2011 Airstream Interstate problems: recalls, complaints and what to check
NHTSA has 2 recalls and 1 owner complaint on file for the 2011 Airstream Interstate. Here is what they are, what a technician checks for each kind of fault, and how to look one over before you buy it.
12 volt and 120 volt electrical: 1 recall
Recall 12V596000 (20/12/2012): ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Airstream is recalling certain model year 2008-2013 Interstate motorhomes manufactured August 2007, through December 2012 and equipped with the rear sofa floor plan. The electrical equipment underneath the sofa may come in contact with the seat belt buckle or metal cables from the seat.
Fix: Airstream will notify owners, and dealers will install a cover over the electrical components, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin by late January 2013. Owners may contact Airstream at 1-877-596-6111.
What a tech checks: Voltage drop, grounds, the converter and the transfer switch. Melted shore-cord plugs and bad grounds cause most of the electrical complaints techs actually see. Before you buy: Battery at rest, converter output on shore power, GFCI test, every outlet.
12 V electrical lessons · 120 V and generator lessons · Wiring diagrams
Doors, windows, steps and lights: 1 recall
Recall 11V349000 (08/07/2011): SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
AIRSTREAM IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008-2012 INTERSTATE TOURING COACHES MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 18, 2008, THROUGH JUNE 24, 2011. THE DRIVER'S SEAT BELT BUCKLE WIRE COULD BE DAMAGED OR SEVERED WHEN THE DRIVER'S SEAT IS ADJUSTED FORWARD, BACKWARD, OR SWIVELED. THIS WIRE ALLOWS COMMUNICATION BETWEEN THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS) AND THE VEHICLE CONTROL MODULE (ECM) INDICATING IF THE DRIVER'S SEAT IS OCCUPIED AND THE SEAT BELT IS BUCKLED.
Fix: AIRSTREAM WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE COACHES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 21, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AIRSTREAM AT 1-937-538-1268.
What a tech checks: Mostly adjustments and wear: steps that stop halfway on a bad switch, doors out of alignment after a slide shifted, exterior lights with a corroded ground. Before you buy: Every door, lock, window and light.
Structure, roof and leaks: 1 complaint
What a tech checks: Roof sealant, seams, window and slide seals, and the frame. Water intrusion shows up as delamination, soft floors and stained ceilings months after the leak started. Before you buy: Press the sidewalls and walk the floor; look at every seam and seal.
Roof, leaks and body lessons · Seals and leaks guide
What owners reported to NHTSA
06/29/2017, STRUCTURE: ON THE 2011 AIRSTREAM INTERSTATE MOTORHOME, A MECHANICAL STEP UNDER THE SLIDING DOOR RETRACTS AUTOMATICALLY WITH A POWERFUL ELECTRIC MOTOR. THE STEP WILL RETRACT IF THE VAN IS STARTED, EVEN IF THE DOOR IS OPEN. I WAS IN A HURRY TO LEAVE AND ENTERED THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR. MY WIFE OPENED THE SLIDING DOOR AND I STARTED THE VAN AT THE EXACT MOMENT SHE PLACED HER FOOT ON THE STEP. IT RETRACTED, PULLING HER OPEN FOOTT I
Looking at a 2011 Airstream Interstate?
The Buyer's Check walks you through it on your phone: what to ask, the outside walk-around, water damage, every system on every power source, with the recalls above built in. You get a report that says what's a walk-away and what to negotiate on.
Checked against NHTSA 2026-10-23. Recall repairs are free at an authorized dealer. Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA and are not verified.