The secondary alternator (Balmar model XTMS 170 K6) overheated and failed. An RV Mechanic and a licensed professional engineer is saying luckily there was no fire. After some research, this seems to be a common issues with these Balmar alternators. The same alternator is installed on certain Winnebago RVs (Revel and Ekko) and they have issued various bulletins (23V‑663) noting that the secondary Balmar alternator setup could experience severe thermal runaway. If left unaddressed, the extreme heat poses a severe fire risk. Thor has explained that because Winnebago is a larger company that Balmar has stepped up for their demands on a recall but Thor hasn't been able to get Balmar to issue a recall for the same alternator installed on Thor vans. Documentation on other reports of the same issue for your reference. - January 22, 2025 — Complaint 11637674: A 2022 Sanctuary owner reported repeated secondary alternator failures. - June 17, 2026 — Complaint 11744782: Another 2022 Sanctuary owner alleged improper grounding of the Thor-installed secondary alternator, repeated failures, and fire risk. - February 4, 2025: A 2024 Sanctuary owner reported two secondary alternator failures within nine months. The second failure allegedly shredded a belt and disabled engine cooling.
The worst 2023 Thor Motor Coach Sanctuary problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Electrical2
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Electrical2
Recalls 2
Structure: critical fasteners
- What is wrong
- Thor Motor Coach (TMC) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Twist, Dazzle, 2023 Tranquility, Sanctuary, 2022-2024 Tellaro, Sequence, and 2024 Freedom Elite Van recreational vehicles. The solar panel mounting brackets may become loose or break allowing the solar panel to detach.
- Risk
- A detached solar can become a road hazard for other vehicles, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect and install missing washers, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 12, 2026. Another notice will be sent once the remedy becomes available. Owners may contact TMC customer service at 1‑877‑855‑2867. TMC's number for this recall is RC000336.
Recall number 25V791000 · Recall details
Equipment: mechanical: carrier/rack
- What is wrong
- Thor Motor Coach (TMC) is recalling certain 2022-2024 Tranquility and 2022-2023 Sanctuary motorhomes. The R-bike rack arms may fracture and detach.
- Risk
- A bike rack that detaches from the vehicle increases the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the defective components of the bike rack, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 26, 2023. Owners may contact TMC customer service at 1‑877‑855‑2867. TMC's number for this recall is RC000297.
Recall number 23V447000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 2023 Thor Motor Coach Sanctuary 3
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
What 2023 Thor Motor Coach Sanctuary owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Thor company of Indiana is the after market uplifter of a Ford Transit 2022. The Sancuary is teh model. The red power wire that connects from the secodnary altrnator in the enginne area runs along the inside f the front right tire to the chassi house battery in the back o the VAN. The power wire is incorrectly routed and the tire rubs up againsit it and rubs against the wire casuing damage and saftey issue. All of the 2023 models appear t be involved from a small sampling of owners on a facebook THOR sancuary owners forum. Thor refuses to issue a recall and refuses to facilitate the wire being replaced. They instead try to get you to take the van to the dealership and have it spliced instead. I would imagine there are some people that do not even know o the safety issue.
Compare the 2023 Thor Motor Coach Sanctuary
Other model years
Questions about the 2023 Thor Motor Coach Sanctuary
Is the 2023 Thor Motor Coach Sanctuary reliable?
Owners have filed 2 complaints about the 2023 Thor Motor Coach Sanctuary, close to a typical Sanctuary model year.
What is the most common problem with the 2023 Thor Motor Coach Sanctuary?
Electrical system, with 2 complaints.
How many recalls does the 2023 Thor Motor Coach Sanctuary have?
2 recalls, covering structure and equipment.
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