NHTSA Recalls

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There have been at least 12 separate NHTSA recalls affecting the Winnebago Rialta.  All but the 1998, 1999, and 2000 recalls on the cooling fans have listed Winnebago Industries as the responsible manufacturer.  The cooling fan recalls listed Volkswagen of America as the responsible manufacturer.  All Winnebago entries relate to the Rialta model year, whereas the Volkswagen entries relate to the EuroVan model years.  To check for yours, go to the NHTSA site, then enter YYYY Rialta to search (Rialta is the make and model)

If you think your vehicle may be covered by one of these recalls, contact Winnebago Industries.  Have your VIN available.

Call the Auto Safety Hotline toll free at 1-888-DASH-2-DOT to report safety defects or to obtain information on cars, trucks, child seats, highway or traffic safety.

  •  1995 Tires
  •  1996 Belt Anchor & Attachments
  •  1996 Tires
  •  1997 Generator
  •  1997 Seat Belts
  •  1997 Tail Lights
  •  1997 Tires
  •  1998 Tires
  •  1998 Cooling Fans
  •  1999 Cooling Fans
  •  2000 Cooling Fans

    Special Information Concerning the VW Cooling Fan Recall:

    August 13, 2003 NHTSA Preliminary Investigation opened.  NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation document upgrading the Investigation to Engineering Analysis. (PDF)

    September 2, 2003 Letter from NHTSA to VW stating that they do not agree with VW's assessment that the alleged defect is a rare event and orders full engineering details, field reports, crash reports and complete documentation from VW. (PDF)

    October 15, 2003 Letter from VW claiming they can find not identify the existence of any defects in the cooling fan (even though they had received over 100 complaints). (PDF)

    •

    There were additional documents available at one time on the NHTSA web site but they were pulled before I could retrieve them.  It is interesting to note that the letter of demand from the NHTSA to VW cites civil fines at $5,000 per day and $15,000,000 aggregate if full disclosure was not met.  I'm not sure of the exact timing but I believe that within a few days, VW "voluntarily" ordered their own recall and replacement of the fans.

  •  2002 Wheel Covers
  • Winnebago's Recall Campaign #84 Letter (Wheel Covers) (PDF)
    •
  •  2002 Trailer Hitch
  • Winnebago's Recall Campaign #85 Letter (Trailer Hitch) (PDF)
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  •  2004 Seat Belt Buckles
  • Winnebago's Recall Campaign #92 (Seat Belt Buckles) (PDF)
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    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number:  98V081000
    Component:  TIRES
    Manufacturer:  WINNEBAGO INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Year: 1995 Make: WINNEBAGO Model: RIALTA Recall Date: 04/28/1998
    Type of Report: Vehicle
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 2830
    Manufactured: 05/1994 - 01/1998
    Defect Summary:

    VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MOTOR HOMES EQUIPPED WITH CONTINENTAL GENERAL TIRES. CERTAIN TIRES, WHEN INSTALLED ON THESE MOTOR HOMES, CAN EXPERIENCE PREMATURE TIRE DETERIORATION.

    Consequence Summary:

    THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE THE TIRE TO DEFLATE AND PERSONAL INJURY AND/OR PROPERTY DAMAGE CAN RESULT.

    Corrective Summary:

    DEALERS, IN CONJUNCTION WITH CONTINENTAL GENERAL TIRE, WILL REMOVE AND REPLACE THESE TIRES WITH NEW TIRES AND NEW VALVE STEMS. THE FRONT TIRES AND SPARE TIRE WILL BE THE SAME SIZE AS THE EXISTING TIRES. THE REAR TIRES WILL BE SIZE 215/70R15C AND HAVE A HIGHER LOAD RATING.

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    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number:  98V081000
    Component:  TIRES
    Manufacturer:  WINNEBAGO INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Year: 1996 Make: WINNEBAGO Model: RIALTA Recall Date: 04/28/1998
    Type of Report: Vehicle
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 2830
    Manufactured: 05/1994 - 01/1998
    Defect Summary:

    VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MOTOR HOMES EQUIPPED WITH CONTINENTAL GENERAL TIRES. CERTAIN TIRES, WHEN INSTALLED ON THESE MOTOR HOMES, CAN EXPERIENCE PREMATURE TIRE DETERIORATION.

    Consequence Summary:

    THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE THE TIRE TO DEFLATE AND PERSONAL INJURY AND/OR PROPERTY DAMAGE CAN RESULT.

    Corrective Summary:

    DEALERS, IN CONJUNCTION WITH CONTINENTAL GENERAL TIRE, WILL REMOVE AND REPLACE THESE TIRES WITH NEW TIRES AND NEW VALVE STEMS. THE FRONT TIRES AND SPARE TIRE WILL BE THE SAME SIZE AS THE EXISTING TIRES. THE REAR TIRES WILL BE SIZE 215/70R15C AND HAVE A HIGHER LOAD RATING.

