2003 Winnebago Sightseer recalls and problems
The 2003 Winnebago Sightseer has 8 safety recalls and 11 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Winnebago dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2003 Winnebago Sightseer vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2003 Winnebago Sightseer recalls
Recall 10V-525: Equipment
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
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 04V-609: Fuel System, Gasoline
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
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
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
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
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
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 Winnebago Sightseer problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 2 | |
| Structure | 2 | |
| Equipment | 2 | |
| Unknown or Other | 2 | |
| Electrical System | 2 | |
| Service Brakes | 2 | |
| Visibility | 1 | |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 1 | |
| Steering | 1 | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 1 | |
| Power Train | 1 |
Most reported parts
- Equipment › Appliance › Air Conditioner — 1
- Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer — 1
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components — 1
- Electrical System › Wiring — 1
- Structure › Body › Door — 1
- Steering › Linkages › Arm › Idler and Attachment — 1
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 18,000 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 2003 Winnebago Sightseer complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Other Winnebago Sightseer years
Compare all Winnebago Sightseer years · All Winnebago models
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2003 Winnebago Sightseer have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 8 recalls for the 2003 Winnebago Sightseer: 10V-525 (equipment), 09V-186 (service brakes, hydraulic), 04V-609 (fuel system, gasoline), 04V-358 (equipment), 03V-405 (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 Winnebago Sightseer?
Owners report suspension problems most often (2 reports), followed by structure (2). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 18,000 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.