VehicleVerdict

1998 Western Alpenlite problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 2 complaints on file for the 1998 Western Alpenlite — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 3 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

2

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1998 compare to other Alpenlite years?

Alpenlite NHTSA complaints by model year, 1998 highlighted5 complaints1989: 0 complaints1990: 0 complaints1995: 1 complaints1996: 0 complaints1997: 0 complaints1998: 2 complaints1999: 4 complaints2000: 1 complaints2001: 0 complaints2002: 2 complaints2003: 0 complaints2005: 5 complaints2006: 0 complaints2007: 2 complaints2008: 5 complaints
Alpenlite NHTSA complaints by model year, 1998 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Alpenlite years to avoid →

What are the most common 1998 Western Alpenlite problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Other150%
Tires & Wheels150%

Does the 1998 Western Alpenlite have recalls?

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

07V121000OtherMarch 21, 2007 · 6,188 units

Defect

CERTAIN MOTOR HOMES, TRUCK CAMPERS, 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

WESTERN RV 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 WESTERN RV AT 1-866-567-4133.

02V017000Fuel SystemJanuary 15, 2002

Defect

CERTAIN FIFTH WHEEL TRAILERS AND TRUCK CAMPERS EQUIPPED WITH MODEL HP 6000 AUTOMATIC CHANGEOVER REGULATORS. THESE REGULATORS CONTAIN TWO RUBBER DIAPHRAGMS IN WHICH THE SECOND DIAPHRAGM CAN TEAR UNDER PRESSURE RESULTING IN A PROPANE LEAK.

Consequence

A POSSIBLE FIRE CAN RESULT IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE.

Remedy

EMERALD ISLE (FOR GRAND HALL) WILL BE CONDUCTING THE REMEDY CAMPAIGN. A REVISED REGULATOR WILL BE PROVIDED FREE OF CHARGE. OWNERS ARE BEING REQUESTED TO INSPECT THE GAS REGULATOR FOR THE FOLLOWING IDENTIFYING MARKS: MODEL 6000, P1.0 - 15.6, Q6.R280, AUTOMATIC CHANGEOVER BY H.P. INC. IF THESE ARE ON THE GAS REGULATORS, OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT EMERALD ISLE TOLL-FREE AT 866-828-2788.

00V358001SuspensionNovember 3, 2000 · 2 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: FIFTH WHEEL TRAVEL TRAILERS EQUIPPED WITH DEXTER AXLES THAT WERE MANUFACTURED WITH A BEARING OPTION KNOWN AS NEV-R-LUBE. THE OPTIONAL HUB UTILIZES A SEALED CARTRIDGE BEARING WHICH IS HELD IN PLACE WITH A RETAINING RING THAT PREVENTS THE HUB FROM SHIFTING ON THE BEARING. SOME OF THESE AXLE ASSEMBLIES WERE PRODUCED WITHOUT THE RETAINING RING.

Consequence

THE ABSENCE OF THE RETAINING RING CAN ALLOW THE HUB TO SHIFT INWARD AND MAY RESULT IN BRAKE INTERFERENCE OR TIRE CONTACT TO THE VEHICLE STRUCTURE. BRAKING PROBLEMS CAN RESULT IN A LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. TIRE CONTACT TO THE VEHICLE STRUCTURE CAN RESULT IN OVERHEATING AND POTENTIALLY LEAD TO A FIRE OR CAUSE THE TIRE TO BLOWOUT.

Remedy

DEXTER AXLE WILL INSPECT AND REPAIR THE AFFECTED AXLES FREE OF CHARGE.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“CONSUMER STATES THAT THE THE RIM RIPPED APART LEAVING THE WHEEL IN ONE PIECE AND THE CENTER OF THE RIM STILL ATTACHED TO THE AXLE. A FEW DAYS LATER THEY FOUND A TIRE WITH A SLOW LEAK. CONSUMER DISCOVERED THAT IT WAS NOT THE TIRE BUT A SPLIT IN THE RIM AND AIR WAS LEAKING. *SCC ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · June 12, 2002

“CONSUMER'S SAFETY CONCERN IS THAT THE MANUFACTURER DOES NOT PROVIDE A LADDER NEEDED TO ACCESS THE MOTORHOME'S ROOF. THIS IS REQUIRED TO MAINTAIN THE COACH'S AIR CONDITIONING AND OTHER ROOF COMPONENTS AS REQUIRED BY THE OWNER'S MANUAL. CONSUMER PURCHASED A FIBERGLASS TO ACCESS ROOF, BUT WHEN PLACED…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other

1998 Western Alpenlite — common questions

Is the 1998 Western Alpenlite reliable?

The record is thin — 2 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 3 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 1998 Western Alpenlite have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 1998 Western Alpenlite. 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.