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    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number:  96V191000
    Component:  INTERIOR SYSTEMS: RESTRAINT: BELT ANCHOR AND ATTACHMENT
    Manufacturer:  WINNEBAGO INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Year: 1996 Make: WINNEBAGO Model: RIALTA Recall Date: 10/17/1996
    Type of Report: Vehicle
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 84
    Manufactured: 01/1996 - 03/1996
    Defect Summary:

    THE SEAT BELT "D" RING SUPPORT BRACKET FOR THE TWO COMPANION SEATS (SEATS BEHIND THE DRIVER/FRONT PASSENGER SEATS) WAS INCORRECTLY INSTALLED.

    Consequence Summary:

    IN ITS PRESENT LOCATION, THE SUPPORT BRACKET IS NOT ATTACHED TO A STRUCTURAL MEMBER AND CAN SEPARATE FROM ITS MOUNTING DURING AN ACCIDENT INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.

    Corrective Summary:

    DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REMOVE AND REPLACE THE SEAT BELT "D" RING SUPPORT BRACKET IN THE CORRECT LOCATION.

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    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number:  96V208000
    Component:  EQUIPMENT: OTHER PIECES: AUXILIARY GENERATOR
    Manufacturer:  WINNEBAGO INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Year: 1997 Make: WINNEBAGO Model: WINNEBAGO Recall Date: 10/30/1996
    Type of Report: Vehicle
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 47
    Manufactured: 04/1996 - 08/1996
    Defect Summary:

    THE GENERATOR FUEL SUPPLY HOSE LOCATED ADJACENT TO THE GENERATOR WAS NOT ROUTED OR CLAMPED PROPERLY AND COULD COME IN CONTACT WITH THE ENGINE EXHAUST.

    Consequence Summary:

    THIS CONTACT CAN CAUSE THE HOSE TO DETERIORATE AND ALLOW GAS TO BE RELEASED WHICH CAN CAUSE A FIRE. THIS CAN RESULT IN BODILY INJURY AND/OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.

    Corrective Summary:

    DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW FUEL HOSE WHICH WILL BE REROUTED AND CLAMPED AWAY FROM THE EXHAUST GIVING THE HOSE ADEQUATE CLEARANCE.

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    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number:  98V081000
    Component:  TIRES
    Manufacturer:  WINNEBAGO INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Year: 1997 Make: WINNEBAGO Model: RIALTA Recall Date: 04/28/1998
    Type of Report: Vehicle
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 2830
    Manufactured: 05/1994 - 01/1998
    Defect Summary:

    VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MOTOR HOMES EQUIPPED WITH CONTINENTAL GENERAL TIRES. CERTAIN TIRES, WHEN INSTALLED ON THESE MOTOR HOMES, CAN EXPERIENCE PREMATURE TIRE DETERIORATION.

    Consequence Summary:

    THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE THE TIRE TO DEFLATE AND PERSONAL INJURY AND/OR PROPERTY DAMAGE CAN RESULT.

    Corrective Summary:

    DEALERS, IN CONJUNCTION WITH CONTINENTAL GENERAL TIRE, WILL REMOVE AND REPLACE THESE TIRES WITH NEW TIRES AND NEW VALVE STEMS. THE FRONT TIRES AND SPARE TIRE WILL BE THE SAME SIZE AS THE EXISTING TIRES. THE REAR TIRES WILL BE SIZE 215/70R15C AND HAVE A HIGHER LOAD RATING.

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    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number:  96V258000
    Component:  LIGHTING: LAMP OR SOCKET: TAIL LIGHTS
    Manufacturer:  WINNEBAGO INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Year: 1997 Make: WINNEBAGO Model: RIALTA Recall Date: 12/30/1996
    Type of Report: Vehicle
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 41
    Manufactured: 11/1996 - 11/1996
    Defect Summary:

    THE TAIL LIGHT USED ON THESE VEHICLES WAS NOT CERTIFIED FOR THE UNITED STATES.

    Consequence Summary:

    THE PHOTOMETRICS OF THE EUROPEAN TAIL LIGHT USED ON THESE VEHICLES MAY NOT BE THE SAME AS ON THE UNITED STATES VERSION RESULTING IN A DIFFERENCE IN LIGHTING ABILITY.

    Corrective Summary:

    DEALERS WILL INSTALL THE CORRECT TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY.

