Check a VIN

2004 Winnebago Sightseer problems

The most common problem on the 2004 Winnebago Sightseer is brakes, typically around 29,000 miles. It has 3.0 times the complaints of a typical Sightseer model year.

Typical year3.0x the typical complaints
Owner complaints
9
Recalls
6
Service bulletins
7
Worst area
Brakes

The worst 2004 Winnebago Sightseer problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

  • Brakes
    6
  • Engine
    2
  • Suspension
    2
  • Fuel system
    1

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Brakes
    6
  • Engine
    2
  • Suspension
    2
  • Fuel system
    1

Recalls 6

EquipmentReported October 26, 2010 · 18,461 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Winnebago is recalling certain recreational vehicles equipped with 1200-series norcold refrigerators. The population of refrigerators being addressed contains either a sensing algorithm or thermal switch to shut off power to the refrigerator when high temperatures are detected in order to prevent a potential fire. The response times of the sensor algorithm and thermal switch devices to stop power are not sufficient.
Risk
The sensing algorithm or thermal switch installed to shut off power to the refrigerator when high temperatures are detected due to a possible hydrogen gas leak may not shut off in sufficient time to prevent a fire.
Remedy
Winnebago is working with norcold to identify and notify any affected owners. Owners will be instructed to contact norcold dealers to receive the remedy free of charge. Please see norcold's defect report 10e-049 for additional information. The recall began during december 2010. Owners may contact norcold at 1‑800‑767‑9101 or winnebago at 1‑641‑585‑3535.

Recall number 10V525000 · Recall details

Service brakes, hydraulicReported May 28, 2009
What is wrong
Winnebago is recalling vehicles equipped with axles that include bosh 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 or winnebago at 1‑641‑585‑3535.

Recall number 09V186000 · Recall details

Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsReported December 22, 2004 · 3,538 vehicles affected
What is wrong
On certain motor homes built on a 20,700 gvwr or greater workhorse chassis, there may not be sufficient clearance in the area where the fuel line crosses the frame cross member.
Risk
Without clearance, a condition could develop where the cross member may wear into the fuel line and a fuel leak may develop. Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.
Remedy
Dealers will repair these motor homes by providing clearance between the fuel line and frame cross member. The fuel line will be inspected and, if necessary, replaced. The recall began january 7, 2005. Owners should contact winnebago at 1‑800‑537‑1885.

Recall number 04V609000 · Recall details

Seat belts: front: buckle assemblyReported December 18, 2004 · 6,201 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Certain seat belt buckles on some motor homes fail to conform to the load requirement of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 209, "seat belt assemblies."
Risk
The seat belt buckle may unlatch in the event of a vehicle crash, possibly resulting in personal injury to the seat occupant.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the buckles. The recall began on november 12, 2004. Owners should contact amsafe at 1‑574‑266‑8330 or winnebago at 1‑800‑537‑1885.

Recall number 04V608000 · Recall details

Equipment: recreational vehicle/trailerReported October 16, 2003 · 15,337 vehicles affected
What is wrong
On certain motor homes equipped with samsung microwave ovens, these units were produced with a defective panel. An electrical short can occur between circuit patterns on the membrane panel, especially overlapped by a "jumper" or jump wire. This may cause the oven to activate without pressing any key pads.
Risk
An electrical short can occur causing the oven to activate without pressing any key pads. This could result in excessive heat, smoke, or possibly a fire.
Remedy
Samsung will notify customers and repair the panel free of charge. In the meantime, consumers should unplug their microwave, if possible. If the consumer is unable to unplug the microwave, they should leave the door ajar until the panel is replaced. Consumers should never use the microwave oven for storage or leave any towels, paper, cloth or other products in the microwave after use. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact samsung at 800‑932‑3837 or winnebago at 641‑585‑3535.

Recall number 03V405000 · Recall details

Equipment: recreational vehicle/trailerReported July 8, 2003 · 2,684 vehicles affected
What is wrong
On certain motor homes, when the cooking range and furnace are operating at the same time, the flame on the cooking range could be forced downward over the burner or flame outage could occur. This condition is due to the location of the furnace and cooking range whereby the furnace may draw air in from above the range burners and cause a downdraft.
Risk
Should this occur, the flame may go out, and the liquid propane (lp) gas will continue to flow. This is a hazardous situation that could result in an explosion or fire.
Remedy
Dealers will install an air restrictor panel under the range. Owner notification began july 10, 2003. Owners should contact winnebago at 1‑641‑585‑6939.

