U.S. public vehicle records

National Rv DOLPHIN problems and owner complaints

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

36 owner complaints analyzed

6 distinct recall campaigns

15,000 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 1978 to 2008 model years. Data updated: 2026-10-01 (October 1, 2026). 25 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Service Brakes, Hydraulic is the most frequently named component, appearing in 5 of 36 complaints (13.9%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
Topic	Matching reports	Share of complaints
Braking behavior	12	33.3%
Fuel system concerns	3	8.3%
Engine operation	2	5.6%
Transmission and shifting	1	2.8%
Electrical and battery issues	1	2.8%
Steering behavior	1	2.8%

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.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic

Exterior Lighting

Electrical System

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Disc:Caliper

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Disc:Pads

Tires:Sidewall

Vehicle Speed Control

Component breakdown data
Category	Count
Service Brakes, Hydraulic	5
Exterior Lighting	4
Electrical System	2
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip	2
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Disc:Caliper	2
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Disc:Pads	2
Tires:Sidewall	2
Vehicle Speed Control	2

Service Brakes, Hydraulic: 5; Exterior Lighting: 4; Electrical System: 2; Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip: 2; Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Disc:Caliper: 2; Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Disc:Pads: 2; Tires:Sidewall: 2; Vehicle Speed Control: 2

Reported problems by failure mileage

Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.

Under 25,000

25,000 to 49,999

50,000 to 74,999

75,000 to 99,999

100,000 to 149,999

150,000 and above

Under 25,000: 17; 25,000 to 49,999: 5; 50,000 to 74,999: 2; 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 (17). 11 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.

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2013

2018

2001: 1; 2002: 3; 2003: 5; 2004: 4; 2005: 3; 2006: 3; 2007: 6; 2008: 4; 2009: 3; 2010: 1; 2011: 1; 2013: 1; 2018: 1

Pattern summary

Service Brakes, Hydraulic leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 12 complaint narratives. Fuel system concerns appears in 3 complaint narratives. Engine operation appears in 2 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.

Owner report 10361733 · 2010-10-22 (October 22, 2010)

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 NATIONAL RV DOLPHIN. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH HE ATTEMPTED TO APPLY THE BRAKES BUT THE PEDAL EXTENDED TO THE FLOOR. HE BRAKES BEGAN WORKING AT MINIMUM CAPACITY AS THE VEHICLE ROLLED TO A STOP. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO HIS RESIDENCE AND WAS NOT EXAMINED FOR THE CAUSE OF FAILURE. HE REPAIRED THE VEHICLE HIMSELF. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 53,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

Owner-reported narrative. 53,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10361733 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10177786 · 2007-01-04 (January 4, 2007)

TL*- THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET DOLPHIN MOTOR HOME. THE CONTACT HEARD A NOISE, AND WHEN HE APPLIED THE BRAKES TO STOP THE VEHICLE, THERE WAS NO RESISTANCE, THE PEDAL ALMOST WENT TO THE FLOOR. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO LIMP TO THE NEXT TOWN USING THE EMERGENCY BRAKE. WHEN THE CONTACT APPROACHED THE REPAIR SHOP THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE OF ANY PROBLEM WITH THE BRAKES PER THE MECHANIC. THE CONSUMER DROVE THE 120 MILES HOME WITH NOT PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKE TO A CHEVY DEALER WHO WAS NOT ABLE TO DETERMINE A CAUSE OF THE VEHICLE'S PROBLE…

Owner-reported narrative. 45,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10177786 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10105255 · 2004-12-23 (December 23, 2004)

THE MAIN HOSE LEADING FROM THE CAP TO THE GAS TANK WAS LEAKING FUEL WHEN THE MOTOR HOME WAS GETTING FILLED UP. MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BY CONSUMER.*AK....THERE WERE CRACKS ALL THE WAY DOWN TO THE FUEL TANK. MECHANICS CLAIMED THEY HAD NEVER SEEN THIS BEFORE. MAY BE A MANUFACTURIING DEFECT. *AK

Owner-reported narrative. 14,487 miles reported. Look up ODI 10105255 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 767057 · 2002-09-12 (September 12, 2002)

NOTICED FUEL RUNNING DOWN BOTH SIDES OF THE GAS TANK. TOOK IT TO HOLMEN MOTORS IN BATAVIA OHIO FOR REPAIR. THEY DROPPED THE GAS TANK AND REPLACED "DRY ROTTED" FUEL LINES. IT HAS NOT LEAKED TO DATE.*AK

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 767057 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 766338 · 2002-08-27 (August 27, 2002)

