RoadVitals

2015 Thor Motor Coach Challenger

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 May 10, 2023
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 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 5 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2015 Thor Motor Coach Challenger, most frequently naming the visibility, body & structure and interior & seats categories. 5 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

  • Visibility360.0%
  • Body & structure120.0%
  • Interior & seats120.0%

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
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
17V555000

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER

Sep 7, 2017
1,105 units potentially affected
The defect: Thor Motor Coach (TMC) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Ace, Challenger, Daybreak, Hurricane, Miramar, Outlaw, Windsport, Palazzo, Tuscany, and Tuscany XTE motorhomes. The windshield wipers may fail due to the system being incorrectly installed or secured.
The risk: If the windshield wipers cannot be used, driver visibility would be reduced, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy: TMC will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the wiper system to verify it is installed correctly, repairing or replacing the system as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on September 27, 2017. Owners may contact TMC customer service at 1-877-855-2867. TMC's number for this recall is RC000146. Note: Although some of the vehicles included in this recall have previously been remedied under recalls 17V-096 or 17V-162, the vehicles may need additional repairs under this campaign.
Thor Motor CoachManufacturer number RC000146View on NHTSA.gov
17V162000

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER

Mar 13, 2017
8,617 units potentially affected
The defect: Thor Motor Coach (TMC) is recalling certain 2014-2015 ACE, Hurricane, Challenger, Daybreak, Miramar, Outlaw, and Windsport motorhomes. These vehicles have windshield wiper systems that may have been improperly installed and secured, possibly causing the wipers to fail during use.
The risk: Failure of the windshield wipers may impair the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy: TMC has notified owners, and dealers will inspect and tighten the wiper arm securing nuts, free of charge. The recall began on May 5, 2017. Owners may contact TMC customer service at 1-877-855-2867.
Thor Motor CoachView 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 & structure
Filed May 10, 2023

The contact owns a 2015 Thor Challenger RV built on a 2014 Ford F-53 chassis. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, he observed from the passenger side rear view mirror that the door skin had begun to peel away from the door. The contact pulled off the roadway and observed that the skin had delaminated from the door and had only been held in place by the lock and door handle. The contact took the door handle and lock mechanism off and removed the laminate and stored it in the RV. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer. The RV was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact had attempted to contact the manufacturer and left a voice message requesting a call back. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V845000 (Structure) however, the RV’s VIN was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 53,000.

NHTSA ID
11521394
Incident
Apr 10, 2023
Mileage
53,000 mi
Visibility
Filed Oct 10, 2019

THOR WIPER ISSUE STILL CONTINUES. IN APRIL 2019, I HAD MY RV IN FOR THE WIPER RECALL. THE DEALER TIGHTENED THE ACORN NUTS HOLDING THE WIPER ARMS AND TOLD ME THE REMEDY HAD BEEN PERFORMED. WITHIN SEVERAL MONTHS IT FAILED AGAIN. I REACHED OUT TO THOR ON OCTOBER 7, 2019 AND SPOKE WITH BRIAN IN CUSTOMER SERVICE AND EXPLAINING MY PROBLEM, HE TOLD ME I HAD A LINKAGE ISSUE THAT CAUSED THE WIPER TO OVER TRAVEL AND JAM WITH THE DRIVER WIPER. HE RECOMMEND I TAKE IT TO A THOR REPAIR DEALERSHIP CLAIMING THERE WAS ANOTHER RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM. THE DEALER HE RECOMMENDED ONLY SERVICED RV'S THAT WERE PURCHASED THERE. I THEN CALLED BACK TO CUSTOMER SERVICE AND SPOKE WITH TOM OVERTON. HE TOLD ME THERE WAS NOTHING THOR COULD DO SINCE IT WAS OUT OF WARRANTY AND THE RECALL HAD BEEN PERFORMED. HE GAVE ME A PART NUMBER 0268084, AND THE NAME AND NUMBER OF A PLACE TO ORDER A NEW WIPER ASSEMBLY (TOTAL VALUE RV) I WAS TOLD THE COST WOULD BE 700.32 PLUS SHIPPING. I DECIDED TO ORDER NEW WIPER ARMS AND KNURLED NUTS TO REPLACE THE ORIGINAL ONE FOR 217.54 PLUS SHIPPING. I HAVE CURRENTLY REMOVED THE PASSENGER SIDE WIPER TO KEEP FROM JAMMING BUT THE DRIVER SIDE WIPER OVERSHOOTS THE WINDSHIELD ALSO CAUSING IT TO BE INEFFECTIVE. *DT *TP

