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1999 Winnebago ChieftainProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 13 owner complaints about the 1999 Winnebago Chieftain, most often about the structure. It is covered by 3 safety recalls.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls3Free fix at dealersOwner complaints133 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage45kStructure, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through April 12, 2012. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1999 Winnebago Chieftain has problems

13 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
Structure51
Equipment21
Tires20
Electrical system11
Steering10
Fuel system, gasoline10
Engine and engine cooling10
Exterior lighting11

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

3 recalls

1999 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 08V-265 · Jun 13, 2008 · 930 vehicles

Risk. EXTENDED OPERATION OF A LEAKING COOLING UNIT COULD LEAD TO A FIRE FROM GAS WHICH MIGHT ESCAPE.

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 →

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

1999 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 structure complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

THE LEFT SIDE THE ROOF CAME LOOSE SITTING IN STORAGE FROM WINDS OF A LESSER SPEED THAN IF ONE WAS DRIVING 55 MPH. THERE HAS BEEN CASES WHERE THE ROOF ON THESE MODELS HAVE CAME LOOSE WHILE DRIVING. THE ROOF MEMBRANE IS BIG ENOUGH TO BLOCK A FOLLOWING VEHICLES VIEW IF IT WERE TO COME OFF IN TRAFFIC.…
Complaint 10454923 · Apr 12, 2012 · 78,000 miles
DEFECTS INVOLVING 1999 WINNEBAGO CHIEFTAIN'S DUCT CONNECTION BETWEEN THE EXTERNAL FRESH WATER TANK AND THE MOTORHOME.*MR THE CONSUMER INDICATED THAT THE OPENING ON THE UNDERSIDE OF THE MOTORHOME ALLOWED DIRT, WATER, INSECTS AND RODENTS COMPLETE ACCESS TO THE INTERIOR OF THE MOTORHOME. THE…
Complaint 10083394 · Jul 27, 2004
I WILL FAX COMPLETE DETAIL AS IT EXCEEDS 2000 CHARACTERS 04/27/01 AM PLEASE ATTACH TO THIS FORM FAX TO [PHONE]. NO SAFETY DEFECT LISTED. *AK
Complaint 744634 · Apr 27, 2001

Own a 1999 Chieftain?

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