A couple stares down a dirt road at their RV.

Should You Be Worried About RV Recalls?

No matter how much money you spend on an RV, it’s like any manufactured product. Things can go wrong, and issues can appear months or even years after leaving the factory.

If there’s a widespread issue, a recall often addresses the situation. This is a common occurrence in passenger vehicles and RVs.

Today, we’ll look at RV recalls and if you should be worried. Let’s learn more.

A couple stares down a dirt road at their RV.

What Are RV Recalls?

An RV recall gets issued whenever an RV or any equipment violates or fails to meet the Federal Safety Requirements. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or a manufacturer can issue a recall for a product.

The NHTSA often gets involved for issues with the brakes, tires, airbags, seat belts, lighting, or any device that keeps drivers, passengers, and other drivers safe.

The check engine light glowing orange in the dashboard of a motorized RV.
Anytime an RV or its parts violate or fail to meet safety standards, a recall is issued.

Should You Be Worried About RV Recalls?

RV recalls are rather common across all manufacturers, including luxury models. This is because RV manufacturers often get parts and components from a handful of the same distributors or companies. So don’t think that it’s exempt from RV recalls just because you spend a ton of money on your rig.

However, RV recalls aren’t something that should concern you. You want to make sure you have registered your RV with the manufacturer and that they have your most up-to-date contact information.

This will help them contact you about an issue with your RV. They can give you the necessary information to get your RV fixed.

How Do I Know If My RV Has a Recall? 

You can know if your RV has a recall in a couple of ways. Luckily, both are relatively simple and can take minimal effort. First, you can visit the NHTSA recall website. You’ll need to have your RV’s VIN (vehicle identification number) handy.

Next, put it into the search box and hit the magnifying glass to search the massive database that contains the past 15 years of recalls. If your RV has one, the results will show up here.

The second way to discover an RV recall is to contact your manufacturer. Again the manufacturer will need your RV’s VIN. They’ll search their database to check for any active recalls. If they discover one, they’ll likely give you contact information for a service center that can complete the necessary repairs.

A couple drinks coffee and works on their laptop in their RV.
Visiting the NHTSA recall website is a quick way to check if your RV has been issued a recall.

If you buy a used RV, get the VIN and check it with the NHTSA website. Even if you get an older vehicle, recalls typically remain valid as long as the parts are still available or the manufacturer hasn’t shut down.

If you discover the RV you want to buy has a long list of recalls you’ll need to address, you may want to keep shopping. Your new-to-you RV could spend more time sitting in a repair shop than in a campground.

Are There Recalls on Travel Trailers?

All types of RVs, including travel trailers, can have a recall. A trailer may experience issues with the brakes, propane system, or wiring issues. However, any problems that pose a widespread safety concern will likely result in a recall.

Recently, several popular RV manufacturers recalled over 20,000 brand new RVs due to the quick disconnect fittings cracking in the LP system. These small cracks can create a dangerous gas leak in the propane system.

Keystone RV Company also had a recent recall for travel trailers. They issued one for 248 2022 Crossroads Zingers due to the potential for carbon monoxide entering the trailer.

A travel trailer parked on the side of the road in a suburb, being pulled by a gray truck in the summer.

Somehow these units may not have had the furnace vent extension installed during production. This recall simply requires a quick inspection to confirm all is well with the furnace. However, it’s essential because carbon monoxide entering an RV can be very dangerous.

How Long Does a Recall Take to Fix?

If we’ve learned anything from the past couple of years, even the simplest repairs can take an incredibly long time. Manufacturers and repair shops must battle supply chain shortages and even shipping delays. This could extend the time to complete work to address a recall.

If it requires specific parts, you may wait weeks or even months for them. It’s a good idea to call ahead to schedule the work.

Some recalls are more serious than others. Sometimes you can continue to use your RV while you wait for the parts to arrive. However, depending on the situation, you may have no other choice but to discontinue using your RV.

Do Safety Recalls Cost Money?

A repair completed under a safety recall should never cost an owner a single penny. The NHTSA tracks safety recalls ensuring all owners get a safe, free, and effective fix.

If a repair shop asks you to pay any money before addressing the issue, find another facility. Then report the shop to the NHTSA.

Recalls typically indicate that a vehicle fails to meet federal safety standards. Manufacturers are on the hook for all costs of bringing your vehicle up to par. Prices can vary considerably depending on the recall and effort to complete the repair.

Manufacturers have to cover the parts and labor costs to correct the issue. Some can cost manufacturers millions of dollars to address, but it’s a small price to pay to keep customers safe.

Are Recalls Covered by Warranty? 

Warranties don’t cover recalls, and it’s a good thing. You usually can’t transfer warranties. Luckily, it doesn’t matter how old or how many owners it has had. The NHTSA and manufacturers want to ensure that vehicles are safe to use.

They don’t want the blame for any safety issues. So make sure you stay on top of recalls for your RV so you and your rig can have many exciting adventures down the road.

Have you had to face RV recalls in the past?

HOT TIP
Watch out! Doing any of these 7 things could void your RV’s warranty.

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