RoadVitals

2003 Holiday Rambler Vacationer

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.
5
Latest Oct 8, 2008
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 Jan 16, 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.
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 5 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2003 Holiday Rambler Vacationer, most frequently naming the brakes and electrical categories. 5 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

  • Brakes480.0%
  • Electrical120.0%

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

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
07V010000

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
06V227000

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Jun 23, 2006
2,582 units potentially affected
The defect: CERTAIN MOTOR HOMES BUILT ON WORKHORSE CHASSIS AND EQUIPPED WITH ACTIA CORPORATE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 101, 'CONTROLS AND DISPLAYS,' AND NO. 105, 'HYDRAULIC AND ELECTRIC BRAKE SYSTEMS.' IF THE BRAKE FAIL INPUT FALLS BELOW A VOLTAGE OF 1.5V, THE BRAKE FAILURE LAMP AND ALARM WILL BE ACTIVATED. ALSO ACTIVATION OF THE ABS TELLTALE WHEN THE ABS IS NOT PROPERLY FUNCTIONING DOES NOT ALWAYS OCCUR.
The risk: AT NIGHT THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER LIGHTS MAY FAIL AND THE DRIVER MAY NOT BE ABLE TO SEE THE INSTRUMENT PANEL GAUGES AND THE BRAKE WARNING LIGHT INDICATOR WHICH COULD INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The remedy: WORKHORSE IS CONDUCTING THIS RECALL (PLEASE SEE 04V195000) AND WILL REPROGRAM THE INSTRUMENT PANEL CLUSTER FREE OF CHARGE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT WORKHORSE AT 1-877-246-7731 OR MONACO AT 1-800-685-6545.
MONACO COACH CORPORATIONView on NHTSA.gov
03V068000

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

Brakes
Filed Oct 8, 2008

DRIVERS SIDE REAR BRAKE ON 2003 WORKHORSE W-22 MOTORHOME CHASSIS LOCKED AFTER COMING DOWN STEEP GRADE. BRAKE RELEASED AFTER COOLING FOR ABOUT 20 OR 30 MINUTES. ABS LIGHT STAYS ON NOW MOST OF THE TIME. NO DAMAGE TO PADS OR ROTOR. THE BRAKE LOCKUP HAS NOT REPEATED SINCE. *TR

NHTSA ID
10244894
Incident
Apr 12, 2007
Mileage
30,000 mi
Brakes
Filed Apr 18, 2008

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HOLIDAY RAMBLER VACATIONER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKES ARE STICKING AND OVERHEATING. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE ABS FAILED. IN FEBRUARY OF 2008, THE BRAKES OVERHEATED, WHICH CAUSED THE ABS TO FAIL AND HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE BRAKES LOCK AND CAUSE THEM TO OVERHEAT, STICK, AND DRAG. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY IN THE SHOP AND THREE SENSORS HAVE BEEN REPLACED. NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 02V278000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC: FOUNDATION COMPONENTS) WAS REFERENCED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 18,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15,000.

NHTSA ID
10224938
Incident
Oct 20, 2007
Mileage
15,000 mi
Brakes
Filed Feb 28, 2008

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HOLIDAY RAMBLER VACATIONER. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE BRAKES OVERHEATED. THE CONTACT ALLOWED THE BRAKES TO COOL AND DROVE TO A GARAGE FOR INSPECTION. THE DEALER INFORMED HIM OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBERS 02V278000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS AND 03V068000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:SWITCHES:BRAKE WARNING). THE RECALL REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED; HOWEVER, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE BRAKES BEGAN DRAGGING AND OVERHEATING IN DECEMBER OF 2007. THE DEALER REPLACED THE FRONT AND REAR CALIPERS. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 30,344 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15,000. UPDATED 04-02-08 *BF

NHTSA ID
10219365
Incident
Sep 15, 2004
Mileage
15,000 mi
Brakes
Filed Nov 15, 2007

ABS LIGHT PERIODICALLY WAS ILLUMINATED. JUST RETURNED FROM 7,000 MILE TRIP AND FIND THAT ALL FOUR ROTORS ARE BLUE AND HAVE CRACKS DEEP THROUGH THE ROTOR. I DO NOT RIDE MY BRAKES AS BRAKE PADS ARE NOT WORN OUT. I DO NOT FEEL THIS IS NORMAL AND FEEL THERE IS A DEFECT. *TR

NHTSA ID
10209035
Incident
Nov 14, 2007
Electrical
Filed Oct 5, 2004

ELECTRICAL PROBLEM, ABSOLUTELY NO BRAKING OR STEERING WAS POSSIBLE. *BF THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE A/C. *SC JB

NHTSA ID
10096816
Incident
Aug 25, 2004

Manufacturer communications

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

041727

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR

INCORRECT CATALYTIC CONVERTER ON 2003 & 2004 HOLIDAY RAMBLER, MONACO & SAFARI CLASS A MOTORHOMES WITH 8.1L GAS ENGINES. *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 Vacationer by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2026010—
2025110—
2024020—
2023060—
2022050—
2021260—
2020050—
2019020—
2018140—
2017160—
2016130—
2015410—
2014010—
2013010—
2012010—
2011210—
2007110—
2006120—
2005120—
2004830—
2003Viewing551—
2002136147.6
2001051—
2000140—
1999620—
1998120—
1997500—
1994100—

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.