Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 5 complaints on file for the 1999 Coachmen Santara — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.
5
NHTSA complaints
2
Recalls
0
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 2 | 40% | ▼ down |
| Speed Control | 1 | 20% | — flat |
| Steering | 1 | 20% | ▼ down |
| Tires & Wheels | 1 | 20% | — flat |
2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CLASS A AND C MOTOR HOMES EQUIPPED WITH SAFETY BELT ASSEMBLIES BUILT BY AM-SAFE. ON SOME SEAT BELTS, THE BUCKLE AND CONNECTOR MAY UNLATCH DURING A COLLISION.
Consequence
SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH COULD OCCUR IF THE VEHICLE OCCUPANT IS NOT PROPERLY RESTRAINED.
Remedy
AM-SAFE IN NOTIFYING CUSTOMERS THAT THEY WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE BUCKLE ASSEMBLIES FREE OF CHARGE.
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.
“UPON PULLING OUT OF THE CAMP GROUND AND WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED BRAKE WARNING LIGHT CAME ON, AND THE BRAKE FAILED TO STOP THE MOTOR HOME. THE EMERGENCY BRAKE HAD TO BE ENGAGED TO STOP THE MOTOR HOME. DEALERSHIP INSPECTED THE BRAKE SYSTEM. THE BRAKE LINES UNDER THE MOTOR HOME WERE RUSTED,…”
“WHILE DRIVING AT 70 MPH, THE FRONT LEFT TIRE BLEW OUT. SEVERAL MONTHS LATER, THE SAME THING HAPPENED TO THE REAR RIGHT INSIDE TIRE. ON BOTH TIRES THE SIDEWALL RUPTURED, CAUSING THE BLOW OUT. *AK *JB”
“MOTORHOME ON FORD E450 CHASSIS FORD VIN # [XXX]. POWER STEERING PRESSURE HOSE INSTALLED IN SUCH A MANNER THAT THE EDGE OF THE BRACKET THAT ATTACHES THE STEERING DAMPENER TO THE STEERING CONTROL ARM RUBBED THE HOSE CAUSING IT TO SUDDENLY RUPTURE RESULTING IN LOSS OF POWER STEERING AND HYDRA BOOST TO…”
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 COACHMEN SANTARA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL IN SEPTEMBER OF 2007. THE DEALER ADVISED HIM TO BRING IN THE VEHICLE AND THEY DISCONNECTED THE CRUISE CONTROL. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE REPLACEMENT PART SHOULD ARRIVE WITHIN A…”
The record is thin — 5 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.
Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1999 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.