| Issue ID | 696305 |
| Internal NHTSA # | 10244967 |
| Manufacurer | WINNEBAGO INDUSTRIES, INC. |
| Brand | WINNEBAGO |
| Model | VECTRA |
| Model Year | 2005 |
| File date | 15/03/05 |
| Component | STEERING |
| Product type code | VEHICLE |
| Description of the problem | 2005 winnebago vectra & freightliner chassis defects: vehicle total loss of steering control @ 65 mph against low angle front quarter cross winds. A sudden frontal 30-35 mph gust of wind @ a 10-15 degree angle of incidence creates a momentary airspeed of 95-100 mph. The 440 sq ft broad surface area of the chassis has 250% the authority of an 767 rudder that also has a very efficient wing aspect ratio. This 32,000 lb rv is subject (by nasa analysis) to 10,000- 20,000 lb of lateral force under these conditions, destabilizing the chassis / coach with a complete loss of driver control. Also - the engine brake necessary for downhill control is unreliable. The culprit is an electrical junction between freightliner & winnebago wiring harnesses that is unreliable and "cannot be fixed" per freightliner. While descending steep hills or mountains, the 4 disc brakes are completely inadequate to maintain control without the supplementary engine brake. I nearly lost my life in new mexico in 2005 discovering this defect also, be advised that the rear main engine compartment has a manual switch that anyone can access, rendering the engine unstartable. A criminal can also shut off a running engine, leaving the occupants vulnerable to kidnap, robbery and or rape. Neither the main engine or the front generator are locking, rendering both motors vulnerable to theft, vandalism, or sabotage. Imagine if your car could be stopped in traffic and the hood & truck accessed at will. Complained about all above to manufacturer by certified mail in 2005, 2006, 2007. They repeatedly ignore me, but they cant ignore you. There are more significant safety defects that this space does not allow. Please respond by letter. |
| Vehicle Mileage at Failure | 2500 |
| Number of Occurences | 1 |
| Source of the issue | NHTSA WEB SITE |
| City and State | TINTON FALLS, NJ |
| VIN pattern | 4UZAAHCY05CXXXXXX |
| Was vehicle invloved in a crash? | N |
| Was vehicle involved in a fire? | N |
| Was incedent reported to police? | N |
| Was medical attention required? | |
| Was part original equipment? | |
| No. of injured persons | |
| No. of fatalities | |
| Date of purchase | 07/08/26 |
| Was original owner? | N |
| Anti-lock brakes | N |
| Cruise control | N |
| Number of cylinders | |
| Drive train type | |
| Transmission type | |
| Vehicle speed | 65 |
| DoT tire identifier | |
| Tire size | |
| Location of tire code | |
| Type of tire failure code | |
| Was defective tire repaired? | |
| Date of manufacture | |
| Type of child seat code | |
| Type of restraint | |
| Dealer's name | |
| Dealer's telephone number | |
| Dealer's city | |
| Dealer's state code | |
| Dealer's ZIP code |