2012 Winnebago Sightseer problems: recalls, complaints and what to check
NHTSA has 3 recalls and 2 owner complaints on file for the 2012 Winnebago Sightseer. 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: 1 recall, 1 complaint
Recall 13V161000 (24/04/2013): EQUIPMENT
Winnebago Industries is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 Minnie Winnie, Aspect, Sightseer, Adventurer, and Journey motorhomes; and model year 2012-2014 Itasca Spirit, Cambria, Sunova, Suncruiser, and Meridian motorhomes. The affected vehicles were manufactured January 10, 2012, through April 5, 2013 and may be missing a range enclosure.
Fix: Winnebago notify owners and dealers will install a range enclosure, free of charge. The safety recall began on May 20, 2013. Owners may contact Winnebago at 1-641-585-3535. Winnebago's recall campaign number is 128.
LP gas and gas appliances: 1 recall
Recall 12V389000 (08/08/2012): EQUIPMENT:RECREATIONAL VEHICLE/TRAILER:LPG SYSTEMS:LINES AND FITTINGS
Winnebago is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Winnebago and Itasca motor homes. A cutting machine may have scored the copper propane tubing resulting in unknown long-term reliability.
Fix: Winnebago will notify owners, and dealers will replace the copper tubing, free of charge. The recall began on September 6, 2012. Owners may contact Winnebago Industries Owner Relations at 1-641-585-6939.
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
Motorhome chassis: 1 recall
Recall 12V057000 (16/02/2012): POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)
WINNEBAGO IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011-2012 WINNEBAGO AND ITASCA MOTOR HOMES BUILT ON A FORD F-53 CHASSIS. THE PRNDL CABLE MAY BREAK AT THE ATTACHMENT TO THE TRANSMISSION CONTROL SELECTOR ARM ASSEMBLY MOUNTED ON THE STEERING COLUMN. IF THE CABLE BREAKS, THE TRANSMISSION GEAR INDICATOR IN THE PRNDL DISPLAY IN THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WILL REMAIN IN THE FIRST GEAR POSITION REGARDLESS OF THE GEAR SELECTED.
Fix: WINNEBAGO WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION SELECTOR ARM ASSEMBLY AND THE PRNDL CABLE ASSEMBLY, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 2, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT WINNEBAGO INDUSTRIES OWNER RELATIONS AT 1-641-585-6939.
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.
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
What owners reported to NHTSA
08/05/2013, STRUCTURE,EQUIPMENT: OUR 2012 WINNEBAGO SIGHTSEER 30A COMES EQUIPPED WITH A SINGLE PEDESTAL AIR-ASSISTED DINETTE TABLE. OUR ORIGINAL PEDESTAL BEGAN LOWERING BY ITSELF, AND BECOMING VERY DIFFICULT TO LIFT BACK TO TABLE LEVEL. WE FOUND IT HAD STARTED TO COMPLETELY LOWER WHILE DRIVING. THE ISSUE IS THAT THE 2 PASSENGER SEAT BELTS ARE LOCATED IN THE DINETTE, AND IF THE TABLE FALLS IT CAN CAUSE INJURY TO THE PASSENGERS LEGS, OR COULD MAKE
03/11/2015, STRUCTURE: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 WINNEBAGO SIGHTSEER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH, THE STAIRS AT THE EXIT DOOR CAME OUT WHILE IN MOTION CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO CRASH INTO THE GUARD RAIL. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED NECK INJURIES WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION AND NO POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FA
Looking at a 2012 Winnebago Sightseer?
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.