2017 Thor Motor Coach Ace problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Tires (1) · Structure:body (1) · Electrical System (1)
Safety recalls (4)
Equipment 2017-11-22 · campaign 17V758000 · 110,400 vehicles
Defect: Thor Motor Coach (Thor) is recalling various 2003-2018 recreational vehicles, equipped with Kidde Plastic-Handle or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers. See a list of the affected trailer models at: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17V758-5764.pdf. These extinguishers may become clogged, preventing the extinguisher from discharging as expected or excessive force may be needed to activate the extinguisher. Additionally, in certain models, the nozzle may detach from the valve
Risk: In the event of a fire, if the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury.
Fix: Thor will notify owners, instructing them to contact Kidde for a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began on January 15, 2018. Owners may contact Thor customer service at 1-877-500-1020, or Kidde customer service toll-free at 1-855-262-3540, or online at www.kidde.com and click on "Product Safety Recall" for more information.
Equipment:other:labels 2017-04-10 · campaign 17V239000 · 148 vehicles
Defect: Thor Motor Coach (TMC) is recalling certain 2017 Ace, Hurricane, and Windsport motorhomes. The weight rating labels for the tow hitches on these vehicles indicate a 10,000lb weight capacity when the actual hitch capacity is 8,000lbs.
Risk: If the hitch is loaded to the capacity on the label, the hitch may damage the motorhome or the hitch may disconnect from the tow vehicle, increasing the risk of the crash.
Fix: TMC will notify owners and provide them corrected labels, free of charge. The recall began on May 22, 2017. Owner's may contact TMC customer service at 1-877-500-1020.
Equipment:recreational Vehicle/Trailer 2016-08-02 · campaign 16V571000 · 5,633 vehicles
Defect: Thor Motor Coach (Thor) is recalling certain model year 2012-2017 Ace, 2013 Citation, 2012-2013 Siesta and 2017 Four Winds and Road Bear Rental motorhomes. The affected vehicles are equipped with shower curtains that may not adequately resist catching fire in the presence of an ignition source. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 302, "Flammability of Interior Materials."
Risk: A flammable shower curtain may further fuel a fire, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: Thor will notify owners, and dealers will replace the shower curtains with curtains made with fire retardant, free of charge. The recall began on September 15, 2016. Owners may contact Thor customer service at 1-877-500-1020. Thor's number for this recall is RC000121.
Seat Belts 2016-04-29 · campaign 16V260000 · 32 vehicles
Defect: Thor Motor Coach (TMC) is recalling certain model year 2017 ACE and Road Bear Rental motorhomes manufactured February 11, 2016, to March 9, 2016. The seat belt anchorages located in the slide out section may not meet the specified strength requirements, allowing them to pull loose during a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 210, "Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages."
Risk: If the seat belt anchorages pull loose in a crash, they will not properly restrain the occupant, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: TMC will notify owners, and dealers will install reinforcement brackets, and plates, free of charge. The recall began on May 27, 2016. Owners may contact TMC customer service at 1-877-500-1020.
Service bulletins (2)
Technical service bulletins are repair instructions manufacturers send dealers for known issues. Unlike recalls, the fix is not automatically free — but naming the bulletin at the service desk can save diagnosis time and support goodwill repairs.
Equipment 2019-12-05 · LTR 120519 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
this letter stated that there were no service bulletins or technical service bulletins issued for the month of november, 2019.
Equipment:other:owners/Service/Other Manual 2017-11-03 · LTR 110317 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
this letter stated that there was one (1) service notification issued for the month of october, 2017.
What owners report
2019-10-02 · Structure:body · 31,000 mi“tl* the contact owns a 2016 ford f-53. the contact stated that the entry door latch mechanism failed to lock the rv door. the contact was unable to enter the vehicle. the vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. the vehicle was repaired. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure and did not assist. the …”
2018-08-29 · Tires · 5,000 mi“tl* the contact owns a 2017 thor ace rv equipped with goodyear g6t0rv tires, size: 245/17/r19.5 (na). while driving approximately 55 mph and towing a trailer with a compact vehicle inside, the rear passenger side inside dual tire suddenly experienced a blowout. during the tire blowout, wires connecting the lighting system that were located in the w…”
2018-04-13 · Electrical System“the electrical wiring within the motor coach is not to nfpa's national electrical code nor is it wired to thor's own factory specifications. in addition, the appliances within the coach are not wired to the specifications of the appliance manufacturer. our motor coach experienced a shorted wire in the water heater junction box due to improper splic…”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.