1997 Winnebago Brave problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 3 complaints on file for the 1997 Winnebago Brave — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

NHTSA complaints

Recalls

Investigations

Crash-involved

Fires reported

Injuries

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1997 compare to other Brave years?

Brave NHTSA complaints by model year, 1997 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Brave years to avoid →

What are the most common 1997 Winnebago Brave problems?

Component	Complaints	Share	vs prior year
Brakes	1	33%	— flat
Other	1	33%	new
Transmission	1	33%	— flat

Does the 1997 Winnebago Brave have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

10V525000OtherOctober 26, 2010 · 18,461 units

Defect

WINNEBAGO IS RECALLING CERTAIN RECREATIONAL VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 1200-SERIES NORCOLD REFRIGERATORS. THE POPULATION OF REFRIGERATORS BEING ADDRESSED CONTAINS EITHER A SENSING ALGORITHM OR THERMAL SWITCH TO SHUT OFF POWER TO THE REFRIGERATOR WHEN HIGH TEMPERATURES ARE DETECTED IN ORDER TO PREVENT A POTENTIAL FIRE. THE RESPONSE TIMES OF THE SENSOR ALGORITHM AND THERMAL SWITCH DEVICES TO STOP POWER ARE NOT SUFFICIENT.

Consequence

THE SENSING ALGORITHM OR THERMAL SWITCH INSTALLED TO SHUT OFF POWER TO THE REFRIGERATOR WHEN HIGH TEMPERATURES ARE DETECTED DUE TO A POSSIBLE HYDROGEN GAS LEAK MAY NOT SHUT OFF IN SUFFICIENT TIME TO PREVENT A FIRE.

Remedy

WINNEBAGO IS WORKING WITH NORCOLD TO IDENTIFY AND NOTIFY ANY AFFECTED OWNERS. OWNERS WILL BE INSTRUCTED TO CONTACT NORCOLD DEALERS TO RECEIVE THE REMEDY FREE OF CHARGE. PLEASE SEE NORCOLD'S DEFECT REPORT 10E-049 FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING DECEMBER 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NORCOLD AT 1-800-767-9101 OR WINNEBAGO AT 1-641-585-3535.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“JULY 16, 2001 RECEIVED LETTER FROM CHEVROLET DIVISION-GENERAL MOTORS REGARDING CRASHES CAUSED BY AUTO BRAKE/PARKING BRAKE SYSTEM NOT HOLDING WHEN VEHICLES PARKED. MY AUTO BRAKE/PARKING BRAKE INEFFECTIVE SINCE VEHICLE FIRST DELIVERED, DEALER EXPLAINED AS SLOP/LAG IN TRANSMISSION PARK POSITION.…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes

“CONSUMER REQUESTS RECALL REPAIRS ON HIS P-30 CHASSIS MOTOR HOME WHICH IS ROLLING FORWARD WITH PARKING BRAKES APPLIED, CONSUMER WAS TOLD BY DEALER NOT TO PARK ON HILLS. *TT THE LOCAL CHEVY DEALER FOUND THAT THE TRANSMISSION SEALS WERE DEFECTIVE AND THAT THE AUTO BRAKE SYSTEM NEVER WORKED. THEY…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission

“THE SPARE TIRE HOIST MALFUNCTIONED AND ALLOWED THE SPARE TIRE TO LOWER ITSELF DOWN TO THE ROAD. FORTUNATELY, NOTICED THE SPARE TIRE DANGLING BY THE WIRE ALMOST ON THE ROAD WHEN I WAS STOPPED GETTING GAS. WAS ABLE TO UNHOOK THE SPARE FROM THE WIRE AND STORE THE SPARE INSIDE THE MOTOR HOME. SEEMS TO…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · August 15, 2017

1997 Winnebago Brave — common questions

Is the 1997 Winnebago Brave reliable?

The record is thin — 3 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 1997 Winnebago Brave have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1997 Winnebago Brave. 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.

How does 1997 compare to other Brave years?

What are the most common 1997 Winnebago Brave problems?

Does the 1997 Winnebago Brave have recalls?

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

1997 Winnebago Brave — common questions

Is the 1997 Winnebago Brave reliable?

Does the 1997 Winnebago Brave have recalls?

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