1998 Winnebago Chieftain problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 5 complaints on file for the 1998 Winnebago Chieftain — 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.

NHTSA complaints

Recalls

Investigations

Crash-involved

Fires reported

Injuries

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1998 compare to other Chieftain years?

Chieftain NHTSA complaints by model year, 1998 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Chieftain years to avoid →

What are the most common 1998 Winnebago Chieftain problems?

Component	Complaints	Share	vs prior year
Brakes	3	60%	new
Fuel System	1	20%	new
Other	1	20%	new

Does the 1998 Winnebago Chieftain have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns 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.

02V276006OtherDecember 3, 2002 · 631 units

Defect

CERTAIN MOTOR HOMES EQUIPPED WITH NORCOLD REFRIGERATOR COOLING UNITS MODEL NUMBERS 442, 443, 452, EV452, 453, 462, EV462, 463, EV463, 482, EV482, 483, EV483, 874, AND 875. THESE REFRIGERATORS CAN EXPERIENCE A BREAK DOWN IN A RUBBER SEAL WITHIN THE GAS VALVE. AS THE RUBBER SEAL AGES, A LEAK MAY OCCUR, ALLOWING PROPANE GAS TO ACCUMULATE IN THE BURNER AREA.

Consequence

THE CONSEQUENCE CAN RESULT IN A FIRE, POSSIBLY CAUSING SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.

Remedy

NORCOLD WILL NOTIFY ITS CUSTOMERS AND PROVIDE A REPLACEMENT GAS VALVE FREE OF CHARGE. 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 1-800-667-3005 OR WINNEBAGO AT 641-585-3535.

98V015000Fuel SystemJanuary 26, 1998 · 741 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MOTOR HOMES. A LIQUID PROPANE (LP) HOSE WAS INSTALLED IN THE RANGE BURNER BOX. THE ELEVATED TEMPERATURE THE HOSE IS EXPOSED TO INSIDE THIS BOX CAN PREMATURELY AGE THE HOSE CAUSING A POSSIBLE LP LEAK.

Consequence

LP GAS LEAKAGE COULD IGNITE AND RESULT IN BODILY INJURY AND/OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL RELOCATE THE FLEXIBLE HOSE OUTSIDE OF THE RANGE BOX.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“PARK BRAKE SYSTEM IS PERIODICALLY ADJUSTED, IF NOT FULLY ENGAGE, ALLOWED THE VEHICLE TO ROLL. *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE DEALER FOUND RESERVOIR FOR THE FLUID EMPTY AND THE CONVERTER TO THE PUMP WAS FLUID OF FLUID AND NOT MAKING CONNECTIONS, ALSO THE PRESSURE SWITCH WAS LEAKING. A NEW SWITCH, DRUMS…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · March 12, 1998

“WHILE DRIVING IN RAIN THE AIR FILTER INTAKE PULLS WATER INTO THE AIR FILTER CAUSING ENGINE TO MISFIRE AND RUN POORLY, UNABLE TO FIND CORRECTION FOR CONDITION AT THIS TIME. MJS”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System

1998 Winnebago Chieftain — common questions

Is the 1998 Winnebago Chieftain reliable?

The record is thin — 5 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 3 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 1998 Winnebago Chieftain have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 1998 Winnebago Chieftain. 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 1998 compare to other Chieftain years?

What are the most common 1998 Winnebago Chieftain problems?

Does the 1998 Winnebago Chieftain have recalls?

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

1998 Winnebago Chieftain — common questions

Is the 1998 Winnebago Chieftain reliable?

Does the 1998 Winnebago Chieftain have recalls?

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