While driving across Florida, the “Check Engine” light and first of three DEF Head “Service Codes” on our 2018 Entegra Cornerstone 45’ RV came on, indicating that our Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) system had an issue. From previous social media posts from other Entegra Owners, we immediately contacted the chassis manufacturer, Spartan. They requested that we contact Cummins-Orlando, FL for a DEF Head replacement. Cummins-Orlando said they couldn’t get us in for three weeks, which wasn’t an option, as we were traveling and couldn’t wait three weeks. We contacted Cummins-Tampa, FL and Cummins-Jacksonville, FL, with both stating 2-3 weeks to get us in. By this time, the second of three DEF codes came on, so the situation was getting more dire. We finally got through to Cummins-Ocala, FL and they were able to squeeze us in the next day. The third of three DEF Codes came on during the relatively short drive to Ocala, FL, but we were able to get there before the RV went into “limp mode” which restricts your speed to 5mph!! We were extremely worried about being stranded on the busy interstate Highway in a vehicle the size of a Greyhound Bus, limping along at 5mph with 18-wheelers whizzing by at 70-75mph! This DEF Head issue has been going on for several years and doesn’t seem to be getting any better, even though the manufacturer is on their 7th Generation of DEF Head technology. Luckily, Spartan had the DEF Head in-stock and was able to overnight it to Cummins-Ocala, but many others have been held up for days/weeks due to a back order on the replacement DEF Heads. I feel that a recall should be issued on all DEF Heads prior to the 7th Generation, in order to avoid the safety issues associated with being stranded on the highway with a failed DEF Head.
- NHTSA ID
- 11427332
- Incident
- May 3, 2021