RoadVitals

2017 Thor Motor Coach Ace

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.
3
Latest Oct 2, 2019
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 Nov 22, 2017
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 3 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2017 Thor Motor Coach Ace, most frequently naming the electrical, body & structure and interior & seats categories. 4 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 1 NHTSA investigation names it; and 2 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

  • Electrical240.0%
  • Body & structure120.0%
  • Interior & seats120.0%
  • Tires & wheels120.0%

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

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
17V758000

EQUIPMENT

Nov 22, 2017
110,400 units potentially affected
The defect: Thor Motor Coach (Thor) is recalling various 2003-2018 recreational vehicles, equipped with Kidde Plastic-Handle or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers. See a list of the affected trailer models at: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17V758-5764.pdf. These extinguishers may become clogged, preventing the extinguisher from discharging as expected or excessive force may be needed to activate the extinguisher. Additionally, in certain models, the nozzle may detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury and also render the product inoperable. For a full list of the affected fire extinguisher models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17E062-5427.pdf
The risk: In the event of a fire, if the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury.
The remedy: Thor will notify owners, instructing them to contact Kidde for a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began on January 15, 2018. Owners may contact Thor customer service at 1-877-500-1020, or Kidde customer service toll-free at 1-855-262-3540, or online at www.kidde.com and click on "Product Safety Recall" for more information.
Thor Motor CoachView on NHTSA.gov
17V239000

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS; TRAILER HITCHES

Apr 10, 2017
148 units potentially affected
The defect: Thor Motor Coach (TMC) is recalling certain 2017 Ace, Hurricane, and Windsport motorhomes. The weight rating labels for the tow hitches on these vehicles indicate a 10,000lb weight capacity when the actual hitch capacity is 8,000lbs.
The risk: If the hitch is loaded to the capacity on the label, the hitch may damage the motorhome or the hitch may disconnect from the tow vehicle, increasing the risk of the crash.
The remedy: TMC will notify owners and provide them corrected labels, free of charge. The recall began on May 22, 2017. Owner's may contact TMC customer service at 1-877-500-1020.
Thor Motor CoachView on NHTSA.gov
16V571000

EQUIPMENT:RECREATIONAL VEHICLE/TRAILER

Aug 2, 2016
5,633 units potentially affected
The defect: Thor Motor Coach (Thor) is recalling certain model year 2012-2017 Ace, 2013 Citation, 2012-2013 Siesta and 2017 Four Winds and Road Bear Rental motorhomes. The affected vehicles are equipped with shower curtains that may not adequately resist catching fire in the presence of an ignition source. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 302, "Flammability of Interior Materials."
The risk: A flammable shower curtain may further fuel a fire, increasing the risk of injury.
The remedy: Thor will notify owners, and dealers will replace the shower curtains with curtains made with fire retardant, free of charge. The recall began on September 15, 2016. Owners may contact Thor customer service at 1-877-500-1020. Thor's number for this recall is RC000121.
Thor Motor CoachManufacturer number RC000121View on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

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

PE20021ClosedPreliminary Evaluation

Trimark 060-1650 Door Latch Failures

Opened Nov 23, 2020
Closed Dec 13, 2024

On November 23, 2020, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE20021 to investigate allegations of inoperative Trimark THP 060-1650 door lock/latches originally equipped on model years (MY) 2015-2017 Class A and Class C motorhomes.ODI received forty-six Vehicle Owner’s Questionnaires (VOQs) describing consumers being locked in or out of their vehicles.The door latch, containing a die-cast zinc plunger, was produced by Equality during calendar years 2014-2016. The die-cast may become porous and brittle over time and can break without warning, causing the vehicle owner to be unable to open the recreational vehicle door equipped with the latch.If the motorhome does not have any other doors such as some Class A models, occupants could be trapped inside, needing to climb out using the emergency exits. If locked out, owners would be unable to easily get in and retrieve children and pets. ODI analyzed the data provided by Trimark in response to its January 27, 2021 information request letter.Although an elevated failure rate was evident on a specific combination of plunger bolt, door lock/latch assembly and door, the data showed that most failures occurred within the first two years of service on the affected 2015-2017 vehicles.This data suggests that component failures generally would have already occurred.Further, ODI data reflects a downward trend in complaints after calendar year 2018 and for post- MY 2016 vehicles.This downward trend may be attributed Trimark's actions in 2016 such as changes in the manufacturing process of its zinc plunger component for the relevant population and its 2016 decision to switch to a steel plunger. In view of the nature of early-life failure, and failure rate trending downward for model years 2017 and newer, this Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is closed.  The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist.The Agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances. To review the ODI reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

