Your recreational vehicle may be involved in a safety recall, creating a safety risk for you and your passengers. A certified dealer must repair Safety defects at no cost to you. However, if left unrepaired, a potential safety defect in your vehicle could lead to injury or even death.
RV recalls can be a serious issue. If your vehicle is on the recall list, it needs to be fixed immediately to ensure your safety while traveling.
What is a recall?
It’s always important to keep up with the latest recalls, no matter how small the issue may appear to be. Each week, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) publishes the latest information on recalls from minor to major defects. NHTSA releases its most recent list of recalls each Monday.
When a manufacturer or the NHTSA determines that a recreational vehicle or item of RV equipment creates an unreasonable safety risk or fails to meet minimum safety standards, the manufacturer is required to fix that vehicle or equipment at no cost to the consumer.
It should be noted that RV recalls are related to vehicle safety and not product quality. NHTSA has no interest in an air conditioner failing to cool or slide out failing to extend or retract—unless they can be directly attributed to product safety.
Have you ever experienced a vehicle recall? If so, you know it can take months to filter from the manufacturer to you, the vehicle owner.
The danger in this lag time is that something can go wrong before you even know there is a problem. But there is something you can do about it!
RVingwithrex.com posts RV-related recalls on a monthly basis, usually the last calendar day of the month. And if you wish to check on past months these are also available on rvingwithrex.com going back to 2019.
Information on previous safety recalls follow:
- December 2024 RV Manufacturer Recalls
- November 2024 RV Manufacturer Recalls
- October 2024 RV Manufacturer Recalls
- September 2024 RV Manufacturer Recalls
By registering with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), you can get recall information sooner! Here’s what you need to know…
Check for safety issues & RV recalls instantly
The first thing you want to do is check your RV for any current safety issues or recalls. You can get this information immediately through the NHTSA website.
Click this NHTSA link, then enter your RV’s VIN. Or, you can click on the Vehicle tab and search by year, make, and model.
This search tool will then show you if it’s an unrepaired vehicle affected by a vehicle safety recall in the past 15 years. If a safety recall has been repaired it won’t show in the results.
Unfortunately, this VIN search tool doesn’t show all manufacturers. So, its usefulness may be hit or miss depending on the make of RV you have. Small or highly-specialized manufacturers may not have results.
But even if you can’t get immediate information, you can sign up for recall alerts.
How to get recall alerts from NHTSA
Technically, there are two ways to get recall alerts from NHTSA. The first is through their app SaferCar and the second is through email notifications. But only one really works.
Does SaferCar app work?
No, NHTSA’s SaferCar app is poorly rated and has not been updated since 2021. So, my advice is not to even bother with it.
If anything, it will give you false assurance when you don’t receive any alerts when, in fact, the app just might not be working properly.
You’re better off with the old school method of email notifications.
Opt for email alerts instead
Since the app is unreliable, I recommend you register with NHTSA’s Recall Notification Email System. By entering your email address, you can then set up, modify, or delete your recall notification subscription.
While this system seems to be much more reliable than the SaferCar app I wouldn’t rely on it entirely. A good practice would be to check the Safety & Recall Search Tool that I talked about in the very beginning every 6 months.
Common types of RV recalls
Each year, thousands of RVs are recalled because of safety concerns.
There are three main types of RV recalls. Those issued by the RV manufacturer, the motorhome chassis maker, and third-party suppliers.
RV manufacturers, such as Forest River Inc., REV Group, Thor Industries, and Winnebago Industries are the most common recalls.
RV manufacturer recalls can be for various reasons such as a problem with the structure of the RV, an issue with the electrical system, or a problem with the plumbing.
The motorhome chassis manufacturer such as Ford, Freightliner, or Mercedes issues the second most common type of recall typically because of a problem with the vehicle components of the motorhome.
The third type of recall is issued by a third-party supplier for various reasons, such as a problem with water heaters, appliances, and other non-OEM components.
Regardless of the type of recall, it’s vital to have it fixed as soon as possible to avoid any further damage to your RV.
As mentioned above there is a broad range of issues that can result in a recall. Some of the most common types of recalls in the RV industry include:
- Structural issues: Recalls related to structural components such as frames, roofs, floors, or sidewalls that may be prone to defects or failure
- Appliance and equipment recalls: Issues with appliances and other equipment that may pose safety hazards
- Electric system recalls: Problems with the electrical systems including wiring, circuit breakers, inverters, or generators which could lead to electrical fires or other safety hazards
- Propane system recalls: Issues with propane tanks, regulators, or lines that could result in leaks, explosions, or fire hazards
- Tire recalls: Recalls related to tires installed on RVs such as defects in manufacturing, tread separation, or other issues that could increase the risk of accidents or blowouts
In addition to receiving these recalls notices, I suggest reading:
- Check RV Tire Pressure EVERY Travel Day and Here’s Why
- The Danger of Underinflated RV Tires
- When to Replace RV Tires
- The Ultimate Guide to RV Tires
It’s important for RV owners to stay informed about recalls affecting their vehicles and address any safety issues promptly to ensure safe operation on the road.