Recall number 03V243000 · Recall details

See all 6 recalls for the 2004 Winnebago Sightseer

Technical service bulletins for the 2004 Winnebago Sightseer 7

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

What 2004 Winnebago Sightseer owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Mar 21, 2016 · Brakes · 29,000 miles · CA

We had complete brake failure and the brake peddle went right to the floor. We have a workhorse p32 and I had to apply the e brake to stop the rv. We had it towed to a ford truck shop and found out the brake calipers and all other components were either burnt or cracked. This sure doesn't seem right to me since there was a recall on the workhorse w series and not the p series!

Filed Sep 21, 2010 · Brakes · 56,000 miles · IL

Tl*the contact owns a 2004 winnebago with a workhorse chassis. The model was unknown. The contact received a recall notice for the brakes and was told by the dealership in his area, that the manufacturer would only send six kits at a time the vehicle would not be repaired for 8 months. The contact stated that because they use the vehicle in order to travel south for the winter and the brake have already failed was a safety concern. The VIN was not available. The failure and current mileages were 56000.

Filed Aug 19, 2010 · Brakes · 29,000 miles · FL

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 winnebago sightseer. The contact stated the brakes would drag excessively at any speed and the hubcaps would overheat when driving after a short period of time. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where the calipers were cleaned and lubricated. The failure recurred five months later. The vehicle was taken back to an authorized dealer where they cleaned and lubricated the calipers a second time. The failure mileage was 29,000 and the current mileage was 29,121. Updated 11/11/10 *bf the consumer would like to cancel his complaint. A recall was issued and his vehicle was repaired. Updated 11/17/10.

Filed Sep 15, 2009 · LA

I own a 2004 winnebago motor home and this past week while I was having work done on the coach, I told them I had a micro wave oven that has been starting up on its own for no reason, and could they check it out. It turns out that there was a recall on this samsung microwave and they gave me info to contact them. I was sent by samsung to a service tech in my hometown and he told me that the part was no longer available. I contacted samsung again and was told that it was no longer their problem. The claim # at samsung was 3000534097 the service order # was 4005534563 the lady I talked to at samsung said the warranty had run out and they were no longer responsible for the recall.

Filed Apr 7, 2009 · Brakes, Engine · 23,523 miles · MA

This may pertain to the federal safety agency campaign ea07016. 2004 winnebago sightseer 35 n with workhorse w22 (not sure of chassis year)chassis. While underway noticed what appeared to be a loss of power, steering wheel pulling to the left. Not understanding what was happening attempted to slow down/stop coach. Pedal was not firm and at one point I thought I had lost braking. Burning (slight) odor was noticed inside the coach with windows closed. Stopped twice to look under coach for any evidence of fluid leaks (dark out no light) no obvious leak. Left front wheel assembly was warmer than others. This was all happening relatively quickly. I proceeded with caution for about 10 miles where I found a shopping center, stopped (now daylight) checked master cylinder level and found the drivers side needing fluid (rubber diaphragm under cap had expanded) added at least 3 maybe four 9 ounce paper cups about 1/3 full and reservoir still had room. No evidence of leaking. After about 45 min. Continued for about 100 miles no further problems. Brakes work but could be better. I stopped over night at a friends house for 2 nights. He was a school bus mechanic and suggested that we raise the coach (did that with coach jacks) first the front wheels and found the left front wheel calipers to be sticking. We exercised the pistons several times, also found the pads to be sticking on the calipers. A small amount of neverseize was applied between the pads and the caliper casting sliding surface. Raised the rear of the coach, and rear wheels seemed ok. Have continued about 200 miles with no further incidence. Have around 23,500 on coach I am original owner. I have about 1100 miles to go to return to my home.

Filed Oct 16, 2007 · Brakes · FL

2004 winnebago sightseer electric park brake system problems. Customer states that he has had the sensor, actuator, switch, and pump replaced. Consumer states it became disabled and had to be towed for repair. *kb the parts that were replaced were leaking hydraulic fluid.

