the electrical module. The brakes were repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 9,800. Updated 03/24/11*lj updated 1/4/11 *cn
While driving at 10 mph, the consumer heard an explosion. After pulling into a parking lot, the consumer found that the inside right rear tire blew out at the side wall. Also on another occasion, the outside right rear tire had a blow out at the side wall. *La the problems were as followed: frayed valve stem extender, gauges were inoperative and the storage lock was inoperative. Two days after the consumer picked up the vehicle from repair and within two miles, the rear tire blew out and another tire had a...
Read the full complaint
buldge. One hundred and ten miles later, another tire blew, fours hours later it was replaced and after stopping for gas, another tire was repaired due to a flat. Three tires were replaced and there two flat tires with no sign of cause. *Sc *jb
Itasca Sunova: every year compared
All Sunova years2003 Itasca Sunova vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 Itasca Sunova | 4 | 7 | F | |
| 2003 Itasca Suncruiser | 4 | 5 | D | Compare |
| 2003 Itasca Sunrise | 3 | 6 | F | Compare |
| 2003 Itasca Meridian | 2 | 2 | C | Compare |
| 2003 Itasca Spirit | 2 | 4 | F | Compare |
| 2003 Itasca Horizon | 1 | 4 | D | 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 Sunova
Does the 2003 Itasca Sunova have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 7 recalls for the 2003 Itasca Sunova: equipment (October 2010); hoses, lines / piping, and fittings (December 2004); recreational vehicle / trailer (July 2004); recreational vehicle / trailer (October 2003) 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 Itasca Sunova?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the brakes (3), electrical system (3), wheels & tires (1).
How many complaints has the 2003 Itasca Sunova had?
4 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on June 29, 2004 and the latest on October 18, 2012. Of these, 0 describe a crash and 1 a fire, and together they report 0 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 2003 Itasca Sunova a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 21 out of 100 (grade F: far more problems than a typical Itasca Sunova 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 Sunova years have the most complaints?
2003 (4), 2002 (2), 2005 (2). See every Itasca Sunova year compared.
What should I do if my 2003 Itasca Sunova 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