2021 Thor Motor Coach Challenger problems: recalls, complaints and what to check
NHTSA has 0 recalls and 4 owner complaints on file for the 2021 Thor Motor Coach Challenger, including 2 fires. Here is what they are, what a technician checks for each kind of fault, and how to look one over before you buy it.
Motorhome chassis: 4 complaints
What a tech checks: The chassis (Ford, Freightliner, Mercedes, Ram) is serviced by the chassis maker's dealer, not the RV shop. RV techs handle the house, not the drivetrain. Before you buy: Chassis recalls are fixed free at the chassis maker's dealer.
Axles, brakes, suspension and hitch: 2 complaints
What a tech checks: Bearings, brake magnets, worn shackle bolts and bent axles. A trailer that wears tires on the inside edge or pulls to one side usually has an axle or suspension problem. Before you buy: Bolts tight, springs not flat, brakes apply with the breakaway pin pulled.
Chassis and towing lessons · Trailer guide
Structure, roof and leaks: 2 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
Other: 2 complaints
What owners reported to NHTSA
09/28/2022, UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,STRUCTURE: Exhaust has blown (melted) a hole in the storage bin no heat shield was placed. The bin next to it has a heat shield.
07/24/2023, STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING: Unloading the storage compartments and discovered that the compartment wall was melted. It is directly next to, about 6 inches away from, the exhaust pipe.
06/03/2021, SERVICE BRAKES: brand new vehicle, first trip, what appears to be a break pads lock up, smell rubber first, got signal from another driver to pull over. When we got home got recall notice 21S17 with specific instructions to get back to dealer for service, but dealer does not have parts and told me not to come for the interim service until parts arrived, not sure if it is related, but recording the event here. Spent all day on the co
05/15/2024, STEERING,POWER TRAIN,SERVICE BRAKES: on 11/28/2023 My family and I were driving on the freeway I heard what sounded like a soda can explode under my feet in the engine compartment. I immediately lost power brakes and power steering. There was a large amount of smoke instantly. Within about 3 to 5 seconds the cab started to fill with smoke and fire was coming out of the driver's front wheel well. My insurance has had the vehicle in a lot for the past 4.
Looking at a 2021 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.