1979 Winnebago Chieftan recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-21. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
2 safety recalls, most serious first
1. Fuel system
What's wrong, in plain English: Fuel lines, tank or pump. Fuel problems usually mean a leak, and leaks mean fire risk. THE AREA SURROUNDING THE GASOLINE FILLER PIPE SHROUD MAY NOT BE PROPERLY SEALED. THIS MAY ALLOW GAS VAPORS TO TRAVEL INTO THE INTERIOR OF THE COACH WHEN REFUELING.
What could happen:
The fix: THE GAS FILLER PIPE SHROUD WILL BE RESEALED WITHOUT CHARGE.
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 1979 CHIEFTAN.
- Book a repair at any authorized Winnebago dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 81V149000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- 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: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP
Summary: THE AREA SURROUNDING THE GASOLINE FILLER PIPE SHROUD MAY NOT BE PROPERLY SEALED. THIS MAY ALLOW GAS VAPORS TO TRAVEL INTO THE INTERIOR OF THE COACH WHEN REFUELING.
Consequence:
Remedy: THE GAS FILLER PIPE SHROUD WILL BE RESEALED WITHOUT CHARGE.
Notes: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MOTORHOMES.SYSTEM: FUEL; LP GAS FILLER PIPE.CONSEQUENCES OF DEFECT: THE PRESENCE OF GAS VAPORS WOULD CREATE A POTENTIAL FORAN EXPLOSION AND FIRE WHICH COULD RESULT IN PERSONAL INJURY.NOTE: ALL ELECTRICAL AND LP GAS APPLIANCES SHOULD BE TURNED OFF WHEN REFUELINGUNTIL CORRECTIVE ACTION HAS BEEN TAKEN.
2. Visibility (wipers / glass)
What's wrong, in plain English: You may not be able to see the road clearly. AN INSUFFICIENT NUMBER OF ATTACHMENT SCREWS MAY HAVE BEEN USED TO SECURE THE SHELF THAT SUPPORTS FURNACE. THE SHELF MAY SETTLE OR COLLAPSE UNDER THE WEIGHT OF THE FURNACE. THIS WOULD, IN TURN, DISLODGE THE FURNACE EXHAUST PIPE.
What could happen:
The fix: THE DEALER WILL INSTALL ADEQUATE SHELF ATTACHMENT SCREWS AT NO COST TO THE OWNER.
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 1979 CHIEFTAN.
- Book a repair at any authorized Winnebago dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 80V055000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- 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: VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:HEATER CORE
Summary: AN INSUFFICIENT NUMBER OF ATTACHMENT SCREWS MAY HAVE BEEN USED TO SECURE THE SHELF THAT SUPPORTS FURNACE. THE SHELF MAY SETTLE OR COLLAPSE UNDER THE WEIGHT OF THE FURNACE. THIS WOULD, IN TURN, DISLODGE THE FURNACE EXHAUST PIPE.
Consequence:
Remedy: THE DEALER WILL INSTALL ADEQUATE SHELF ATTACHMENT SCREWS AT NO COST TO THE OWNER.
Notes: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MOTOR HOMES.SYSTEM: EQUIPMENT; FURNACE SHELF; ATTACHMENT SCREWS.CONSEQUENCES OF DEFECT: IF THE FURNACE WAS IN OPERATION AND THE DISLODGEDEXHAUST PIPE WENT UNNOTICED, EXHAUST FUMES COULD BE RELEASED INSIDE THE MOTORHOME AND COULD CAUSE ASPHYXIATION.
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Compact car fire extinguisher
- 1979 Winnebago Chieftan owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Engine (1).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (1)
12/01/2006 · Engine · fire
1979 CHIEFTAN CAUGHT ON FIRE. *TS THE RV BURNED TO THE GROUND. *JB