RoadVitals

2005 Winnebago Sightseer

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.
8
Latest Aug 4, 2022
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 Oct 26, 2010
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.
0

Overview

Our database contains 8 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2005 Winnebago Sightseer, most frequently naming the brakes, electrical and other / unspecified categories. 5 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 7 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

  • Brakes562.5%
  • Electrical112.5%
  • Other / unspecified112.5%
  • Seat belts112.5%

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
10V525000

EQUIPMENT

Oct 26, 2010
18,461 units potentially affected
The defect: WINNEBAGO IS RECALLING CERTAIN RECREATIONAL VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 1200-SERIES NORCOLD REFRIGERATORS. THE POPULATION OF REFRIGERATORS BEING ADDRESSED CONTAINS EITHER A SENSING ALGORITHM OR THERMAL SWITCH TO SHUT OFF POWER TO THE REFRIGERATOR WHEN HIGH TEMPERATURES ARE DETECTED IN ORDER TO PREVENT A POTENTIAL FIRE. THE RESPONSE TIMES OF THE SENSOR ALGORITHM AND THERMAL SWITCH DEVICES TO STOP POWER ARE NOT SUFFICIENT.
The risk: THE SENSING ALGORITHM OR THERMAL SWITCH INSTALLED TO SHUT OFF POWER TO THE REFRIGERATOR WHEN HIGH TEMPERATURES ARE DETECTED DUE TO A POSSIBLE HYDROGEN GAS LEAK MAY NOT SHUT OFF IN SUFFICIENT TIME TO PREVENT A FIRE.
The remedy: WINNEBAGO IS WORKING WITH NORCOLD TO IDENTIFY AND NOTIFY ANY AFFECTED OWNERS. OWNERS WILL BE INSTRUCTED TO CONTACT NORCOLD DEALERS TO RECEIVE THE REMEDY FREE OF CHARGE. PLEASE SEE NORCOLD'S DEFECT REPORT 10E-049 FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING DECEMBER 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NORCOLD AT 1-800-767-9101 OR WINNEBAGO AT 1-641-585-3535.
WINNEBAGO INDUSTRIES, INC.View on NHTSA.gov
10V467000

SEAT BELTS

Oct 5, 2010
1,925 units potentially affected
The defect: WINNEBAGO IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005 THROUGH 2009 WINNEBAGO SIGHTSEER AND ITASCA SUNOVA MOTOR HOMES BECAUSE THE DINETTE AREA SEAT BELT RESTRAINTS ON THOSE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 210, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY ANCHORAGES." IN A COLLISION, THE GENERATED CRASH FORCES CAN CAUSE THE RESTRAINT'S ATTACHMENT TO TEAR AND ALLOW THE ANCHOR TO SEPARATE FROM THE BODY OF THE VEHICLE.
The risk: IF THE RESTRAINT SEPARATES FROM THE VEHICLE DURING A CRASH, THE BELT WILL NOT PROPERLY RESTRAIN THE SEAT OCCUPANT, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY OR DEATH TO THE OCCUPANT.
The remedy: WINNEBAGO WILL NOTIFY OWNERS A DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 10, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT WINNEBAGO AT 1-800-537-1885.
WINNEBAGO INDUSTRIES, INC.Manufacturer number 119View on NHTSA.gov
09V186000

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

May 28, 2009
The defect: WINNEBAGO IS RECALLING VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AXLES THAT INCLUDE BOSH ZOPS OR ZOHT PIN SLIDE HYDRAULIC DISC BRAKES. WHEN COMBINED WITH OCCASIONAL OR SEASONAL VEHICLE OPERATION MAY EXPERIENCE CALIPERS STICKING IN THE APPLIED POSITION. THIS CAN RESULT IN ABNORMAL HEAT GENERATION AT THE WHEEL END CAUSING BRAKE DRAG. THE DRIVER WOULD NORMALLY HAVE WARNING OF THE BRAKE DRAG IF UNDETECTED BY THE DRIVER.
The risk: THE DRIVER WOULD NORMALLY DETECT THE BRAKE DRAG BUT IF UNDETECTED THE TEMPERATURE INCREASE AT THE WHEEL END CAN EVENTUALLY LEAD TO SOFT PEDAL CONDITIONS DUE TO BRAKE FLUID BOIL, AND POSSIBLE EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE NECESSARY COMPONENTS FREE OF CHARGE WORKHORSE IS HANDLING THE REMEDY FOR THIS CAMPAIGN PLEASE SEE 09V-110. THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT YET PROVIDED AN OWNER NOTIFICATION SCHEDULE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT WORKHORSE AT 1-877-246-7731 OR WINNEBAGO AT 1-641-585-3535.
WINNEBAGO INDUSTRIES, INC.View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

