VehicleVerdict

1999 Damon Hornet problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

The 1999 Damon Hornet carries two red flags at once: 3 consumer complaints filed with NHTSA and an open NHTSA defect investigation (subject: ELECTRICAL SHORT). It is one of the Hornet years to avoid.

3

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

1

Investigations · 1 open

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1999 compare to other Hornet years?

Hornet NHTSA complaints by model year, 1999 highlighted3 complaints1997: 0 complaints1998: 0 complaints1999: 3 complaints2000: 0 complaints
Hornet NHTSA complaints by model year, 1999 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Hornet years to avoid →

What are the most common 1999 Damon Hornet problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Other133%
Trailer Hitch133%
Visibility & Wipers133%

Does the 1999 Damon Hornet have recalls?

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

07V130000OtherMarch 20, 2007 · 25,128 units

Defect

CERTAIN TRAVEL TRAILERS AND MOTOR HOMES EQUIPPED WITH A TWO-DOOR REFRIGERATOR, MANUFACTURED BY THE DOMETIC CORPORATION, MAY HAVE A DEFECT IN THE BOILER TUBE. PRESSURIZED COOLANT SOLUTION COULD BE RELEASED INTO AN AREA WHERE AN IGNITION SOURCE (GAS FLAME) IS PRESENT.

Consequence

RELEASE OF COOLANT UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS COULD IGNITE AND RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy

DAMON WILL BE WORKING WITH DOMETIC IN ORDER TO REPAIR THESE REFRIGERATORS (PLEASE SEE 06E076). DOMETIC WILL REPAIR THESE REFRIGERATORS BY INSTALLING A SECONDARY BURN HOUSING, A THERMAL FUSE, AND A MELT FUSE FREE OF CHARGE. DOMETIC HAS RETAINED STERICYCLE INC. TO MANAGE THIS CAMPAIGN. STERICYCLE WILL ASSIST YOU IN LOCATING DEALERSHIPS OR SERVICE CENTERS AND WILL PROVIDE ASSISTANCE WITH SCHEDULING OF APPOINTMENTS. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOMETIC/STERICYCLE AT 1-888-446-5157 OR DAMON AT 1-800-860-3812.

01V091002OtherMarch 20, 2001 · 923 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MOTOR HOMES AND TRAVEL TRAILERS EQUIPPED WITH NORCOLD REFRIGERATOR COOLING UNITS MODEL NUMBERS N841, N821, N641, AND N621. THESE REFRIGERATORS CAN EXPERIENCE A COOLING SYSTEM LEAK CAUSED BY OPERATION IN THE AC ELECTRIC MODE. IF A LEAK OCCURS, THE COOLING PERFORMANCE OF THE REFRIGERATOR WILL DETERIORATE, REQUIRING IMMEDIATE REPLACEMENT OF THE COOLING UNIT.

Consequence

EXTENDED OPERATION OF A LEAKING COOLING UNIT IN THE AC ELECTRIC MODE CAN RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy

NORCOLD WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE REFRIGERATOR COOLING UNITS. NORCOLD WILL CONDUCT THE OWNER NOTIFICATION. 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 NORCOLD SERVICE CENTER AT 1-800-767-9101 OR DAMON AT 1-937-497-3080.

99V136000Electrical SystemMay 25, 1999 · 52 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: TRAVEL TRAILERS. THE CHASSIS WIRING WAS INCORRECTLY ROUTED, CAUSING THE WIRE TO BE PINCHED BETWEEN THE FLOOR STRUCTURE AND THE FRAME CROSSMEMBER.

Consequence

THIS COULD CAUSE AN ELECTRICAL SHORT.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE WIRING AND REPAIR THE WIRE IF CUT.

Open NHTSA investigations

SQ99014

ELECTRICAL SHORT

DAMON ISSUED A SERVICE BULLETIN ADVISING DEALERS THAT THE HORNET MODEL TRAILERS MAY HAVE A CONDITION THAT COULD CAUSE AN ELECTRICAL SHORT IN THE 12 VOLTS ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.THIS INVESTIGATION IS OPENED TO OBTAIN ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONCERNING THIS PROBLEM, COMPLAINTS, AND TO EVALUATE THE SAFETY CONSEQUENCES.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“WHEN THE DOOR IS OPENED IT HITS THE OPEN PART OF THE WINDOW. CONSUMER IS CONCERNED THAT THIS POOR DESIGN COULD CAUSE THE GLASS IN THE WINDOW TO BREAK. NLM”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers

“SWITCH WHICH MOVES ROOM IN AND OUT IS NOT CONCEALED PROPERLY BY DESIGN MAKING IT POSSIBLE FOR OCCUPANTS TO BE INJURED BY IT. NLM”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other

1999 Damon Hornet — common questions

Is the 1999 Damon Hornet reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 3 complaints put the 1999 model at #1 of 4 Hornet years, and a defect investigation remains open. It is one of the Hornet years to avoid.

Does the 1999 Damon Hornet have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 1999 Damon Hornet. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1999 Damon Hornet under NHTSA investigation?

Yes — an investigation remains open (ELECTRICAL SHORT). An open ODI action means NHTSA is actively assessing a possible defect.

Which Damon Hornet years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Hornet years to avoid are 1999. The cleanest record among Hornet years belongs to 2000.

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.