2011 Tiffin Phaeton problems: recalls, complaints and what to check
NHTSA has 12 recalls and 4 owner complaints on file for the 2011 Tiffin Phaeton, including 1 fire. 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: 5 recalls, 3 complaints
Recall 11V416000 (08/08/2011): ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE
TIFFIN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010-2012 PHAETON MOTORHOMES WITH FLOOR PLANS QBH, QKH, AND QTH THAT ARE BUILT WITH 2010 EPA-CERTIFIED ENGINES ON POWERGLIDE CHASSIS. THE EXHAUST PIPE IS MOUNTED TOO CLOSE TO THE UNDERSIDE OF THE FLOOR.
Fix: TIFFIN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL ATTACH A HEAT SHIELD TO THE BOTTOM OF THE FLOOR AND AN INSULATING SOCK OR BLANKET WILL BE WRAPPED AROUND THE EXHAUST PIPE. THESE REPAIRS WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 19, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TIFFIN AT 1-256-356-8661.
Recall 11V547000 (10/11/2011): ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
TIFFIN MOTORHOMES, INC. (TIFFIN) IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 ALLEGRO AND PHAETON RECREATIONAL VEHICLES BUILT ON FREIGHTLINER CHASSIS AND EQUIPPED WITH A CUMMINS ISC, ISX, ISM, OR ISL DIESEL ENGINE. THE V-BAND CLAMP ASSEMBLY, PART NUMBERS Q187684, Q187685, AND Q187686, USED TO CONNECT THE INLET AND OUTLET CONE SECTIONS TO THE DIESEL OXIDATION CATALYST (DOC)/DIESEL PARTICULATE FILTER (DPF) INCLUDE A T-BOLT WHICH CAN FRACTURE AND FAIL WHEN SUBJECTED TO STRESS OR LOAD. A FRACTURE OR FAILURE OF THE T-BOLT MAY CAUSE THE CLAMP TO LOOSEN AND THE INLET OR OUTLET SECTIONS ATTACHED TO THE DOC/DPF HOUSING TO DISCONNECT.
Fix: TIFFIN IS WORKING WITH CUMMINS TO IDENTIFY AND NOTIFY OWNERS OF THE RECALL CAMPAIGN. REPAIRS WILL BE PERFORMED BY AUTHORIZED CUMMINS DEALERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 10, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CUMMINS AT 1-812-377-5000 OR TIFFIN AT 1-256-356-8661.
Recall 11V485000 (23/09/2011): ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
TIFFIN MOTORHOMES IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 ALLEGRO BUS AND PHAETON RECREATIONAL VEHICLES BUILT ON THE POWERGLIDE CHASSIS EQUIPPED WITH A CUMMINS ISX OR ISL DIESEL ENGINE. THE V-BAND CLAMP ASSEMBLY, PART NUMBERS Q187684, Q187685, AND Q187686, USED TO CONNECT THE INLET AND OUTLET CONE SECTIONS TO THE DIESEL OXIDATION CATALYST (DOC)/DIESEL PARTICULATE FILTER (DPF) INCLUDE A T-BOLT WHICH CAN FRACTURE AND FAIL WHEN SUBJECTED TO STRESS OR LOAD. A FRACTURE OR FAILURE OF THE T-BOLT MAY CAUSE THE CLAMP TO LOOSEN AND THE INLET OR OUTLET SECTIONS ATTACHED TO THE DOC/DPF HOUSING TO DISCONNECT.
Fix: TIFFIN MOTORHOMES IS WORKING WITH CUMMINS TO IDENTIFY AND NOTIFY OWNERS OF THE RECALL CAMPAIGN. REPAIRS WILL BE PERFORMED BY AUTHORIZED CUMMINS DEALERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 10, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CUMMINS AT 1-812-377-5000 OR TIFFIN MOTORHOMES AT 1-256-356-8661.
Recall 15V612000 (30/09/2015): ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE
Tiffin Motorhomes, Inc. (Tiffin) is recalling certain model year 2010-2012 Phaeton motorhomes built on Powerglide chassis with floor plans QBH, QKH, and QTH manufactured July 1, 2010, to August 1, 2011. The affected vehicles have an exhaust pipe that is mounted too close to the underside of the floor.
Fix: Tiffin will notify owners, and dealers will change the configuration of the exhaust to provide extra clearance between it and the floor, free of charge. The recall began on December 1, 2015. Owners may contact Tiffin customer service at 1-256-356-8661. Note: Although these vehicles may have been previously repaired for this condition under recall number 11V-416, it is important that the affected vehicles receive the revised remedy of this recall.