NHTSA ID
11268530
Incident
Apr 4, 2019
Interior & seats
Filed Sep 27, 2017

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 THOR CHALLENGER MOTOR HOME. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENTRANCE DOOR LATCH MALFUNCTIONED AND THE DOOR COULD NOT BE OPENED FROM INSIDE OR OUTSIDE THE MOTOR HOME. A PASSENGER WAS TRAPPED INSIDE. THE DOOR WAS EVENTUALLY PRIED OPEN TO RELEASE THE PASSENGER. THE LOCK WAS REPLACED BY THE OWNER AND THE FAILURE WAS REMEDIED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER AND LOCAL DEALER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 16,000. UPDATED 12/13/2017 *LN CONSUMER STATED THIS IS A COMMON FAILURE KNOWN TO RX OWNERS OF THIS MODEL. THE PROBLEM LIES WITH STRIKE BOLT SNAPPING IN HALF DUE TO DESIGN AND MATERIAL USED. INVALID VIN. UPDATED 7/23/18*JB

NHTSA ID
11030206
Incident
Sep 21, 2017
Mileage
16,000 mi
Visibility
Filed Jun 26, 2017

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 THOR CHALLENGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS OPERATED ON THE HIGHWAY DURING INCLEMENT WEATHER CONDITIONS, THE VEHICLE'S PASSENGER WIPER UN-TORQUED AND JAMMED THE DRIVER'S WIPER. THE CONTACT REPAIRED THEIR OWN VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED REGARDING A NEW CRANK ARM AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT IF ANY PART OF THAT WIPER SYSTEM WAS NOT WORKING PROPERLY THE INTEGRITY OF THE WIPER SYSTEM WOULD BE COMPROMISED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V162000 (VISIBILITY) THE FOLLOWING DAY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AGAIN REGARDING THE CRANK ARM AND THE WIPER SYSTEM BEING REPLACED UNDER THE RECALL SINCE THE BOLT NOT BEING TORQUED PROPERLY CAUSED THE CRANK ARM TO DETACHED. THE MANUFACTURER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE RECALL DOES NOT COVER THAT COMPONENT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 18,000.

NHTSA ID
11001435
Incident
Apr 10, 2017
Mileage
18,000 mi
Visibility
Filed Dec 15, 2016

WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE SMOKEY MOUNTAIN INTERSTATE ONE EVENING DURING A HEAVY DOWN POUR, MY PASSENGER SIDE WINDSHIELD WIPER DISAPPEARED FROM THE WINDSHIELD AND WITH MOMENTS, THE DRIVERS SIDE QUIT WORKING. DUE TO LACK OF VISIBILIT, IT WAS IMPOSSIBLE FOR ME TO PULL TO THE SHOULDER. FORTUNEATELY, THERE WAS A TRACTOR TRAILER IN FRONT OF US AND I WAS ABLE TO SEE ITS REAR LIGHTS AND FOLLOWED IT DOWN THE MOUNTAIN. AT THE BOTTOM I PULLED OFF TO THE SHOULDER AND INSPECTED THE WIPERS. THE PASSENGER SIDE HAD LODGED ITSELF INTO THE DRIVERS SIDE CAUSING LOSS OF WIPERS. I HAD TO REMOVE THE PASSENGER SIDE INORDER FOR THE DRIVERS SIDE TO WORK AND WAS ABLE TO CONTINUE DRIVIING. I TOOK IT TO A DEALER AND THE WIPER MOTOR ASSEMBLY WAS REPLACED. ...UPDATED 01/23/17 *BF

NHTSA ID
10935748
Incident
May 8, 2016

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 Challenger by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2023101—
2022201—
2021301—
2020110—
2019120—
2018030—
2017551—
2016760—
2015Viewing551—
2014661—
2013250—
2012020—
2011020—
2010010—
2009010—
2008010—
2007010—
2006010—
2005010—
2004010—
2003010—

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.