2002 Winnebago Sightseer recalls and problems

The 2002 Winnebago Sightseer has 5 safety recalls and 10 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Winnebago dealer.

Recalls
5
Complaints
10
Crashes / fires
0 / 1
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2002 Winnebago Sightseer vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2002 Winnebago Sightseer 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-186: Service Brakes, Hydraulic

Reported May 28, 2009 · WINNEBAGO INDUSTRIES, INC.

Problem: Winnebago is recalling vehicles equipped with axles that include bosh zops or zoht pin slide hydraulic disc brakes. When combined with occasional or seasonal vehicle operation may experience calipers sticking in the applied position. This can result in abnormal heat generation at the wheel end causing brake drag. The driver would normally have warning of the brake drag if undetected by the driver.

Risk: The driver would normally detect the brake drag but if undetected the temperature increase at the wheel end can eventually lead to soft pedal conditions due to brake fluid boil, and possible extended stopping distance increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the necessary components free of charge workhorse is handling the remedy for this campaign please see 09v-110. The manufacturer has not yet provided an owner notification schedule. Owners may contact workhorse at 1-877-246-7731 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.

2002 Winnebago Sightseer problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Electrical System3
Service Brakes, Hydraulic3
Equipment2
Service Brakes2
Structure1
Steering1
Parking Brake1
Engine and Engine Cooling1
Vehicle Speed Control1
Suspension1
Service Brakes, Air1

Most reported parts

  • Electrical System › Wiring — 1
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System — 1
  • Electrical System › Ignition › Switch — 1
  • Equipment › Recreational Vehicle/Trailer › Lpg Systems › Furnace — 1
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip › Abs Warning Light — 1
  • Suspension › Front › Wheel Bearing — 1
  • Service Brakes, Air › Antilock › Wheel Speed Sensor — 1
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Pedals and Linkages — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 28,479 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 2002 Winnebago Sightseer complaints

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

Service Brakes · reported Jul 10, 2023
We were driving the Rv home immediately after purchase. I was in the vehicle with my two children. I was traveling down a flat road at roughly 40 mph when the brakes began to drag. I thought possibly it was simply because the rv was so large and I had never driven one that big before. Until the brakes would no longer work at all. I tried pumping them a few times and the pedal just hit the floor. Thank goodness I was safely able to put into neutral while using the e brake to coast off the road. I’m beyond grateful my family wasn’t harmed. I had to have the vehicle towed to my home and now I…
Service Brakes · at 44,000 miles · reported Jan 2, 2013
The contact owns a 2002 winnebago sightseer. The contact stated that the brakes failed. The contact was able to coast to a stop and the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The mechanic advised him that there was a recall for the failure under NHTSA campaign id number: 09v186000 (Service brakes: hydraulic). The contact did not confirm with the manufacturer if his particular VIN was included in the recall campaign. The vehicle was repaired. The failure and the current mileages were 44,000. ... Updated 02/28/13 updated 03/12/2013
Service Brakes, Hydraulic · at 14,000 miles · reported Feb 6, 2012
The contact owns a 2002 winnebago sightseer rv with a workhorse chassis, model number: wpd27c. The contact stated that while driving approximately 20 MPH and depressing the brakes, he noticed smoke coming from the wheels. After inspecting the vehicle, he discovered that the brakes were extremely hot to the touch. The contact had to wait approximately 2-3 hours before the brakes cooled off. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where they advised him that he needed to replace all of the bennix brake calipers. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and they offered no…
Electrical System · at 19,000 miles · reported May 28, 2009
In trying to start the motor home, I noted the ignition key would not turn. After repeated attempts to turn the key, it started. While driving I noticed a pungent odor, indicative of burning electrical components. After shutting down, I noticed smoke coming from below the steering column. Upon further investigation I found burnt wiring and connectors below the steering column. The ignition switch apparently overheated, distorted and continued burning in place. It is my understanding that workhorse, the chassis manufacturer, sells an aftermarket kit to mitigate this dangerous situation. It is…
Vehicle Speed Control · reported Sep 19, 2007
2002 motorhome with a recall for the scds recall. Customer states the mechanic unplugged the ( Scds) speed control deactivation switch. Mechanic also stated it would be december when they could actually fix the problem. The consumer would like to the know the status of vehicle being repaired. Updated 10/03/07

Other Winnebago Sightseer years

Compare all Winnebago Sightseer years · All Winnebago models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2002 Winnebago Sightseer have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2002 Winnebago Sightseer: 10V-525 (equipment), 09V-186 (service brakes, hydraulic), 03V-405 (equipment), 03V-243 (equipment), 03V-060 (service brakes, hydraulic). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2002 Winnebago Sightseer?

Owners report electrical system problems most often (3 reports), followed by service brakes, hydraulic (3). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 28,479 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.