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1998 Winnebago ChieftainProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 4 owner complaints about the 1998 Winnebago Chieftain, most often about the parking brake. It is covered by 3 safety recalls.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls3Free fix at dealersOwner complaints40 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage2kParking brake, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through October 26, 2010. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1998 Winnebago Chieftain has problems

4 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 brake20
Fuel system, gasoline10
Service brakes, hydraulic10

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

3 recalls

1998 Winnebago Chieftain 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

Recall 10V-525 · Oct 26, 2010 · 18,461 vehicles

Risk. THE SENSING ALGORITHM OR THERMAL SWITCH INSTALLED TO SHUT OFF POWER TO THE REFRIGERATOR WHEN HIGH TEMPERATURES ARE DETECTED DUE TO A POSSIBLE HYDROGEN GAS LEAK…

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Equipment: recreational vehicle/trailer

Recall 02V-276 · Dec 3, 2002 · 631 vehicles

Risk. THE CONSEQUENCE CAN RESULT IN A FIRE, POSSIBLY CAUSING SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings

Recall 98V-015 · Jan 26, 1998 · 741 vehicles

Risk. LP GAS LEAKAGE COULD IGNITE AND RESULT IN BODILY INJURY AND/OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.

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 Winnebago.

Best & worst years

1998 vs. every other Chieftain 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 Chieftain median. How we score

'94'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
In owners' words

What Chieftain owners report

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

PARK BRAKE SYSTEM IS PERIODICALLY ADJUSTED, IF NOT FULLY ENGAGE, ALLOWED THE VEHICLE TO ROLL. *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE DEALER FOUND RESERVOIR FOR THE FLUID EMPTY AND THE CONVERTER TO THE PUMP WAS FLUID OF FLUID AND NOT MAKING CONNECTIONS, ALSO THE PRESSURE SWITCH WAS LEAKING. A NEW SWITCH, DRUMS…
Complaint 10109332 · Dec 29, 2004
WHILE PARKED AND EMERGENCY AND WITH THE BRAKE APPLIED IT DISENGAGED. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE ROLLED OUT OF CONTROL. *AK THE BRAKE PADS HAD BURNED OUT WITH NO WARNING. *SC *JB
Complaint 10101366 · Dec 27, 2004 · 1,767 miles

Own a 1998 Chieftain?

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