RoadVitals

2002 Holiday Rambler Admiral

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.
4
Latest Jan 7, 2010
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.
6
Latest Jun 5, 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.
0

Overview

Our database contains 4 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2002 Holiday Rambler Admiral, most frequently naming the body & structure, suspension and transmission categories. 6 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 1 NHTSA investigation names it; 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

  • Body & structure125.0%
  • Suspension125.0%
  • Transmission125.0%
  • Visibility125.0%

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

6 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

EQUIPMENT:RECREATIONAL VEHICLE/TRAILER

Jun 5, 2008
8,587 units potentially affected
The defect: MONACO IS RECALLING CERTAIN MOTOR HOMES EQUIPPED WITH NORCOLD REFRIGERATORS. A FATIGUE FAILURE IN THE SECTION OF THE COOLING UNIT WHICH CONTAINS THE REFRIGERANT COULD ALLOW THE LIQUID SOLUTION TO SLOWLY LEAK.
The risk: EXTENDED OPERATION OF A LEAKING COOLING UNIT COULD LEAD TO A FIRE FROM GAS WHICH MIGHT ESCAPE.
The remedy: MONACO IS WORKING WITH NORCOLD TO REPAIR THESE REFRIGERATORS. NORCOLD WILL PROVIDE THERMAL SWITCH KITS TO OWNERS ALONG WITH THE NECESSARY FORMS AND INSTRUCTIONS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 29, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NORCOLD AT 1-800-767-9101 OR MONACO AT 1-800-685-6545.
MONACO COACH CORPORATIONManufacturer number R08017View on NHTSA.gov

TRAILER HITCHES

Jan 16, 2007
2,086 units potentially affected
The defect: ON CERTAIN CLASS A MOTOR H0MES BUILT WITH GASOLINE ENGINES, THE FRAME EXTENSION LOWER FLANGE MAY CRACK ALLOWING THE HITCH TO BEND AND POSSIBLY SEPARATE FROM THE MOTOR HOME.
The risk: THIS COULD RESULT IN SEPARATION OF THE TOWED VEHICLE.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL ADD AN ADDITION OF TWO PIECES OF ANGLE STEEL TO THE FRAME EXTENSION AND HITCH MOUNTING POINT IN ORDER TO REINFORCE THE FRAME EXTENSION FLANGE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 15, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MONACO AT 877-466-6226. NOTE: THE ENDING MANUFACTURING DATE FOR INDIANA BUILT MOTOR HOMES IS MARCH 8, 2002 WHILE THE OREGON BUILT MOTOR HOMES WERE BUILT THROUGH NOVEMBER 2002. THE FEDERAL ID LABEL LOCATED ON THE WALL NEXT TO THE DRIVER'S SEAT SPECIFIES IN WHICH STATE THE MOTOR HOME WAS BUILT.
MONACO COACH CORPORATIONManufacturer number R02206View on NHTSA.gov

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:BRAKE FLUID LOW WARNING: LAMP

Mar 5, 2003
5,361 units potentially affected
The defect: CERTAIN MOTOR HOME CHASSIS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 105, "HYDRAULIC AND ELECTRIC BRAKE SYSTEMS." THE BRAKE SYSTEM WARNING INDICATOR MAY NOT FUNCTION AS REQUIRED BY STANDARD.
The risk: IN SOME OF THE AFFECTED VEHICLES, THE BRAKE SYSTEM WARNING INDICATOR WILL NOT ILLUMINATE WHEN THE IGNITION IS IN THE START POSITION OR FOR A LOW BRAKE FLUID CONDITION, IF THE BODY BUILDER RELIED SOLELY UPON FORD'S IVM COMPLIANCE STATEMENT FOR THE BRAKE SYSTEM WARNING INDICATOR.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE BRAKE WARNING LAMP CIRCUIT. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MAY 7, 2003. 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 MONACO COACH AT 1-877-477-6226.
MONACO COACH CORP.View on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

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

PE06047ClosedPreliminary Evaluation

TOW HITCH/FRAME FAILURE

Opened Oct 24, 2006
Closed Jan 22, 2007

ODI OPENED THIS INVESTIGATION AFTER RECEIVING A CONGRESSIONAL INQUIRY AND DETERMINING THE EXISTENCE OF TWO FAILURES.ADDITIONAL REPORTS WERENOTED ON THE INTERNET.THE REPORTS CLAIM THAT THE FRAME EXTENSION LOWER FLANGE IS CRACKING AND ALLOWING THE HITCH TO BEND DOWN TOWARDS THE GROUND.MONACO HAD PREVIOUSLY PRODUCED A SERVICE BULLETIN ADDRESSING THIS MATTER.ODI SENT AN INFORMATION REQUEST TO MONACO AND HAD SEVERAL DISCUSSIONS WITH MONACO OFFICIALS.AS A RESULT,MONACO COACH INC SUBMITTED A 573 AND IS RECALLING THE SUBJECT VEHICLES. MONACO WILL REINFORCE THE FRAME EXTENSION FLANGE WITH TWO PIECES OF ANGLE IRON. THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.ODI BELIEVES THAT MONACO'S ACTIONADDRESSES THE PROBLEM.ODI HAS EXCUSED MONACO FROM ANSWERING THE INFORMATION REQUEST LETTER. ODI IS UNAWARE OF THE NUMBER OF FAILURES, IF ANY REPORTED TO MONACO, SINCE THE INFORMATION REQUEST WAS UNANSWERED.

STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERSLed to recall 07V010000

Recent owner complaints

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

Visibility
Filed Jan 7, 2010

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HOLIDAY RAMBLER ADMIRAL. WHENEVER THE CONTACT DROVE THE VEHICLE HE NOTICED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE AND PASSENGER SIDE WINDOWS WERE VERY DIFFICULT TO SEE THROUGH IN ANY WEATHER CONDITIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT BOTH WINDOWS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED DUE TO A GAS BUILD UP BETWEEN THE WINDOW PANE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 40000.

NHTSA ID
10298590
Incident
Dec 19, 2009
Mileage
40,000 mi
Suspension
Filed Nov 15, 2008

I PURCHASED A 2002 ADMIRAL MOTOR HOME, ON A FORD CHASSIS NEW IN AUGUST OF 2003 FROM PAW PAW'S CAMPER CITY IN PICAYUNE, MS. WHEN I WAS CHANGING THE EXHAUST PIPE TALE END PIECE, I DISCOVERED A SERIOUS SAFETY PROBLEM. WHILE UNDER THE MOTOR HOME I LOOKED UP, AND DISCOVERED THAT THE FRONT BOLT ON THE REAR LEFT LEAF SPRING WAS STICKING OUT ABOUT ONE AND HALF INCHES LOOKING AT IT FROM THE FENDER WELL, AND THEY HAD NO NUT ON THE BOLT THAT HOLES THE LEAF SPRING IN PLACE. I CALLED FORD MOTOR COMPANY ASSISTANCE CENTER, AND TALKED WITH A FORD CUSTOMER ASSISTANT REPRESENTATIVE, AND EXPLAINED TO HIM WHAT I DISCOVERED WHILE WORKING ON THE EXHAUST PIPE. HE SAID IT WAS OUT OF WARRANTY, AND THERE WAS NOTHING THAT FORD WAS GOING TO DO ABOUT IT. I TOLD HIM I NEW MY MOTOR HOME WAS NOT IN WARRANTY, BUT THAT I FEEL THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. I ALSO TOLD HIM THAT I ONLY HAVE 27400 MILES ON MY MOTOR HOME, AND THAT IF FORD HAS THIS KIND OF A PROBLEM, THEY SHOULD STOP MAKING TRUCKS, AND PUTTING MOTOR HOMES ON THEIR CHASSIS, BECAUSE I FEEL THIS SHOULD HAVE NEVER HAPPEN. I TOLD HIM THAT I SHOULD FEEL SAFE GOING DOWN THE ROAD IN MY MOTOR HOME AND NOT HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT THINGS LIKE THIS HAPPENING THAT COULD KILL ME AND ANYONE WITH ME. I STRONGLY BELIEVE THAT FORD MOTOR COMPANY SHOULD REIMBURSE ME THE $353.75 IT COST ME FOR TOWING, AND REPAIR. I WOULD NOT BE SUBMITTING THIS COMPLAINT IF THEY DONE THEIR JOB RIGHT WHEN THEY PUT THE CHASSIS TOGETHER. I HAVE PICTURES OF THE LEAF SPRING I CAN E-MAIL IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEE IT. *TR

NHTSA ID
10248867
Incident
Oct 15, 2008
Mileage
27,400 mi
Body & structure
Filed Sep 7, 2007

I WAS GOING TO FILL THE PROPANE TANK ON MY 2002 HOLIDAY RAMBLER ADMIRAL (MOTORHOME) WHEN I NOTICED THAT THE MOUNTING BRACKET THAT ATTACHES THE PROPANE CYLINDER TO THE MOTORHOME FRACTURED IN TWO PLACES. THE FRACTURES OCCUR AT THE BOLTING POINTS WHERE THE PROPANE CYLINDER ATTACHES TO THE ANGLE IRON MOUNTING BRACKETS. THERE WAS A FRACTURE IN THE ANGLE IRON AT THE FORWARD INBOARD AND REAR OUTBOARD LOCATIONS. HAD I BEEN DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND HAD ONE MORE FAILURE THE PROPANE CYLINDER WOULD HAVE BEEN DRAGGING DOWN THE HIGHWAY. I CALLED HOLIDAY RAMBLER TO REPORT THIS SAFETY ISSUE BUT THEIR RESPONSE WAS THAT THE UNIT IS A 2002 MODEL AND NO LONGER COVERED UNDER WARRANTY, AND THEY SHOWED LITTLE CONCERN IF THIS COULD BE A COMMON DESIGN FAULT. IN THE NHTSA VEHICLE MODEL DROPDOWN BOX THE ONLY OPTION I AM GIVE IS ATLANTIS. MY VEHICLE IS ADMIRAL. *TR UPDATED 12/12/2007 *BF UPDATED 12/12/07 *TR

NHTSA ID
10202161
Incident
Aug 31, 2007
Mileage
21,722 mi
Transmission
Filed Apr 25, 2002

TRANSMISSION FAILED AND WOULD NOT PERMIT VEHICLE TO MOVE. VEHICLE WAS GOING 20MPH AND 30 YARDS INTO TRAFFIC FLOW AND IT STARTED SLOWING DOWN. THEN STOPPED MOVING. ENGINE WAS STILL RUNNING. TRANSMISSION WAS REPAIRED BY ALLISON 1000 COMPANY THAT MANUFACTURERED THEM. RV WAS A HOLIDAY RAMBLER 2002 WITH A 2001 WORKHORSE CHASSIS. *AK *YH

NHTSA ID
8008610
Incident
Apr 19, 2002

Manufacturer communications

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

138

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE

GENERATOR EXHAUST PIPE REPLACEMENT. SERVICE PROCEDURES AND PARTS PURCHASE ORDER FORM. *TT

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

Holiday Rambler Admiral by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2026010
2025030
2024030
2023060
2022150
2021050
2020040
2019050
2016010
2011010
2010010
2008300
2007320
2003100
2002Viewing461
2001271
2000160
1999230

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.