Fleetwood Bounder 1998

Model Bounder made in 1998 by Fleetwood got 37 consumer complains, 2 investigations there are 3 recalls as well as 1 service bulletin. Consumer complaints with reference, among others things, to electrical system, equipment and exterior lighting. Technical service bulletines regarding fuel system, gasoline. The car had one investigation (fuel system, gasoline). There were some recalls concerningequipment, suspension.

Model 1998

Recalls


CampaignManufacturerManufacturing dateType# of units affectedDate Owner notified MfgRecall Initiated byManufacturers of recalled vehicles/productsReport Recieved DateRecord Creation DateRegulation Part NumberFMVSS Number
EQUIPMENT - MECHANICAL - JACKS
97V178000FLEETWOOD ENT., INC.from 06/01/1996 to 09/30/1997V (Vehicle)191510/31/1997MFRFLEETWOOD ENTERPRISES, INC.10/07/199710/21/1997
Defect SummaryVehicle description: class a motor homes. the hydraulic hoses which operate the leveling jack system is routed too close to the engine exhaust manifold causing the hose to melt, releasing hydraulic fluid.
Consequence SummaryThis hydraulic fluid can ignite in the engine compartment causing a fire.
Corrective SummaryDealers will inspect, replace any damaged hoses, and relocate the affected hydraulic lines.
NotesOwner notification is expected to begin october 31, 1997. 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 fleetwood at 1-800-322-8216.also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-800-424-9393.
EQUIPMENT - RECREATIONAL VEHICLE
07V120000FLEETWOOD ENTERPRISES, INC.from 04/01/1997 to 07/31/2003V (Vehicle)16709605/10/2007MFRFLEETWOOD ENTERPRISES, INC.03/19/200703/20/2007
Defect SummaryCertain motor homes and travel trailers equipped with a two-door refrigerator, manufactured by the dometic corporation, may have a defect in the boiler tube. pressurized coolant solution could be released into an area where an ignition source (gas flame) is present.
Consequence SummaryRelease of coolant under certain conditions could ignite and result in a fire.
Corrective SummaryFleetwood will be working with dometic in order to repair these refrigerators (please see 06e076). dometic will repair these refrigerators by installing a secondary burn housing, a thermal fuse, and a melt fuse free of charge. dometic has retained stericycle inc. to manage this campaign. stericycle will assist you in locating dealerships or service centers and will provide assistance with scheduling of appointments. owners may contact dometic/stericycle at 1-888-446-5157 or fleetwood at 1-800-322-8216.
NotesCustomers may contact the national highway traffic safety administration's vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (tty: 1-800-424-9153); or go to http://www.safercar.gov.
SUSPENSION - REAR
99V013000FLEETWOOD ENT., INC.from 02/01/1998 to 06/30/1998V (Vehicle)9504/04/1999MFRFLEETWOOD ENTERPRISES, INC.01/26/199901/28/1999
Defect SummaryVehicle description: class a motor homes. these motor homes, when fully equipped and loaded with typical cargo, will experience an overloaded condition on the rear axle.
Consequence SummaryThis could cause the rear axle components to fail prematurely resulting in loss of vehicle control.
Corrective SummaryDealers will replace the rear axle with a new higher capacity rear axle.
NotesOwner notification began april 5, 1999.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 fleetwood at 1-800-322-8216. also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-888-dash-2-dot (1-888-327-4236).

Bulletins


BulletinBulletin dateReplacement BulletinItem no.SummaryAdded
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE - DELIVERY - HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
0421200804/21/200810025322Consumer maintenance advisory, generator fuel lines. fleetwood motor home owners. csc was received. *pe07/29/2008

