RoadVitals

2003 Holiday Rambler Ambassador

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.
18
Latest Nov 1, 2018
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.
5
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.
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.
1

Overview

Our database contains 18 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2003 Holiday Rambler Ambassador, most frequently naming the brakes, suspension and body & structure categories. 5 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 3 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

  • Brakes940.9%
  • Suspension731.8%
  • Body & structure313.6%
  • Airbags14.5%
  • Other / unspecified14.5%
  • Tires & wheels14.5%

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

5 campaigns cover this model year

View all 5

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
08V257000

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
05V053000

SUSPENSION:REAR:SPRINGS:LEAF SPRING ASSEMBLY

Feb 14, 2005
2,827 units potentially affected
The defect: ON CERTAIN CLASS A MOTOR HOMES, THE SPACER PLATE UNDER THE TRAILING ARMS HAD A TRANSVERSE WELD WHICH CREATES A HEAT RISER AND CAUSE THE TRAILING ARMS TO CRACK.
The risk: THIS COULD CREATE ROUGH DRIVING CONDITIONS AND DAMAGE TO REAR SUSPENSION SYSTEM. THE DRIVER COULD LOOSE CONTROL OF THE MOTORHOME AND A CRASH COULD OCCUR WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE REPLACE THE TRAILING ARMS FOR CRACKS AND REPLACING THE TRAILING ARMS AND U-BOLTS IN THE REAR SUSPENSION OF THE MOTORHOMES FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 29, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MONACO AT 1-800-685-6545.
MONACO COACH CORPORATIONManufacturer number R04062View on NHTSA.gov
04V038000

SUSPENSION:FRONT

Jan 28, 2004
2,156 units potentially affected
The defect: ON CERTAIN MOTORHOMES, THE I-BEAM LEAF IMITATOR IN THE FRONT AXLE SUSPENSION COULD CRACK AND BREAK DUE TO AN INADEQUATE WELDING PROCESS.
The risk: THE I-BEAMS ON THE FRONT AXLE AND THE PANARD BRACKET ON THE REAR AXLE COULD CRACK AND BREAK CAUSING THE DRIVER TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ORIGINAL I-BEAM. ALSO, DEALERS WILL WELD THE STIFFENERS FROM THE PANARD BAR BRACKET TO THE CENTER DIFFERENTIAL OF THE REAR AXLE HOUSING. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 1, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT MONACO AT 1-877-466-6226.
MONACO COACH CORPORATIONManufacturer number R03024View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

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

View all 18
Brakes
Filed Nov 1, 2018
Crash reported

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HOLIDAY RAMBLER AMBASSADOR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS LOW SPEEDS, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS APPLIED AND INSTANTLY WENT TO THE FLOORBOARD. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A POLE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT CRASHING INTO THE POLE WAS THE ONLY WAY TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT ENGAGED THE PARKING BRAKE TO STOP THE VEHICLE WHILE IN THE REVERSE POSITION BECAUSE THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ROLL BACKWARDS WHILE THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES SUSTAINED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO PREMIER TRUCK GROUP OF KNOXVILLE (1413 EVERETT ROAD, KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE 37932 (800) 443-2324) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FOOT VALVE WAS FAULTY AND THAT AIR WAS INDUCED INTO THE BRAKE LINES. THE DEALER REPLACED THE FRONT RIGHT BRAKE CALIBER, THE FRONT AXLE, AND ALL OF THE ABS SENSOR LIGHTS ON THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 53,500. *DT*JB

NHTSA ID
11144654
Incident
Oct 16, 2018
Mileage
53,500 mi
Brakes
Filed Jul 30, 2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HOLIDAY RAMBLER AMBASSADOR. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE STARTED TO VEER TO ONE SIDE AND THE ABS SENSOR LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS MERGED OVER TO THE SHOULDER TO COOL OFF AND WAS LATER DRIVEN TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 02V278000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC); HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME TO ADDRESS THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,000.

NHTSA ID
10744971
Incident
Jul 25, 2015
Mileage
45,000 mi
Brakes
Filed Aug 3, 2013

FRONT CALIPERS DID NOT RELEASE, CAUSING ABNORMAL WEAR AND TEAR ON THE ROTORS AND PADS I HAVE A ROADMASTER CHASSIS. *TR

NHTSA ID
10533403
Incident
Jun 20, 2013
Mileage
49,394 mi
Tires & wheels
Filed Apr 23, 2013

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HOLIDAY RAMBLER AMBASSADOR EQUIPPED WITH HERCULES S208 LOAD RATING TIRES, SIZE: 255 70 22.5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING 65 MPH, THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE TIRE BLEW AND THE TREAD BECAME SEPARATED FROM THE TIRE. THE CONTACT SPOKE WITH THE DISTRIBUTOR OF THE TIRE AND WAS ADVISED THAT THEY HAD RECEIVED NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS FROM TRUCK DRIVERS ABOUT THE TIRES. THE TIRES WERE REPLACED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. *TR