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    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number:  97V061000
    Component:  INTERIOR SYSTEMS: RESTRAINT: BELT ANCHOR AND ATTACHMENT
    Manufacturer:  WINNEBAGO INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Year: 1997 Make: WINNEBAGO Model: RIALTA Recall Date: 04/25/1997
    Type of Report: Vehicle
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 110
    Manufactured: 08/1996 - 01/1997
    Defect Summary:

    A SPACER WAS OMITTED AT THE LOWER SEAT BELT ANCHOR POINT OF THE DRIVER AND FRONT PASSENGER SEAT.

    Consequence Summary:

    THE MISSING SPACER CAN CAUSE THE SEAT BELT ANCHOR SYSTEM TO FAIL IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY AND/OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.

    Corrective Summary:

    DEALERS WILL INSTALL THE SEAT BELT ANCHOR SPACER.

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    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number:  98V081000
    Component:  TIRES
    Manufacturer:  WINNEBAGO INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Year: 1998 Make: WINNEBAGO Model: RIALTA Recall Date: 04/28/1998
    Type of Report: Vehicle
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 2830
    Manufactured: 05/1994 - 01/1998
    Defect Summary:

    VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MOTOR HOMES EQUIPPED WITH CONTINENTAL GENERAL TIRES. CERTAIN TIRES, WHEN INSTALLED ON THESE MOTOR HOMES, CAN EXPERIENCE PREMATURE TIRE DETERIORATION.

    Consequence Summary:

    THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE THE TIRE TO DEFLATE AND PERSONAL INJURY AND/OR PROPERTY DAMAGE CAN RESULT.

    Corrective Summary:

    DEALERS, IN CONJUNCTION WITH CONTINENTAL GENERAL TIRE, WILL REMOVE AND REPLACE THESE TIRES WITH NEW TIRES AND NEW VALVE STEMS. THE FRONT TIRES AND SPARE TIRE WILL BE THE SAME SIZE AS THE EXISTING TIRES. THE REAR TIRES WILL BE SIZE 215/70R15C AND HAVE A HIGHER LOAD RATING.

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    NHTSA Action Number : PE03015 NHTSA Recall Campaign Number : N/A
    Make : VOLKSWAGEN Model: EUROVAN
    Manufacturer : VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC Year : 1998
    Component : ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING: COOLING SYSTEM: FAN
    Date Investigation Opened : April 15, 2003
    Date Investigation Closed : August 15, 2003
    Summary:

    THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION OPENED A PRELIMINARY EVALUATION (PE)03-015 ON APRIL 15, 2003, BASED ON THREE REPORTS ALLEGING THAT FAN BLADES SEPARATED FROM THE ENGINE ELECTRONIC COOLING FAN. ALL THREE VEHICLES WERE WINNEBAGO RIALTA CLASS "C" MOTOR HOMES BUILT ON A VOLKSWAGEN EUROVAN CHASSIS. DURING THE PE INVESTIGATION, VOLKSWAGEN PROVIDED 125 ADDITIONAL REPORTS OF FAN FAILURES. THE ADDITIONAL REPORTS INCLUDED 107 REPORTS ON RIALTA VEHICLES (ALL USING A SIEMENS MANUFACTURED COOLING FAN) AND 18 REPORTS ON EUROVAN VEHICLES (15 USING SIEMENS FANS AND 3 USING BOSCH FANS). AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS INVESTIGATION (EA03-013) HAS BEEN OPENED FOR FURTHER STUDY.

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    NHTSA Action Number : PE03015 NHTSA Recall Campaign Number : N/A
    Make : VOLKSWAGEN Model: EUROVAN
    Manufacturer : VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC Year : 1999
    Component : ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING: COOLING SYSTEM: FAN
    Date Investigation Opened : April 15, 2003
    Date Investigation Closed : August 15, 2003
    Summary:

    THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION OPENED A PRELIMINARY EVALUATION (PE)03-015 ON APRIL 15, 2003, BASED ON THREE REPORTS ALLEGING THAT FAN BLADES SEPARATED FROM THE ENGINE ELECTRONIC COOLING FAN. ALL THREE VEHICLES WERE WINNEBAGO RIALTA CLASS "C" MOTOR HOMES BUILT ON A VOLKSWAGEN EUROVAN CHASSIS. DURING THE PE INVESTIGATION, VOLKSWAGEN PROVIDED 125 ADDITIONAL REPORTS OF FAN FAILURES. THE ADDITIONAL REPORTS INCLUDED 107 REPORTS ON RIALTA VEHICLES (ALL USING A SIEMENS MANUFACTURED COOLING FAN) AND 18 REPORTS ON EUROVAN VEHICLES (15 USING SIEMENS FANS AND 3 USING BOSCH FANS). AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS INVESTIGATION (EA03-013) HAS BEEN OPENED FOR FURTHER STUDY.

