2014 Fleetwood Southwind Recalls

The defect

Fleetwood RV, Inc. (Fleetwood) is recalling certain model year 2014 model American Eagle, American Heritage, American Revolution, American Tradition, Bounder, Bounder Classic, Discovery, Excursion, Expedition, Providence, South Wind, Storm, Terra, Terra SE, Jamboree Searcher, Jamboree Sport, Tioga Montara, and Tioga Ranger recreational vehicles equipped with IMMI-brand L9 seat belt assemblies. When the button is pressed to release the seat belt, the latch plate can become partially engaged with the buckle, making the seat belt difficult to unlatch. Thus, these vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 209, "Seat Belt Assemblies."

The risk

If the latch plate remains partially engaged after the button is pressed, egress from the vehicle could be hindered which would increase the risk of injury in the event of an emergency.

The fix

Fleetwood will notify owners and dealers will inspect and replace the seat belt buckle, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on January 17, 2014. Owners may contact Fleetwood at 1-800-322-8216. Fleetwood's recall number 131112FRV.

The defect

Fleetwood RV is recalling certain model year 2014 American Revolution, Bounder, Discovery, Expedition, and Southwind motorhomes. Fasteners that attach the solar panel may become loose during normal use.

The risk

A loose solar panel may separate from the vehicle during travel. This may cause personal injury and/or a road hazard to other vehicles, increasing the risk of a crash.

The fix

Fleetwood will notify owners, and dealers will install new locking nuts to secure the solar panel, free of charge. The recall began on June 13, 2013. Owners may contact Fleetwood RV at 1-800-322-8216. Fleetwood's recall number is 130517FRV.

The defect

Fleetwood RV, Inc. is recalling certain model year 2013 Jamboree Sport Diesel, Providence, Tioga DSL and Tioga Ranger DSL; 2014 Excursion, Expedition, Jamboree Sport, Montara Commercial, Searcher Commercial, Southwind, Storm, Terra, and Tioga Ranger; and 2013-2014 Bounder, Bounder Classic, and Discovery recreational vehicles. The vehicles are equipped with Weatherpro and 9100 series power awnings. Due to a design change in the power awning motor assembly, the motor assembly screws may unknowingly shear.

The risk

If the motor assembly screws shear, it is possible that the awning can unfurl unexpectedly, either while the vehicle is at rest or while in transit, increasing the risk of personal injury or a vehicle crash.

The fix

Fleetwood RV will notify owners and Dometic staff will replace the affected motors with motors of a different design. The recall began during June 2013. Owners may contact Fleetwood RV Owner Relations at 1-800-509-3418 or Dometic at 1-888-447-0003 for more information. Owners are being instructed not to drive their vehicle until repairs can be performed.

Reported October 5, 2013 by Fleetwood RV, Inc.