Filed Aug 28, 2005 · Engine, Fuel system · 2,250 miles · NY

Make: winnebago sightseer model: 2004 wfd30b serial no: [xxx] (winnebago industries) chassis VIN: [xxx](workhorse custom chassis) delivery date: jan. 24, 2004 (purchased new) current mileage: 14,000 1. Gas tank leak ~right side of gas tank leaking fuel; noticed fuel pouring from rear of tank when filling up at station 2. Safety recall ~seat belts (winnebago issue not corrected, waiting for parts)3. Sway bar ~bolts fell from vehicle while driving (april 2005) 4. Safety recall ~instrument cluster (april 2005) 5. Airbag ~right front airbag in suspension system deflated after only 49 days of use (august 2005) 6. Differential ~defect causing fluid to leak from axle tube in rear-end (august 2005) 7. Shock bracket ~mangled and twisted, causing shock to fall (august 2005) undetermined cause; not a roadhazard 8. Dash air ~blows hot air when sitting in traffic or at idle; overheats and leaks antifreeze required numerous repair attempts: four in 2004 and then again four in 2005 total days in shop for this defect alone: 45 (26 in 2004 and 19 in 2005) workhorse reps stated to me that "certain models" of motorhome have "flaws in the system" that the engineers of both corporations refuse to acknowledge as their responsibility. They knowingly sell a product that is expected to fail. Since most of their customers are elderly (retired) and complacent, the company banks on not hearing from them. When they do, the customer is forced to negotiate repairs. Workhorse reps excuse poor performance of systems on their chassis by stating that it is not designed for motorhome use; yet they sell their product to motorhome manufacturers. This is irresponsible and compromises the safety of not only their customers and families but everyone sharing the road with their vehicles. Updated 07/19/2012 *js information redacted pursuant to the freedom

Filed Jan 4, 2005 · Brakes · 8,000 miles · MD

When being sold the brake sensor light stayed on and the lp gas tank was leaking. Dealer has since re[paired the problems.

Filed Nov 10, 2003 · Suspension · 2,200 miles · CA

There is an extreme amount of vibration that causes the dashboard to bounce enough to make it hard to read the gauges. This vibration is felt in the steering wheel as well as the floor. The vibration is very fatiguing on our hands. *ak also the unit has a lot of back and forth sway in turns and passing other trucks and cars. Our comments-let's take it from the top. First of all, we have heard many of your complaints from other owners of the winnebago sightseer, so this is not the first time we have been down this road. The most common complaint regarding this model is poor handling in the wind and we would suggest both sway bar and shock upgrades. That will tame some of the wander. You also will want to get your coach weighed to be sure that you have enough weight on the front axle. Remember, 1/3 of the gw on the front axle, 2/3s on the back axle. Okay, now onto the vibration. Balancing and alignment do no good if the wheels are out of round, an ongoing problem with the ford chassis, or also a possibility, the tires are out of round. Someone needs to check the run-out on the tires. For the record, we have driven the ford chassis several times in type as and vibration is not normally part of the menu. Your cd player is almost surely skipping due to vibration, if it is as bad as you describe. Unless your dealer is a certified ford service center, we would try working with a ford dealer that routinely deals with motorhomes. Some noise from the power steering pump may be normal. It depends on how much. Are you having any problem with it? Again, why not have ford check it rather than you dealer? As a final note, your chassis is warranted by ford, why do you care what your dealer wants? If they can't fix it, get to someone that can!! Vibration of this magnitude may be dangerous. File a report with the national highway safety administration. Thanks for writing the staff @ mro

Compare the 2004 Winnebago Sightseer

Other model years

20022003200420052006200720082010201220132017

Questions about the 2004 Winnebago Sightseer

Is the 2004 Winnebago Sightseer reliable?

Owners have filed 9 complaints about the 2004 Winnebago Sightseer, 3.0 times a typical Sightseer model year.

What is the most common problem with the 2004 Winnebago Sightseer?

Brakes, with 6 complaints, typically around 29,000 miles. Next is engine (2).

How many recalls does the 2004 Winnebago Sightseer have?

6 recalls, covering equipment, service brakes, hydraulic and fuel system, gasoline.

Was there a recall on the 2004 Winnebago Sightseer brakes?

Yes, 1 recall: 09V186000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

Share your experience with the 2004 Winnebago Sightseer

Tell other buyers what went wrong and what it cost. We review every report before it appears, and we never publish names, emails or VINs.

No names, contact details or links. Reports about a dealer or a person are not published.

VIN decoder

See the problems and recalls for an exact car

Buying a used 2004 Winnebago Sightseer?

Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.

Check its history
Is this car on a recall?Check VIN