RoadVitals

1998 Fleetwood American Eagle

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.
9
Latest Feb 3, 2015
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.
4
Latest Mar 19, 2007
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
0 injuries, 9 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 9 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 1998 Fleetwood American Eagle, most frequently naming the tires & wheels, steering and brakes categories. 4 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 1 manufacturer communication is 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

  • Tires & wheels433.3%
  • Steering216.7%
  • Brakes216.7%
  • Visibility18.3%
  • Other / unspecified18.3%
  • Electrical18.3%
  • Fuel system18.3%

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

4 campaigns cover this model year

View all 4

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
07V120000

EQUIPMENT:RECREATIONAL VEHICLE/TRAILER

Mar 19, 2007
167,096 units potentially affected
The defect: CERTAIN 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.
The risk: RELEASE OF COOLANT UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS COULD IGNITE AND RESULT IN A FIRE.
The remedy: FLEETWOOD 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.
FLEETWOOD ENTERPRISES, INC.View on NHTSA.gov
06V174000

STEERING

May 22, 2006
184 units potentially affected
The defect: ON CERTAIN CLASS A MOTOR HOMES EQUIPPED WITH SPARTAN CHASSIS STEERING GEAR, THE STEERING GEAR SUPPORT BRACKET HAS THE POTENTIAL TO FAIL WHEN SUBJECT TO THE REPETITIVE FORCES OF STATIC STEERING CONDITIONS.
The risk: LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL COULD OCCUR INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The remedy: SPARTAN CHASSIS IS CONDUCTING THIS RECALL (PLEASE SEE 06V156000) AND WILL REPLACE THE STEERING SUPPORT BRACKET FREE OF CHARGE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FLEETWOOD AT 1-800-322-8216 OR SPARTAN AT 517-543-6400.
FLEETWOOD ENTERPRISES, INC.View on NHTSA.gov
00V202001

SUSPENSION:FRONT

Jul 3, 2000
1,889 units potentially affected
The defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MOTOR HOMES EQUIPPED WITH GRANNING AIR SUSPENSIONS. A FRACTURE CAN DEVELOP AT THE ATTACHMENT POINT OF THE CROSS MEMBER/BELL CRANK AND IDLER ARM HOUSING.
The risk: THIS DEFECT MAY CAUSE ERRATIC OR LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL IF THE CROSS MEMBER SEPARATES FROM THE ASSEMBLY.
The remedy: TUTHILL IS CONDUCTING THE OWNER NOTIFICATION AND REMEDY FOR THIS CAMPAIGN. REPAIR FACILITIES WILL INSPECT AND ADD GUSSETS TO REINFORCE THE CROSS MEMBER CONNECTION FOR THE BELL CRANK AND IDLER ARM. 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 TUTHILL CUSTOMER SERVICE NUMBER AT 1-800-255-7824 OR FLEETWOOD AT 1-909-351-7638.
FLEETWOOD ENT., INC.View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

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

View all 9
Steering
Filed Feb 3, 2015

I WAS LEAVING THE TA TRUCKSTOP IN NEW BRAUNFELS TEXAS ON SUNDAY FED 1 AT APP. @1:30 PM , I WAS TURNING RIGHT ON THE I 35 SERVICE ROAD AND MY UNIT WENT STRAIGHT INTO THE DITCH. I UNHOOKED MY TOW CAR AND BACKED INTO THE TRUCKSTOP . I GOT A MOBILE MECHANIC TO LOOK AT MY UNIT AND HE TOLD ME THE STEERING BRACKET WAS BROKEN IN TWO PIECES. *TR

NHTSA ID
10680875
Incident
Feb 1, 2015
Mileage
126,000 mi
Steering
Filed Aug 5, 2012

I WAS INFORMED OF 2 SAFETY RECALLS FOR THIS VEHICLE, TUTHILL, AND SPARTAN CHASSIS WON'T MAKE THE NECESSARY REPAIRS, CITING THE AGE OF THE VEHICLE, I WASN'T AWARE OF THE RECALLS UNTIL THIS YEAR, AND NOW AM WORRIED ABOUT THE SAFETY OF THE VEHICLE, AND CAN'T AFFORD TO HAVE THE REPAIRS DONE. *TR

