American Coach AMERICAN TRADITION problems and owner complaints
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
6 owner complaints analyzed
5 distinct recall campaigns
17,664 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2005 to 2024 model years. Data updated: . 4 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.
This selection has limited data. It remains available for lookup but is excluded from search indexing.
Owner-reported patterns
Most common problems
Visibility/Wiper is the most frequently named component, appearing in 2 of 6 complaints (33.3%). A complaint can name multiple components.
Recurring terms in complaint narratives
Topic
Matching reports
Share of complaints
Steering behavior
2
33.3%
Transmission and shifting
1
16.7%
Engine operation
1
16.7%
Braking behavior
1
16.7%
Electrical and battery issues
1
16.7%
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
Under 25,000
2
25,000 to 49,999
1
50,000 to 74,999
0
75,000 to 99,999
1
100,000 to 149,999
0
150,000 and above
0
Reported problems by failure mileage data
Category
Count
Under 25,000
2
25,000 to 49,999
1
50,000 to 74,999
0
75,000 to 99,999
1
100,000 to 149,999
0
150,000 and above
0
Under 25,000: 2; 25,000 to 49,999: 1; 50,000 to 74,999: 0; 75,000 to 99,999: 1; 100,000 to 149,999: 0; 150,000 and above: 0
Under 25,000 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (2). 2 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
2018
2
2020
1
2021
1
2023
1
2025
1
Complaints over time data
Category
Count
2018
2
2020
1
2021
1
2023
1
2025
1
2018: 2; 2020: 1; 2021: 1; 2023: 1; 2025: 1
Pattern summary
Visibility/Wiper leads the component reports. Steering behavior appears in 2 complaint narratives. Transmission and shifting appears in 1 complaint narratives. Engine operation appears in 1 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Complaint evidence
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
SMART STEERING WHEEL ELECTRICAL FUNCTIONS FAIL UNEXPECTEDLY. THE HORN, WINDSHIELD WIPERS AND CRUISE CONTROL ARE AFFECTED. ANY ONE OF WHICH CAN CAUSE AN ACCIDENT IN THESE VERY LARGE VEHICLES. MYSELF AND MANY OTHER OWNERS OF THIS BRAND AND GENERATION HAVE COMPLAINED ON AN ON-LINE OWNERS FORUM. IT IS A COMMON PROBLEM THAT THE WIRING TERMINAL CONNECTIONS TO THE SMART WHEEL CONTROLLER JUST STOP MAKING CONTACT DUE TO NON-ROBUST TERMINALS. SPARTAN CHASSIS TELLS THE CUSTOMER THAT IT'S A FAULTY MODULE, BUT A NEW MODULE IS AN EXPENSIVE AND VERY TEMPORARY…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 AMERICAN TRADITION 45A RV N/A. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE IN A RAIN STORM, THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS CEASED TO OPERATE AS DESIGNED, REDUCING THE DRIVER'S VISIBILITY. ADDITIONALLY, THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS INOPERABLE. THE CONTACT WAS ALSO UNABLE TO ADJUST THE BRAKE PEDAL OR STEERING WHEEL. RHODE ISLAND TRUCK CENTER LOCATED AT 1100 WARREN AVE EAST PROVIDENCE RI 02914 AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE RV WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5,328.
.engine loss of power unable to accelerate .when fault codes and check engine light come on the motorhome has a loss of power and while on freeway becomes dangerous trying to maneuver through traffic to get to a safe place. if on a hill or getting on ramp on freeway it becomes dangerous when the engine and transmission do not respond . Freightliner had it 5 times and unable to fix problem unless i sign a release. it may or may not fix and may or may not cause further damage. i declined to sign
Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.
Data completeness
6 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-10-01.
66.7%Usable mileage4 / 6 records
100.0%Valid incident date6 / 6 records
100.0%Valid filing date6 / 6 records
100.0%Ordered incident and filing dates6 / 6 records
Missing, zero and invalid mileage is excluded. Dates after the snapshot are excluded. Examples are limited selections, not a representative sample.
