2003 Itasca Sunova recalls and problems

The 2003 Itasca Sunova has 7 safety recalls and 4 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Itasca dealer.

Recalls
7
Complaints
4
Crashes / fires
0 / 1
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2003 Itasca Sunova vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2003 Itasca Sunova recalls

Recall 10V-525: Equipment

Reported Oct 26, 2010 · 18,461 vehicles affected · WINNEBAGO INDUSTRIES, INC.

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.

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.

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.

Recall 04V-609: Fuel System, Gasoline

Reported Dec 22, 2004 · 3,538 vehicles affected · WINNEBAGO INDUSTRIES, INC.

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.

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.

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.

Recall 04V-358: Equipment

Reported Jul 19, 2004 · 5,645 vehicles affected · WINNEBAGO INDUSTRIES, INC.

Problem: On certain motor homes equipped with samsung microwave ovens, models mr1031wb, mr1032bb, mr1033sb, mr1351wb, and mr1352bb, the microwaves 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.

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.

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 1-800-932-3837 or winnebago at 1-641-585-3535.

Recall 03V-405: Equipment

Reported Oct 16, 2003 · 15,337 vehicles affected · WINNEBAGO INDUSTRIES, INC.

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.

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.

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.

Recall 03V-243: Equipment

Reported Jul 8, 2003 · 2,684 vehicles affected · WINNEBAGO INDUSTRIES, INC.

Problem: On certain motor homes, when the cooking range and furnace are operating at the same time, the flame on the cooking range could be forced downward over the burner or flame outage could occur. This condition is due to the location of the furnace and cooking range whereby the furnace may draw air in from above the range burners and cause a downdraft.

Risk: Should this occur, the flame may go out, and the liquid propane (Lp) gas will continue to flow. This is a hazardous situation that could result in an explosion or fire.

Fix: Dealers will install an air restrictor panel under the range. Owner notification began july 10, 2003. Owners should contact winnebago at 1-641-585-6939.

Recall 03V-060: Service Brakes, Hydraulic

Reported Feb 21, 2003 · 8,532 vehicles affected · WINNEBAGO INDUSTRIES, INC.

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.

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.

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.

Recall 03V-049: Tires

Reported Feb 20, 2003 · 176 vehicles affected · WINNEBAGO INDUSTRIES, INC.

Problem: On certain model d30b motor homes built on a ford chassis, a plate, which is used to support the spare tire, was inadvertently left off a number of these motor homes.

Risk: Without this additional support, the spare tire could fall off the vehicle resulting in property damage and possibly personal injury.

Fix: Dealers will inspect the spare tire mount and, if necessary, install a new support plate. Owner notification is expected to begin during march 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 1-641-585-6939.

2003 Itasca Sunova problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Electrical System3
Tires1
Latches/Locks/Linkages1
Service Brakes, Hydraulic1
Parking Brake1
Service Brakes1

Most reported parts

  • Electrical System › Wiring › Interior/Under Dash — 1
  • Latches/Locks/Linkages › Trunk Lid › Lock — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 9,800 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2003 Itasca Sunova complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Service Brakes · at 12,600 miles · reported Oct 18, 2012
The contact owns a 2003 itasca sunova. While driving approximately 10 MPH, the contact smelled a burning odor and noticed that the steering wheel was abnormally pulling to the left. In addition, the brake pedal began to stick. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The mechanic advised that the front and rear passenger side brakes were overheating, causing the calipers to stick and the hydro boost to stop functioning. The mechanic then advised that the brake system would have to be repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not available. The…
Service Brakes, Hydraulic · at 9,800 miles · reported Feb 28, 2011
The contact owns a 2003 itasca sunova. The contact stated that while driving at low speeds the brakes were applied and they would not release. The vehicle was able to be driven after waiting a while. The vehicle was inspected by an independent mechanic who advised him that the brakes needed to be replaced along with the electrical module. The brakes were repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 9,800. Updated 03/24/11 updated 1/4/11
Tires · at 100 miles · reported Jun 29, 2004
While driving at 10 MPH, the consumer heard an explosion. After pulling into a parking lot, the consumer found that the inside right rear tire blew out at the side wall. Also on another occasion, the outside right rear tire had a blow out at the side wall. The problems were as followed: frayed valve stem extender, gauges were inoperative and the storage lock was inoperative. Two days after the consumer picked up the vehicle from repair and within two miles, the rear tire blew out and another tire had a buldge. One hundred and ten miles later, another tire blew, fours hours later it was…

Other Itasca Sunova years

Compare all Itasca Sunova years · All Itasca models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2003 Itasca Sunova have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 7 recalls for the 2003 Itasca Sunova: 10V-525 (equipment), 04V-609 (fuel system, gasoline), 04V-358 (equipment), 03V-405 (equipment), 03V-243 (equipment) and more. Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2003 Itasca Sunova?

Owners report electrical system problems most often (3 reports), followed by tires (1). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 9,800 miles.

Are Itasca recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Itasca dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.