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Itasca Ellipse Recall 16V385: Steering Can Fail Suddenly, Raising Crash Risk

NHTSA campaign 16V385, reported May 31, 2016, 306 vehicles potentially affected.

What this recall means for you

Some motor homes built between August 29, 2014 and November 4, 2015 may have a steering box installed with an incorrect spacer that is too short. This can allow too much play, causing the connection between the steering wheel and the front axle to wear. Over time, that connection could fail, resulting in a sudden loss of steering ability and an increased risk of a crash.

Owners are urged not to drive their vehicles until they have been inspected. Daimler Trucks of North America will notify owners, and Freightliner dealers will inspect the steering system and replace the steering gears as necessary, free of charge. Owners may contact Freightliner at 1-800-547-0712 for more information.

You can check whether your vehicle has any open recalls by entering your VIN on the NHTSA website or with your dealer. The repair is free at an authorized Freightliner dealer.

Check whether this recall is open on your vehicle

The repair is normally free at an authorized dealer.

Official recall notice

Safety recall 16V385Winnebago Industries, Inc
Component
STEERING
Problem
Winnebago Industries, Inc (Winnebago) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Winnebago Tour and Itasca Ellipse motor homes manufactured August 29, 2014, to November 4, 2015 and built on a Freightliner chassis. In the affected vehicles, the steering box may have been manufactured with an incorrect spacer with insufficient height that can cause too much play, causing the connection to wear between the steering wheel and the front axle.
Risk
The steering wheel's connection to the front axle could fail resulting in a sudden loss of steering ability, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Daimler Trucks of North America will notify owners, and Freightliner dealers will inspect and replace the steering gears, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on May 31, 2016. Note: Owners are urged not to drive their vehicles until they have been inspected. Owners may contact Freightliner at 1-800-547-0712.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Affected vehicles

Itasca Ellipse20152016
Winnebago Tour20152016