NHTSA Recalls Certain 1997-2011 Tiffin Motorhomes Due to Refrigerator Fire Risk
NHTSA is recalling specific Tiffin motorhomes equipped with 1200-series Norcold refrigerators because the safety shut-off mechanism may not prevent a fire from a hydrogen gas leak.
What this means for you
Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 4/5 (Severe).
The hazard poses a serious risk of illness, injury, or structural failure. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.
Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a structural vehicle defect (refrigerator safety system) that poses a significant risk of fire, which aligns with the 'Severe' criteria for significant injury/property-damage reports or structural defects.
Plain-English summary
Tiffin Motorhomes, Inc. is recalling certain recreational vehicles equipped with 1200-series Norcold refrigerators. The affected models include the Bay, Phaeton, Zephyr, Bus, Allegro, and Star, manufactured between 1997 and 2011. The recall addresses a defect in the refrigerators' safety systems, which are designed to shut off power when high temperatures are detected to prevent potential fires.
The defect involves the sensing algorithm or thermal switch used to stop power to the refrigerator. The response times of these devices are not sufficient to shut off power quickly enough to prevent a fire if a hydrogen gas leak causes high temperatures. This poses a risk of fire to the vehicle and its occupants.
Tiffin Motorhomes is working with Norcold to identify and notify affected owners. Owners will be instructed to contact Norcold dealers to receive the remedy free of charge. The safety recall began on February 17, 2011. Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 or visit safercar.gov for more information.
The recalled product
- Product
- TIFFIN BAY, PHAETON, ZEPHYR, BUS
- Brand
- TIFFIN
- Manufacturer
- TIFFIN MOTORHOMES, INC.
- Category
- Vehicle — Recreational Vehicle
- Hazard
- Affected units
- 10,683
Is your product affected?
Check your packaging against the codes below. If any of them match, the product is part of this recall.
Model numbers (6)
- BAY
- PHAETON
- ZEPHYR
- BUS
- ALLEGRO
- STAR
Distribution
Distributed nationwide across the United States.
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