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Winnebago Ekko Recalls

The following blog post documents the recalls affecting the Winnebago Ekko Class C motorhome, built in Forest City, Iowa.

Inner Wheel Tire Valve Extension

NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V499

Winnebago Campaign number: 200

Summary

Winnebago Industries Inc. is recalling 655 2024-2025 Ekko recreational vehicles. The inner wheel tire valve extension may be damaged through contact with the outer wheels, causing the inner tire to lose air pressure and overload the outer tire. Dealers will inspect and replace the valve extensions as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are dated Sep. 23, 2025. Owners may contact Winnebago customer service at 1-641-585-6939 or 1-800-537-1885. Winnebago’s number for this recall is 200.

Sprinter Ekko Seat Wiring #2

NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V478

Winnebago Campaign number: 199

Summary

On certain Winnebago vehicles, there may be improper wiring routing under the driver or passenger seat, which can result in damage to wires related to Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) components.

On May 7, 2024, Winnebago filed Recall #185 Air Bags May Fail to Deploy regarding improper wire routing impacting certain Winnebago Vehicles. An internal campaign was issued on June 6, 2024, to perform rework to the impacted units after an initial hold notice was placed on April 22, 2024. In early June 2025, it was found that production failed to follow the campaign rework instructions when a dealership reported a similar failure. An investigation was subsequently opened, and a new internal hold was issued. The Product Safety Committee met on July 15, 2025, and determined that the issue presented an unreasonable risk to safety. Owner notification letters are dated Sep. 19, 2025. Winnebago is aware of 1 claim and is not aware of any injuries or property damage as a result of this condition.

Ford Transit Rear Camera Screen Software Update

NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V315

Winnebago Campaign number:

Summary

The center infotainment screen may freeze, then display a black screen, followed by a system reboot. If this occurs during a backing event, the rear-view image may be frozen, missing, or delayed.

NHTSA Investigates Rear-View Camera Issues in 2021–2023 Ford

On January 17, 2025, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) contacted Ford regarding allegations of rear-view camera complaints on 2021 – 2023 Model Year Ford F-150 vehicles. NHTSA provided 37 vehicle owner questionnaires (VOQs). Ford’s Automotive Safety Office (ASO) review of these VOQs revealed that 15 allege a frozen rear-view camera image while in reverse and an additional 18 with SYNC and/or APIM-related concerns. The remaining 4 VOQs allege an intermittent or persistent loss of rear-view camera image and are unable to be categorized further.

Ford Investigates Rear-View Camera Failures Linked to SYNC4 Software Versions 1.7–1.9

On February 6, 2025, the concern regarding frozen rear-view camera image while in reverse was brough to Ford’s Critical Concern Review Group (CCRG) for review. On April 2, 2025, the SYNC engineering team was able to reproduce the failure mode within a vehicle and link the causal factors to specific SYNC4 software variants between 1.7 and 1.9. The SYNC engineering team conducted a read-across to determine if other vehicle lines utilize the affected SYNC4 software versions and identified a total of 232 warranty claims in North America for all affected vehicle lines. Between April 2, 2025, and May 1, 2025, the CCRG oversaw a review of service records and OTA data to better understand the scope of the vehicles affected and to determine if other versions of software saw similar concerns.

Ford Approves Field Action for SYNC4 Software Issue

The population of vehicles with SYNC4 software variants between 1.7 and 1.9 has changed over time due to access to software updates via OTA and/or dealership visits. Based on Ford’s review of the data, vehicles with SYNC software versions below 1.7 or above 1.9 are not experiencing these issues. On May 2, 2025, Ford’s Field Review Committee reviewed the concern and approved a field action. Ford is aware of one allegation of a minor crash resulting in property damage. Ford is not aware of any injuries related to this concern.

Updating the Balmar’s Regulator Settings

NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V315

Winnebago Campaign number:

Summary

Winnebago is updating Balmar‘s secondary alternator regulator settings to increase the charging system’s robustness. This update will enable the alternator to run cooler and reduce the stress from adverse voltage spikes by reducing the maximum charging output of the secondary alternator. Battery charging time may increase by approximately 30-35%.

Missing Spare Tire Wheel Bolts

NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V890000

Potential Number of Units Affected: 632

NHTSA indicates a planned Owner Notification date of January 23, 2025.

Winnebago Campaign number: 193

Summary

Winnebago Industries, Inc. (Winnebago) recalls certain 2024-2025 Ekko motorhomes. The spare tire wheel bolts may be missing.

Ekko GE Air Conditioners

NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V-662

NHTSA indicates a planned Owner Notification date of November 8, 2024.