Investigations


NHTSA IDManufacturerDate openDate closeSubjectRecall campaign
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
PE07055FLEETWOOD ENTERPRISES, INC.11/14/200703/14/2008GASOLINE SUPPLY LINE TO GEN'R SEEPAGE
 Odi's investigation has found that the 1/4 inside diameter fuel hose that provides gasoline to the vehicle's on-board generator can crack and seep fuel. complaint summaries indicate that owners have typically detected a seeping fuel line through (1) the odor of raw gasoline fumes and/or (2) erratic or non-start generator performance.odi has found that the fuel in the generator fuel supply hose is pulled into the generator by suction so the generator is likely to pull air into the fuel line through minor cracks in the fuel line causing erratic generator performance well before the cracks will increase in size sufficiently to seep significant amounts of gasoline.risk of fire is negligible since the volume of fuel seepage is small and the seepage is unlikely to spray because the fuel line is not pressurized.also, the fuel tank , generator, and fuel lines are mounted at the rear of the vehicle distant from hot engine parts and/or any other likely sources of ignition. fleetwood has informed odi that they intend to provide anotification to affected owners that (1) advises that the generator fuel line should be inspected frequently and (2) describes the symptoms of a deteriorating fuel line so that affected owners will recognize the symptoms indicating a fuel line leak or seep has, or is about to occur, so the owners may appropriately diagnose and respond by correcting the problem.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE - DELIVERY - HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
PE07055FLEETWOOD ENTERPRISES, INC.11/14/200703/14/2008GASOLINE SUPPLY LINE TO GEN'R SEEPAGE
 Odi's investigation has found that the 1/4 inside diameter fuel hose that provides gasoline to the vehicle's on-board generator can crack and seep fuel. complaint summaries indicate that owners have typically detected a seeping fuel line through (1) the odor of raw gasoline fumes and/or (2) erratic or non-start generator performance.odi has found that the fuel in the generator fuel supply hose is pulled into the generator by suction so the generator is likely to pull air into the fuel line through minor cracks in the fuel line causing erratic generator performance well before the cracks will increase in size sufficiently to seep significant amounts of gasoline.risk of fire is negligible since the volume of fuel seepage is small and the seepage is unlikely to spray because the fuel line is not pressurized.also, the fuel tank , generator, and fuel lines are mounted at the rear of the vehicle distant from hot engine parts and/or any other likely sources of ignition. fleetwood has informed odi that they intend to provide anotification to affected owners that (1) advises that the generator fuel line should be inspected frequently and (2) describes the symptoms of a deteriorating fuel line so that affected owners will recognize the symptoms indicating a fuel line leak or seep has, or is about to occur, so the owners may appropriately diagnose and respond by correcting the problem.

