Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 2 complaints on file for the 1996 Coachmen Santara — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.
2
NHTSA complaints
1
Recalls
0
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 1 | 50% | — flat |
| Suspension | 1 | 50% | new |
1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MOTOR HOMES WITH BASEMENT CONVERTERS AND BASEMENT FREEZERS. A GROMMET MAY BE MISSING ALLOWING THE 110-VOLT WIRE TO RUB AGAINST A METAL EDGE.
Consequence
IF A DIRECT SHORT WERE TO OCCUR, THE POTENTIAL EXISTS FOR A FIRE.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE MOTOR HOMES TO DETERMINE IF THE SUBJECT WIRES ARE PROPERLY PROTECTED. IF THEY ARE NOT, PROPER PROTECTION WILL BE ADDED, AND IF NECESSARY, THE WIRING WILL BE REPAIRED OR REPLACED.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 55-65 MPH ON HIGHWAY CONSUMER DROVE OVER RAILROAD TRACKS WHEN MOTORHOME SUDDENLY BEGAN TO SHAKE UNCONTROLLABLY , VEHICLE KEPT SHAKING FOR ABOUT 400-500 FEET BEFORE MOTORHOME CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP. VEHICLE SHOOK SO HARD THAT SHADES OVER LIGHT FIXTURE FELL OFF/COVER…”
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD COACHMAN SANTARA RV. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING AT A SPEED OF 35 MPH THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO BRAKE AND NOTICED THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL HAD TO BE PRESSED TO THE FLOOR IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC SHOP WHERE THE CONTACT HAD…”
The record is thin — 2 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1996 Coachmen Santara. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.