2004 Winnebago Brave recalls and problems

The 2004 Winnebago Brave has 5 safety recalls and 7 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Winnebago dealer.

Recalls
5
Complaints
7
Crashes / fires
0 / 1
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2004 Winnebago Brave vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2004 Winnebago Brave 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 09V-113: Fuel System, Diesel

Reported Apr 8, 2009 · 2,331 vehicles affected · WINNEBAGO INDUSTRIES, INC.

Problem: Winnebago is recalling 2,331 my 2002-2004 brave and itasca sunrise my 2005 2006 winnebago voyage, adventurer, itasca sunrise and suncruiser motor homes. The propane tank mounting bracket may have an incomplete or improper weld.

Risk: Should the weld fail, the propane tank can tip or fall, possibly releasing propane which has the potential to ignitea fire, resulting in personal injury and/or vehicle and property damage.

Fix: Dealers will inspect and properly weld the bracket free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during may 2009. Owners may contact winnebago at 800-537-1885.

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-608: Seat Belts

Reported Dec 18, 2004 · 6,201 vehicles affected · WINNEBAGO INDUSTRIES, INC.

Problem: Certain seat belt buckles on some motor homes fail to conform to the load requirement of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 209, "seat belt assemblies."

Risk: The seat belt buckle may unlatch in the event of a vehicle crash, possibly resulting in personal injury to the seat occupant.

Fix: Dealers will replace the buckles. The recall began on november 12, 2004. Owners should contact amsafe at 1-574-266-8330 or winnebago at 1-800-537-1885.

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.

2004 Winnebago Brave problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Service Brakes, Hydraulic4
Service Brakes3
Suspension1
Parking Brake1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 29,000 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 2004 Winnebago Brave complaints

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

Service Brakes · at 29,000 miles · reported Feb 2, 2018
The contact owns a 2004 winnebago brave workhorse. While driving, the calibers independently locked without warning, which caused the brakes to lock. As a result, the contact smelled a burning odor throughout the vehicle. The contact was able to pull the vehicle over. Upon inspecting the vehicle, the contact noticed smoke and fire coming from the rear driver and passenger side tires. The contact was able to extinguish the fire. There were no injuries. Police and fire reports were not filed. The vehicle was taken to an auto mechanic where it was diagnosed that the ABS cables were melted and the…
Service Brakes · at 54,134 miles · reported Feb 4, 2015
Traveling north on i81 near greencastle,pa. In inclement winter conditions and extremely rough pavement ,the electric/hydraulic emergency brake suddenly came on at 65mph nearly causing an accident. We heard a loud sound of the brake engaging the driveshaft and smelled hot components. We limped off the interstate ad found keystone rv center where repair/inspection was perormed for $366.72. Additional work was later performed at further cost.
Service Brakes · at 13,199 miles · reported Feb 4, 2015
On two separate occasions the autopark pressure switch has failed and left us stranded for a total of 10 days while this part {known as "the rotten green switch"} was ordered. The first incident was covered under warranty. The second time on 7/6/2009 the repair bill totaled $463.83 in anchorage, al.. Many other rv owners have experienced similar results as documented in "motorhome" magazine.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic · at 48,700 miles · reported Aug 25, 2010
The contact owns a 2004 winnebago brave. The contact was driving approximately 35 MPH. As he applied the brakes, the auto park brake light illuminated. The manufacturer was contacted and advised that if the contact continued to drive the vehicle, the parking brake would most likely lock. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 48,700. The hydraulic actuator started leaking updated 12/30/10
Service Brakes, Hydraulic · at 50,000 miles · reported Feb 8, 2010
I have a 2004 winnebago that is part of the recall for hydraulic brakes, recall 09v110000. This recall is due to "piston expansion" in the caliper that cause the brake pad to lock up and create excessive heat. I have been in touch with workhorse on this matter and I AM not satisfied with their performance on dealing with this problem. I have had numerous incidents with this problem for the last 2 years and I have paid out-of-pocket for repairs which involved ABS sensors and wheel bearings. My question to you is - when the piston expansion occurs and/or there is evidence of brake failure, is…

Other Winnebago Brave years

Compare all Winnebago Brave years · All Winnebago models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2004 Winnebago Brave have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2004 Winnebago Brave: 10V-525 (equipment), 09V-113 (fuel system, diesel), 04V-609 (fuel system, gasoline), 04V-608 (seat belts), 03V-405 (equipment). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2004 Winnebago Brave?

Owners report service brakes, hydraulic problems most often (4 reports), followed by service brakes (3). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 29,000 miles.

Are Winnebago recall repairs free?

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