EQUIPMENT

Recent owner complaints

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

Body & structureInterior & seats
Filed Oct 2, 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 FORD F-53. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENTRY DOOR LATCH MECHANISM FAILED TO LOCK THE RV DOOR. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO ENTER THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 31,000. *DT*JB*PM CONSUMER STATED HE HAD A FAULTY LATCH.*JB

NHTSA ID
11265710
Incident
Sep 28, 2019
Mileage
31,000 mi
ElectricalTires & wheels
Filed Aug 29, 2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 THOR ACE RV EQUIPPED WITH GOODYEAR G6T0RV TIRES, SIZE: 245/17/R19.5 (NA). WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH AND TOWING A TRAILER WITH A COMPACT VEHICLE INSIDE, THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE INSIDE DUAL TIRE SUDDENLY EXPERIENCED A BLOWOUT. DURING THE TIRE BLOWOUT, WIRES CONNECTING THE LIGHTING SYSTEM THAT WERE LOCATED IN THE WHEEL WELL WERE DAMAGED. THE FAILURE CAUSED ALL THE EXTERIOR LIGHTING TO SHUT OFF, WHICH PREVENTED THE CONTACT FROM SEEING THE ROAD AT NIGHT. THE WIRES WERE REPLACED BY THE OWNER. THE MANUFACTURER AND AN UNKNOWN DEALER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE AND TIRE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5,000.

NHTSA ID
11123170
Incident
Jul 1, 2018
Mileage
5,000 mi
Electrical
Filed Apr 13, 2018

THE ELECTRICAL WIRING WITHIN THE MOTOR COACH IS NOT TO NFPA'S NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE NOR IS IT WIRED TO THOR'S OWN FACTORY SPECIFICATIONS. IN ADDITION, THE APPLIANCES WITHIN THE COACH ARE NOT WIRED TO THE SPECIFICATIONS OF THE APPLIANCE MANUFACTURER. OUR MOTOR COACH EXPERIENCED A SHORTED WIRE IN THE WATER HEATER JUNCTION BOX DUE TO IMPROPER SPLICING IN AN AREA WHERE NO SPLICING SHOULD HAVE BEEN NECESSARY. THAT SAME ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT WHICH, PER THE NEC AND THOR'S FACTORY SPECIFICATIONS SHOULD HAVE BEEN ON A DEDICATED BREAKER, WAS NOT ON A DEDICATED BREAKER WHICH COULD HAVE ALLOWED THE AMPERAGE IN THE JUNCTION BOX TO EXCEED THE BREAKER'S CAPACITY AND HEAT TO THE POINT OF DISINTEGRATING THE WIRE'S INSULATION LEAVING A BARE WIRES. THIS COULD HAVE EASILY LED TO A FIRE. NOT ONLY HAS THIS RESULTED IN LOSS OF USE OF THE APPLIANCE, BUT HAS ALSO RESULTED IN COMPLETE LOSS OF FAITH THAT THE REST OF THE MOTOR HOME IS SAFE FOR HABITATION OR FOR TRAVEL ON PUBLIC ROADS. THIS IS A MATTER OF PUBLIC SAFETY AND SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED FURTHER.

NHTSA ID
11084963
Incident
Apr 2, 2018

Manufacturer communications

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

LTR 120519

EQUIPMENT

This letter stated that there were no Service Bulletins or Technical Service Bulletins issued for the month of November, 2019.

LTR 110317

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

This letter stated that there was one (1) Service Notification issued for the month of October, 2017.

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

Thor Motor Coach Ace by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2023100—
2022310—
2021310—
2020010—
2019200—
2018530—
2017Viewing341—
2016751—
2015541—
2014341—
2013340—
2012130—
2011120—

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.