ENGINE STALLING ON 90 DEGREE PLUS DAYS ABOVE 400 FEET ALTITUDE WHEN PULLING AND GOING DOWN HILLS. ALSO STALLING IN TOWN WHEN PULLING AWAY FROM STOPS, BUT EVENTUALLY GETS GOING. I'M CONCERNED IT MIGHT STALL OUT GOING DOWN A MOUNTAIN PASS, OR RAILROAD CROSSING. THE DEALER CALLED WORKHORSE AND ROB SAID ADD 6 OZ OF 2 CYCLE OIL TO EACH GAS FILL UP TO PREVENT STALLING. IT WAS TOWED TO BURT CHEVROLET JULY 15, AND THEY COULD FIND NO PROBLEM. IT USUALLY TAKES ABOUT A 100 MILE DRIVE BEFORE IT ACTS UP.*AK

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 766338 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10034248 · 2003-09-23 (September 23, 2003)

THE PCM/TCM FUSE BLEW WHEN ACCELERATING AT LOW SPEEDS. THIS CAUSED ENGINE FAILURE, WHICH RESULTED IN THE VEHICLE STALLING WHILE DRIVING. DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE FUSE 3 TIMES, BUT THE PROBLEM CONTINUED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS UNDETERMINED. *AK INCIDENT WAS TRACED TO A CHAFFED WIRE ON A METAL CLAMP WITHIN ENGINE COMPARTMENT. *PH *JB

Owner-reported narrative. 587 miles reported. Look up ODI 10034248 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10022797 · 2003-06-10 (June 10, 2003)

WHILE TRAVELING AT HIGHWAY SPEED WITHOUT ANY INDICATION VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. *AK THE VEHICLE WAS NINE WEEKS OLD WHEN THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE SOURCE OF THE FIRE WAS A FLAMMABLE FLUID. THERE WAS A LIQUID TRAIL ABOUT ONE FOOT WIDE AND 100 YARDS LONG ON THE ROAD WHICH LEAD UP TO THE MOTORHOME. IT WAS DIFFICULT TO DETERMINE THE EXACT CAUSE OF THE FIRE. THE FAILURE WAS NARROWED DOWN TO EITHER THE TRANSMISSION OR THE BRAKE LINE. *SCC *NLM

Owner-reported narrative. 3,073 miles reported. Look up ODI 10022797 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10153935 · 2006-03-28 (March 28, 2006)

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THERE WERE NO WARNING SOUNDS WHILE OPERATING THE POWER GEAR LIFT ALARM. UPON INSPECTION OF THE VEHICLE THE WIRING TO THE CHIMES WAS NOTICED CUT. THE DEALER WAS CONSULTED AND DETERMINED THE CHIMES WARNING DEVICE WAS NOT NECESSARY. ALSO, THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE IS A 2005 NATIONAL RV DOLPHIN LX. *AK

Owner-reported narrative. 2,700 miles reported. Look up ODI 10153935 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 893030 · 2001-07-17 (July 17, 2001)

STEERING HOSE FLUID BLEWOUT, AND LOST ALL POWER, CAUSING VEHICLE TO OVERHEAT. SMOKE WAS ENTERING INSIDE CABIN ,AND EXCESSIVE HEAT WAS COMING FROM UNDER DASH. CONTACTED DEALER. *AK

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 893030 at NHTSA ↗

Compare model years

Recalls by model year

All campaigns in the snapshot affecting each model year, including recalls announced years later.

From yearThrough year

Recall campaigns

Shared campaigns appear once in each affected model year.

1996

1997

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2005

2006

2007

2008

1996: 0; 1997: 1; 1998: 1; 1999: 1; 2000: 1; 2001: 2; 2002: 2; 2003: 1; 2005: 0; 2006: 2; 2007: 2; 2008: 1

First model yearSecond model year

Year-by-year records

National Rv DOLPHIN model-year comparison
Model year	Complaints	Recalls	Change in recalls
1978	0	1	Not available
1979	0	1	0
1980	0	1	0
1981	0	1	0
1982	0	1	0
1983	0	1	0
1984	0	1	0
1985	0	2	+1
1986	0	1	-1
1996	3	0	Not available
1997	0	1	+1
1998	4	1	0
1999	0	1	0
2000	4	1	0
2001	3	2	+1
2002	2	2	0
2003	9	1	-1
2005	5	0	Not available
2006	3	2	+2
2007	3	2	0
2008	0	1	-1

Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.

Data completeness

36 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-10-01.

69.4%Usable mileage25 / 36 records

94.4%Valid incident date34 / 36 records

100.0%Valid filing date36 / 36 records

94.4%Ordered incident and filing dates34 / 36 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.

