1999 Winnebago Brave recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-18. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
1 safety recall, most serious first
1. Equipment
What's wrong, in plain English: A part or accessory supplied with the vehicle. 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.
What could happen: 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 fix: 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-…
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1999 BRAVE.
- Book a repair at any authorized Winnebago dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 10V525000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-767-9101.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: EQUIPMENT
Summary: 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.
Consequence: 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.
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.
Notes: OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A> .
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Compact car fire extinguisher
- 1999 Winnebago Brave owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Brakes (3), Hydraulic (2), Equipment (1), Body / structure (1), Lights (1).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (4)
09/26/2007 · Brakes
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 BRAVE WINNEBAGO (NA). WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE AUTO PARK LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT CALLED HIS MECHANIC AND WAS INFORMED TO DISCONNECT THE EMERGENCY BRAKE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A MECHANIC AND HE STATED THAT A SWITCH ON THE AUTO PARK NEEDED TO BE CHANGED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE DOES NOT HAVE AN EMER…
03/04/2002 · Body / structure
WHILE DRIVING IN HIGH GUST OF WIND ROOF OF VEHICLE DETACHED AT SEAMS AND RIPPED OFF ON DRIVER'S SIDE. LOST INSULATION IN TOP OF VEHICLE. DEALER CONTACTED. *AK
09/19/2001 · Brakes · crash
WIFE, DONNA WAS DRIVING. TWO CONSECUTIVE LIT STOPSIGNALS/ BRAKES FAILED WHEN SHE "STOOD" ON THE BRAKE. FIRST SIGNAL NOT TOO SERIOUS, BUT SECOND SIGNAL MOTORHOME WAS TOTALED OUT. ALL BRAKES SEEMED TO TEST OUT OK EXCEPT AT THE TWO CONSECUTIVE SIGNALS. THIS IS A BRAKING PROBLEM AND MOST LIKELY A COMBINATION WITH ABS. WE KNOW THIS IS SOMEWHAT COMMON BE…
03/25/2001 · Brakes · crash
#1 BRAKES FAILED, TAIL ENDED TWO VEHICLES. TESTED BRAKES OVER 2 MILE TURNAROUND AND NO PROBLEM, WITHIN 3 MILES (NEXT STOOPSIGN) BRAKES FAILED AGAIN REARENDED SIMITRUCK AND 3 VEHICLES, EXTRACATION NEEDED, TRANSPORT TO HOSP. NEEDED. ALSO DRIVER SEAT WOULD NOT RESPOND TO CONTROLS AND DRIVER HAD TO BE EXTRCAATED FROM POSITION. DRIVER WAS CITED BOTH TI…