Problems by model year
Model-wide comparison of the eight most reported components across the model. Cells show counts and shares within each model year. Open a cell for source examples.
Component complaint heatmap
Component
2013
2015
2016
2021
2023
2024
Visibility/Wiper
0Unavailable
No examples available for this selection.
1100.0%ODI 11338176 · 5,328 mi
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 AMERICAN TRADITION 45A RV N/A. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE IN A RAIN STORM, THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS CEASED TO OPERATE AS DESIGNED, REDUCING THE DRIVER'S VISIBILITY. ADDITIONALLY, THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS INOPERABLE. THE CONTACT WAS ALSO UNABLE TO ADJUST THE BRAKE PEDAL OR STEERING WHEEL. RHODE ISLAND TRUCK CENTER LOCATED AT 1100 WARREN AVE EAST PROVIDENCE RI 02914 AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE RV WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5,328.
TIRE PRESSURE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FAILS AFTER A FEW MINUTES OF OPERATION AND GOES TO MAXIMUM VALUES OF 136 PSI AND 400F. THIS IS PART OF THE FREIGHTLINER CHASSIS AND NOT THE AMERICAN COACH TRADITION.
.engine loss of power unable to accelerate .when fault codes and check engine light come on the motorhome has a loss of power and while on freeway becomes dangerous trying to maneuver through traffic to get to a safe place. if on a hill or getting on ramp on freeway it becomes dangerous when the engine and transmission do not respond . Freightliner had it 5 times and unable to fix problem unless i sign a release. it may or may not fix and may or may not cause further damage. i declined to sign
.engine loss of power unable to accelerate .when fault codes and check engine light come on the motorhome has a loss of power and while on freeway becomes dangerous trying to maneuver through traffic to get to a safe place. if on a hill or getting on ramp on freeway it becomes dangerous when the engine and transmission do not respond . Freightliner had it 5 times and unable to fix problem unless i sign a release. it may or may not fix and may or may not cause further damage. i declined to sign
.engine loss of power unable to accelerate .when fault codes and check engine light come on the motorhome has a loss of power and while on freeway becomes dangerous trying to maneuver through traffic to get to a safe place. if on a hill or getting on ramp on freeway it becomes dangerous when the engine and transmission do not respond . Freightliner had it 5 times and unable to fix problem unless i sign a release. it may or may not fix and may or may not cause further damage. i declined to sign
TPMS continues to not work and show false readings and/or no readings at all with continued warnings on the dash instrument cluster effecting operation of vehicles other instrument warning systems. Recall was issued in 2022 for this system for manufacture and has not resolved issues. Safety of all drivers and passengers is a concern as all warning systems are compromised as tire pressure and temperature are incorrect or missing. Vehicle has been back to manufactures repair centers several times with no resolve. It is understanding that this sam…
Darker cells indicate a larger share of submitted complaints. Components overlap. This measures complaint composition, not failure probability.
Failure mileage by component
Median and middle 50% of usable owner-reported mileages. Ranges require at least five records.
Component failure mileage distribution
Component
Mileage range (25th–75th percentile)
Median
Usable records
Examples
Visibility/Wiper
Too few reports for a range
17,664 mi
2 (sparse)
ODI 11118518 · 30,000 mi
SMART STEERING WHEEL ELECTRICAL FUNCTIONS FAIL UNEXPECTEDLY. THE HORN, WINDSHIELD WIPERS AND CRUISE CONTROL ARE AFFECTED. ANY ONE OF WHICH CAN CAUSE AN ACCIDENT IN THESE VERY LARGE VEHICLES. MYSELF AND MANY OTHER OWNERS OF THIS BRAND AND GENERATION HAVE COMPLAINED ON AN ON-LINE OWNERS FORUM. IT IS A COMMON PROBLEM THAT THE WIRING TERMINAL CONNECTIONS TO THE SMART WHEEL CONTROLLER JUST STOP MAKING CONTACT DUE TO NON-ROBUST TERMINALS. SPARTAN CHASSIS TELLS THE CUSTOMER THAT IT'S A FAULTY MODULE, BUT A NEW MODULE IS AN EXPENSIVE AND VERY TEMPORARY…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 AMERICAN TRADITION 45A RV N/A. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE IN A RAIN STORM, THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS CEASED TO OPERATE AS DESIGNED, REDUCING THE DRIVER'S VISIBILITY. ADDITIONALLY, THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS INOPERABLE. THE CONTACT WAS ALSO UNABLE TO ADJUST THE BRAKE PEDAL OR STEERING WHEEL. RHODE ISLAND TRUCK CENTER LOCATED AT 1100 WARREN AVE EAST PROVIDENCE RI 02914 AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE RV WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5,328.