Winnebago Campaign number: 188

Summary

Winnebago has recalled approximately 840 2025 Winnebago View, Navion, and 2024-2025 Ekko recreational vehicles equipped with certain GE air conditioners. The air conditioner soft start device may fail in the impacted vehicles and overheat. An air conditioner soft start device that overheats increases the risk of a fire.

Suburban 2 Burner Cooktop Recall

NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V-049

Production Dates: MAR 12, 2020 – JAN 30, 2023

Summary

Suburban Manufacturing Company states, “[t]he internal aluminum burner tubes connecting the gas valves to the cooktop burners can fracture from excessive vibration or shock experienced through RV travel.”

Transit Ekko Balmer Recall

NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V-234000

Potential Number of Units Affected 1,266

Winnebago Campaign number: 174

Summary

Improper wire routing and loose electrical connections can overload circuits and damage equipment, including the auxiliary alternator.

An overloaded circuit, leading to equipment damage, can increase fire risk.

Transit Ekko With Generator

NHTSA Campaign Number: 23E030000

Summary

Cummins, Inc. (Cummins) is recalling certain Onan QG 2800i and Onan QG 2800i EVAP generator sets. The fuel hose between the fuel filter and the Injection Pump Module (IPM) may not be adequately secured, causing a gas leak.

Sprinter Ekko Seat Wiring, Air Bags May Fail to Deploy

NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V318000

Summary

Winnebago Industries, Inc. (Winnebago) recalls certain 2017-2025 Revel, 2020-2025 Navion, Porto, View, Vita, 2022-2023 Adventure Van, and 2024-2025 Ekko motorhomes. The Mercedes Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) wires can be caught in the seat mechanism when the driver or passenger seats are adjusted.

Ekko Solar Charging System May Melt Fuse July 18, 2024

NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V541000

Potential Number of Units Affected: 2,193

Summary

The NHTSA found that the solar charging system was incorrectly designed and implemented. It had insufficient over-current protection, allowing the circuit to overheat and melt the fuse.

Example of a failed Solar Fuse
Failed Solar Fuse

Mercedes Sprinter Rear Axle U-bolts

NHTSA Recall Number: 24V517

Potential Number of Units Affected 1,232

Summary

Mercedes-Benz AG (“MB-AG”), the manufacturer of Mercedes-Benz vehicles, has determined that on certain Sprinter (907 platform) vehicles, the material properties of the spring U-bolts might not meet current specifications. The rear axle spring U-bolts may not have undergone hardness treatment, which could result in insufficient preload force for the U-bolts. The rear axle spring U-bolts could cause a progressive tilt of the rear axle when subject to sufficient force or in certain driving situations. The vehicle’s guidance might be impaired in this event, increasing the crash risk. As a precaution, Mercedes-Benz AG will replace the spring U-bolts on the affected Sprinter chassis via its Mercedes-Benz service partners.

The quick disconnect fittings in the LP gas system

NHTSA Recall Number: 22V313000

Potential Number of Units Affected: 207

Summary

Winnebago Industries, Inc. “Winnebago” is recalling certain 2021-2023 Ekko vehicles. Cracked quick-disconnect fittings and a grill port in the LP gas system may cause a gas leak.

Personal Experience

After bringing my Sprekko to Sears Imported Autos Mercedes-Benz in Minnetonka, MN, on February 20, 2023, I arrived late for my 9:00 AM appointment. Nevertheless, the service advisor promptly prioritized the recall since I mentioned I would be waiting at the dealership. By 11:20 AM, the Ekko was ready to go. Sears Imports service advisor was invaluable in answering my questions about the Sprinter, specifically with temperatures in double-digit negative subzero temperatures and the DEF indicator on the dashboard. I added 2.5 gallons of DEF, which did not register on the dash display. The service advisor indicated that freezing DEF was a known issue with the diesel Sprinter and that Mercedes was working to address it.

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Winnebago Ekko NRVIA RV Inspection

I have been interested in the Ekko layout since Winnebago first introduced it, but I was happy with the Northern Lite pickup camper and Ford F-350 truck combination I purchased in 2019. That said, having a camper with direct access to the living space that did not require 30-AMP AC power to run the Air Conditioner (AC) was a feature I desired. I have been following the Winnebago Ekko since its release, as it has many of the features of the Northern Lite that I enjoyed.

