3 times now while driving my brakes have failed. Brakes have gotten hot and overheated. Can smell a burning smell. Abs lights come on. Brake pedal goes to the floor and will not stop. Only way to stop is to shift vehicle to low gear and apply emergency brake which has taken an extremely long time with narrow misses. On time while driving down a windy road. Another time in stop and go traffic and just after the brakes smelled of burning. By the time I pulled over smoke was coming out of the front brakes. I lifted the front wheels off of the ground and the wheels would not turn. I cracked open a brake line and the fluid was boiling. I replaced the front brakes and calipers also both front ABS sensors. Recently for the third time I lost brakes after traffic, a burning smell occurred and brakes went to the floor again this time coming front the rear brakes. Also the ABS light came on. Please help. Also the brake master cylinder has been replaced.
2003 Fleetwood Southwind brakes problems
16 complaints (67% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 26,000.
- owner complaints
- 16
- of this car's complaints
- 67%
- typical mileage
- 26,000
- crashes
- 0
- recalls
- 1
Which part fails
- Disc1
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
Fleetwood Southwind brakes problems in other years
Specific symptoms reported on the 2003 Fleetwood Southwind brakes
Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.
Related recalls
Service brakes, air
- What is wrong
- Fleetwood is recalling 509 my 2001-2008 class a motor homes equipped with axles that include bosch zops or zoht pin slide hydraulic disc brakes. When combined with occasional or seasonal vehicle operation may experience calipers sticking in the applied position. This can result in abnormal heat generation at the wheel end causing brake drag. The driver would normally have warning of the brake drag if undetected by the driver.
- Risk
- The driver would normally detect the brake drag but if undetected the temperature increase at the wheel end can eventually lead to soft pedal conditions due to brake fluid boil, and possible extended stopping distance increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect and replace the necessary components free of charge. Workhorse is handling the remedy for this campaign please see 09v‑110. The manufacturer has not yet provided an owner notification schedule. Owners may contact workhorse at 1‑877‑246‑7731. Workhorse will conduct the owner and dealer notification.
Recall number 09V198000 · Recall details
What 2003 Fleetwood Southwind owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 fleetwood southwind. While driving 25 MPH, the brake pedal felt spongy when depressed. Approximately one mile later, the ABS indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 28,000. The VIN was not available. Updated 12/13/16*lj the consumer learned a recall was issued on the brakes. The rotors, calipers sensors and pads were replaced. Updated 12/19/16.
Recall 09v198000 bought used 2003 southwind motorhome and attempted at several workhorse service centers to get the brake recall performed. Was told by all that workhorse has no calipers to ship and no plans to order any more. How can this be allowed to happen when there are still vehicles that need the work performed?
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 fleetwood southwind 36b. The contact stated that the ABS failed without warning; the calipers stuck and the ABS no longer functioned after having them replaced. The dealer stated that the ABS was set to not work. The VIN was unavailable. The failure mileage was approximately 14,000 and the current mileage was 16,948.
Tl*the contact owns 2003 fleetwood southwind motorhome on a work horse chassis. The contact stated that when the brakes were applied they failed. The contact pulled over and inspected the brakes and then continued to drive. When the contact reached his destination he noticed that the brakes were extremely hot. The contact called the manufacturer regarding the brakes and calipers and stated that the replacement brakes were on back order. The contact purchased after market brakes to replace the current brakes on the vehicle. After replacing the brakes and calipers the calipers began to leak. The vehicle was taken to a dealer who was referred by the manufacturer. The dealer replaced the rotors, calipers, and the brake pads. The failure had not recurred. The contact stated that workhorse did compensate him for the repairs. The failure mileage was 26,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 fleetwood southwind rv. While the contact was driving at approximately between 50-55 MPH, there was a burning smell inside of the vehicle. The brake pedal was applied with no power response. Suddenly, the emergency brake was engaged and the vehicle was able to slow down. The vehicle was coasted to the side of the road. The engine was turned off. The vehicle resumed operation normally. The vehicle was taken to the authorized dealership three times for the identical failures with no repairs. The failure was contributed to the rear brake calipers. The vehicle had not been repaired at the time of the complaint. The failure mileage was approximately 29,000. Updated 09/01/10. *lj updated 09/14/10
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 fleetwood southwind motor home. While driving 35 MPH, when the contact applied the brakes, the pedal extended to the floorboard and the vehicle began pulling to the right. When the failure occurred there was also a burning smell. After examining the vehicle, the contact saw brake fluid underneath the front passenger side of the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer where the contact was informed that the rear brake calipers needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The current and failure mileages were approximately 16,000.
Front end had begun to mildly vibrate when brakes were applied. On cursory inspection could tell that at least one of the front rotors was cracked clear through. Called workhorse, was directed to closest repair shop. Found both front rotors with multiple cracks, some clear through on both front. Brake pads only 1/3 gone, no evident glaze or heat signs apparent (pictures available on request) on the pads. Calipers were functioning properly. Rotors were replaced and the brake pads were replaced as safety precaution. I know about the safety recall for the calipers which guides me to believe that some how they are related directly to my rotor failures. There are no signs of excessive heat that would be due to continuous hard braking or riding the brakes. I am a very experienced driver (50 years) and I know how to avoid overheating the brakes, primarily to keep them functioning when you need them. These repairs (at 34,000) cost $954, I sent request for reimbursement to workhorse which was promptly denied. So now I am filing an official complaint. [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).
Returned from 75 mile trip, right rear brake and wheel liner very hot and smell of brake burning.
After 75 mile trip, right rear wheel was hot and smoking, no loss of braking, return trip 8 days later no problem.
Questions about the 2003 Fleetwood Southwind brakes
Does the 2003 Fleetwood Southwind have brakes problems?
Owners have filed 16 complaints about the brakes of the 2003 Fleetwood Southwind, 67% of all its complaints, more than any other problem.
At what mileage do 2003 Fleetwood Southwind brakes problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 26,000 miles.
Was there a recall on the 2003 Fleetwood Southwind brakes?
Yes, 1 recall: 09V198000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
Other 2003 Fleetwood Southwind problems
Electrical 1Engine 1Fuel system 1Suspension 1
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