From model yearThrough model year

Component complaint heatmap
Component	1996	1997	1998	1999	2000	2001	2002	2003	2005	2006	2007	2008
Service Brakes, Hydraulic	133.3% ODI 10361733 · 53,000 mi TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 NATIONAL RV DOLPHIN. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH HE ATTEMPTED TO APPLY THE BRAKES BUT THE PEDAL EXTENDED TO THE FLOOR. HE BRAKES BEGAN WORKING AT MINIMUM CAPACITY AS THE VEHICLE ROLLED TO A STOP. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO HIS RESIDENCE AND WAS NOT EXAMINED FOR THE CAUSE OF FAILURE. HE REPAIRED THE VEHICLE HIMSELF. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 53,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. Look up ODI 10361733 at NHTSA ↗	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	222.2% ODI 10249044 · 23,640 mi MILEAGE: 23640 BRAKES ON MY RV (WORKHORSE W22 2003 CHASIS) LOCKED UP, OVERHEATED, AND DASH ABS WARNING LIGHT CAME ON. REPLACED LEFT FRONT AND REAR WHEEL SENSORS. MILEAGE: 23765 DATE:11-7-07 - BRAKES AGAIN LOCKED UP, OVERHEATED, AND ABS WARNING LIGHT CAME ON. REPLACED ABS CONTROL MODULE, WHEEL SENSORS, FRONT HUB SEALS, FRONT BRAKE PADS, FLUSH BRAKE SYSTEM, ADD NEW FLUID, & BLEED SYSTEM. MILEAGE:31990 DATE:10-15-08 - FRONT BRAKES DRAGGING, OVERHEATED, ABS WARNING LIGHT CAME ON. REPLACE FRONT ROTORS, CALIPERS, HUB SEALS, PADS, WHEEL SENSORS, F… Look up ODI 10249044 at NHTSA ↗	240.0% ODI 10258733 · 7,698 mi 2005 DOLPHIN ON A CHEVY W 22 WORKHORSE CHASSIS..FRONT BRAKES FAILED AFTER 7500 MILES..FRONT ROTORS WERE HEAT CRACKED I WAS TOLD FROM THE DEALER..CALLED WH AND TOLD ME IT WAS NOT COVERED...NEVER HEARD OF ROTORS GOING BAD AT 7500 MILES..HAVE HAD OTHER MOTOR HOMES, AND HAVE ALWAYS TAKEN EXCELLENT CARE OF MY BRAKES WITH GOING DOWN HILLS, ETC..FEEL THERE IS DEFINITELY A FLAW IN THE BREAKING SYSTEM ON THESE VEHICLES..VEHICLE STARTED SHAKING LIKE THE FRONT END WAS FALLING APART COMING BACK FROM A TRIP..LIMPED IT BACK TO SHOP FOR EVALUATION..OVER $1000… Look up ODI 10258733 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.
Exterior Lighting	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	3100.0% ODI 10212713 · 15,324 mi I RECEIVED A RECALL,NHTSA # 07V-456, RELATED TO MY 2006 NATIONAL RV ON 11-9-07. I CONTACTED THE SELLING DEALER & WAS INFORMED THE COMPANY WAS NO LONGER IN BUSINESS, AND THAT PARTS TO REPAIR THE RECALL WERE UN-AVAILABLE. THIS RECALL HAS TO DO WITH THE LIGHTING ON THE VEHICLE, AND WE ARE CONCERNED ABOUT OPERATING IT. WE HAVE AN AWFUL LARGE INVESTMENT IN THIS UNIT THAT HAS NOW BECAME A VERY EXPENSIVE LAWN ORNAMENT. PLEASE "HELP". THANK YOU. *TR Look up ODI 10212713 at NHTSA ↗	133.3% ODI 10224438 TLTHE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 NATIONAL DOLPHIN RV. THE CONTACT RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE NUMBER 07V456 FOR THE EXTERIOR LIGHTING. THE MANUFACTURER HAS GONE BANKRUPT AND THE CONTACT WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHERE TO HAVE HIS VEHICLE SERVICED. THERE HAD BEEN NO FAILURE TO DATE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 3,500. UPDATED 05/19/08 BF Look up ODI 10224438 at NHTSA ↗	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.
Electrical System	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	133.3% ODI 10513219 · 34,000 mi I HAVE AN ELECTRIC ENTRY STEP ON MY RV. FOR THE SECOND TIME IN LESS THAN 2 YEARS THE LINKAGE THAT OPENS AND CLOSES THE STEP HAS BROKEN WHEN I STEPPED OUT OF MY RV. ON MOTHERS DAY I FELL OUT OF THE COACH AND INJURED MY BACK. THE STEP CAME FROM CAMPING WORLD, THE "RETAILER". IT IS DISTRIBUTED BY STROMBERG CARLSON AT 2323 TRAVERSEFIELD DR, PO BOX 266, TRAVERSE CITY, MI. 49685. PHONE [phone removed]. THE STEP IS MANUFACTURED BY LIPPERT COMPONENTS. CONTACT LIPPERT COMPONENTS LIPPERT COMPONENTS/KINRO CORPORATE OFFICES [phone removed] [CALL: [… Look up ODI 10513219 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	133.3% ODI 11124698 · 68,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 NATIONAL DOLPHIN RV. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE LOCK SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONED AND SHE BECAME LOCKED INSIDE THE RV FOR OVER FIVE HOURS. A LOCKSMITH HAD TO DRILL OUT THE ENTIRE LOCKING MECHANISM TO FREE THE CONTACT FROM THE VEHICLE. THE NATIONAL MANUFACTURER HAS GONE OUT OF BUSINESS; HOWEVER, THE MANUFACTURER FOR THE LOCK SYSTEM (TRIMARK) REFUSED TO TAKE A COMPLAINT FROM THE CONTACT. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 68,000. TT BF TR AS TTJB Look up ODI 11124698 at NHTSA ↗	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	125.0% ODI 10177786 · 45,000 mi TL*- THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET DOLPHIN MOTOR HOME. THE CONTACT HEARD A NOISE, AND WHEN HE APPLIED THE BRAKES TO STOP THE VEHICLE, THERE WAS NO RESISTANCE, THE PEDAL ALMOST WENT TO THE FLOOR. