- 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 Sunrise Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 3 complaints about the 2003 Itasca Sunrise with NHTSA, most often about the brakes (2) and the electrical system (1). It is covered by 6 recalls, the latest in October 2010 for the equipment. For comparison, the 2002 has 1 and the 2004 has 3.
NHTSA data checked
FFar more problems than a typical Sunrise year, for its age
#305 most complained-about 2003 vehicle
- Complaints
- 3
- Recalls
- 6
- Crashes
- 0
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 2003 Itasca Sunrise problems
Share of all 3 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
2003 Itasca Sunrise 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
- 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
- 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.
- 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, 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
- 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.
What owners say
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Problems or none - your experience is exactly what the next buyer is looking for. Write it now
3 complaints about the 2003 Itasca Sunrise
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners.
Rear driver side brake caliper stuck while driving becoming extremely hot causing severe damage to brake parts and loss of brakes. The brake anti-lock sensor on the brake caliper melted causing abs anti-lock light to come on dash. *Tr
Problem with the left rear brake hanging up and getting red hot. Hot enough for 20 lb. Pressure gain. This is on a 2003 itasca sunrise 36' motorhome on a workhorse chassis. Checked by a garage but light remains on. Cannot find workhorse chassis authorized dealer in this area. *Jb
Problems with vehicle failing to start. *Mr the vehicle died while idling and on one occasion, would not start. The vehicle remained inoperative. The service dealer repaired the generator fuel line and repaired a connector that prevented the fuel pump from getting the necessary electric current. The consumer would also smell fuel which occurred recently. *Sc
Itasca Sunrise: every year compared
All Sunrise years2003 Itasca Sunrise vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 Itasca Sunrise | 3 | 6 | F | |
| 2003 Itasca Suncruiser | 4 | 5 | D | Compare |
| 2003 Itasca Sunova | 4 | 7 | 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 Sunrise
Does the 2003 Itasca Sunrise have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 6 recalls for the 2003 Itasca Sunrise: equipment (October 2010); equipment (July 2009); tank assembly (April 2009); hoses, lines / piping, and fittings (December 2004) 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 Sunrise?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the brakes (2), electrical system (1).
How many complaints has the 2003 Itasca Sunrise had?
3 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on June 3, 2004 and the latest on September 3, 2008. Of these, 0 describe a crash and 0 a fire, and together they report 0 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 2003 Itasca Sunrise a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 13 out of 100 (grade F: far more problems than a typical Itasca Sunrise 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 Sunrise years have the most complaints?
2003 (3), 2004 (3), 2006 (2). See every Itasca Sunrise year compared.
What should I do if my 2003 Itasca Sunrise 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