2011 Itasca ELLIPSE: complaints, problems and recalls

Reported: 2010-10-26 (October 26, 2010)

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.

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

Reported: 2011-02-14 (February 14, 2011)

WINNEBAGO IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010-2011 TOUR AND ITASCA ELLIPSE MOTOR HOMES MANUFACTURED FROM AUGUST 7, 2009 THROUGH FEBRUARY 7, 2011, FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF PART 567, "CERTIFICATION." THE VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH LABELS INDICATING THE WRONG TYPE OF LOAD RANGE TIRES.

Consequence: THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF PART 567 CERTIFICATION.

Remedy: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH NEW TIRE INFORMATION LABELS AND INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS. AT THE CUSTOMER'S OPTION, A DEALER CAN PERFORM THE INSTALLATION FOR THEM. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON FEBRUARY 25, 2011. OWNER MAY CONTACT WINNEBAGO AT 1-641-585-6939.

Reported: 2011-03-08 (March 8, 2011)

WINNEBAGO IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 TOUR AND ITASCA ELLIPSE MOTOR HOMES MANUFACTURED FROM AUGUST 9, 2010 THROUGH JANUARY 21, 2011. THESE VEHICLES HAVE THE POTENTIAL FOR A LP HOSE CONNECTION TO BE DAMAGED WHEN THE SLIDEOUT ROOM IS OPERATED. IF THE LP HOSE MAKES CONTACT WITH THE SLIDEOUT RAM, IT COULD BE DISCONNECTED. IF THIS WERE TO HAPPEN, A LEAK WOULD OCCUR WHEN THE LP TANK IS OPENED.

Consequence: THE LEAKING LP THEN HAS THE POTENTIAL TO IGNITE, WHICH COULD RESULT IN PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE HOSE AND RELOCATE A PIPE CLAMP AS WELL AS ADDING A SECOND CLAMP TO THE HOSE TO ENSURE CLEARANCE IS MAINTAINED DURING THE OPERATION OF THE SLIDEROOM. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 25, 2011. OWNER MAY CONTACT WINNEBAGO AT 641-585-6939.

Reported: 2012-12-06 (December 6, 2012)

Winnebago Industries is recalling certain model year 2010-2013 Winnebago Journey and Tour motorhomes, and certain model year 2010-2013 Itasca Meridian and Ellipse motorhomes, manufactured June 18, 2010, through November 17, 2011. The chassis are equipped with connectors for diode jumpers that may come loose, resulting in an open circuit. Two circuits are affected: The one that disengages the cruise control with brake pedal use, and the one that illuminates the brake lights with brake pedal use.

Consequence: Failure of the cruise control to disengage when the brakes are applied may increase the risk of a vehicle crash. Without the brake lights illuminating when the brakes are applied, the driver's intent is not communicated, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Daimler Trucks North America will be conducting the recall on behalf of Winnebago Industries. Daimler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the the diode jumpers to make sure they are fully locked in place and will correct the vehicles as needed. The recall began December 26, 2012. Owners should contact Winnebago at 1-641-585-3535 or Daimler Trucks at 1-503-745-6910.