Why You Should Check for Recalls Before Going on Vacation

As you start planning your summer vacation, add “check for recalls” to your list. RV and travel trailer owners know how important it is that their vehicles are well-maintained and ready to go. Part of that includes making sure you handle any relevant recalls before you hit the road.

While manufacturers and dealerships do their best to notify owners of recalls, if you purchased a used RV or trailer or moved and changed your contact information, they may not be able to reach you. The good news is that checking for recalls is easier than you might think.

 

How to Find RV Recall Information

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) offers an easy tool to check for vehicle recalls. You can search by entering your vehicle identification number (VIN) or by the year, make, and model of your RV or trailer.

The tool provides details on any safety recalls from the past 15 years, including the issue, affected parts, and the number of vehicles impacted. It won’t show if your RV or trailer has been repaired, but it will list all known recalls for your model.

For example, here’s a report of the known recalls for the 1977 Airstream. According to the NHTSA, there were two recalls, one in 1977 for the LPG tank assembly and one in 1984 for the brake system.

 

Why Would an RV Be Recalled?

From faulty parts to safety concerns, RV and travel trailer recalls can stem from all kinds of issues. Some of the most common reasons for recalls include:

• Suspension issues
• Electric problems
• Weight and capacity concerns
• Structural defects
• Leaks and fuel system issues

 

Recent RV and Travel Trailer Recalls

Even if your RV or trailer is brand new, it’s still worth checking for recent recalls. Here’s a look at some notable recalls from popular manufacturers:

Airstream

Airstream issued recalls for both their 2020 and 2021 Airstream Interstate models. The 2020 version had recalls of too-long suspension bolts and an incorrect capacity weight label. The 2021 model had those same issues, plus a recall for an undersized wire that could post a fire risk.

Additionally, Airstream is recalling some 2024 Trade Wind travel trailers. These models, equipped with certain GE air conditioners, have a faulty soft start device that can overheat.

 

Coachmen

In 2020, Coachmen and Forest River, Inc. issued recalls for the 2020 Coachmen Sportscoach and Forest River Berkshire models due to gas leaks, tire valve issues, damaged circuit boards, and loose brake caliper bolts. The 2021 Coachmen Sportscoach and Forest River Georgetown models were also recalled for a faulty P2K bunk system gear that could cause injury or crashes.

As of 2024, Forest River has recalled certain 2024 Coachmen Nova Class B motorhomes due to a propane tank gauge that may leak when in the “Open” position.

 

Jayco

Jayco issued recalls for their 2021 Jay Feather and Jay Feather Micro trailers. The Jay Feather recall concerned incorrect tire and axle weight information, while the Jay Feather Micro recall involved a spare tire carrier that could detach.

So far, Jayco has had three recalls in 2024, including: 

• Rear axle lubrication: Some Granite Ridge, Solstice, Entegra Coach, and Expanse motorhomes have rear axle lubrication issues that could cause wheel lock-up or driveshaft separation. 
• Battery cables: Certain 2024-2025 Entegra motorhomes have battery cables that are improperly sized or installed, which can increase the risk of electrical shorts or overheating.  
• Spare tire: Some 2024 Jay Feather trailers have an incorrectly installed 14-inch spare tire, while the placard specifies a 15-inch tire.

 

Winnebago

In March 2022, Winnebago recalled the 2020 Winnebago Minnie model due to the incorrect tire size information on the label, which could lead to the installation of the wrong replacement tire and increase the risk of a crash. 

For 2024 models, Winnebago has issued additional recalls: 

• Cooktop range circuit board: Over 13,000 Voyage, Micro Minnie, Micro Minnie FLX, Hike 200, and Minnie travel trailers from 2022-2024 are being recalled due to an overheated cooktop circuit board that could pose a fire risk. 
• SRS wires: Certain 2024-2025 Ekko motorhomes and other models from 2017-2025 have Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) wires that may get caught in the seat mechanism.

 

What to Do If You Think You Have a Lemon

Just because a manufacturer issues a recall for a part doesn’t mean you don’t have a lemon. If your RV or trailer is still having issues after going through the recall process and the manufacturer isn’t fulfilling their warranty obligations, you may have grounds to file a lemon law claim. 

Does this sound like your situation? Call 818-244-3905 or contact Norman Taylor & Associates today! Our California lemon law attorneys have decades of experience handling these types of cases, and we can help you through the process.

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