2017 Thor Motor Coach Challenger problems: recalls, complaints and what to check
NHTSA has 3 recalls and 5 owner complaints on file for the 2017 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 17V634000 (09/10/2017): EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
Thor Motor Coach (TMC) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Challenger, Axis, Chateau, Four Winds, Hurricane, Miramar, Palazzo, Tuscany, Vegas, Venetian, and Windsport motorhomes. The cargo carrying capacity (CCC) label on these vehicles may indicate an incorrect water capacity for the water heater/fresh water tank. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 120, "Tires and Rims for Motor vehicles over 10,000lbs."
Fix: TMC will notify owners and send them corrected labels, free of charge. The recall began on November 15, 2017. Owners may contact TMC customer service at 1-877-500-1020. TMC's number for this recall is RC000147.
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: 1 recall
Recall 18V812000 (16/11/2018): VISIBILITY
Thor Motor Coach (TMC) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Thor Challenger, Miramar, and Outlaw motorhomes. The motorized windshield roller shade at the driver's seating position may unroll without warning while driving.
Fix: TMC will notify owners, and dealers will install a fastener to ensure the motor will not allow the shade to roll down during while driving. The recall began January 10, 2019. Owners may contact TMC customer service at 1-877-855-2867. TMC's number for this recall is RC000165.
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: 5 complaints
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
11/15/2021, STRUCTURE: The contact owns a 2017 Thor Challenger Motorhome. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH, an abnormally loud banging sound was heard and another vehicle honked the contact, alerting him to look in the rearview mirror. The contact noticed styrofoam flying from the motorhome and the external compartment door flapping open. The contact pulled over and examined the RV and became aware that one of the external c
10/29/2017, STRUCTURE: WE HAVE OWNED OUR VEHICLE FOR 14 MONTHS WITH UNDER 7000 MILES DRIVEN AND USED APPROXIMATELY 12 TIMES FOR TRIPS. WHILE WE WERE PREPARING TO LEAVE, THE TRIMARK ENTRY DOOR LATCH BROKE LEAVING 3 PEOPLE TRAPPED INSIDE AND ME OUTSIDE. I HAD TO CLIMB THROUGH A WINDOW USING A LADDER WITH TOOLS TO DISASSEMBLE THE LOCK AND PRY OUT THE BROKEN PLUNGER PART. I HAVE ATTACHED A PICTURE THAT REPRESENTS THE PART OF THE LATCH THAT
09/06/2022, STRUCTURE: My 2017 THOR Challenger was part of NHTSA recall 21V-845. I made repairs to my coach in 2017 and 2018 totaling $4600. I have sent THOR all pictures and receipts from those repairs. I started the process in March 2022. Last week they informed me it is not a Thor recall, and I would have to deal with the company that manufactured the doors for them. I have included recent correspondence with them. I can, if
08/08/2018, STRUCTURE: THE PLUNGER ON THE TRIMARK DOOR HANDLE/LOCK MECHANISM BROKE INTERNALLY, LOCKING US OUTSIDE OF OUR MOTOR HOME. THE MOTOR HOME WAS PARKED.
05/21/2018, STRUCTURE: ON 04/16/2018AT APPROXIMATELY 1:15 WHILE TRAVELING WEST ON I-40 MIDWAY BETWEEN MILE MARKER238AND236I HEARD A LOUD NOISE FROM THE LEFT SIDE OF THE COACH. I IMMEDIATELY LOOKED IN THE LEFT HAND MIRROR, AND SAW WHAT I THOUGHT WAS THE BATTERY COMPARTMENT DOOR, OPEN, FLAPPING IN THE BREEZE. I WAS APPROCHING EXIT236, SO I EXITED AND LOCATED A HOME DEPOT PARKING LOT JUST OFF THE EXIT. I PULLED INTO THE HOME DEPOT PARKING LOT
Looking at a 2017 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.