  • Better than average insulation
  • No slideouts
  • Four seasons camper with the water systems inside

With the ongoing issues and the recall of the Balmer charger on the Ford Transit-based Ekko, as well as the propane cooktop, I waited for a new Ekko model that addressed these issues. The Mercedes Sprinter Ekko resolved these issues and more. I ordered the Ekko from an out-of-state dealership and requested that I pick it up from the Winnebago Factory Service Center. At the end of June 2024, I was told that the Ekko had been delivered to the dealer. Working with another salesperson, we decided to cancel the first Ekko and reorder with the delivery. We once again scheduled delivery for the Winnebago Factory Service Center in Forest City, Iowa. The name for this Ekko is ‘Do-Over.’

On June 19, 2024, I traveled to Forest City, IA, to inspect the Ekko. We stayed overnight in the campground next to the service center. In the morning, I brought the list of findings to the service desk. I was considered a walk-in customer and was provided a form to list up to 7 items for repair. Although my list of issues exceeded 7, I was able to categorize most of the findings into the required 7. The identified problems were resolved by early afternoon.

As of this post, I have inspected over a dozen Ekkos, both the Ford Transit and the Mercedes Sprinter-based models. I follow the Facebook Winnebago Ekko groups. As an Ekko owner, I am uniquely qualified to perform detailed inspections of Winnebago Ekkos. The inspection report for my Ekko can be found here ->

2025 Winnebago Ekko WF23B Inspection Report

Winnebago Ekko Recalls

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What is that RVIA Seal by the Door?

By Wayne K.

Intro

The RV Industry Association’s (RVIA) full-time inspectors promote safety by monitoring adherence to the standards adopted by the Board of Directors for the construction of RVs and Park Model RVs. The team conducts more than 2,000 unannounced inspections of member company RV manufacturing plants annually and provides educational resources and hands-on training to manufacturer members to support their commitment to comply with these adopted codes and standards.

RVIA Seal

The RVIA seal is found on most recreational vehicles (RV) built by the major manufactures in the United States. The RV Industry Association (RVIA) represents over 450 manufactures and component and aftermarket suppliers who together produce 98 percent of all RVs made in the United States.

An NRVIA inspection is based on the NFPA 1192 requirements and is a visual inspection to verify functional operation of the equipment on a Recreational Vehicle (RV) as well as to check the manufactures compliance to the NFPA 1192 requirements.

In addition to following NFPA 1192 guidelines, RVIA manufacturers must pay high membership dues, own a dedicated manufacturing facility, provide a state vehicle manufacturing license, and submit to four random in-person facility inspections per year. These rules make it impossible for a DIY builder or small manufacturer to obtain an RVIA seal – which is exactly what the RVIA intends:

“The association works with federal and state lawmakers and regulators to pursue a favorable business environment for its members…”

Due to the RVIA there are some RV parks that will not allow a camper that does not have a RVIA seal on the coach.

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Why does a New RV need a 3rd Party Inspection?

By Wayne K.

COVID’s affect on RV Production

The last few years have brought changes to the RV market place with COVID-19 affecting this market like many others. Initially RVs were purchased to allow people and families to get out and feel safe. These purchases cleared out dealership lots. COVID-19 has also affected the manufactures; shutting them down for a time and then the supply chain shortages and issues maintaining and hiring qualified personal have affected RV production. The RVIA indicates that “total RV shipments ended the month with 49,135 units, a new record for the month of November 2021 and an increase of 15.6% compared to the 42,513 units shipped during November 2020, the previous record for November. Year to date, 559,743 RVs have been produced, the most RVs ever built in a single year (2021).”

A blogging couple, the Morton’s, indicated that 2021 is not a good year to buy an RV.

Unlike automobiles that are built in automated factories, RV are for the most part handle built. The quality of the new RV is dependent on materials being used and the personal that are responsible for building out the RV.

While the RV manufactures have quality checks at the end of the production process and the dealerships do PDI’s it is clear from doing inspections of new RV’s in 2021 that the factory and dealers are not able to find all of the equipment and production defects.

New Class A Diesel Pusher

I recently inspected a prospective customer’s 2022 Class A Diesel pusher motorhome that had a Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI) complete sticker in the windshield of the coach. There were 26 Major issues identified on this new coach! The Life Safety issues found were low tire pressure and Emergency Windows that required excessive force to open.

Social Media Post

“What a mess! First trip in our brand new 2022 RED 33AA. On the first cold night we fired up our Aqua-Hot furnace. Middle of the night a strange odor, next morning find much fluid dripping on the pad under passenger side slide out. Oily fishy smell…antifreeze!! Aqua-Hot shut down with low fluid reading. Called selling dealer, LazyDays in Tampa to see if they could get in to see the local LazyDays dealer. They would check but said most likely it would be next month!! Never called back. To shorten this read Aqua-Hot gave us the name of a certified local mobile tech who arrived an hour later. After dismantling the under sink cabinets he found the tube leading to the heat exchanger NEVER had a clamp put on the connection. A gallon and half of oily smelling antifreeze pink solution under cabinets and soaked into the carpet. Two hours later and $958 we have the system up and running. Now what to do with the ruined smelly carpet? He also found the three heat exchangers under cabinets were never wired up. Suspect a trip to Red Bay is in our future. Just a small oversight during installation caused this major inconvenience. Anyway Merry Christmas to all, and if this is the worst thing we have to deal with, Life is Good.”* This story was edited to remove personal details.