Recall 12V048000 (08/02/2012): ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
TIFFIN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011, 2012, AND 2013 RECREATIONAL VEHICLES, MODELS PHAETON AND ZEPHYR, EQUIPPED WITH A CUMMINS ISB, ISC, ISL, OR ISX DIESEL ENGINE. THE V-BAND CLAMP ASSEMBLY, PART NUMBERS Q187684, Q187685, AND Q187686, USED TO CONNECT THE INLET AND OUTLET CONE SECTIONS TO THE DIESEL OXIDATION CATALYST (DOC)/DIESEL PARTICULATE FILTER (DPF) INCLUDE A T-BOLT WHICH CAN FRACTURE AND FAIL WHEN SUBJECTED TO STRESS OR LOAD. A FRACTURE OR FAILURE OF THE T-BOLT MAY CAUSE THE CLAMP TO LOOSEN AND THE INLET OR OUTLET SECTIONS ATTACHED TO THE DOC/DPF HOUSING TO DISCONNECT.
Fix: TIFFINS IS WORKING WITH CUMMINS TO IDENTIFY AND NOTIFY OWNERS OF THE RECALL CAMPAIGN. REPAIRS WILL BE PERFORMED BY AUTHORIZED CUMMINS DEALERS FREE OF CHARGE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CUMMINS AT 1-812-377-5000 OR TIFFINS AT 256-356-8661.
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.
Other: 4 recalls
Recall 15V880000 (28/12/2015): EQUIPMENT:RECREATIONAL VEHICLE/TRAILER
Tiffin Motorhomes (Tiffin) is recalling certain model year 2007-2015 motorhomes manufactured May 1, 2007, to December 31, 2014, equipped with certain Coachstep Double and Triple Electric Steps. The bolt that attaches the fan gear assembly to the steps may fracture allowing the fan gear to disengage from the steps. As a result, the steps may not remain in the expected position and may become unstable.
Fix: Dealers will install a retainer bracket on the double step assemblies and the Coachstep Linkage Assembly will be replaced and a retainer bracket will be installed on the trip step assemblies. The recall began on Ferbuary 10, 2016. Owners may contact Tiffin customer service at 1-256-356-8661, or Lippert customer service at 1-574-537-8900.
Recall 10V512000 (25/10/2010): EQUIPMENT
TIFFIN MOTORHOMES IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 ALLEGRO, ALLEGRO BUS, AND PHAETON RVS EQUIPPED WITH ATWOOD 35 SERIES RANGE OVENS. A POTENTIAL EXISTS FOR A SMALL FRACTURE WITHIN THE LINE DELIVERING GAS TO THE OVEN CAVITY BURNER. SUCH A FRACTURE MAY CAUSE PROPANE GAS TO LEAK FROM THE LINE.
Fix: TIFFIN IS WORKING WITH ATWOOD AND WILL REPLACE OR REPAIR THE STOVES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 28, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT ATWOOD AT 1-574-266-4749 OR TIFFIN 1-256-356-8661.
Recall 11V082000 (08/02/2011): EQUIPMENT:RECREATIONAL VEHICLE/TRAILER
TIFFIN MOTORHOMES IS RECALLING CERTAIN RECREATIONAL VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 1200-SERIES NORCOLD REFRIGERATORS. THE POPULATION OF REFRIGERATORS BEING ADDRESSED CONTAINS EITHER A SENSING ALGORITHM OR THERMAL SWITCH TO SHUT OFF POWER TO THE REFRIGERATOR WHEN HIGH TEMPERATURES ARE DETECTED IN ORDER TO PREVENT A POTENTIAL FIRE. THE RESPONSE TIMES OF THE SENSOR ALGORITHM AND THERMAL SWITCH DEVICES TO STOP POWER ARE NOT SUFFICIENT.
Fix: TIFFIN MOTORHOMES IS WORKING WITH NORCOLD TO IDENTIFY AND NOTIFY ANY AFFECTED OWNERS. OWNERS WILL BE INSTRUCTED TO CONTACT NORCOLD DEALERS TO RECEIVE THE REMEDY FREE OF CHARGE. PLEASE SEE NORCOLD'S DEFECT REPORT 10E-049 FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 17, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NORCOLD AT 1-800-767-9101.
Recall 17V841000 (22/12/2017): EQUIPMENT
Tiffin Motorhomes, Inc. (Tiffin) is recalling certain 2009-2018 Allegro and Allegro RED, Bus and Phaeton vehicles, 2009-2010 Bay vehicles, 2011-2018 Breeze vehicles, and 2009-2015, and 2017-2018 Zephyr vehicles. These motorhomes are equipped with Kidde Plastic-Handle or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers that 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: Tiffin will notify owners, and instruct them to contact Kidde for a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began on February 5, 2018. Owners may contact 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. Owners may also contact Tiffin customer service at 1-256-356-8661.
Axles, brakes, suspension and hitch: 1 recall
Recall 11V452000 (25/08/2011): SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES
TIFFIN MOTORHOMES IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2007-2011 PHAETON, MY 2008-2010 BUS, AND MY 2010 ALLEGRO MOTORHOMES EQUIPPED WITH KONGSBERG AUTOMOTIVE ADJUSTABLE BRAKE PEDALS. THE ADJUSTABLE BRAKE PEDAL ARM MAY LOOSEN ALLOWING THE ARM TO ROTATE AROUND ITS SHAFT AND SWING IN FRONT OF THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, REDUCING BRAKING FUNCTION.
