- The problem
- VanLeigh RV (VanLeigh) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Vanleigh Beacon recreational vehicles. Interference from the rear ladder can prevent the rear egress window from fully opening.
- The risk
- In an emergency, the rear egress window cannot be used as an exit, increasing the risk of injury.
- The fix
- Dealers will replace the egress window, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed on August 12, 2021. Owners may contact VanLeigh customer service at 1-662-612-4040.
Vehicle safety record
2021 Vanleigh Beacon Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 3 complaints about the 2021 Vanleigh Beacon with NHTSA, most often about the body, doors & structure (3) and the suspension (1). It is covered by 2 recalls, the latest in June 2021 for the escape / egress / exit. For comparison, the 2020 has 1 and the 2022 has 5.
NHTSA data checked
FFar more problems than a typical Beacon year, for its age
#264 most complained-about 2021 vehicle
- Complaints
- 3
- Recalls
- 2
- Crashes
- 0
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 2021 Vanleigh Beacon problems
Share of all 3 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
2021 Vanleigh Beacon recalls 2
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
- VanLeigh RV (VanLeigh) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Beacon and 2019-2022 Vilano coaches. The water heater housing may not have been properly sealed, allowing gas to enter the coach.
- The risk
- Gas inside the coach increases the risk of a fire.
- The fix
- Dealers will install a grommet ensuring the sleeve is facing out and use zip-ties to secure the sleeves to the gas line, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed July 9, 2021. Owners may contact VanLeigh customer service at 1-662-612-4040.
What owners say
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3 complaints about the 2021 Vanleigh Beacon
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners.
The frame of my 2021 Vanleigh Beacon 39FFB fifth wheel trailer has experienced a catastrophic structural failure in the primary load-bearing area near the king pin. The frame has fractured on both sides between the king pin structure and upper deck riser in a non-welded section of the frame. This failure has allowed the king pin to displace upward more than 2 inches into the front structure of the RV. Additional structural damage includes: -Shearing of a structural fastener/bolt -Visible separation and movement...
Read the full complaint
of frame members under hitch load -Bent and misaligned I-beam near the suspension/equalizer area The failure directly affects the towing connection and structural integrity of the vehicle and creates a serious roadway safety hazard, including potential towing instability or possible hitch/detachment risk. The RV has not been involved in an accident and has not been knowingly overloaded. The failure appears related to a structural/load path defect involving the frame design, material integrity, and/or structural fatigue in a critical towing area. The unit is currently unsafe to tow. Manufacturers involved: -Vanleigh RV -Lippert Components Photos and supporting documentation are available showing frame fracture, structural displacement, sheared fasteners, and frame movement under load. The RV is currently located at The Resort At Canopy Oaks, [[redacted]] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
This is a 2021 Vanleigh/Tiffin Beacon 41FLB 5th wheel. Upper deck frame welds broken causing wall structure frame to break and front slide outs to come loose. Unit was still within 3 year frame and structural warranty, but Vanleigh refused warranty. $16,000 repair...but if not repaired, the frame and 5th wheel plate could have separated and caused a serious accident. This is a serious problem and Vanleigh Tiffin should pay for warranty repair.
The front frame of the RV has failed, welds are cracked. The unit can be inspected. The frame welds hold the walls on to the RV. The frame is the major structural component that could lead to wall collapse. Symptoms of the cracks are evident only when towing, meaning failure on the highway. Problem has been confirmed by and independent repair facility. Manufacturer is aware, but has not inspected. They don't want to inspect because this is an industry wide problem. Frame failure becomes evident when hitching up and towing the RV. Side wall flexing will occur along the front overhang, fiberglass will crack, seals around front slides will pop open.
Vanleigh Beacon: every year compared
All Beacon years2021 Vanleigh Beacon vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Vanleigh Beacon | 3 | 2 | F | |
| 2021 Vanleigh Vilano | 2 | 1 | C | 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 2021 Vanleigh Beacon
Does the 2021 Vanleigh Beacon have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2021 Vanleigh Beacon: escape / egress / exit (June 2021); water heater (May 2021). 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 2021 Vanleigh Beacon?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the body, doors & structure (3), suspension (1).
How many complaints has the 2021 Vanleigh Beacon had?
3 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on March 20, 2024 and the latest on May 29, 2026. Of these, 0 describe a crash and 0 a fire, and together they report 0 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 2021 Vanleigh Beacon a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 16 out of 100 (grade F: far more problems than a typical Vanleigh Beacon 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 Vanleigh Beacon years have the most complaints?
2022 (5), 2021 (3), 2019 (2). See every Vanleigh Beacon year compared.
What should I do if my 2021 Vanleigh Beacon 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