RoadVitals

2005 Airstream Safari

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
2
Latest Jul 11, 2007
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
3
Latest May 15, 2009
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
0

Overview

Our database contains 2 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2005 Airstream Safari, most frequently naming the brakes and tires & wheels categories. 3 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 16 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Brakes150.0%
  • Tires & wheels150.0%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

3 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
09V159000

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

May 15, 2009
2,052 units potentially affected
The defect: AIRSTREAM IS RECALLING 2,052 MY 2002-2009 BAMBI, INTERNATIONAL, SAFARI, 75TH ANNIVERSARY, DWR, AND OCEAN BREEZE TRAVEL TRAILERS FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THE TRAVEL TRAILERS WERE BUILT WITHOUT REAR REFLEX REFLECTORS.
The risk: INADEQUATE LIGHTING COULD REDUCE VISIBILITY OF VEHICLE INCREASE THE POTENTIAL FOR A CRASH.
The remedy: AIRSTREAM WILL SEND DEALERS SEPARATE REFLECTORS TO THE AFFECTED CUSTOMERS AND DEALERS ALONG WITH INSTRUCTIONS FOR PROPER INSTALLATION. CUSTOMERS WILL HAVE THE OPTION OF INSTALLING THE REFLECTORS OR TAKING THE TRAVEL TRAILER TO THE NEAREST AIRSTREAM CERTIFIED DEALERS. THIS WILL BE DONE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 15, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AIRSTREAM AT 1-937-596-6849.
AIRSTREAM, INC.Manufacturer number 050709View on NHTSA.gov
08V367000

EQUIPMENT:RECREATIONAL VEHICLE/TRAILER

Jul 21, 2008
4,450 units potentially affected
The defect: AIRSTREAM IS RECALLING 4,450 MY 2004-2007 SAFARI, INTERNATIONAL, INTERSTATE, LAND YACHT, CLASSIC, MY 2004-2006 SKYDECK, AND MY 2006 PARKWAY TRAVEL TRAILERS AND MOTOR HOMES EQUIPPED WITH A TWO-DOOR REFRIGERATOR MANUFACTURED BY THE DOMETIC CORPORATION. THE REFRIGERATOR 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.
The risk: IF THIS SOLUTION IS EXPOSED TO AN IGNITION SOURCE UNDER CERTAIN SPECIFIC CIRCUMSTANCES, IT CAN RESULT IN A VEHICLE FIRE.
The remedy: AIRSTREAM IS WORKING WITH DOMETIC TO REPAIR THESE REFRIGERATORS (PLEASE SEE 08E032). 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 THE OWNER 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 AIRSTREAM AT 1-937-596-6111.
AIRSTREAM, INC.View on NHTSA.gov
04V506000

SUSPENSION:FRONT:WHEEL BEARING

Oct 25, 2004
929 units potentially affected
The defect: ON CERTAIN MOTORHOMES, THE OUTER WHEEL BEARING IN THE HUB OF THE AXLE MAY FAIL, LEADING TO UNEXPECTED SEPARATION OF THE WHEEL FROM THE AXLE. THIS FAILURE MAY BE DUE TO AN INADEQUATE AMOUNT OF GREASE IN THE HUB ASSEMBLY OR THE GREASE IN THE HUB MAY BREAK DOWN UNDER NORMAL OPERATING CONDITIONS INTO A LIQUID THAT INADEQUATELY LUBRICATES THE OUTER BEARING. INADEQUATE LUBRICATION OF THE OUTER BEARING CAN BEGIN A CHAIN OF EVENTS THAT COULD LEAD TO WHEEL SEPARATION.
The risk: SEPARATION OF ONE OR MORE WHEELS FROM THE TRAILER COULD CAUSE THE TRAILER TO HANDLE ERRATICALLY OR GO OUT OF CONTROL. A LOST WHEEL COULD ALSO STRIKE AN ONCOMING OR FOLLOWING VEHICLE CAUSING A CRASH, RESULTING IN SERIOUS INJURY OF DEATH TO THOSE INVOLVED.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE UNIT AND REMOVE THE WHEELS, INSPECT THE HUBS, INNER AND OUTER BEARINGS, RACES AND GREASE SEALS. IF NECESSARY, REPLACE PARTS AND REPACK THE WHEEL BEARING WITH HIGH TEMPERATURE GREASE AND REINSTALL THE HUB AND WHEELS. THE RECALL BEGAN NOVEMBER 4, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT AIRSTREAM AT 1-877-596-6505.
AIRSTREAM, INC.View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

