Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 11 complaints on file for the 1998 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.
11
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 | 7 | 64% | ▲ up |
| Engine | 1 | 9% | new |
| Fuel System | 1 | 9% | new |
| Other | 1 | 9% | — flat |
| Tires & Wheels | 1 | 9% | — flat |
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.
“WHEN APPLYING BRAKES PEDAL GOES TO FLOOR, RESULTING IN EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. VEHICLE HAS BEEN AT 2 DEALERS FOR 11 MONTHS. DEALER REPLACED PADS/ HOSE ASSEMBLY/ MASTER CYLINDER/ GASKETS/ BRAKE LINES/ BOOSTER ASSEMBLY/ CALIPERS, AND REAR WHEEL CYLINDERS. DID NOT REMEDY PROBLEM. CONSUMER HAS…”
“DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE ENGINE STALLED WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT RESTART, AND WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED SERVICE DEALER, WHERE THE FUEL LIFTER PUMP WAS FOUND TO BE THE CAUSE OF THE STALLING. THIS WAS THE 6TH PUMP TO BE REPLACED IN 8 YEARS. THE CONTACT FOUND A NHTSA RECALL #…”
“1998 COACHMEN SANTARA AWNING MADE BY DOMETIC A&E, MODEL 8500, BLEW OPEN WITH A GUST OF WIND. THE ENSUING VIBRATION CAUSED THE FRONT SUPPORT ARM TO DEPLOY AND DROP DOWN. HAD THERE BEEN ANOTHER VEHICLE NEXT TO US IT WOULD HAVE CAUSED AN ACCIDENT TO THEM AND OUR MOTORHOME. THIS AWNING, AND OTHER…”
“PE00-020; WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 65 MPH RIGHT INNER REAR TIRE HAD A TREAD SEPARATION WICH JUST MADE A LOUD NOISE. THEN, STOPPED/FOUND OUT TREAD WAS GONE. FORD, COUCHMAN MOTOR HOME, 1998, FIRESTONE LT225/75R16 M/S. *AK ANOTHER FIRESTONE STEEL TEX TIRE HAD TREAD SEPARATION. *YH ”
“DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE ENGINE STALLED WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT RESTART, AND WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED SERVICE DEALER, WHERE THE FUEL LIFTER PUMP WAS FOUND TO BE THE CAUSE OF THE STALLING. THIS WAS THE 6TH PUMP TO BE REPLACED IN 8 YEARS. THE CONTACT FOUND A NHTSA RECALL #…”
The record is thin — 11 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (7 complaints), fuel system (1 complaints), other (1 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1998 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.