2016 Thor Motor Coach Challenger problems: recalls, complaints and what to check
NHTSA has 2 recalls and 7 owner complaints on file for the 2016 Thor Motor Coach Challenger. Here is what they are, what a technician checks for each kind of fault, and how to look one over before you buy it.
Other: 2 recalls
Recall 15V745000 (10/11/2015): EQUIPMENT:RECREATIONAL VEHICLE/TRAILER
Thor Motor Coach (Thor) is recalling certain model year 2011-2016 Thor Challenger, Thor Citation, Thor Hurricane, Thor Tuscany, Thor Windsport, 2011-2012 Thor Astoria, Thor Avanti, Thor Chateau, 2011-2014 Thor Daybreak, 2011-2015 Thor Outlaw, Thor Siesta, 2014-2015 Thor Miramar, 2012 Thor Four Winds, 2008-2011 Damon Astoria, Damon Daybreak, Damon Outlaw, Damon Tuscany, 2008-2012, Damon Challenger, 2008-2010 Damon Essence, 2009-2011 Damon Avanti, Four Winds Chateau, Four Winds Citation, Four Winds Four Winds, Four Winds Hurricane, Four Winds Siesta, Four Winds Windsport, 2009-2010 Four Winds Dorado, Four Winds Dutchmen, Four Winds Magellan, Four Winds Mandalay and 2009 Four Winds Fun Mover, and Four Winds Presidio motorhomes. The affected vehicles are equipped with certain Lippert-brand Coachstep Double and Triple Electric Steps. These steps use a bolt to attach the fan gear assembly to
Fix: Thor will notify owners, and dealers will install a retainer bracket to reinforce the operating mechanism and replace all of the affected bolts, free of charge. The recall began on January 6, 2016. Owners may contact Thor customer service at 1-877-855-2867. Thor's number for this recall is RC000111.
Recall 17V758000 (22/11/2017): EQUIPMENT
Thor Motor Coach (Thor) is recalling various 2003-2018 recreational vehicles, equipped with Kidde Plastic-Handle or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers. See a list of the affected trailer models at: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17V758-5764.pdf. These extinguishers may become clogged, preventing the extinguisher from discharging as expected or excessive force may be needed to activate the extinguisher. Additionally, in certain models, the nozzle may detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury and also render the product inoperable. For a full list of the affected fire extinguisher models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17E062-5427.pdf
Fix: Thor will notify owners, instructing them to contact Kidde for a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began on January 15, 2018. Owners may contact Thor customer service at 1-877-500-1020, or Kidde customer service toll-free at 1-855-262-3540, or online at www.kidde.com and click on "Product Safety Recall" for more information.
Doors, windows, steps and lights: 7 complaints
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.
What owners reported to NHTSA
11/05/2020, VISIBILITY/WIPER: WINDSHIELD WIPERS STOPPED WORKING DURING RAINSTORM. THEY WERE STUCK, THE DRIVER SIDE WAS PAST THE FRONT WINDSHIELD ON THE LEFT AND THE PASSENGER SIDE WAS STUCK IN THE MIDDLE OF THE WINDSHIELD BUT LOWER THAN THE WINDSHIELD ITSELF. THE CONSUMER STATED THE WINDSHIELD WIPER WAS REPLACED BY DEALER AT NO COST.
10/20/2018, VISIBILITY/WIPER: THE WIPER BLADES MALFUNCTION. WHEN DRIVING WITH THE WIPERS ON, THE RIGHT WIPER GETS STUCK UNDER THE LEFT WIPER AND BOTH BECOME INOPERABLE. WE HAVE BEEN CAUGHT IN HEAVY RAINS SEVERAL TIMES WITH THE SAME RESULTS. I WENT FROM 26 INCH WIPER BLADES TO 21 INCH BLADES AND THE SAME THING HAPPENED. I HAVE REMOVED THE RIGHT SIDE WIPER, AND USE THE LEFT WIPER SPARINGLY. IT HAS HAPPENED WHEN I AM DRIVING 65 MPH AND WHEN I HAVE S
09/07/2021, VISIBILITY/WIPER: Windshield wipers get stuck in the up position. Going highway speed in heavy rain. Lost visibility. Spoke with Larry Long with NHTSA. He advised that I make this report and that there are active recalls for this problem.
07/25/2019, VISIBILITY/WIPER: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 THOR CHALLENGER RV. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE PASSENGER SIDE WINDSHIELD WIPER LINKAGE WAS LOOSE AND BECAME LOCKED WITH THE DRIVER'S SIDE WIPER. THE FAILURE OBSTRUCTED THE CONTACT'S VIEW. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT CALLED CAMPING WORLD OF TAMPA (4811 MCINTOSH RD, DOVER, FL 33527, (888) 851-2832), BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUF
07/12/2017, VISIBILITY/WIPER: WIPERS FLOP TO ONE SIDE AND GET STUCK. TOOK TO THE DEALER FOR RECALL AND STILL NOT FIXED. HAS BEEN A PROBLEM SINCE NEW.
05/24/2021, VISIBILITY/WIPER: Windshield wipers stopped working during a rainstorm. The passenger side was stuck below the windshield and caused the driver side to also stop operating.
Looking at a 2016 Thor Motor Coach Challenger?
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.