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1997 Fleetwood SouthwindProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 8 owner complaints about the 1997 Fleetwood Southwind, most often about the parking brake. It is covered by 2 safety recalls.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls2Free fix at dealersOwner complaints82 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage53kParking brake, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through August 30, 2013. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1997 Fleetwood Southwind has problems

8 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Parking brake40
Equipment21
Service brakes, hydraulic10
Structure11
Tires10

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

2 recalls

1997 Fleetwood Southwind recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

–no report yet

Equipment: recreational vehicle/trailer

Recall 07V-120 · Mar 19, 2007 · 167,096 vehicles

Risk. RELEASE OF COOLANT UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS COULD IGNITE AND RESULT IN A FIRE.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Visibility: power window devices and controls

Recall 96V-236 · Nov 22, 1996 · 241 vehicles

Risk. IF THE SLIDE-OUT ROOM OPERATES UNEXPECTEDLY, THE MOTOR HOME WIDTH WILL INCREASE WHICH COULD LEAD TO AN ACCIDENT IF TRAVELING OR PROPERTY DAMAGE COULD OCCUR…

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Fleetwood.

Best & worst years

1997 vs. every other Southwind year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Southwind median. How we score

'79'80'81'82'83'84'85'86'87'88'89'90'91'92'93'94'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
In owners' words

What Southwind owners report

Recent parking brake complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

THE AUTOMATIC PARK BRAKE CAME ON WHILE DRIVING AND WOULD NOT RELEASE WHEN PLACED IN REVERSE. A NEW PART WAS PLACED ON THE VEHICLE, BUT PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. *AK THERE WERE TIMES WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS WARMED AND WOULD NOT GO INTO GEAR AND THE BRAKE WOULD NOT RELEASE. *SC *JB
Complaint 10089421 · Sep 28, 2004 · 15,000 miles
AUTOMATIC PARK BRAKE DID NOT ENGAGE, AND THE EMERGENCY PARKING BRAKE DID NOT PREVENT THE VEHICLE FROM ROLLING FROM AN INCLINE. VEHICLE WAS BACK AND FORTH TO THE DEALER ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, BUT PROBLEM RECURRED. *AK
Complaint 10080076 · Jun 28, 2004 · 85,000 miles
THE AUTOPARK BRAKE AND MANUAL PARK BRAKE HAVE FAILED SEVERAL TIMES ALLOWING MOTORHOME TO DRIFT (ONE TIME HITTING ANOTHER ).LAST TIME 7/16/03. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME I HAVE REPORTED THIS TO YOU!*AK
Complaint 10033036 · Aug 18, 2003 · 52,500 miles

Own a 1997 Southwind?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.