Vehicle: 2005 travel supreme envoy model 38ds04 class a motor home with spartan chassis. Dangerously defective driveline due to defective /mistaken reversed assembly causing severe engine and transmission vibration when driving and potential drop out on road causing undue wear to all driveline components and damage due to striking bolts in chassis, as well as extreme discomfort during driving at less than normal highway speeds. Unit had numerous other serious assembly defects. Headlight assemblies were installed wrong causing headlights to fail to illuminate road surfaces at night at any safe or acceptable distance, not adjustable. Windshield washers were clogged at sprayer tube joints with dried sealant preventing windshields from being washed and obstructing visibility to driver. Dealer would not fix without my hands-on help on-site to repair. Air pressure system for front brakes was failing intermittently with air shutting down and errors affecting braking function and safety, setting off warnings. Exhaust would enter rear of vehicle which emitted burning rubber aromas when used. Full reports include about 14 pages with much more data regarding significant and serious vehicle safety problems, contact me for more details. Front door would not latch, and step would not retract when in travel.
The worst 2005 Spartan K3 problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Body1
- Brakes1
- Driver assistance1
- Electrical1
- Lights1
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Body1
- Brakes1
- Driver assistance1
- Electrical1
- Lights1
- Locks1
- Seats1
- Transmission1
- Visibility1
Recalls 4
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system: fan
- What is wrong
- Spartan Motors USA (Spartan) is recalling certain model year 2004-2008 K2, K3 and MM motorhomes manufactured March 17, 2003, to March 15, 2007. In the affected vehicles, the engine cooling fan may separate from the fan drive while the fan is spinning.
- Risk
- If the engine area is open and the cooling fan is operating and detaches, someone nearby may be injured.
- Remedy
- Spartan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fan and fan drive system, free of charge. Interim notices were mailed to owners on October 29, 2015. The recall began on October 29, 2015. Owners may contact Spartan customer service at 1‑800‑582‑3454. Spartan's number for this recall is 15014.
Recall number 15V549000 · Recall details
Engine and engine cooling
- What is wrong
- Spartan is recalling 14 model year 2005 and 2006 motorhomes manufactured between november 12, 2004 and march 1, 2006, equipped with caterpillar c15 engine. The variable valve actuation oil line may rub against the p-clips retaining the oil line, causing an oil leak.
- Risk
- An oil leak may result in a fire hazard.
- Remedy
- Spartan is working with caterpillar to remedy these vehicles. Please see recall 09e-020. Caterpillar will inspect and repair the necessary components free of charge. The safety recall began on december 7, 2009. Owners may contact caterpillar toll-free at 1‑800‑447‑4986 or spartan at 1‑800‑543‑4277 option 1.
Recall number 09V455000 · Recall details
Engine and engine cooling
- What is wrong
- On certain motor home chassis equipped with a caterpillar c15 engine in a fleetwood heritage motor home, the variable valve actuation (vva) oil line may wear causing an oil leak.
- Risk
- An oil leak could cause a fire that may result in personal injury or death.
- Remedy
- Caterpillar is conducting the remedy for this campaign (please see 05e078). The vehicles will be inspected, the vva oil line replaced, and a retention clip will be installed to prevent any damage from occurring. The recall began onnovember 6, 2006. Owners may contact caterpillar at 1‑877‑777‑3126, spartan at 517‑543‑6400 or fleetwood at 1‑800‑322‑8216.
Recall number 06V413000 · Recall details
Steering: linkages
- What is wrong
- On certain motor homes, the I-shaft is the mechanical linkage between the steering wheel and the steering gear. At the non-welded side of the I-shaft there is a universal joint. It is possible that the fork shaft connection could be lost.
- Risk
- Drivers will lose steerability of the vehicle and a crash could occur without prior warning.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect and repair the I-shaft. The recall began on august 15, 2005. Owners may contact spartan at 517‑543‑6400.
Recall number 05V283000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 2005 Spartan K3 2
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
What 2005 Spartan K3 owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Compare the 2005 Spartan K3
Other model years
Questions about the 2005 Spartan K3
Is the 2005 Spartan K3 reliable?
Owners have filed 1 complaint about the 2005 Spartan K3, fewer than a typical K3 model year.
What is the most common problem with the 2005 Spartan K3?
Body and structure, with 1 complaint. Next is brakes (1).
How many recalls does the 2005 Spartan K3 have?
4 recalls, covering engine and engine cooling and steering.
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