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    NHTSA Action Number : PE03015 NHTSA Recall Campaign Number : N/A
    Make : VOLKSWAGEN Model: EUROVAN
    Manufacturer : VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC Year : 2000
    Component : ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING: COOLING SYSTEM: FAN
    Date Investigation Opened : April 15, 2003
    Date Investigation Closed : August 15, 2003
    Summary:

    THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION OPENED A PRELIMINARY EVALUATION (PE)03-015 ON APRIL 15, 2003, BASED ON THREE REPORTS ALLEGING THAT FAN BLADES SEPARATED FROM THE ENGINE ELECTRONIC COOLING FAN. ALL THREE VEHICLES WERE WINNEBAGO RIALTA CLASS "C" MOTOR HOMES BUILT ON A VOLKSWAGEN EUROVAN CHASSIS. DURING THE PE INVESTIGATION, VOLKSWAGEN PROVIDED 125 ADDITIONAL REPORTS OF FAN FAILURES. THE ADDITIONAL REPORTS INCLUDED 107 REPORTS ON RIALTA VEHICLES (ALL USING A SIEMENS MANUFACTURED COOLING FAN) AND 18 REPORTS ON EUROVAN VEHICLES (15 USING SIEMENS FANS AND 3 USING BOSCH FANS). AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS INVESTIGATION (EA03-013) HAS BEEN OPENED FOR FURTHER STUDY.

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    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number:  02V153000
    Component:  EQUIPMENT: OTHER PIECES: TRAILER HITCHES AND ATTACHMENTS
    Manufacturer:  WINNEBAGO INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Year: 2002 Make: WINNEBAGO Model: RIALTA Recall Date: 06/13/2002
    Type of Report: Vehicle
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 229
    Manufactured: 01/2002 - 03/2002
    Defect Summary:

    ON CERTAIN MOTOR HOMES, AN IMPROPERLY MOUNTED TRAILER HITCH MAY HAVE BEEN INSTALLED ON THESE MOTOR HOMES. THE TRAILER HITCH MAY NOT HAVE ALL THE REQUIRED FASTENERS ATTACHED TO THE MOTOR HOME.

    Consequence Summary:

    IF THE HITCH IS UTILIZED, IT COULD STRESS THE EXISTING FASTENERS. A CONDITION COULD EXIST THAT WOULD SHEAR OR LOOSEN THE REMAINING FASTENER CAUSING THE HITCH TO SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE, RESULTING IN BODILY INJURY AND/OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.

    Corrective Summary:

    DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE TRAILER HITCH, AND IF NECESSARY, ADD OR REPLACE THE MOUNTING HARDWARE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JUNE 21, 2002. 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.

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    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number:  01V298000
    Component:  WHEELS: CAP: COVER: HUB
    Manufacturer:  WINNEBAGO INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Year: 2002 Make: WINNEBAGO Model: RIALTA Recall Date: 10/01/2001
    Type of Report: Vehicle
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 396
    Manufactured: 02/2001 - 06/2001
    Defect Summary:

    VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MOTOR HOMES (MODELS 222FD, 222QD, AND 222HD). THE WHEEL COVER CAN ROTATE WHILE MOUNTED ON THE WHEEL.

    Consequence Summary:

    IF THE COVER ROTATES TO THE VALVE STEM, A CONDITION EXISTS THAT COULD SHEAR THE VALVE STEM OFF, LEADING TO A RAPID DEFLATION OF THE TIRE. THIS RAPID TIRE AIR LOSS COULD CAUSE THE DRIVER TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, POTENTIALLY RESULTING IN A CRASH.

    Corrective Summary:

    DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE RUBBER VALVE STEMS AND WHEEL COVERS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN OCTOBER 18, 2001. 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.

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    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number:  04V608000
    Component:  SEAT BELTS: FRONT: BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
    Manufacturer:  WINNEBAGO INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Year: 2004 Make: WINNEBAGO Model: Multiple RV Recall Date: SEP 23, 2004
    Type of Report: Vehicle
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 6201
    Manufactured: 02/2001 - 06/2001
    Defect Summary:

    CERTAIN SEAT BELT BUCKLES ON SOME MOTOR HOMES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE LOAD REQUIREMENT OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 209, SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES.

    Consequence Summary:

    THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE MAY UNLATCH IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN PERSONAL INJURY TO THE SEAT OCCUPANT.

    Corrective Summary:

    DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE BUCKLES. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 12, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT AMSAFE AT 1-574-266-8330 OR WINNEBAGO AT 1-800-537-1885.

    Notes:

    WINNEBAGO RECALL NO. 92. CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236.

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    Page Updated: 30 March 2013