Tires & wheels
Filed Jul 11, 2007

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 AIRSTREAM SAFARI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TREAD ON BOTH REAR TIRES IS SEPARATING. HE NOTICED THAT THE TIRES ARE 30.5 INCHES HIGH IN DIAMETER, WHEN THEY SHOULD BE 28.5 INCHES. THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR TIRE, WHICH WAS A SPARE, FAILED AT 2,500 MILES AND THE DRIVER SIDE REAR TIRE FAILED AT 12,500 MILES. THE TIRES ARE GOODYEAR MARATHON (SIZE ST225/75 R15) AND BOTH TIRES HAVE 65 PSI. THE CONTACT CAN PROVIDE PICTURES AND THE ACTUAL TIRES IF NEEDED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 12,500. NO OTHER VEHICLE INFORMATION WAS AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ID
10196136
Incident
Jul 8, 2007
Mileage
12,500 mi
Brakes
Filed Jun 22, 2005

ON FRIDAY, JUNE 17, 2005, WHILE TRAVELING THROUGH CHICAGO, OUR AIRSTREAM TRAVEL TRAILER BRAKES BEGAN INTERMITTENTLY LOCKING WHILE BRAKING. LATER, WHILE DRIVING SOUTH ON I-57, BREAK CONTROLLER BEGAN PERIODICALLY REPORTING AN OPEN CIRCUIT AND WHEN THE BREAKS WERE APPLIED, THE CONTROLLER REPORTED SHORT CIRCUIT. WE ARRIVED AT AN AIRSTREAM DEALER WHERE A TECHNICIAN WAS ABLE TO PERFORM A VISUAL INSPECTION OF THE AIRSTREAM BREAK WIRES. AFTER REMOVING THE BREAK DRUMS, THE TECHNICIAN OBSERVED THAT THE THREE METAL CLIPS WHICH HOLD THE TWO WHITE WIRES FOR THE MAGNETIC BREAK WERE NOT SECURED TO THE BREAK ARMATURE. FURTHER, OBSERVATION REVEALED THAT THE BREAK PADS ON THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL HAD RUST DEPOSITS INDICATING THAT THE BREAKS MAY NOT HAVE BEEN IN OPERATION FOR A LONG PERIOD OF TIME. UPON CLOSER EXAMINATION, TECHNICIAN DISCOVERED THAT THE INSULATION ON ONE OF THE WHITE WIRES HAD WORN THROUGH FROM THE CHAFING OF THE BREAK MECHANISM, WHICH ULTIMATELY WAS MAKING CONTACT WITH METAL CAUSING A SHORT CIRCUIT. TEMPORARY REPAIR WAS MADE UNTIL A REPLACEMENT PART COULD BE OBTAINED.

NHTSA ID
10126175
Incident
Jun 17, 2005

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

1STMON042052822

STRUCTURE

This newsletter provides information concerning filiform corrosion and the steps taken to neutralize it.

1STMON041042822

EQUIPMENT; TIRES

This article discussed tire care and maintenance. It explains the meaning of nomenclature on the tire sidewall (i.e. the 4 digit date code, load range, and max load information.

1STMON04002282

EQUIPMENT; WHEELS

The newsletter talks about inspecting wheel bearings, and the advantages of using Nev-R-Lube Bearings.

1STMON02282021

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT

Power awning maintenance and care tips.

1STMON037102820

EQUIPMENT

This newsletter provides detailed instructions regarding winterization of Airstream travel trailers and motorhomes.

1STMON03692820

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT

This issue of the newsletter provides information about the optional lithium battery package Airstream is offering on the 2021 my travel trailers. There is also information of what is needed to upgrade a travel trailer that was manufactured prior to the 2021 model year.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Airstream Safari by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2009010—
2008010—
2007120—
2006020—
2005Viewing230—
2004050—
2003031—
2002020—
2001010—
2000010—
1999010—
1998010—
1997010—

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.