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

Brakes
Filed Aug 4, 2022

When driving the ABS warning alerted us. We stopped and inspected, but came up with nothing. After returning to drive mode the RV started making a loud hissing sound. We stopped and had it towed to a mechanic shop. The Park Assist brake burnt up and needed to be replaced. After paying several thousands for the part and the labor we received the RV back and proceeded to our next trip. After about 1hr into our drive, when attempting to stop at a red light the brake peddle was hard to push down barley being able to stop. But the peddle did not return. It had to manually be returned. We pulled off right away into a parking lot and the same issue occurred again. After googling this, it said maybe the brakes over heating. So we sat for over an hour. Nothing changed. We checked for a brake leak-there was now. We filled up the brake reserve-still no luck. So we once again had to have it towed. After the mechanic checked it out. He said the brake booster was bad. Another few thousands. I am worried about the braking system. Someone told me that the Chassis had a recall on the brakes. Could anyone please provide any information if you know of this. Thank you, for your time and for reporting this.

NHTSA ID
11477518
Incident
Jul 1, 2022
Brakes
Filed Aug 25, 2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 WINNEBAGO SIGHTSEER. WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND THE BRAKES SEIZED CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO STOP PREMATURELY. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL HAD TO BE LIFTED WITH THE FOOT IN ORDER FOR IT TO RETURN TO NORMAL WORKING POSITION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 19,700.

NHTSA ID
10759199
Incident
Aug 23, 2015
Mileage
19,700 mi
Brakes
Filed Jun 3, 2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 WINNEBAGO SIGHTSEER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 30 MPH, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE AND A BURNING ODOR EMITTING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE WAS EXTREMELY HOT AFTER TURNING OFF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED AND SHIFTED INTO REVERSE. THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND TRAVELED TO THE FLOORBOARD. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THERE WAS EXCESSIVE HEAT, THE CALIPERS WERE STICKING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 09V186000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC) AND 09V110000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ID
10723282
Incident
May 29, 2015
Brakes
Filed Apr 24, 2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 WINNEBAGO SIGHTSEER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE WAS HESITANT TO RESPOND TO THE BRAKES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE BRAKE CALIPER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 09V186000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AT A COST OF $400. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 14,000...UPDATED 06/16/14 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE REAR BRAKE CALIPER FROZE UP,WHILE DRIVING. THE CAMPER HAS NOT BEEN DRIVEN OVER THREE MONTHS.

NHTSA ID
10584604
Incident
Apr 22, 2014
Mileage
14,000 mi
Electrical
Filed Mar 1, 2013

RECALL MADE DECEMBER 2005 TO REPAIR/REPLACE ACTIA INSTRUMENT CLUSTER (BULLETIN #8051-IA, REPLACES 80201-I, DATED MARCH 2002). HAVE HAD MOTOR HOME AT REPAIR SHOP SINCE OCTOBER, 2012 & HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO GET "WORKHORSE (NAVISTAR) CUSTOMER SERVICE TO CORRECT THE FAULT. KEEP GETTING PROMISE, WEEKLY, WITH NO RESULT. HAVE WRITTEN WINNEBAGO & WORKHORSE (NAVISTAR) ON OTHER PROBLEMS AND GET NO HELP FROM EITHER. THIS MOTOR HOME COST $86,000 NEW AND THEY REFUSE TO CORRECT A FAULT THAT MIGHT COST THEM LESS THAN $1,000 (MY GUESS). NEED SOMEONE TO PUT THEIR FEET TO THE FIRE AND GET THIS COMPLETED (AT NO COST TO ME) BFORE TRYING TO READ LCD READOUTS CAUSES A CATASTROPHIC EVENT. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