Consumer Complaints


Fail datemilesoccurencesPurchase date
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR
05/15/2002105/19/1998
 Consumer states that there is a problem with the generator making noises. dealer was notified. the fuel line was cracked. consumer had to change fuel line to the coach generator (110vac-5.5 kva) *mr the consumer states that the fuel line is installed from oem chasis chevrolet to the coach generator by fleetwood and has a material manufacturing defect which results in an unsafe condition allowing hydro carbons to vent into the atmosphere and potentially allowing the fuel to escape to the hot sufaces of the onan generator, which can result in a fire/personal injury and or death. *scc
107/07/1998
 Generator does not always work. mjs
07/01/1999
 The generator exhaust our 1998 bounder 32k seeps back into the motohome and raises the co2 levels to unsafe levels. this results in the co2 detector being set off. this has happened every time we have used our motorhome.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - IGNITION
05/26/199812/23/1997
 While camping smelled something burning. found wires were too closely together, they shorted out and burned .
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - WIRING
106/01/2001
 A repair man changing a flat tire discovered the propane line located in front of the wheel was broken and the wire harness above the wheel well cover was split, the protective cover over the wheel was destroyed. the manufacturer refused to pay the dealer to look at the defect because vehicle was out of warranty. consumer will seek legal reimbursement for monies paid. *jg
107/07/1998
 Electrical wires hanging from case upon delivery. mjs
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - WIRING - FRONT UNDERHOOD
07/04/200205/01/2001
 I will make this short. i own a rv made by fleetwood. going to florida with family we had a flat tire. the tire tore up wheel well cover and then destroyed a main wiring harness with both ac/dc power. the main concern was it also broke a gas line, that could have caused an explosion from the sparking wires. the manufacturer has told me to go to hell, that they would not pay a dime for repair since the vehicle is out of warranty. this is wrong and needs to be investigated as my family and i could have been injured or even killed from a gas explosion.*ak
EQUIPMENT - ELECTRICAL - AIR CONDITIONER
06/01/2000107/01/1998
 The air conditioner shroud nearly seperated from the vehicle due to stress cracks around the mounting bolts. i had to remove the cover to continue my trip. *ak
EQUIPMENT - MECHANICAL - JACKS
107/07/1998
 Hydraulic jacks would not retract and missing seals, consumer stranded due to malfunctional jacks, warngin light for jack occasionally illuminates. mjs
EQUIPMENT - MECHANICAL - SLIDE-IN CAMPER
107/07/1998
 Slide out would go in and out without the key in control. mjs
EQUIPMENT - RECREATIONAL VEHICLE - LPG WATER HEATER
107/07/1998
 Water heater leaks water when heating up. mjs
EXTERIOR LIGHTING - HEADLIGHTS
05/01/1999
 Many fleetwood owners report their headlight lenses cloud over (become milky) and therefore the light output is drastically reduced. this defect appears on the outside of the lense. fleetwood has fixed the problem when a motorhome is under warranty. but, if it not...they refuse to do anything. they have been aware of this problem for many years!!!!
04/26/1999110/01/1998
 If dome light switch is turned on, both headlights instantly burn out. fuse left in by mistake at ford. all ford f-53 chassis (1999) it also drains battery when stored. fix--remove fuse that enables dome light switch. domelight switch is part of dash dimmer switch.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE - DELIVERY
05/15/2002105/19/1998
 Consumer states that there is a problem with the generator making noises. dealer was notified. the fuel line was cracked. consumer had to change fuel line to the coach generator (110vac-5.5 kva) *mr the consumer states that the fuel line is installed from oem chasis chevrolet to the coach generator by fleetwood and has a material manufacturing defect which results in an unsafe condition allowing hydro carbons to vent into the atmosphere and potentially allowing the fuel to escape to the hot sufaces of the onan generator, which can result in a fire/personal injury and or death. *scc
07/04/200205/01/2001
 I will make this short. i own a rv made by fleetwood. going to florida with family we had a flat tire. the tire tore up wheel well cover and then destroyed a main wiring harness with both ac/dc power. the main concern was it also broke a gas line, that could have caused an explosion from the sparking wires. the manufacturer has told me to go to hell, that they would not pay a dime for repair since the vehicle is out of warranty. this is wrong and needs to be investigated as my family and i could have been injured or even killed from a gas explosion.*ak
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE - DELIVERY - HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
02/01/200874000309/15/1997
 Gasoline leaking from cracked fuel line between main gas tank and generator on 1998 fleetwood bounder motorhome. concern about danger of leaking gasoline but there is also some type of electrical connection directly adjacent to leak. if there was any spark from this connection, it may cause gas tank to explode. i have run the generator 3 times without running the motorhome engine and have had gas leak each time. *tr
330001
 Vehicle is leaking fuel onto the ground due to a defective hose that was located near fuel tank and generator.*ak
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER - DELIVERY - HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
106/01/2001
 A repair man changing a flat tire discovered the propane line located in front of the wheel was broken and the wire harness above the wheel well cover was split, the protective cover over the wheel was destroyed. the manufacturer refused to pay the dealer to look at the defect because vehicle was out of warranty. consumer will seek legal reimbursement for monies paid. *jg
