Defect
THE AREA SURROUNDING THE GASOLINE FILLER PIPE SHROUD MAY NOT BE PROPERLY SEALED. THIS MAY ALLOW GAS VAPORS TO TRAVEL INTO THE INTERIOR OF THE COACH WHEN REFUELING.
Remedy
THE GAS FILLER PIPE SHROUD WILL BE RESEALED WITHOUT CHARGE.
1979 Winnebago Chieftan problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just one complaint on file for the 1979 Winnebago Chieftan — 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.
1
NHTSA complaints
2
Recalls
0
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
1
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 1979 compare to other Chieftan years?
What are the most common 1979 Winnebago Chieftan problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 1 | 100% | — flat |
Does the 1979 Winnebago Chieftan have recalls?
2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
AN INSUFFICIENT NUMBER OF ATTACHMENT SCREWS MAY HAVE BEEN USED TO SECURE THE SHELF THAT SUPPORTS FURNACE. THE SHELF MAY SETTLE OR COLLAPSE UNDER THE WEIGHT OF THE FURNACE. THIS WOULD, IN TURN, DISLODGE THE FURNACE EXHAUST PIPE.
Remedy
THE DEALER WILL INSTALL ADEQUATE SHELF ATTACHMENT SCREWS AT NO COST TO THE OWNER.
1979 Winnebago Chieftan — common questions
Is the 1979 Winnebago Chieftan reliable?
The record is thin — 1 NHTSA complaint — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.
Does the 1979 Winnebago Chieftan have recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1979 Winnebago Chieftan. 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.