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO LIMP TO THE NEXT TOWN USING THE EMERGENCY BRAKE. WHEN THE CONTACT APPROACHED THE REPAIR SHOP THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE OF ANY PROBLEM WITH THE BRAKES PER THE MECHANIC. THE CONSUMER DROVE THE 120 MILES HOME WITH NOT PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKE TO A CHEVY DEALER WHO WAS NOT ABLE TO DETERMINE A CAUSE OF THE VEHICLE'S PROBLE… Look up ODI 10177786 at NHTSA ↗	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	111.1% ODI 10053377 WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED BRAKES OVERHEATED, AND IT TOOK LONGER TO STOP. DEALER REPLACED BRAKE PADS/SPEEDOMETER, AND WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR.*AK Look up ODI 10053377 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Disc:Caliper	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	150.0% ODI 10103327 REC"D RECALL FR WORKHORSE FOR BRAKES, DEALER HAS NO PARTS TO REPAIR. WORKHORSE BLAMES BOSCH FOR PARTS. *BF Look up ODI 10103327 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	120.0% ODI 10183293 · 13,200 mi FAILURE OF FRONT BRAKE CALIPERS AND SUBSEQUENT CRACKING OF BRAKE ROTORS. CAUSING PREMATURE BRAKE PAD WEAR AND DECREASED BRAKE PERFORMANCE. PARTS REPLACED AT OWNERS' EXPENSE. PARTS AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION. *JB Look up ODI 10183293 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Disc:Pads	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	111.1% ODI 10053377 WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED BRAKES OVERHEATED, AND IT TOOK LONGER TO STOP. DEALER REPLACED BRAKE PADS/SPEEDOMETER, AND WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR.*AK Look up ODI 10053377 at NHTSA ↗	120.0% ODI 10183293 · 13,200 mi FAILURE OF FRONT BRAKE CALIPERS AND SUBSEQUENT CRACKING OF BRAKE ROTORS. CAUSING PREMATURE BRAKE PAD WEAR AND DECREASED BRAKE PERFORMANCE. PARTS REPLACED AT OWNERS' EXPENSE. PARTS AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION. *JB Look up ODI 10183293 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.
Tires:Sidewall	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	133.3% ODI 10146627 INCIDENT 1: MARCH 2005 TRAVELING ON I95 IN MY 2001 NATIONAL TRADEWINDS RV, I EXPERIENCED A BLOWOUT OF THE INSIDE RIGHT LEFT TIRE THAT BLEW OUT THE SIDE PANEL OF THE MOTOR COACH. THE TIRE WAS CHANGED. WE CONTINUED HOME. INCIDENT 2: MAY 2005 PURCHASED A NEW SPARE. I NOTICED A BUBBLE ON THE INSIDE LEFT REAR TIRE SIDEWALL. WHILE TRAVELING ON I95 TO THE TIRE SHOP THIS TIRE BLEW OUT. REPLACED TIRE. INCIDENT 3: DECEMBER 2005 WHILE TRAVELING THROUGH DELAWARE, RIGHT REAR INNER TIRE BLEW OUT THE SIDEWALL. ALL THESE TIRES WERE MICHELIN XRV 225/22.5 WIT… Look up ODI 10146627 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	120.0% ODI 10171399 · 9,542 mi 2005 RV WITH LESS THAN 10K MILES. WHILE PARKED IN DRIVEWAY UNDER NO STRESS, THE OUTSIDE PASSENGER REAR TIRE BEGAN BALLOONING ON THE SIDEWAY FOR NO APPARENT REASON, THEN BLEW OUT A HOLE APPROXIMATELY 1.5 INCHES IN DIAMETER. THE FAILURE APPEARS TO BE IN THE SEAM OF THE SIDEWALL. THE LAST TIME THE RV WAS DRIVEN WAS ON SUNDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2006 (5 DAYS PREVIOUS). THIS INCIDENT WAS WITNESSED BY TIM ANDERSON WHO HAD BEEN WORKING IN THE DRIVEWAY AT THE TIME AND HEARD THE HISSING SOUND PRIOR TO THE BLOWOUT. HE WAS ALMOST INJURED IN THE INCIDENT AND … Look up ODI 10171399 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.
Vehicle Speed Control	133.3% ODI 10212203 TLTHE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 NATIONAL RV DOLPHIN. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A FORD RECALL NOTICE FOR THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL: CRUISE SWITCH AND IMMEDIATELY SCHEDULED A REPAIR APPOINTMENT WITH THE DEALER. SHE WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS WOULD BE AVAILABLE IN NOVEMBER OF 2007. SHE CALLED FORD IN NOVEMBER AND THEY STATED THAT THE PARTS WOULD NOT BE AVAILABLE UNTIL APRIL OF 2008. SHE HAS NOT HAD THE SWITCH DEACTIVATED. THE CONTACT FILED A FORMAL COMPLAINT WITH THE MANUFACTURER. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 30,000. UPDATED 01-29-08. KB Look up ODI 10212203 at NHTSA ↗	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	111.1% ODI 10053377 WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED BRAKES OVERHEATED, AND IT TOOK LONGER TO STOP. DEALER REPLACED BRAKE PADS/SPEEDOMETER, AND WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR.*AK Look up ODI 10053377 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.