How long does an RV recall take?
The duration of a vehicle recall process can vary widely depending on several factors including the complexity of the issue, the number of vehicles affected, the availability of replacement parts, and the responsiveness of the manufacturer.
The typical steps involved in a recall process include:
- Identification of the issue
- Investigation and analysis
- Notification of affected vehicle owners
- Remedy development
- Distribution of replacement parts
- Vehicle repairs
- Completion of recall
Overall, the duration of a vehicle recall can range from several months to several years.
Should you check for recalls before going on a road trip?
Whether you’re planning a cross-country road trip or a weekend getaway, checking for recalls on your RV before setting out is always a good idea. Though most recalls are issued for minor defects, some can be pretty serious and it’s better to err on the side of caution.
Remember, the manufacturer, not the consumer, pays for RV recalls. So, if there’s a recall on your RV, get it fixed before going on vacation. The last thing you want is to be stranded on the side of the road because of a missed recall.
Not only are you putting yourself in danger but also everyone else on the road. By getting your RV recall fixed, you ensure everyone stays safe while enjoying your vacation.
Check for information on used RV recalls
When you’re in the market for a used RV it’s important to do your homework and check for any outstanding recalls.
Use the NHTSA’s website recall lookup tool to see if the manufacturer or chassis builder has issued any recalls for the RV you’re looking to buy.
While most dealers and private sellers are conscientious about maintaining their vehicles, there’s always the possibility that some repairs may have been overlooked. By checking for recalls, you can be sure you’re getting a safe and reliable RV.
If there are any outstanding recalls, ask the dealer or seller how they plan to address them. In most cases, they should be able to provide you with documentation showing they have made the repairs.
By taking a little time to do your research, you’re getting a used motorhome or travel trailer that’s recall free, safe, and roadworthy.
You may also want to read What You Need To Know Before Buying a Pre-Owned RV
What to do if your RV is recalled
Even the best-built RVs can have issues and sometimes those issues can be severe enough to warrant a recall. If your RV is recalled, it’s crucial to take action immediately and get the problem fixed.
The first step is to determine if your RV is affected by checking the recall list. The listing will give you information on who to contact, the recall identification number, and other essential data.
Once you confirm your RV is in the recall, the next step is to contact the manufacturer who will inform you where to take your RV to get the problem fixed.
It’s important to note not all service centers can perform recall work, so call ahead and confirm before making the trip. In addition, not all service centers for some brands have the capability of repairing RVs. Motorhomes require different lifts, tools, and certified service technicians that have the background to do the job correctly.
Certified mobile service technicians may be able to complete the recall work if the nearest service center is too far away or has a long waiting list. So when you shop around for mobile RV service techs, one of your first questions should be if they can accept RV recall work.
The critical point you need to look for is that they can file the necessary paperwork and get paid by the manufacturer instead of you.
Once you’ve taken your RV in for the repair, monitor the issue to prevent any additional problems.
What NHTSA?
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is an agency within the United States federal government operating under the Department of Transportation. Its primary goal is to prevent injuries and save lives related to vehicles.
Additionally, the NHTSA aims to reduce traffic-related healthcare costs and other economic burdens.
What does NHTSA do?
NHTSA has several main functions. I’ll briefly cover each.
1. Sets safety standards
NHTSA establishes and enforces safety performance standards for motor vehicles and equipment, ensuring crashworthiness, crash avoidance, and fuel economy are met.
2. Investigates safety defects
The agency investigates safety-related defects in motor vehicles and equipment and manages recalls when necessary to address safety issues. Through vehicle performance monitoring and research, NHTSA collaborates with manufacturers to promptly address safety concerns.
3. Consumer information and education
NHTSA provides consumers with information on vehicle safety ratings, recalls, and other safety-related topics. It conducts public awareness campaigns to promote safe driving behaviors and prevent accidents. They even have their own YouTube Channel.
4. Research and development
The agency conducts research on various aspects of traffic safety, including vehicle technologies, driver behavior, and road infrastructure. This research informs the development of new safety standards and strategies to reduce accidents and fatalities on the nation’s roads.
5. Enforcement of safety regulations
The NHTSA enforces compliance with federal motor vehicle safety standards and regulations. It conducts investigations, inspections, and audits to ensure manufacturers, dealers, and other stakeholders meet safety requirements.
Worth Pondering…
Remember, Safety First, and Happy RVing!