NHTSA ID
10469251
Incident
Aug 5, 2012
Tires & wheels
Filed Dec 8, 2000
Crash reported9 deaths reported

I HAVE NO CONFIDENCE IN FLEETWOOD'S REPAIR OF DEFECT THAT LED TO TIRE FAILURS AND NINE DEATHS FROM CRASHES. CAN YOU PROVIDE ME WITH COMPLETE REPORTS OF INVESTIGATIONS AT THE SCENES AND YOUR ENGINEERING ANALYSIS AND CONTACT NUMBERS FOR FOLLOWUP OF THIS REPORT. *AK (DOT NUMBER: 99V277000 TIRESIZE: G25975R225)

NHTSA ID
737502
BrakesTires & wheels
Filed May 8, 2000
Crash reported

RIGHT FRONT TIRE (GOODYEAR) BLEW UP ON I-44 IN NEW MEXICO. MOTORHOME (AMERICAN EAGLE) LOST CONTROL AND WNET OFF THE ROAD. BRAKES FAILED. TOWED VEHICLE ALSO SUSTAINED DAMAGE ($3000.00 WORTH). GOODYEAR REFUNDED MY $ 1000.00 INSURANCE DEDUCTIBLE THROUGH MY INSURANCE COMPANY WITHOUT NOTIFYING ME OF ADMISSOION OF LIABILITY. THERE WERE REPORTEDLY OVER 30 SIMILAR INCIDENTS OF TIRE FAILURE OCCURRING IN THE SAME BRAND OF MOTORHOME WHICH RUN ON GOODYEAR TIRES, WITH MOTORHOME CHASIS SUPPLIED BY SPARTAN MOTORS. THERE WAS SOME DIFFICULTY FIGURING OUT THE CAUSE OF THESE TIRE FAILURES IN 1998 AND 1999. OWNERS WERE ADVICED TO INCREASE TIRE PRESSURES AND THE EXACT AIR PRESSURE REOMMENDED WERE DEBATED REGULARLY ON VARIOUS PUBLICATIONS RAISING QUESTIONABLE PRACTICES BY THE TIRE MANUFACTURER. *AK( DOT NUMBER: )

NHTSA ID
722399
Incident
Oct 13, 1998
Tires & wheels
Filed Mar 3, 2000

RECALL 99V277000, THE OVERLOADING OF THE FRONT TIRE CAUSED WEAR AND TEAR TO THE REAR AXLE, AND TIRE AND CANNOT HOLD THE WEIGHT OF THE MOTORHOME WHICH MAY CAUSE A CRASH. *AK

NHTSA ID
857907
Tires & wheels
Filed Dec 7, 1999

WHILE DRIVING WITH A TRAILER ATTACHED TO THE REAR FRONT TIRE BLEWOUT, CAUSING A LOSS OF CONTROL, ALMOST RESULTING IN A CRASH. THIS HAPPENED TWICE. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK

NHTSA ID
853775
Incident
Jun 18, 1999
BrakesElectricalOther / unspecified
Filed Jun 3, 1999

VEHICLE HAS SHORTS IN ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. NLM

NHTSA ID
545932
Visibility
Filed May 24, 1999

WINDSHIELD NOT PROPERLY SEALED, CAUSING WINDSHIELD TO POP OUT AND SHIFT TO PASSENGER'S SIDE CAUSED DAMAGE TO VEHICLE. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED THE DEALER. CONSUMER ALSO HAVING OTHER PROBLEMS WITH VEHICLE. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK

NHTSA ID
838352
Incident
Apr 14, 1999

Manufacturer communications

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

04212008

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

FLEETWOOD SERVICE CAMPAIGN: SEE DOCUMENT SEARCH BUTTON FOR OWNER LETTER. CONSUMER MAINTENANCE ADVISORY, GENERATOR FUEL LINES. FLEETWOOD MOTOR HOME OWNERS. CSC WAS RECEIVED. *PE

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

Fleetwood American Eagle by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2011220—
2010020—
2009220—
2008630—
2007640—
2006210—
2005241—
2004181—
2003041—
2002131—
2001240—
2000240—
1999160—
1998Viewing940—
1997220—
1996010—
1995310—
1994010—
1993110—
1992010—
1991010—

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.