TIRE PRESSURE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FAILS AFTER A FEW MINUTES OF OPERATION AND GOES TO MAXIMUM VALUES OF 136 PSI AND 400F. THIS IS PART OF THE FREIGHTLINER CHASSIS AND NOT THE AMERICAN COACH TRADITION.
SMART STEERING WHEEL ELECTRICAL FUNCTIONS FAIL UNEXPECTEDLY. THE HORN, WINDSHIELD WIPERS AND CRUISE CONTROL ARE AFFECTED. ANY ONE OF WHICH CAN CAUSE AN ACCIDENT IN THESE VERY LARGE VEHICLES. MYSELF AND MANY OTHER OWNERS OF THIS BRAND AND GENERATION HAVE COMPLAINED ON AN ON-LINE OWNERS FORUM. IT IS A COMMON PROBLEM THAT THE WIRING TERMINAL CONNECTIONS TO THE SMART WHEEL CONTROLLER JUST STOP MAKING CONTACT DUE TO NON-ROBUST TERMINALS. SPARTAN CHASSIS TELLS THE CUSTOMER THAT IT'S A FAULTY MODULE, BUT A NEW MODULE IS AN EXPENSIVE AND VERY TEMPORARY…
WHEN PARKED DURING A STOP, MAIN DOOR LOCKED AND COULD NOT BE OPENED. ONE PASSENGER INSIDE. DRIVER OUTSIDE. INSIDE DOOR HANDLE FAILED TO OPEN. KEYS ON OUTSIDE FAILED TO OPEN. *TT
Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.
Solid line: filed complaints. Dashed amber lines: recall announcement dates for this vehicle selection; markers include all recall components. The latest month is partial. Temporal proximity does not establish causation.
Monthly counts, recall campaigns and complaint examples
Monthly complaint and recall timeline
Month
Complaints
Campaigns announced
Examples
2024-11
0
None
No examples available for this selection.
2024-12
0
None
No examples available for this selection.
2025-01
0
None
No examples available for this selection.
2025-02
0
None
No examples available for this selection.
2025-03
0
None
No examples available for this selection.
2025-04
0
None
No examples available for this selection.
2025-05
1
None
ODI 11660848
TPMS continues to not work and show false readings and/or no readings at all with continued warnings on the dash instrument cluster effecting operation of vehicles other instrument warning systems. Recall was issued in 2022 for this system for manufacture and has not resolved issues. Safety of all drivers and passengers is a concern as all warning systems are compromised as tire pressure and temperature are incorrect or missing. Vehicle has been back to manufactures repair centers several times with no resolve. It is understanding that this sam…
Complete months in the latest six months with at least 10 complaints, at least twice the preceding 12-month average, and at least three square-root deviations above that average.
This is a descriptive screening rule, not a statistical defect finding. Publicity and reporting changes can increase submissions.
No complete months meet the spike thresholds for this selection.
Equal-age model-year comparison
Model-wide cumulative reports during the first three or five calendar years, starting with the model year (age 0). Only fully elapsed windows are compared.