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES - DOORS - LATCH
107/07/1998
 Main door latch is bent, once it is latched very difficult to unlatch. mjs
OTHER
07/07/1998107/07/1998
 Carbon monoxide detector missing when delivered. mjs
08/10/199811/07/1997
 When the motorhome was involved in a crash all overhead cabinets above driver and the passenger fell down, causing injuries to both occupants. the motorhome was totalled in the crash. manufacturer was notified about the crash. *ak
PARKING BRAKE
12/30/200430900103/07/2004
 While driving 60 mph emergency brake engaged. as a result, consumer was able to pull off the road. *ak......while driving through down town atlanta the emergency brake engaged, nearly throwing the driver ans passenger (s) out of their seats. if this occurred on ice/snow it could have been disasterous. *ak
10/30/2004530001
 The vehicle has been serviced for the parking brake failure four times. the vehicle has rolled back while in the park position. the consumer received a periodic maintenance letter from the manufacturer because of the complaint on the brake.*jb
PARKING BRAKE - CONVENTIONAL
08/01/2000106/10/1998
 Parking brake mounted on driveshaft. had put on parking brake, and vehicle started to roll away. parking brake had burned up. would need to put down electric jack to prevent motor home from rolling away. *ak
POWER TRAIN - AXLE ASSEMBLY
102/01/2000
 My vehicle is a 35 ft motor home built by fleetwood enterprises, inc., riverside, ca, the coach was constructed on a ford f-super duty class a motor home chassis witha 228 wheel base. ford rates the max gvwr at 17,000 lbs witha 6000 lb front axle capacity. the load on the front axle has been measured by the manufacturer at 5710 lbs. totally empty . this will not allow a driver and passenger to be in the vehicle without overloading the front axle. *ak
STRUCTURE
07/28/200629000104/30/1998
 Dt*: the contact stated there are four thermo-pane windows in the motor home located in the driver's compartment. three of these windows have developed a leak, causing the windows to fog reducing the drivers vision. the dealership has been informed. updated 08/14/06. *jb
05/15/2002106/02/1998
 Front left tire was wearing unevenly. after inspection at dealership consumer was informed that bolt holding tie rod in place was loose and ready to snap.*ak consumer states that the left and front right tires were worn on the inner side due to the 4 bolts holding the tie rod assembly were loose and ready to snap. *slc
107/07/1998
 Entry steps stick on occasions, will not come down. mjs
STRUCTURE - FRAME AND MEMBERS
107/07/1998
 Water leaking into vehicle, missing seals causing fumes to enter also. mjs
1
 Recall on motorhome chasis, unable to talk to anyone who can refer hin to a dealer the can service the motorhome.
SUSPENSION - REAR
106/01/1998
 Model 32h - rear of vehicle within 500 lbs maximum axle rating with no water, no gear, and 3/4 tank fuel. 100 gallon (800 lbs) water tank and almost all available storage behind rear axle. vehicle will almost always be over rated rear axle weight when in operation. problem corrected in 1999 model with longer wheelbase and higher rated rear axle. recall activated for slideout models, but not standard models like mine. fleetwood and ford notified a year ago with no action taken. no failure yet (your form will not accept zero failures), but am concerned about the future.
TIRES
07/04/200205/01/2001
 I will make this short. i own a rv made by fleetwood. going to florida with family we had a flat tire. the tire tore up wheel well cover and then destroyed a main wiring harness with both ac/dc power. the main concern was it also broke a gas line, that could have caused an explosion from the sparking wires. the manufacturer has told me to go to hell, that they would not pay a dime for repair since the vehicle is out of warranty. this is wrong and needs to be investigated as my family and i could have been injured or even killed from a gas explosion.*ak
TRAILER HITCHES - FIFTH WHEEL ASSEMBLY
304/01/1999
 The slideout room is not aligned properly with the body and allows carbon monoxide to leak in when we run the generator. the rubber seals don't seal because the slideout is twisted. the motorhome was returned to the factory once to repair the slideout. my dealer has tested and verified co leakage and has come up with several theories and reasons for the leakage, but no remedy. the last time we used the generator, the co detector went off in seven minutes with the window that is farthest from the generator open and the ceiling fan on. we can't use the generator. we have three phone numbers -- land line (425) 290-7109 and two cell phones, (425) 478-3698 and 478-3691. thank you. *ak
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
107/07/1998
 Kicks out of cruise when going up hills. mjs
VISIBILITY
07/28/200629000104/30/1998
 Dt*: the contact stated there are four thermo-pane windows in the motor home located in the driver's compartment. three of these windows have developed a leak, causing the windows to fog reducing the drivers vision. the dealership has been informed. updated 08/14/06. *jb
VISIBILITY - WINDSHIELD
08/24/2002104/04/1998
 The driver windshield popped out at bottom due to flaw at factory. 5/8 of fiber glass were needed to close the gap between the rubber seal and the body. *yh
08/12/2002104/04/1998
 There was a quarter of an inch gap in windshield. took vehicle to dealer stated that vehicle was out of warranty. problem still exists. *ak consumer stated that the windshield popped out at bottom due to flaw at factory. 5/8 inch of fiver glass was needed to close the gap between the rubber seal and the body. *yh

Car dealers selling


StateCityZipNamePhone
MIAUBURN HILLS48328A&S SALES CENTER INC.248-373-5811
MIMT CLEMENSGENERAL RV
WAPASCORUSS DEAN FORD