RoadVitals

2005 Fleetwood Wilderness

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.
6
Latest Apr 30, 2009
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 Jul 15, 2008
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.
1
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.
1

Overview

Our database contains 6 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2005 Fleetwood Wilderness, most frequently naming the other / unspecified, body & structure and electrical categories. 3 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 1 NHTSA investigation names it.

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 / unspecified233.3%
  • Body & structure116.7%
  • Electrical116.7%
  • Suspension116.7%
  • Tires & wheels116.7%

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
08V320000

EQUIPMENT:RECREATIONAL VEHICLE/TRAILER

Jul 15, 2008
70,101 units potentially affected
The defect: FLEETWOOD IS RECALLING 70,101 MY 2003-2007 SOUTHWIND, PACE ARROW, BOUNDER, FLAIR, STORM, FIESTA, TERRA GAS CLASS A MOTOR HOMES; BOUNDER, DISCOVERY, PROVIDENCE, EXCURSION, EXPEDITION, REVOLUTION, AMERICAN EAGLE, AMERICAN HERITAGE, AMERICAN TRADITION DIESEL CLASS A MOTOR HOMES; JAMBOREE TIOGA CLASS C MOTOR HOMES; AND PROWLER, WILDERNESS, TERRY, MALLARD, PIONEER, PRIDE AND TRIUMPH CONVENTIONAL AND FIFTH WHEEL TRAVEL TRAILERS EQUIPPED WITH A TWO-DOOR REFRIGERATORS 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: FLEETWOOD 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 FLEETWOOD AT 1-800-322-8216.
FLEETWOOD ENTERPRISES, INC.View on NHTSA.gov
05V433000

EQUIPMENT:RECREATIONAL VEHICLE/TRAILER:LPG SYSTEMS:LINES AND FITTINGS

Sep 27, 2005
180 units potentially affected
The defect: ON CERTAIN FIFTH WHEEL TRAILERS, THE PROPANE GAS LINES THAT RUN THROUGH THE FLOOR OF THE SLIDE OUT ROOM PENETRATE THE FLOOR TOO FAR FROM THE OUTSIDE WALL CAUSING THE POTENTIAL FOR PINCHED LINES DURING SLIDE OUT ROOM OPERATION.
The risk: THIS COULD LEAD TO A PROPANE GAS LEAK AND THE POTENTIAL FOR AN EXPLOSION AND/OR FIRE.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, AS NECESSARY, REROUTE THE PROPANE GAS LINE. THIS RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 24, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FLEETWOOD AT 1-800-509-3418.
FLEETWOOD ENTERPRISES, INC.Manufacturer number 50825View on NHTSA.gov
05V289000

STRUCTURE

Jun 21, 2005
496 units potentially affected
The defect: CERTAIN FIFTH WHEEL TRAVEL TRAILERS HAVE MISSING WELDS ON THE CHASSIS CROSS-MEMBERS.
The risk: THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE THE CROSS-MEMBER TO BECOME DISLODGED, CREATING A ROAD HAZARD IF THE FIFTH WHEEL TRAVEL TRAILER IS IN MOTION, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
The remedy: LIPPERT COMPONENTS, IN CONJUNCTION WITH FLEETWOOD, WILL INSPECT THE CROSS-MEMBERS FOR MISSING WELDS, REPAIR THE WELDS IF NECESSARY, AND ADD ADDITIONAL SUPPORT TO THE AFFECTED AREA. OWNERS MAY CONTACT LIPPERT DIRECTLY AT 1-866-524-7821 TO MAKE ARRANGEMENTS TO HAVE THIS INSPECTION AND REPAIR PERFORMED. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 4, 2005.
FLEETWOOD ENTERPRISES, INC.Manufacturer number 50615View on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.

PE06005ClosedPreliminary Evaluation

INADVERTENT SLIDE-OUT EXTENSION MOVEMENT

Opened Jan 20, 2006
Closed May 2, 2006

THIS INVESTIGATION WAS OPENED BASED ON ODI'S RECEIPT OF A CONGRESSIONAL LETTER ON BEHALF OF A CONSTITUENT.THE CONSTITUENT REPORTED INCIDENTS WHERE THE SLIDE OUT ROOM OF HIS MOTOR HOME WOULD INADVERTENTLY MOVE (EXTEND) DURING HIGHWAY USE.ODI WAS CONCERNED THAT A FULLY EXTENDED SLIDE OUT WOULD DEGRADE THE VEHICLE'S DYNAMIC HANDLING CHARACTERISTICS AND/OR POSSIBLY IMPACT AN OBJECT OR ANOTHER VEHICLE, RESULTING IN A CRASH.ODI CONTACTED FLEETWOOD AND DISCOVERED THAT SLIDE OUT ROOMS WERE INSTALLED IN MOTOR HOMES, TRAVEL TRAILERS AND FOLDING TRAILERS. AS PART OF THE INVESTIGATION ODI VISITED A RV SHOW AND THE FLEETWOOD PAXINOS PLANT TO EXAMINE SLIDE OUTS IN VARIOUS NEW MAKE AND MODEL VEHICLES AND GAIN AN UNDERSTANDING OF HOW THE SYSTEMS WORK.DURING THE INVESTIGATION ODI LEARNED THAT THERE ARE TWO METHODS USED TO EXTEND SLIDE OUT ROOMS.SOME MANUFACTURERS USE HYDRAULIC SYSTEMS AND OTHERS, SUCH AS FLEETWOOD, USE AN ELECTRIC MOTOR. (CONTINUED ON PAGE 2)

EQUIPMENT:RECREATIONAL VEHICLE/TRAILER

Recent owner complaints

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

Tires & wheels
Filed Apr 30, 2009

PURCHASED NEW=OCT.2004.......... 2005 FLEETWOOD TRAVEL TRAILER 25RKS......... MFG. INSTALLED INADEQUATE TIRES............ VEH.GVWR= 7250 LB.... TIRES MAX= 7280 LB LOAD C......... THREE TIRES POP SIDEWALLS WITHIN 1 YR......... VERY DANGEROUS HIGHWAY POTENTIALS........ MFG. SHOULD USE LOAD D FOR GVWR 7250 LB...