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
Service Brakes, Hydraulic	15,000–23,640 mi	20,000 mi	5	ODI 10361733 · 53,000 mi TLTHE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 NATIONAL RV DOLPHIN. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH HE ATTEMPTED TO APPLY THE BRAKES BUT THE PEDAL EXTENDED TO THE FLOOR. HE BRAKES BEGAN WORKING AT MINIMUM CAPACITY AS THE VEHICLE ROLLED TO A STOP. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO HIS RESIDENCE AND WAS NOT EXAMINED FOR THE CAUSE OF FAILURE. HE REPAIRED THE VEHICLE HIMSELF. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 53,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. Look up ODI 10361733 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10249044 · 23,640 mi MILEAGE: 23640 BRAKES ON MY RV (WORKHORSE W22 2003 CHASIS) LOCKED UP, OVERHEATED, AND DASH ABS WARNING LIGHT CAME ON. REPLACED LEFT FRONT AND REAR WHEEL SENSORS. MILEAGE: 23765 DATE:11-7-07 - BRAKES AGAIN LOCKED UP, OVERHEATED, AND ABS WARNING LIGHT CAME ON. REPLACED ABS CONTROL MODULE, WHEEL SENSORS, FRONT HUB SEALS, FRONT BRAKE PADS, FLUSH BRAKE SYSTEM, ADD NEW FLUID, & BLEED SYSTEM. MILEAGE:31990 DATE:10-15-08 - FRONT BRAKES DRAGGING, OVERHEATED, ABS WARNING LIGHT CAME ON. REPLACE FRONT ROTORS, CALIPERS, HUB SEALS, PADS, WHEEL SENSORS, F… Look up ODI 10249044 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10273909 · 15,000 mi TLTHE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NATIONAL DOLPHIN RV. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN EXPERIENCING BRAKE FAILURE EVER SINCE IT WAS PURCHASED. THE DEALER REPAIRED THE FRONT BRAKES UNDER WARRANTY. THE REAR BRAKES WERE ALSO REPAIRED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR THE BRAKES, BUT THE DEALER STATED THAT HIS VEHICLE WAS EXCLUDED FROM THE RECALL REPAIR SINCE THE REPAIRS WERE PREVIOUSLY PERFORMED. THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 50,000. Look up ODI 10273909 at NHTSA ↗
Exterior Lighting	Too few reports for a range	12,162 mi	2 (sparse)	ODI 10212713 · 15,324 mi I RECEIVED A RECALL,NHTSA # 07V-456, RELATED TO MY 2006 NATIONAL RV ON 11-9-07. I CONTACTED THE SELLING DEALER & WAS INFORMED THE COMPANY WAS NO LONGER IN BUSINESS, AND THAT PARTS TO REPAIR THE RECALL WERE UN-AVAILABLE. THIS RECALL HAS TO DO WITH THE LIGHTING ON THE VEHICLE, AND WE ARE CONCERNED ABOUT OPERATING IT. WE HAVE AN AWFUL LARGE INVESTMENT IN THIS UNIT THAT HAS NOW BECAME A VERY EXPENSIVE LAWN ORNAMENT. PLEASE "HELP". THANK YOU. TR Look up ODI 10212713 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10237979 · 9,000 mi TLTHE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 NATIONAL RV DOLPHIN. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 07V456 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING). HE CALLED SEVERAL DEALERS AND WAS INFORMED THAT THEY WOULD NOT REPAIR THE VEHICLE FOR FREE BECAUSE THE MANUFACTURER FILED FOR BANKRUPTCY. THE DEALER WOULD BE UNABLE TO RECEIVE REIMBURSEMENT FROM THE MANUFACTURER. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE NOT APPLICABLE. UPDATED 09/25/08 BF UPDATED 09/25/08. JB Look up ODI 10237979 at NHTSA ↗
