2018 Thor Motor Coach Outlaw problems: recalls, complaints and what to check
NHTSA has 5 recalls and 7 owner complaints on file for the 2018 Thor Motor Coach Outlaw. Here is what they are, what a technician checks for each kind of fault, and how to look one over before you buy it.
Doors, windows, steps and lights: 3 recalls, 1 complaint
Recall 18V120000 (19/02/2018): SEAT BELTS: REAR/OTHER:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
Thor Motor Coach (TMC) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Outlaw recreational vehicles, model 29J. The sofa seat belt bracket may not meet the strength requirements and may not adequately restrain an occupant in the event of a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 210, "Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages."
Fix: TMC will notify owners, and dealers will install a new bracket, free of charge. The recall began on April 4, 2018. Owners may contact TMC customer service at 1-877-855-2867. TMC's number for this recall is RC000151.
Recall 18V482000 (19/07/2018): VISIBILITY
Thor Motor Coach (TMC) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Thor Outlaw motorhomes, model 29J. These vehicles were manufactured without the rear reflex reflectors, which can make the vehicle less visible to other drivers. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Fix: TMC will notify owners, and dealers will install the missing reflectors, free of charge. The recall began on August 16, 2018. Owners may contact TMC customer service at 1-877-855-2867. TMC's number for this recall is RC0000157.
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.
Other: 1 recall, 1 complaint
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.
12 volt and 120 volt electrical: 1 recall, 1 complaint
Recall 18V572000 (29/08/2018): ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Thor Motor Coach (TMC) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Outlaw motorhomes, model 29J. The 12V wiring for the coach may have been improperly wired to the battery instead of wired through a circuit breaker.
Fix: TMC will notify owners, and dealers will correct the circuit's wiring, free of charge. The recall began October 9, 2018. Owners may contact TMC customer service at 1-877-855-2867. TMC's number for this recall is RC000160.
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
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
Motorhome chassis: 1 complaint
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.
What owners reported to NHTSA
12/12/2021, STEERING: It seems that Thor did not install the proper amount of wall screws to the floor. This is causing wall separation the causing the dash to come loose from the walls and cause the steering column to be unstable This is a high rate of failure on these units on the Thor outlaw toy hauler models
07/11/2019, STRUCTURE: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 THOR OUTLAW 37RB. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BODY OF THE VEHICLE SEPARATED FROM THE FLOOR OF THE CHASSIS. ADDITIONALLY, THERE WERE CRACKS ON THE CENTER REAR AND BOTH SIDES OF THE FRONT AND REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT CALLED CAMPING WORLD OF SYRACUSE AT 888-803-3193 (LOCATED AT 7030 INTERSTATE ISLAND RD, SYRACUSE, NY 13209) AND WAS REFERRED TO THE MANUFACTURER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MA
05/19/2025, UNKNOWN OR OTHER: Lippert tow hitch (part#360231) Failure - hitch is known to shear off of rig when towing.
04/03/2018, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 THOR OUTLAW. THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED SEVERAL ELECTRICAL FAILURES WITH THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THERE WERE FAILURES WITH THE SINK AND DRAIN. ALSO, SIX OF THE TWELVE BOLTS WERE STRIPPED. THE DEALER (MOTOR HOME SPECIALIST, 5411 S INTERSTATE 35 W, ALVARADO, TX 76009, (817) 790-7771) WHO SOLD THE CONTACT THE VEHICLE INDICATED THAT THE FACTORY OEM BOLTS WERE T
03/31/2022, STRUCTURE: the coach has a know design flaw its in the what the walls are attached to the flooring of the coach....the design was under spec'ed (9) 3" screws over a 55" span approx 9-10" apart) and the hardware used was put under excessive force causing the screws used to hold the walls in place and attached to the floor to sheer and break causing the walls to separate from the floor and the coach structure to become comprimise
03/14/2022, STRUCTURE: The contact owns a 2018 Thor Outlaw RV. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 MPH, the chassis was rattling and shaking. The contact pulled off the road safely. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was not diagnosed or repaired for the chassis failure. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was appro
Looking at a 2018 Thor Motor Coach Outlaw?
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.