VehicleVerdict

2003 Coachmen Santara problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just one complaint on file for the 2003 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.

1

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2003 compare to other Santara years?

Santara NHTSA complaints by model year, 2003 highlighted11 complaints1993: 2 complaints1994: 3 complaints1995: 5 complaints1996: 2 complaints1997: 4 complaints1998: 11 complaints1999: 5 complaints2000: 2 complaints2001: 2 complaints2002: 1 complaints2003: 1 complaints2004: 0 complaints2005: 0 complaints2006: 0 complaints
Santara NHTSA complaints by model year, 2003 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Santara years to avoid →

What are the most common 2003 Coachmen Santara problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine1100%

Does the 2003 Coachmen Santara have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

08V639000OtherDecember 4, 2008 · 13,662 units

Defect

COACHMEN IS RECALLING 13,662 MY 2002-2008 MOTOR HOMES, FIFTH WHEEL AND TRAVEL TRAILERS EQUIPPED WITH GLASS SHOWER DOORS AND MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 15, 2001 THORUGH AUGUST 6, 2007. WHEN PRESSURE IS APPLIED TO THE TOWEL BAR ON THE GLASS SHOWER DOOR, THE EDGE OF THE BAR MAY CONTACT THE GLASS.

Consequence

GLASS BREAKAGE MAY OCCUR WHICH COULD CAUSE PERSONAL INJURY.

Remedy

OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH NEW MOUNTING HARDWARE FOR THE TOWEL BAR AND INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS. IF AN OWNER IS NOT COMFORTABLE REPLACING THE HARDWARE THEMSELVES, A DEALER WILL INSTALL THE HARDWARE AT NO COST TO THEM. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR ABOUT DECEMBER 19, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT COACHMEN AT 1-574-825-5821.

03V081000Electrical SystemMarch 5, 2003 · 109 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN CLASS C MINI-MOTOR HOMES, THE GENERATOR EXHAUST PIPE MAY HAVE BEEN ASSEMBLED AND INSTALLED INCORRECTLY RESULTING IN INSUFFICIENT CLEARANCE TO OR CONTACT WITH THE CHASSIS FUEL FILL TUBE.

Consequence

WHEN OPERATING, THE GENERATOR'S EXHAUST PIPE MAY REACH TEMPERATURES THAT COULD POTENTIALLY MELT AND/OR IGNITE THE FUEL FILL TUBE. SHOULD THIS OCCUR, THE POTENTIAL EXISTS FOR A FIRE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL DISASSEMBLE A PORTION OF THE GENERATOR EXHAUST PIPE ASSEMBLY, TURNING ONE OF THE BENT COMPONENTS AROUND 180 DEGREES, REASSEMBLING THE EXHAUST PIPE AND MEASURING TO ENSURE A MINIMUM OF 3" AIR GAP WITH SURROUNDING COMPONENTS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 24, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT COACHMEN AT 1-800-453-6064.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“WE PURCHASED AN 03 COACHMEN SANTARA RV WITH THE FORD F450 TRITON V10 ENGINE IT HAD 28500 MIL. WHEN WE BOUGHT IT IN OCT. 08. WE HAVE NOT HAD ANY WORK DONE TO IT AND THE ENGINE RAN FINE,WE HAVE TAKEN A FEW TRIPS IN IT AND IT HAS RAN FINE. WE DECIDED TO TAKE IT TO HOLBROOK FOR THE THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · November 27, 2009

2003 Coachmen Santara — common questions

Is the 2003 Coachmen Santara reliable?

The record is thin — 1 NHTSA complaint — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 2003 Coachmen Santara have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2003 Coachmen Santara. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.