NHTSA ID
10267335
Incident
Apr 24, 2009
Mileage
4,000 mi
Electrical
Filed Feb 23, 2008
Fire reported

VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE DURING DELIVERY. UPON FURTHER INVESTIGATION, IT WAS FOUND THAT THE MAIN WIRING HARNESS WAS INCORRECTLY ROUTED / CLAMPED BETWEEN CHASSIS AND FLOORING. THIS CAUSED THE HARNESS WIRING TO SHORT OUT AND CAUSE A FIRE IN THE FLOORING / INSULATION. DAMAGE INCLUDED SMOKE, REROUTING / REPAIR OF BURNT HARNESS, REPAIR OF SLIDE SWITCH, SLIDE SWITCH HARNESS, SLIDE SWITCH CONNECTOR, SLIDE SWITCH MOTOR, SEVERAL FUSES, INCLUDING THOSE ON THE TOW VEHICLE. HARNESS HAS BEEN REROUTED AND REPAIRED. FUSES HAVE BEEN REPLACED AS WELL. REMAINING PARTS HAVE NOT BEEN REPLACED PENDING AVAILABILITY FROM FLEETWOOD. *TR

NHTSA ID
10218944
Incident
Feb 2, 2008
Other / unspecified
Filed Nov 30, 2007

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FLEETWOOD WILDERNESS. SIX MONTHS AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE, THE DOMETIC REFRIGERATOR FAILED AND ALMOST CAUSED A FIRE. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 06E076000 (EQUIPMENT:RECREATIONAL VEHICLE). THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 5,400. NO ADDITIONAL INFORMATION WAS AVAILABLE FOR THE TRAILER.

NHTSA ID
10210372
Incident
May 15, 2007
Other / unspecified
Filed Sep 10, 2007

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FLEETWOOD WILDERNESS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BODY OF THE CAMPER WAS NOT LEVEL WITH THE BODY OF THE VEHICLE. HE NOTICED A CRACK ON THE C-CHANNEL FRAME, WHICH SHEARED THE BOLTS THAT HELD THE CAMPER. HE STATED THAT THE REAR LATCHES FOR THE REAR DOOR BENT AND HE BELIEVED THAT THE SHEARED BOLTS CAUSED THE FAILURE. AS OF SEPTEMBER 10, 2007, THE DEALER HAD NOT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE. THE MILEAGE AND ENGINE INFORMATION WERE NOT APPLICABLE.

NHTSA ID
10202342
Incident
Sep 7, 2007
Body & structure
Filed Oct 10, 2006

EVENTS: TOWED 27' FLEETWOOD TRAVEL TRAILER FROM HEWITT, TX TO RED RIVER, NM. FAILURE: STEEL FRAME WHICH HOLDS REAR BUMPER AND ALSO HOLDS SPARE TIRE BEGAN TEARING OFF FRAME OF TRAVEL TRAILER, EVENTUALLY IF NOT CAUGHT IN TIME BUMPER W/SPARE TIRE ATTACHED WOULD HAVE DETACHED FROM TRAILER. CORRECTIVE ACTION: TOOK TO DEALER, FLEETWOOD MOTOR HOMES CLAIMED IT WAS NOT A STRUCTURAL OR INSTALLATION DEFECT EVEN THOUGH ANCIRA DEALERSHIP ALSO AGREED THIS WAS FACTORY FLAW IN THE DESIGN/INSTALLATION. *NM

NHTSA ID
10170341
Incident
Aug 18, 2006
Suspension
Filed Jul 18, 2006

MY HUSBAND AND I PURCHASED A 2005 5TH WHEEL FLEETWOOD GEARBOX. WE FILLED OUR WATER TANK AND IT CAUSED THE HOLDING BRACKETS AND THE FLOOR TO BEND. WE TOOK IT BACK TO EARNHARTS SERVICE DEPT AND THEY SAID THEY WOULD NOT WARRANTY THE BRACKETS OR FLOOR. MY CONCERN IS IF THEY ARE GOING TO ALLOW YOU TO FILL YOU TANK TO 120 GALLONS AND THE BRACKETS BEND THEN THAT IS A MAJOR PROBLEM. I THANK GOD THE BRACKETS DIDN'T BRAKE AND THE WATER TANK DIDN'T FALL OUT WHILE DRIVING AND KILL SOMEONE. I BELIEVE THIS IS A MANUFACTURE DEFECT THAT NEEDS TO BE FIXED. MAKE STRONGER BRACKETS FOR THE HOLDING TANK BEFORE SOMEONE IS KILLED OR INJURED. IF THEY MAKE THE TANK TO HOLD THAT MUCH WATER THE BRACKETS SHOULD NOT BEND THEY TO SHOULD HOLD THAT MUCH WEIGHT. *NM

NHTSA ID
10162731
Incident
Jun 30, 2006

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Fleetwood Wilderness by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2007120—
2006230—
2005Viewing631—
2004109248.9
2003031—
2002721—
2001122050.0
2000420—
1999620—
1998420—
1997220—
1996200—
1995220—
1994020—
1993100—
1988100—
1984110—
1983010—
1982020—
1981010—
1977010—
1976020—
1975020—

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.