2021: 1 complaints · 2023: 1 complaints
Equal observation windows
Model year
Through age 0
Through age 1
Through age 2
2021
1
1
1
2023
1
1
1
Date coverage across each selected cohort
Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
Year
Incident dates used
Filing date fallbacks
Excluded dates
2021
2
0
0
2023
1
0
0
Incident date is preferred when valid and no later than filing; otherwise filing date is used. Model year approximates age. Equal observation time does not adjust for sales, distance driven or reporting delays. One complaint linked to multiple model years can appear in each cohort.
Components reported together
Each cell counts unique complaints naming both components. Open a nonzero cell for examples.
Component co-occurrence matrix
Component
Visibility/Wiper
Wheels
Electrical System
Engine
Fuel/Propulsion System
Power Train
Structure:Body:Door
Tires:Pressure Monitoring And Regulating Systems
Visibility/Wiper
—
0
1ODI 11118518 · 30,000 mi
SMART STEERING WHEEL ELECTRICAL FUNCTIONS FAIL UNEXPECTEDLY. THE HORN, WINDSHIELD WIPERS AND CRUISE CONTROL ARE AFFECTED. ANY ONE OF WHICH CAN CAUSE AN ACCIDENT IN THESE VERY LARGE VEHICLES. MYSELF AND MANY OTHER OWNERS OF THIS BRAND AND GENERATION HAVE COMPLAINED ON AN ON-LINE OWNERS FORUM. IT IS A COMMON PROBLEM THAT THE WIRING TERMINAL CONNECTIONS TO THE SMART WHEEL CONTROLLER JUST STOP MAKING CONTACT DUE TO NON-ROBUST TERMINALS. SPARTAN CHASSIS TELLS THE CUSTOMER THAT IT'S A FAULTY MODULE, BUT A NEW MODULE IS AN EXPENSIVE AND VERY TEMPORARY…
TPMS continues to not work and show false readings and/or no readings at all with continued warnings on the dash instrument cluster effecting operation of vehicles other instrument warning systems. Recall was issued in 2022 for this system for manufacture and has not resolved issues. Safety of all drivers and passengers is a concern as all warning systems are compromised as tire pressure and temperature are incorrect or missing. Vehicle has been back to manufactures repair centers several times with no resolve. It is understanding that this sam…
SMART STEERING WHEEL ELECTRICAL FUNCTIONS FAIL UNEXPECTEDLY. THE HORN, WINDSHIELD WIPERS AND CRUISE CONTROL ARE AFFECTED. ANY ONE OF WHICH CAN CAUSE AN ACCIDENT IN THESE VERY LARGE VEHICLES. MYSELF AND MANY OTHER OWNERS OF THIS BRAND AND GENERATION HAVE COMPLAINED ON AN ON-LINE OWNERS FORUM. IT IS A COMMON PROBLEM THAT THE WIRING TERMINAL CONNECTIONS TO THE SMART WHEEL CONTROLLER JUST STOP MAKING CONTACT DUE TO NON-ROBUST TERMINALS. SPARTAN CHASSIS TELLS THE CUSTOMER THAT IT'S A FAULTY MODULE, BUT A NEW MODULE IS AN EXPENSIVE AND VERY TEMPORARY…
.engine loss of power unable to accelerate .when fault codes and check engine light come on the motorhome has a loss of power and while on freeway becomes dangerous trying to maneuver through traffic to get to a safe place. if on a hill or getting on ramp on freeway it becomes dangerous when the engine and transmission do not respond . Freightliner had it 5 times and unable to fix problem unless i sign a release. it may or may not fix and may or may not cause further damage. i declined to sign
.engine loss of power unable to accelerate .when fault codes and check engine light come on the motorhome has a loss of power and while on freeway becomes dangerous trying to maneuver through traffic to get to a safe place. if on a hill or getting on ramp on freeway it becomes dangerous when the engine and transmission do not respond . Freightliner had it 5 times and unable to fix problem unless i sign a release. it may or may not fix and may or may not cause further damage. i declined to sign
.engine loss of power unable to accelerate .when fault codes and check engine light come on the motorhome has a loss of power and while on freeway becomes dangerous trying to maneuver through traffic to get to a safe place. if on a hill or getting on ramp on freeway it becomes dangerous when the engine and transmission do not respond . Freightliner had it 5 times and unable to fix problem unless i sign a release. it may or may not fix and may or may not cause further damage. i declined to sign