Fix: DAMILER TRUCKS (DTNA) IS PERFORMING RECALL REPAIRS AND NOTIFICATION TO OWNERS. THE OWNERS WERE INITIALLY NOTIFIED BY DTNA TRUCKS ON DECEMBER 22, 2009, AND A FOLLOW UP NOTICE WAS MAILED TO OWNERS ON JULY 20, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DTNA WARRANTY CLAIMS DEPARTMENT AT 1-800-547-0712 OR TIFFIN MOTORHOMES AT 1-256-356-8661 FOR MORE INFORMATION.
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
Doors, windows, steps and lights: 1 recall
Recall 16V532000 (13/07/2016): VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER
Tiffin Motorhomes, Inc. (Tiffin) is recalling certain model year 2007-2011 Allegro, Allegro Bus, Phaeton, and Zephyr motorhomes, 2007-2010 Allegro Bay motorhomes, and 2010-2011 Allegro Breeze motorhomes. The windshield wiper arms on the affected vehicles may break off.
Fix: Tiffin will notify owners, and dealers will replace the wiper blade arms, free of charge. The recall began on August 19, 2016. Owners may contact Tiffin customer service at 1-256-356-8661. Tiffin's number for this recall is TIFF-100.
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.
12 volt and 120 volt electrical: 1 recall
Recall 14V271000 (22/05/2014): ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS
Tiffin Motorhomes, Inc. (Tiffin) is recalling certain model year 2009-2011 Allegro, 2010-2011 Bus and Breeze, and 2008-2011 Phaeton and Zephyr recreational vehicles, equipped with LED clearance lights made by Command Electronics, Inc. In the affected vehicles, moisture may enter the light and cause a short between two connections on the circuit board.
Fix: Tiffin will notify owners, and dealers will install a one amp inline fuse into the front and rear circuits that will blow if there is a short in any of the clearance lights, free of charge. The recall began on July 31, 2014. Owners may contact Tiffin customer service at 1-256-356-8661.
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
Tires: 2 complaints
What a tech checks: Age, load range and pressure. RV tires age out before they wear out, and an underrated tire on a heavy trailer is a blowout waiting to happen. Before you buy: Read the DOT date and the load range on the sidewall.
Chassis, towing and tires lessons · Trailer guide
What owners reported to NHTSA
09/27/2013, ENGINE: THE MOTOR HOME MANUFACTURER IS TIFFIN MOTOR HOMES, RED BAY ALABAMA, THE COACH IS BUILT ON A FREIGHTLINER CHASSIS BUILT BY FREIGHTLINER CHASSIS. THE PROBLEM IS EXHAUST FUMES ENTERING THE INTERIOR OF THE COACH PRODUCING A STRONG DIESEL EXHAUST FUMES ODOR AND PROBABLY CARBON MONOXIDE. OUR RESEARCH INTO THIS PROBLEM INDICATES THAT THE EXHAUST FUMES ARE ENTERING THE COACH DURING THE REGENERATION CYCLE . WE BELIEVE THER
06/16/2014, TIRES: MICHELIN XZA3 275 80 R22.5 EXHIBITING SIDE WALL CRACKING, AND THE APPEARANCE OF CROSS HATCH PATTERN ON THE SIDE WALLS. DOT M5 EJ BVNX 1810. TIRES IN USE ON A 2011 TIFFIN MOTORHOME AND HAVE 18100 MILES ON THEM. MICHELIN LOOKED AT THE TIRES AND WILL REPLACE THEM OFFERING A 43% ADJUSTMENT WHICH IN REALITY IS CLOSER TO A 25% ADJUSTMENT BASED ON WHAT THE TIRES CAN BE PURCHASED FOR VS MSRP. THESE TIRES PRESENT A
05/15/2013, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ENGINE: WHILE DRIVING ON I-68 WEST BOUND IN THE STATE OF MARYLAND, ABOUT MILE MAKER 67 NOTICE A WOOD BURNING SMELL AND SAW SMOKE IN REAR OF MOTOR HOME. PULLED TO THE SIDE OF ROAD AT EXIT 68. WENT TO REAR OF MOTOR HOME AND SAW FIRE THRU REAR HATCH ON DRIVER SIDE AROUND ENGINE BY EXHAUST. CALLED 911, FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED BUT MOTOR HOME WAS A TOTALLY LOSE. ALSO RECALL WAS DONE ON 08-22-2011, MILEAGE AT RECALL WAS 6125 MILES.
02/08/2022, TIRES: The contact owned a 2011 Tiffin Phaeton motorhome equipped with Michelin tires, Tire line: Green X, Tire size: 275/80R22.5, and DOT number: M5EJOOEX3815. The contact stated that while driving at 70 MPH, the front passenger's side tire had a blowout, which caused the RV to crash into a utility pole, trees, and then stop after crashing into a fence. The contact and his wife, who was a passenger, were transported by amb
Looking at a 2011 Tiffin Phaeton?
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.