Electrical System	Too few reports for a range	51,000 mi	2 (sparse)	ODI 10513219 · 34,000 mi I HAVE AN ELECTRIC ENTRY STEP ON MY RV. FOR THE SECOND TIME IN LESS THAN 2 YEARS THE LINKAGE THAT OPENS AND CLOSES THE STEP HAS BROKEN WHEN I STEPPED OUT OF MY RV. ON MOTHERS DAY I FELL OUT OF THE COACH AND INJURED MY BACK. THE STEP CAME FROM CAMPING WORLD, THE "RETAILER". IT IS DISTRIBUTED BY STROMBERG CARLSON AT 2323 TRAVERSEFIELD DR, PO BOX 266, TRAVERSE CITY, MI. 49685. PHONE [phone removed]. THE STEP IS MANUFACTURED BY LIPPERT COMPONENTS. CONTACT LIPPERT COMPONENTS LIPPERT COMPONENTS/KINRO CORPORATE OFFICES [phone removed] [CALL: [… Look up ODI 10513219 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11124698 · 68,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 NATIONAL DOLPHIN RV. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE LOCK SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONED AND SHE BECAME LOCKED INSIDE THE RV FOR OVER FIVE HOURS. A LOCKSMITH HAD TO DRILL OUT THE ENTIRE LOCKING MECHANISM TO FREE THE CONTACT FROM THE VEHICLE. THE NATIONAL MANUFACTURER HAS GONE OUT OF BUSINESS; HOWEVER, THE MANUFACTURER FOR THE LOCK SYSTEM (TRIMARK) REFUSED TO TAKE A COMPLAINT FROM THE CONTACT. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 68,000. TT BF TR AS TTJB Look up ODI 11124698 at NHTSA ↗
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip	Too few reports for a range	45,000 mi	1 (sparse)	ODI 10177786 · 45,000 mi TL*- THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET DOLPHIN MOTOR HOME. THE CONTACT HEARD A NOISE, AND WHEN HE APPLIED THE BRAKES TO STOP THE VEHICLE, THERE WAS NO RESISTANCE, THE PEDAL ALMOST WENT TO THE FLOOR. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO LIMP TO THE NEXT TOWN USING THE EMERGENCY BRAKE. WHEN THE CONTACT APPROACHED THE REPAIR SHOP THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE OF ANY PROBLEM WITH THE BRAKES PER THE MECHANIC. THE CONSUMER DROVE THE 120 MILES HOME WITH NOT PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKE TO A CHEVY DEALER WHO WAS NOT ABLE TO DETERMINE A CAUSE OF THE VEHICLE'S PROBLE… Look up ODI 10177786 at NHTSA ↗
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Disc:Caliper	Too few reports for a range	13,200 mi	1 (sparse)	ODI 10183293 · 13,200 mi FAILURE OF FRONT BRAKE CALIPERS AND SUBSEQUENT CRACKING OF BRAKE ROTORS. CAUSING PREMATURE BRAKE PAD WEAR AND DECREASED BRAKE PERFORMANCE. PARTS REPLACED AT OWNERS' EXPENSE. PARTS AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION. *JB Look up ODI 10183293 at NHTSA ↗
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Disc:Pads	Too few reports for a range	13,200 mi	1 (sparse)	ODI 10183293 · 13,200 mi FAILURE OF FRONT BRAKE CALIPERS AND SUBSEQUENT CRACKING OF BRAKE ROTORS. CAUSING PREMATURE BRAKE PAD WEAR AND DECREASED BRAKE PERFORMANCE. PARTS REPLACED AT OWNERS' EXPENSE. PARTS AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION. *JB Look up ODI 10183293 at NHTSA ↗
Tires:Sidewall	Too few reports for a range	9,542 mi	1 (sparse)	ODI 10171399 · 9,542 mi 2005 RV WITH LESS THAN 10K MILES. WHILE PARKED IN DRIVEWAY UNDER NO STRESS, THE OUTSIDE PASSENGER REAR TIRE BEGAN BALLOONING ON THE SIDEWAY FOR NO APPARENT REASON, THEN BLEW OUT A HOLE APPROXIMATELY 1.5 INCHES IN DIAMETER. THE FAILURE APPEARS TO BE IN THE SEAM OF THE SIDEWALL. THE LAST TIME THE RV WAS DRIVEN WAS ON SUNDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2006 (5 DAYS PREVIOUS). THIS INCIDENT WAS WITNESSED BY TIM ANDERSON WHO HAD BEEN WORKING IN THE DRIVEWAY AT THE TIME AND HEARD THE HISSING SOUND PRIOR TO THE BLOWOUT. HE WAS ALMOST INJURED IN THE INCIDENT AND … Look up ODI 10171399 at NHTSA ↗

