The problem
Winnebago Industries, Inc. (Winnebago) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Winnebago Access, Aspect, Sightseer, Vista, Adventurer, Forza and Itasca Impulse, Cambria, Sunova, Sunstar, Suncruiser motorhomes manufactured February 20, 2013, through April 25, 2013. If the awning installation sequence was not completely followed, the awning motor may unknowningly become damaged. A damaged motor may lead to an unfurling of the awning.
The risk
If motor damage occurs, it is possible that the awning can unfurl unexpectedly, either while the motorhome is at rest or while in transit, increasing the risk of personal injury or a vehicle crash.
The fix
Winnebago will notify owners and Dometic staff will replace the affected motors with a design that is not subject to an out-of-sequence installation error. The recall began on July 17, 2013. Owners may contact Winnebago at 1-800-537-1885 or Dometic at 1-888-447-0003 for more information. Owners are being instructed not to drive their vehicle until repairs can be performed.
Contacts
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
What to do
- Check your VIN. Enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls - it shows whether this recall applies to your vehicle and whether the repair has been done.
- Call a dealer. Any authorized Itasca, Winnebago dealer will do the repair free, whether or not you bought the vehicle there. Quote campaign 13V162000.
- Ask about parts and a loaner. If parts aren't available yet, ask what to do in the meantime.
- Keep your paperwork. If you paid for this repair before the recall, you may be able to get reimbursed - here's how.