2021 Winnebago Navion Owner Complaints

In December 2021, we experienced a failure of the RV Mercedes Sprinter to start. After calling a mobile technician out, and upon research of similar events, it was determined that the Electronic Ignition System had failed. We had the RV towed to Mercedes Service Center in Asheville, NC where the problem was confirmed. It appears that internal windshield condensation can drain into the dash and onto the EIS module resulting in corrosion and subsequent failure. We found a service bulletin (Reference XENTRY TIPS Topic # LI54.2-N-069524; attached) describing the issue and corrective actions. This bulletin is dated October 7, 2020. Mercedes Asheville repaired the damaged EIS module and installed the protective "boot" cover at our expense. Our Mercedes Sprinter had been taken our RV in for both Service A and Service B over the previous 2 years for routine scheduled maintenance. At neither maintenance event was the problem discussed or the corrective "boot" cover for the EIS offered. Our concern is that this is a known design defect that renders the Sprinter fully non-functional. The failure could occur at any point which could leave the drivers stranded in remote or potential high traffic areas. We would like to apply pressure to Mercedes to offer the corrective "boot" cover at all routine maintenance visits and also feel this defect warrants a safety recall to force action by the Manufacturer.

NHTSA ID

11586294

Incident

Dec 1, 2023

Carefree Awning automatic RV awning deployed while driving at 60 mph down the Highway. Awning completely separated from body of RV and large parts, including metal outer shell of awning, flew off vehicle and into lanes of traffic. All that was left of the awning was the brace arms that remained connected to vehicle (as shown in pictures attached), but were bent and sticking up into the air. This happened on May 1, 2023. After the awning, which was subject of Winnebago recall, was repaired by my RV dealer, which was supposed to have fixed the issue subject of the recall and prevent this from happening.. Obviously not. Fortunately, no injuries occurred.

NHTSA ID

11520041

Incident

May 1, 2023

We only used the automatic electric awning a handful of times, On September 2nd after retracting the awning, it violently opened on it own. Despite trying to extend or retract the motor would just click and click. Since it was 10PM at night, we left it extended overnight. We then spent several hours trying to contact Carefree Awning or an RV repair. Ultimately we learned how to retract it manually and secured it in place with Gorilla tape. Once secure we were able to drive to a local store and purchase heavy duty zip ties to secure for additional strength since we had a 1,000 mile drive home. There are numerous accounts online regarding random deployment of the awning. Because of the large size ("sail area") of the deployed awning, having it extend while traveling home on various interstate highways was a great concern. There has been a recall issued (for improper installation and randomly opening) for the identical awning on the same vehicle, for the 2022 and 2023 models but for some reason the 2021 model year was excluded, even though the identical awning.

NHTSA ID

11488662

Incident

Sep 2, 2022

Our automatic electric awning has always had random electrical issues but two days ago, when retracting the awning, it didn't close completely and started jerking back and forth in between being almost closed and opening up 12-18". I resolved the problem by disconnecting power to the awning and then restarting it. Even though it appears to have closed properly, concerns about it opening randomly while driving have prompted me to secure it using tape and zip ties. There are numerous accounts online regarding random deployment of the awning. Because of the large size ("sail area") of the deployed awning, having it extend while traveling on a crowded highway at 65 mph is a great concern. There has been a recall issued (for improper installation and randomly opening) for the identical awning on the same vehicle, but for some reason the 2021 model year was excluded, even though the identical awning is installed in the same way on the 2022 and 2023 models.

NHTSA ID

11486387

Incident

Sep 23, 2022

The issue involves the main propane hose that runs from the propane tank to the manifold on my 2021 Winnebago Navion. The Winnebago parts graphic (attached) shows the hose crossing under the RV ahead of the rear tire. On mine, the hose goes over the rear driver's tire wheel well and crossed behind the tire to the manifold. Upon arriving home and smelling propane, I discovered the hose had been severed in two in the wheel well. It appears the hose may have had sufficient slack that the tire caught it and sliced it in half. I am attaching photos and the Winnebago graphic (the arrow and wheel were added by me). It is amazing that there was no fire. It could easily have resulted in serious injury or death. The hose has been replaced and routed properly to avoid the tire area by Rick's RV (part of El Cajon Ford, El Cajon, CA), I have retained the original hose. I do not know if mine was an anomaly or if all 2021 Navions and Views have the same safety issue. I have notified Winnebago of the issue.

NHTSA ID

11476149

Incident

Jun 29, 2022