2012 Tiffin PhaetonProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 2 owner complaints about the 2012 Tiffin Phaeton, most often about the engine. It is covered by 7 safety recalls, and for recall 17V-841 the manufacturer reports only 16% of affected cars repaired.

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through November 2, 2022. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 2012 Tiffin Phaeton has problems

2 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
Engine20

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

7 recalls

2012 Tiffin Phaeton 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.

16%repaired · 2019 Q4

Equipment

Recall 17V-841 · Dec 22, 2017 · 36,005 vehicles · 5,712 repaired

Risk. In the event of a fire, if the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

80%repaired · 2018 Q4

Exhaust system: manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe

Recall 17V-121 · Feb 27, 2017 · 35 vehicles · 28 repaired

Risk. Insufficient spacing between the exhaust pipe and the floor may result in the insulation melting and an increased risk of a fire.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

41%repaired · 2017 Q2

Equipment: recreational vehicle/trailer

Recall 15V-880 · Dec 28, 2015 · 14,889 vehicles · 6,161 repaired

Risk. Unstable entry and exit steps increase the risk of injury.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

67%repaired · 2017 Q1

Exhaust system: manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe

Recall 15V-612 · Sep 30, 2015 · 140 vehicles · 94 repaired

Risk. Insufficient spacing between the exhaust pipe and the floor may result in the insulation melting and an increased risk of a fire.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Show 3 more recalls
–no report yet

Engine and engine cooling

Recall 12V-048 · Feb 8, 2012 · 13 vehicles

Risk. IF THE INLET OR OUTLET SECTIONS DISCONNECT, HOT EXHAUST GASES CAN VENT PRIOR TO EXITING THE TAILPIPE, CREATING THE RISK OF COMBUSTION AND A FIRE.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

90%repaired · 2015 Q3

Exhaust system: manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe

Recall 11V-416 · Aug 8, 2011 · 149 vehicles · 134 repaired

Risk. MELTING OF THE INSULATION CAN OCCUR, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.

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 Tiffin.

Best & worst years

2012 vs. every other Phaeton 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 Phaeton median. How we score

'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26'27
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
In owners' words

What Phaeton owners report

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

This vehicle like many thousands has a DEF system that uses Diesel Exhaust Fluid in addition to Diesel fuel. This POLLUTION CONTROL SCHEME, Installed by both Freight Liner and Cummins diesel, when it fails, it orverides all engine speed controls and only allows the vehicle to drive at 5 mph. THIS…
Complaint 11491959 · Nov 2, 2022
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 TIFFEN PHAETON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CABIN WAS FILLED WITH EXHAUST FUMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS BEING REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,000.
Complaint 10543275 · Sep 12, 2013

Own a 2012 Phaeton?

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