NHTSA ID
10509232
Incident
Apr 7, 2013
Mileage
45,000 mi
BrakesOther / unspecified
Filed Jun 16, 2010

I HAVE A 2003 HOLIDAY RAMBLER AMBASSADOR ON A ROADMASTER CHASSIS. I HAVE THE SAME BOSCH BRAKES THAT ARE CURRENTLY BEING RECALLED ON THE WORK HORSE CHASSIS. I SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN THE WORK HORSE RECALL SINCE I HAVE THE SAME BRAKES. HOLIDAY RAMBLER WENT OUT OF BUSINESS AND WAS BOUGHT BY MONACO AND IT WENT OUT OF BUSINESS ALSO. NAVISTAR BOUGHT MONACO. NO ONE IS LOOKING AT THE HOLIDAY RAMBLER BRAKE PROBLEMS THAT ARE THE SAME AS THE WORK HOURS RECALL. I HAD TO HAVE ALL CALIPERS ,ROTORS, BRAKE PADS, AND ABS SENSORS CHANGED DUE TO THE CALIPER NOT RELEASING AND HEATING THE ROTORS. *TR

NHTSA ID
10336636
Incident
May 13, 2010
Mileage
24,368 mi
Brakes
Filed Mar 20, 2010

2003 HOLIDAY RAMBLER MOTORHOME BOSCH BRAKE CALIBERS STICKING. 73MM. HAD TO CHANGE ALL 4 CALIBERS. NOW DRIVERS SIDE STICKING. VERY DANGEROUS AND EXPENSIVE. *TR

NHTSA ID
10321188
Incident
Jan 28, 2010
Mileage
57,870 mi
AirbagsBody & structure
Filed Sep 23, 2009

EVENTS LEADING TO DISCOVERY OF FAILURE - FAILURE OF AIRBAG AND PANHARD TIE ARM ON 2003 HOLIDAY RAMBLER 36' AMBASSADOR DIESEL PUSHER MOTORHOME WHILE 500MI FROM HOME, AND THEN SECOND AIRBAG PUNCTURED AND REPLACED, ALONG WITH SWAYING ACTION THAT CAUSED DIFFICULTY DRIVING LED TO DISCOVERY OF BROKEN(COMPLETE BREAK) TRAILING ARM ON DRIVER SIDE OF MH. IT IS UNKNOWN HOW LONG THE TRAILING ARM MAY HAVE BEEN DRIVEN WITH CRACK(S). THE AIRBAG FAILURES, ALONG WITH THE PANHARD TIE ROD CAUSED BY BROKEN TRAILING ARM. DUE TO INFORMATION RECEIVED REGARDING 2ND FAILURES OF TRAILING ARMS THAT HAD BEEN REPLACED, A NEW REPLACEMENT SET OF TRAILING ARMS WAS PURCHASED FROM SOURCE ENGR MFG. *TR

NHTSA ID
10285034
Incident
Jul 29, 2009
Mileage
90,000 mi
Suspension
Filed Aug 8, 2009

REAR TRAILING ARM ON MONACO AND HOLIDAY RAMBLER BREAK MY VEHICLE HAD PREVIOUSLY BEEN RECALLED ( 05V053000 ) IN 2005 FOR SAME PROBLEM. A CHECK OF RV FORUMS INDICATE MANY OTHERS ARE HAVING THE SAME FAILURE. THE COMPANY THAT IS NOW MANUFACTURING REPLACEMENT PARTS INDICATED TO ME THEY WERE SHIPPING 8 TO 10 SETS (THEY ONLY SUPPLY PARTS IN SETS, BOTH SIDES) A WEEK. COMPANY'S NAME IS SOURCE MANUFACTURING, ELMIRA, OR 541-935-0308. *TR

NHTSA ID
10279762
Incident
Aug 4, 2009
Mileage
48,307 mi

Manufacturer communications

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

040318

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS

RESEALING OF THE TAILLIGHTS. TO INCLUDE 2003 MONACO SOCIALITE. *TT

139

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR

MONACO COACH CORPORATION IS DISTRIBUTING A TECHNICAL SERVICE INFORMATION BULLETIN #139 FOR SPECIFIC 2003 CLASS A MOTORHOMES THAT REQUIRE THE INSTALLATION OF THE GENERATOR SPARK ARRESTOR. SERVICE BULLETIN AND OWNER NOTIFICATION. *TT

124

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:RADIATOR ASSEMBLY

JB RADIATOR INNER COOLER FAILURE ON ALUMINUM RADIATORS. *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 Ambassador by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2015110—
2014020—
2013330—
2012220—
2011030—
2010050—
2009260—
2008020—
2007210—
2006000—
2005200—
2004340—
2003Viewing185046.1
2002340—
2001156053.6
2000155048.0
1984010—
1983020—
1982020—
1981010—
1980010—

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.