Complaint and recall timeline

Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.

ComponentPeriod

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	Campaigns announced	Examples
2024-11	None	No examples available for this selection.
2024-12	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-01	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-02	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-03	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-04	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-05	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-06	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-07	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-08	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-09	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-10	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-11	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-12	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-01	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-02	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-03	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-04	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-05	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-06	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-07	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-08	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-09	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-10 (partial)	None	No examples available for this selection.

Emerging complaint spikes

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.

Observation windowFirst model yearSecond model year

2007: 1 complaints · 2008: 0 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model year	Through age 0	Through age 1	Through age 2
2007	1	1	1
2008	0	0	0

Date coverage across each selected cohort

Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
Year	Incident dates used	Filing date fallbacks	Excluded dates
2007	2	0	1
2008	0	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	Service Brakes, Hydraulic	Exterior Lighting	Electrical System	Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip	Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Disc:Caliper	Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Disc:Pads	Tires:Sidewall	Vehicle Speed Control
Service Brakes, Hydraulic	—	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Exterior Lighting	0	—	0	0	0	0	0	0
Electrical System	0	0	—	0	0	0	0	0
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip	0	0	0	—	0	1 ODI 10053377 WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED BRAKES OVERHEATED, AND IT TOOK LONGER TO STOP. DEALER REPLACED BRAKE PADS/SPEEDOMETER, AND WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR.*AK Look up ODI 10053377 at NHTSA ↗	0	1 ODI 10053377 WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED BRAKES OVERHEATED, AND IT TOOK LONGER TO STOP. DEALER REPLACED BRAKE PADS/SPEEDOMETER, AND WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR.*AK Look up ODI 10053377 at NHTSA ↗
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Disc:Caliper	0	0	0	0	—	1 ODI 10183293 · 13,200 mi FAILURE OF FRONT BRAKE CALIPERS AND SUBSEQUENT CRACKING OF BRAKE ROTORS. CAUSING PREMATURE BRAKE PAD WEAR AND DECREASED BRAKE PERFORMANCE. PARTS REPLACED AT OWNERS' EXPENSE. PARTS AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION. *JB Look up ODI 10183293 at NHTSA ↗	0	0
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Disc:Pads	0	0	0	1 ODI 10053377 WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED BRAKES OVERHEATED, AND IT TOOK LONGER TO STOP. DEALER REPLACED BRAKE PADS/SPEEDOMETER, AND WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR.*AK Look up ODI 10053377 at NHTSA ↗	1 ODI 10183293 · 13,200 mi FAILURE OF FRONT BRAKE CALIPERS AND SUBSEQUENT CRACKING OF BRAKE ROTORS. CAUSING PREMATURE BRAKE PAD WEAR AND DECREASED BRAKE PERFORMANCE. PARTS REPLACED AT OWNERS' EXPENSE. PARTS AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION. *JB Look up ODI 10183293 at NHTSA ↗	—	0	1 ODI 10053377 WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED BRAKES OVERHEATED, AND IT TOOK LONGER TO STOP. DEALER REPLACED BRAKE PADS/SPEEDOMETER, AND WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR.*AK Look up ODI 10053377 at NHTSA ↗
Tires:Sidewall	0	0	0	0	0	0	—	0
Vehicle Speed Control	0	0	0	1 ODI 10053377 WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED BRAKES OVERHEATED, AND IT TOOK LONGER TO STOP. DEALER REPLACED BRAKE PADS/SPEEDOMETER, AND WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR.*AK Look up ODI 10053377 at NHTSA ↗	0	1 ODI 10053377 WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED BRAKES OVERHEATED, AND IT TOOK LONGER TO STOP. DEALER REPLACED BRAKE PADS/SPEEDOMETER, AND WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR.*AK Look up ODI 10053377 at NHTSA ↗	0	—

