VehicleVerdict

2002 Thor Chateau problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 2 complaints on file for the 2002 Thor Chateau — 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.

2

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2002 compare to other Chateau years?

Chateau NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 highlighted3 complaints1997: 0 complaints1998: 0 complaints1999: 3 complaints2000: 0 complaints2001: 3 complaints2002: 2 complaints2003: 0 complaints2004: 0 complaints2005: 0 complaints
Chateau NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Chateau years to avoid →

What are the most common 2002 Thor Chateau problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Tires & Wheels2100%

Does the 2002 Thor Chateau have recalls?

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

07V127000OtherMarch 20, 2007 · 12,000 units

Defect

CERTAIN FIFTH WHEEL AND TRAVEL TRAILERS 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

THOR AMERICA 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 THOR AMERICA AT 1-570-837-1663.

03V384000OtherOctober 13, 2003 · 6,749 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN TRAVEL TRAILERS AND FIFTH WHEELS EQUIPPED WITH SAMSUNG MICROWAVE OVENS, THESE UNITS WERE PRODUCED WITH A DEFECTIVE PANEL. AN ELECTRICAL SHORT CAN OCCUR BETWEEN CIRCUIT PATTERNS ON THE MEMBRANE PANEL, ESPECIALLY OVERLAPPED BY A "JUMPER" OR JUMP WIRE. THIS MAY CAUSE THE OVEN TO ACTIVATE WITHOUT PRESSING ANY KEY PADS.

Consequence

AN ELECTRICAL SHORT CAN OCCUR CAUSING THE OVEN TO ACTIVATE WITHOUT PRESSING ANY KEY PADS. THIS COULD RESULT IN EXCESSIVE HEAT, SMOKE, OR POSSIBLY A FIRE.

Remedy

SAMSUNG WILL NOTIFY CUSTOMERS AND REPAIR THE PANEL FREE OF CHARGE. IN THE MEANTIME, CONSUMERS SHOULD UNPLUG THEIR MICROWAVE, IF POSSIBLE. IF THE CONSUMER IS UNABLE TO UNPLUG THE MICROWAVE, THEY SHOULD LEAVE THE DOOR AJAR UNTIL THE PANEL IS REPLACED. CONSUMERS SHOULD NEVER USE THE MICROWAVE OVEN FOR STORAGE OR LEAVE ANY TOWELS, PAPER, CLOTH OR OTHER PRODUCTS IN THE MICROWAVE AFTER USE. 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 SAMSUNG AT 800-932-3837 OR THOR AMERICA AT 570-837-5274.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 THOR MOTOR HOME EQUIPPED WITH RUNWAY ENDURO H/T TIRES, SIZE: 225/75R16. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEEL BELT IN THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE TIRE FRACTURED, CAUSING THE RUBBER AND STEEL TO PEEL AWAY RAPIDLY. THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER HAD NOT BEEN NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · November 29, 2012

2002 Thor Chateau — common questions

Is the 2002 Thor Chateau reliable?

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

Does the 2002 Thor Chateau have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2002 Thor Chateau. 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.