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Pre-Delivery Inspection vs. Independent NRVIA Inspection

By Wayne K.

Pre-Delivery Inspection (performed by dealership personnel)

When you purchase a new or used RV from a dealer, the dealer typically performs a Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI). The sales department adds the PDI service charge to your purchase. Because the service department may handle the inspection internally, its hourly rate can be significantly lower than the rate for warranty or customer repairs. 

Most new RVs arrive at the dealership with a few issues due to manufacturing oversights or damage incurred during transit from the manufacturer to the dealership. Transporting the new RV from the manufacturer to the dealership really puts it to the test.

The initial transport trip may bring out issues with cabinet doors, drawers, and trim moldings. These defects are easily seen upon inspection. Other issues, such as slide-out seals, plumbing, and wiring, may not be evident without a close inspection of the coach.

An employee at the participating dealership performs the PDI using a short checklist (with 50 to 130 items) to ensure all systems function properly. After completing the inspection and before the customer arrives to finalize the RV purchase, the dealership cleans the RV and repairs any cosmetic issues.

Most RV dealership service departments prioritize their own repair workload and do not accept RVs from other dealerships. Because many dealerships operate with limited staff, you should arrange an inspection before buying an RV from an out-of-state dealer. The employee conducting the inspection of your new RV has only a short window to complete the PDI.

The time a dealer spends on a PDI largely depends on the dealership and the employee assigned to inspect the coach. A PDI at a dealership can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 90 minutes to complete. A more thorough inspection, such as one conducted by a certified RV inspector, can take anywhere from 6 to 12 hours, depending on the age, make, and model of the RV. Issues may be identified that are beyond the scope of a typical dealer-provided pre-delivery inspection.

Some dealers are hesitant to allow a 3rd-party RV inspection. Some questions that should be raised if the dealer takes this approach could be;

  1. If the manufacturer’s quality is 100% then why is a PDI needed? Ask to see the PDI inspection list. Does the dealer climb on the roof and inspect all the sealant joints?
  2. If the RV manufacturer is producing a quality product, why do most RV manufacturers only offer a 1-year warranty?

Private party versus Dealership Purchase of a used RV

Similar to buying from a dealership, buying from a private party also presents risks. Private sellers may not be aware of issues or may fail to disclose known issues. Many owners of used private coaches do not provide maintenance documentation, which makes it hard to track the coach’s history and past issues. Keep in mind that all RVs need regular maintenance, and you will need to make repairs as they age.

Example Dealership PDI

I recently, in October 2025, inspected a 5th-wheel travel trailer at a local dealership and found the PDI results posted inside the coach.

During the inspection of this coach, some of the findings were;

  • The spare tire had the valve stem mounted up, which made it impossible to measure the pressure of this tire. This coach included a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), but it did not monitor the spare tires because the system requires rotation to activate and transmit data.
  • The Water Heater did not work; the control reported an error code. I am not sure what the dealership means by their PDI ‘(Tankless Exception)’.
  • Not listed on the PDI is checking for issues with sealants. The inspector found a number of areas while inspecting the roof of this coach that had sealant gaps that could lead to water intrusion.

Independent NRVIA Inspection (performed by a Certified Inspector)

I earned certification as an NRVIA Inspector and RVIA Master Certified Technician Level 4, which qualifies me to deliver the industry’s most advanced and thorough inspections. Depending on the coach type, I examine 600 to 750 Points of Inspection (POI) during each NRVIA inspection. Links for the POI for travel trailers and 5th wheels and Motorhomes. The inspection report will provide you with a list of issues to address before you sign a purchase contract for your RV, along with photos to help identify the problems.
An NRVIA Certified Inspection will take 6 to 12 hours of on-site testing and checking. It will take another 2 to 3 hours to complete the comprehensive, 50-plus-page report, which is available online and downloadable as a PDF.

Dealership PDINRVIA Inspection
Inspectable Items50 to 130600 to 750
Time spent on Inspection< 4 hours6 – 12 hours
Report AvailableRarely+50 page report with photos
Problems found shared with customerNoYes
Certified InspectorNoYes – NRVIA
Independent InspectionNoYes