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.

Search patterns

3 patterns with matching reports.

Brake response concerns

4 mentions · 11.1% of complaints

Median mileage: 15,000 mi (4 usable records).

ODI 10200997 · 15,000 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NATIONAL RV DOLPHIN. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE PULLED TO THE RIGHT. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT BRAKE WAS NOT RELEASING. BOTH FRONT BRAKES WERE REPLACED. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL EXTENDED TO THE FLOOR WHEN DEPRESSED. THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WAS APPLIED TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER REPLACED THE REAR BRAKES BECAUSE THE CALIPERS OVERHEATED AND BECAME STUCK. THE BRAKES WERE LESS THAN 20% WORN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 32,000.

Look up ODI 10200997 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10273909 · 15,000 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NATIONAL DOLPHIN RV. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN EXPERIENCING BRAKE FAILURE EVER SINCE IT WAS PURCHASED. THE DEALER REPAIRED THE FRONT BRAKES UNDER WARRANTY. THE REAR BRAKES WERE ALSO REPAIRED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR THE BRAKES, BUT THE DEALER STATED THAT HIS VEHICLE WAS EXCLUDED FROM THE RECALL REPAIR SINCE THE REPAIRS WERE PREVIOUSLY PERFORMED. THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 50,000.

Look up ODI 10273909 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10258733 · 7,698 mi

2005 DOLPHIN ON A CHEVY W 22 WORKHORSE CHASSIS..FRONT BRAKES FAILED AFTER 7500 MILES..FRONT ROTORS WERE HEAT CRACKED I WAS TOLD FROM THE DEALER..CALLED WH AND TOLD ME IT WAS NOT COVERED...NEVER HEARD OF ROTORS GOING BAD AT 7500 MILES..HAVE HAD OTHER MOTOR HOMES, AND HAVE ALWAYS TAKEN EXCELLENT CARE OF MY BRAKES WITH GOING DOWN HILLS, ETC..FEEL THERE IS DEFINITELY A FLAW IN THE BREAKING SYSTEM ON THESE VEHICLES..VEHICLE STARTED SHAKING LIKE THE FRONT END WAS FALLING APART COMING BACK FROM A TRIP..LIMPED IT BACK TO SHOP FOR EVALUATION..OVER $1000…

Look up ODI 10258733 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

Stalling or loss of power

2 mentions · 5.6% of complaints

Median mileage: 587 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 766338

Look up ODI 766338 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10034248 · 587 mi

Look up ODI 10034248 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

\b(stall\w*|loss of power|lost power|engine shut\w* off)\b

Warning lights and dashboard alerts

2 mentions · 5.6% of complaints

Median mileage: 34,320 mi (2 usable records).

ODI 10177786 · 45,000 mi

Look up ODI 10177786 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10249044 · 23,640 mi

MILEAGE: 23640 BRAKES ON MY RV (WORKHORSE W22 2003 CHASIS) LOCKED UP, OVERHEATED, AND DASH ABS WARNING LIGHT CAME ON. REPLACED LEFT FRONT AND REAR WHEEL SENSORS. MILEAGE: 23765 DATE:11-7-07 - BRAKES AGAIN LOCKED UP, OVERHEATED, AND ABS WARNING LIGHT CAME ON. REPLACED ABS CONTROL MODULE, WHEEL SENSORS, FRONT HUB SEALS, FRONT BRAKE PADS, FLUSH BRAKE SYSTEM, ADD NEW FLUID, & BLEED SYSTEM. MILEAGE:31990 DATE:10-15-08 - FRONT BRAKES DRAGGING, OVERHEATED, ABS WARNING LIGHT CAME ON. REPLACE FRONT ROTORS, CALIPERS, HUB SEALS, PADS, WHEEL SENSORS, F…

Look up ODI 10249044 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

\b(warning light\w*|check engine|dashboard warning\w*|malfunction indicator)\b