2018 Thor Motor Coach Freedom Elite problems: recalls, complaints and what to check
NHTSA has 3 recalls and 3 owner complaints on file for the 2018 Thor Motor Coach Freedom Elite. Here is what they are, what a technician checks for each kind of fault, and how to look one over before you buy it.
LP gas and gas appliances: 2 recalls
Recall 17V522000 (24/08/2017): EQUIPMENT:RECREATIONAL VEHICLE/TRAILER:LPG SYSTEMS:LINES AND FITTINGS
Thor Motor Coach (TMC) is recalling certain 2018 Four Winds, Chateau and Freedom Elite recreational vehicles. The liquid propane (LP) hose may sag and become pinched between the frame and the leaf spring u-bolts, potentially damaging the hose and causing a propane leak.
Fix: TMC will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the LP hose routing and install additional P-clamps or relocate the P-clamps to properly secure the hose, free of charge. The recall began on October 13, 2017. Owners may contact TMC customer service at 1-877-500-1020. TMC's number for this recall is RC000144.
Recall 18V741000 (19/10/2018): EQUIPMENT:RECREATIONAL VEHICLE/TRAILER:LPG SYSTEMS:LINES AND FITTINGS
Thor Motor Coach (TMC) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Thor Four Winds, Chateau, and Freedom Elite vehicles. The liquid propane (LP) hose may not have adequate space between the floor and the metal plate on the refrigerator, causing damage to the hose and possibly creating a propane leak.
Fix: TMC will notify owners, and dealers will remove a portion of the refrigerator base plate to provide additional clearance for the LP hose, free of charge. The recall began December 11, 2018. Owners may contact TMC customer service at 1-877-855-2867. TMC's number for this recall is RC000162.
What a tech checks: Regulator, lines and fittings, then the appliances: furnace, water heater, range. A proper pressure-drop leak test is the first thing a tech does on an LP complaint. Before you buy: Smell for gas with the tank open; have a shop do the leak test.
LP and furnace lessons · Furnace guide · Furnace 3D lab · Water heater 3D lab
Other: 1 recall
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.
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
12 volt and 120 volt electrical: 1 complaint
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
What owners reported to NHTSA
10/06/2018, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: WHILE TRAVELING IN OUR NEW THOR MOTORHOME AT 60 MPH THE BEDROOM SLIDEOUT FULLY EXTENDED ITSELF. WE STOPPED ON THE SHOULDER OF THE TWO-LANE HIGHWAY AND RETRACTED THE SLIDE OUT WITH THE BEDROOM TOGGLE SWITCH AND THEN TURNED OFF POWER TO SLIDE OUT. STOPPED AT GAS STATION AND SLIDE OUT AGAIN EXTENDED ITSELF AND WOULD NOT RETRACT. CALLED ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE WHO ARRIVED AND DIAGNOSED A BAD SLIDE OUT TOGGLE SWITCH AND RE
05/13/2021, STRUCTURE: IN DECEMBER 2020 WE HAD JUST RETURNED FROM A 2 WEEK TRIP WHEN I NOTICED EXTENSIVE WATER DAMAGE UNDER THE MATTRESS OF THE REAR BED. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION, I PULLED THE MATTRESS BACK AND THERE WAS A INCH GAP BETWEEN THE BACK EXTERIOR WALL AND THE BED FRAME. THE GAP WAS COMPLETELY THROUGH TO THE GROUND BELOW. SO WE TOOK THE UNIT THE THE LOCAL CAMPING WORLD FOR REPAIR (ASSUMING IT WOULD BE UNDER THE EXTENDED WARRANTY W
05/09/2019, STRUCTURE: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 THOR FREEDOM ELITE 29 FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE SLIDER WAS OUT, THE GAS OR HEATER FAILED TO WORK. NO WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SLIDER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AS WELL AS THE GAS LINE. THE DEALER CAMPING WORLD OF NEW JERSEY (1359 RIVER AVE, LAKEWOOD, NJ 08701 (866)-953-0486) WAS CONTACTED FOR A 2ND DI
Looking at a 2018 Thor Motor Coach Freedom Elite?
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.