NHTSA ID
10500969
Incident
Mar 1, 2013
Mileage
16,000 mi
Brakes
Filed Feb 17, 2009

BOSCH HYDRAULIC BRAKE SYSTEM FAILURE ON WORKHORSE W22 CHASIS. RIGHT FRONT BRAKE HUNG UP IN PARTIAL POSITION CAUSING OVERHEATING AND SEVERE DAMAGE TO BRAKE PARTS AND DAMAGING (MELTING) THE ANTI-LOCK WHEEL SENSOR. LOSS OF BRAKE PERFORMANCE. COMPLETE BRAKE SYSTEM (4) REPLACEMENT BY DEALERSHIP SERVICE DEPARTMENT REQUIRED AT COST OF $2,600.00. OLD PARTS AVAILABLE. *TR

NHTSA ID
10259101
Incident
Feb 11, 2009
Mileage
26,000 mi
Other / unspecified
Filed Oct 12, 2005

DT: 2005 WINNEBAGO SIGHTSEER 29. THE PROPANE GAS LINE FOR THE STOVE IS COLLAPSING EACH TIME THE SLIDE OUT IS BROUGHT IN. THE PROPANE GAS LINE HAS A POTENTIAL OF FRACTURING AFTER REPEATED COLLAPSING, ALLOWING THE PROPANE GAS TO ESCAPE AND SET THE MOTOR HOME ON FIRE. THE CONSUMER CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER, AND THEY URGED HIM TO CONTACT THE DEALERSHIP THAT THEY WOULD SEND OUT AN INSPECTOR. THE CONSUMER CANNOT USE MOTOR HOME BECAUSE IT IS A POTENTIAL FIRE TRAP. THE COLLAPSING HAPPENS EVERY TIME THE SLIDE OUT COMES IN EACH TIME THE CONSUMER CAMPS. PURCHASED THE VEHICLE ON JANUARY 29, 2005. IT IS THE DESIGN OF THE VEHICLE THAT CAUSES THIS PROBLEM. *AK

NHTSA ID
10139472
Incident
Jan 29, 2005
Seat belts
Filed Sep 16, 2005

2005 WINNEBAGO SIGHTSEER MODEL 29R SAFETY PROBLEM WITH THE SEAT BELT SYSTEM.*MR THE CONSUMER STATED THERE WAS NO VERTICAL ADJUSTMENT FOR THE SEAT BELT, WHICH COULD POSSIBLY CAUSE SERIOUS INJURIES TO THE CONSUMER IF THERE WAS AN ACCIDENT. *JB THE CONSUMERS WIFE WAS FORCED TO WRAP THE SHOULDER BELT AROUND THE ARM REST MAKING THE SEAT BELT USELESS.

NHTSA ID
10136673
Incident
Jan 1, 1901

Manufacturer communications

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

7SB009-24-01A

Service Bulletin sent to dealers advising of the required legal verbiage each RO should document.

7SB002-24-01A

Service Bulletin sent to all Winnebago dealers. Bulletin outlines the characteristics of new roof sealant being used.

7SB005-23-01A

STRUCTURE

Service Bulletin sent to all Winnebago dealers. Bulletin advises of a manufacturing change to the shower surround sealant process for all units.

7SB009-22-02A

EQUIPMENT

Service Bulletin sent to all dealers. This bulletin advises dealers they no longer need to email Winnebago the signed Vehicle Registration Form, but they should retain a copy for their records.

7SB009-21-02A

EQUIPMENT

Service Bulletin to dealers reminding them to understand their state's Lemon Law and to comply with Winnebago Motorhome mandates outlined in the Policy & Procedure Manual.

7SB010-21-01Z

EQUIPMENT

Service Bulletin to dealers advising them of part sales training opportunities.

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

Winnebago Sightseer by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2019000—
2018030—
2017130—
2016061—
2015051—
2014041—
2013241—
2012231—
2011020—
2010220—
2009060—
2008160—
2007490—
20063100—
2005Viewing850—
2004960—
20031180—
20021050—
2001040—
2000020—
1999010—
1998010—
1997010—
1996010—
1995000—
1994000—

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.