RoadVitals

1997 Airstream XC

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.
1
Latest Jan 4, 2006
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 Mar 14, 2001
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.
2
2 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 1 NHTSA owner-reported complaint for the 1997 Airstream XC, most frequently naming the other / unspecified category. 3 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 7 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

  • Other / unspecified1100.0%

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
01V087000

FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

Mar 14, 2001
159 units potentially affected
The defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MOTOR HOMES BUILT ON FREIGHTLINER CHASSIS. THE LIQUID PROPANE GAS (LPG) LINES CAN BE DAMAGED DUE TO THE FRESH WATER TANK SAGGING DOWN, RESULTING IN LEAKAGE.
The risk: DAMAGED STEEL LPG LINES COULD RESULT IN A LEAK THAT COULD CAUSE A FIRE OR EXPLOSION, RESULTING IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A STEEL SUPPORT BRACKET THAT RUNS FORE AND AFT UNDER THE FRESH WATER TANK BETWEEN TWO CHASSIS CROSS MEMBERS BELOW THE TANK. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 19, 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 AIRSTREAM AT 1-877-596-6505.
AIRSTREAM, INC.View on NHTSA.gov
01V086000

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP

Mar 14, 2001
298 units potentially affected
The defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MOTOR HOMES BUILT ON FREIGHTLINER CHASSIS. THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS) REAR BRAKE VALVES CAN BE DAMAGED DUE TO THE FRESH WATER TANK SAGGING DOWNWARD.
The risk: THIS WILL RESULT IN AUTOMATIC APPLICATION OF THE EMERGENCY BRAKE CAUSING A RAPID DECELERATION AND STOPPING OF THE VEHICLE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A STEEL SUPPORT BRACKET THAT RUNS FORE AND AFT UNDER THE FRESH WATER TANK BETWEEN TWO CHASSIS CROSS MEMBERS BELOW THE TANK. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 19, 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 AIRSTREAM AT 1-877-596-6505.
AIRSTREAM, INC.View on NHTSA.gov
01V088000

STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS

Mar 14, 2001
334 units potentially affected
The defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MOTOR HOMES BUILT ON FREIGHTLINER CHASSIS. THE REAR FLOOR SUPPORT LEG ATTACHMENTS COULD FAIL, CAUSING FORCE TO THE LPG LINE FITTINGS AND COULD RESULT IN LEAKAGE.
The risk: DAMAGED STEEL LPG LINES COULD RESULT IN A LEAK THAT COULD CAUSE A FIRE OR EXPLOSION, RESULTING IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL RE-ENFORCE THE REAR FLOOR SUPPORT WITH A SUPPORT LEG WELDED TO A STEEL TUBE. THE OLD LEGS WILL BE LEFT IN PLACE AND THE NEW SUPPORT LEG FITTED OVER THE FLOOR SUPPORT TUBE, AND THE SUPPORT WELDED IN PLACE AT THE FLOOR SUPPORT TUBE AND THE CHASSIS RAIL. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 19, 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 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

Other / unspecified
Filed Jan 4, 2006
Crash reportedFire reported2 injuries reported

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED AN AFTER MARKET TRAILER HITCH WAS PURCHASED. THE HITCH WAS INSTALLED ON A 2003 FORD EXTENDED VAN AND WAS ATTACHED TO A 1997 AIRSTREAM TRAVEL TRAILER THAT WAS 34 FEET LONG AND EIGHT AND HALF FEET WIDE. THE HITCH WAS SUPPOSE TO ALLOW THE TOW VEHICLE TO CONTROL THE DIRECTION OF THE TRAILER. HOWEVER, AN INNER PIECE OF THE HITCH FAILED. THE HITCH HAS A SPRING BAR ACCOMPANIED BY A GREASE ZERK. THE GREASE ZERK IS A HOLLOW BAR-LIKE HOUSING ABOUT THE LENGTH OF THE HUMAN FINGER THAT HAS A KNOB ON TOP. THE GREASE ZERK'S KNOB BROKE OFF AND ALLOWED THE TRAILER TO SWAY BACK AND FORTH ON THE HIGHWAY. THE HITCH CAME APART , AND DUE TO THE UNCONTROLLABLE SWAYING, THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, RESULTING IN A CRASH. AFTER COLLIDING WITH A GUARD RAIL THE LOCK PIN PULLED LOOSE FROM THE HITCH AND THE TRAILER SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE TRAILER STOPPED BY ITSELF WITH AN EMERGENCY BRAKING DEVICE. THE VEHICLE ROLLED AND CAME TO A STOP UPSIDE DOWN ALONG THE ROAD SIDE. ONCE THE VEHICLE STOPPED A FIRE ERUPTED FROM THE BATTERY COMPARTMENT AREA WHILE THE PASSENGERS WERE STILL INSIDE. THE PASSENGERS ESCAPED WITH MINOR INJURIES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. A POLICE REPORT WAS TAKEN AT THE SCENE. BOTH THE VEHICLE AND TRAILER WERE DETERMINED TOTALED BY THE INSURANCE ADJUSTOR. *AK

NHTSA ID
10146880
Incident
Mar 21, 2005

Manufacturer communications

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

1STMON037102820

EQUIPMENT

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

1STMON035042820

EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT:RECREATIONAL VEHICLE/TRAILER:PLUMBING:SEWAGE/BLACK:STORAGE TANK

This newsletter talks about the importance of cleaning and maintaining waste water tanks, and provides detailed instruction of how to do so. It provides suggestions as to which products to use to clean the tanks.

1STTTN0100528202

EQUIPMENT

This newsletter includes information regarding: - A new TV and Radio Antenna Combo that has the capability to receive both signals, and eliminates the need for a second antenna. - New radios being installed in certain travel trailers, and includes the features of the new radios. - Advises of the use of a new power tounge jack we started installing on certain travel trailers in January 2020. We've included manual crank handle instructions, as well as maintenance tips. - A breakdown of our vendor's parts warranty which include the warranty length and requirements by vendor. - Airtsream technician training and how to sign up.

1STMON034042820

EQUIPMENT

The newsletter discusses the importants of cleaning and mainataining safety devices installed in Airstream products, i.e. checking batteries in smoke alarms, checking dates on fire extinguishers etc. The newsletter also provides a how-to on disinfecting an RV.

1STMON03332820

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

This installment talks about preparing their RV for the upcoming camping season. It provide tips on inspecting sealant, as well as which type of wax we recommend, and how often the owner should wax their units.

1STMON0322282020

VISIBILITY

This newsletter discusses how to prepare your RV for the upcoming camping season. Points discussed are airing out the unit. Examining and lubricating window, door, and vent seals. Examining, removing and resealing any areas with gaps, or cracks in the old sealant. Other items recommended to inspect and maintain as needed are: Brakes, awnings, tires, batteries, LP systems, break away cable, and 7-way cord connections. Inspect and lubricate tongue, and stabilizer jacks etc...

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 XC by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2000030—
1999030—
1998030—
1997Viewing130—

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.