.engine loss of power unable to accelerate .when fault codes and check engine light come on the motorhome has a loss of power and while on freeway becomes dangerous trying to maneuver through traffic to get to a safe place. if on a hill or getting on ramp on freeway it becomes dangerous when the engine and transmission do not respond . Freightliner had it 5 times and unable to fix problem unless i sign a release. it may or may not fix and may or may not cause further damage. i declined to sign
.engine loss of power unable to accelerate .when fault codes and check engine light come on the motorhome has a loss of power and while on freeway becomes dangerous trying to maneuver through traffic to get to a safe place. if on a hill or getting on ramp on freeway it becomes dangerous when the engine and transmission do not respond . Freightliner had it 5 times and unable to fix problem unless i sign a release. it may or may not fix and may or may not cause further damage. i declined to sign
.engine loss of power unable to accelerate .when fault codes and check engine light come on the motorhome has a loss of power and while on freeway becomes dangerous trying to maneuver through traffic to get to a safe place. if on a hill or getting on ramp on freeway it becomes dangerous when the engine and transmission do not respond . Freightliner had it 5 times and unable to fix problem unless i sign a release. it may or may not fix and may or may not cause further damage. i declined to sign
TPMS continues to not work and show false readings and/or no readings at all with continued warnings on the dash instrument cluster effecting operation of vehicles other instrument warning systems. Recall was issued in 2022 for this system for manufacture and has not resolved issues. Safety of all drivers and passengers is a concern as all warning systems are compromised as tire pressure and temperature are incorrect or missing. Vehicle has been back to manufactures repair centers several times with no resolve. It is understanding that this sam…
Co-reporting does not establish that one component caused another concern.
Recurring narrative patterns
Specific keyword mentions beyond broad component labels. Matching includes negations and comparisons and does not confirm a diagnosis.
3 patterns with matching reports.
Brake response concerns
1 mentions · 16.7% of complaints
Median mileage: 5,328 mi (1 usable records).
ODI 11338176 · 5,328 mi
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 AMERICAN TRADITION 45A RV N/A. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE IN A RAIN STORM, THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS CEASED TO OPERATE AS DESIGNED, REDUCING THE DRIVER'S VISIBILITY. ADDITIONALLY, THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS INOPERABLE. THE CONTACT WAS ALSO UNABLE TO ADJUST THE BRAKE PEDAL OR STEERING WHEEL. RHODE ISLAND TRUCK CENTER LOCATED AT 1100 WARREN AVE EAST PROVIDENCE RI 02914 AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE RV WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5,328.
.engine loss of power unable to accelerate .when fault codes and check engine light come on the motorhome has a loss of power and while on freeway becomes dangerous trying to maneuver through traffic to get to a safe place. if on a hill or getting on ramp on freeway it becomes dangerous when the engine and transmission do not respond . Freightliner had it 5 times and unable to fix problem unless i sign a release. it may or may not fix and may or may not cause further damage. i declined to sign
Matching rule\b(stall\w*|loss of power|lost power|engine shut\w* off)\b
Warning lights and dashboard alerts
1 mentions · 16.7% of complaints
Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).
ODI 11541397
.engine loss of power unable to accelerate .when fault codes and check engine light come on the motorhome has a loss of power and while on freeway becomes dangerous trying to maneuver through traffic to get to a safe place. if on a hill or getting on ramp on freeway it becomes dangerous when the engine and transmission do not respond . Freightliner had it 5 times and unable to fix problem unless i sign a release. it may or may not fix and may or may not cause further damage. i declined to sign