VehicleVerdict

2012 Winnebago Sightseer problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 3 complaints on file for the 2012 Winnebago Sightseer — 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.

3

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

1

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2012 compare to other Sightseer years?

Sightseer NHTSA complaints by model year, 2012 highlighted17 complaints1996: 0 complaints1997: 0 complaints1998: 0 complaints1999: 0 complaints2000: 0 complaints2001: 0 complaints2002: 17 complaints2003: 17 complaints2004: 15 complaints2005: 8 complaints2006: 4 complaints2007: 5 complaints2008: 1 complaints2009: 0 complaints2010: 2 complaints2011: 0 complaints2012: 3 complaints2013: 3 complaints2014: 0 complaints2015: 0 complaints2016: 0 complaints2017: 1 complaints2018: 0 complaints
Sightseer NHTSA complaints by model year, 2012 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Sightseer years to avoid →

What are the most common 2012 Winnebago Sightseer problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Body & Structure267%
Other133%

Does the 2012 Winnebago Sightseer have recalls?

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

13V161000OtherApril 24, 2013 · 1,918 units

Defect

Winnebago Industries is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 Minnie Winnie, Aspect, Sightseer, Adventurer, and Journey motorhomes; and model year 2012-2014 Itasca Spirit, Cambria, Sunova, Suncruiser, and Meridian motorhomes. The affected vehicles were manufactured January 10, 2012, through April 5, 2013 and may be missing a range enclosure.

Consequence

A missing range enclosure may allow the gas range flame to be extinguished due to air flow. In such a case, propane gas will continue to flow without a flame. If propane continues to flow, in the presence of an ignition source, it may suddenly combust resulting in a fire and/or personal injury.

Remedy

Winnebago notify owners and dealers will install a range enclosure, free of charge. The safety recall began on May 20, 2013. Owners may contact Winnebago at 1-641-585-3535. Winnebago's recall campaign number is 128.

12V389000OtherAugust 8, 2012 · 165 units

Defect

Winnebago is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Winnebago and Itasca motor homes. A cutting machine may have scored the copper propane tubing resulting in unknown long-term reliability.

Consequence

If the copper tubing fails, propane can escape leading to a fire or explosion which can result in property damage, personal injury, or death.

Remedy

Winnebago will notify owners, and dealers will replace the copper tubing, free of charge. The recall began on September 6, 2012. Owners may contact Winnebago Industries Owner Relations at 1-641-585-6939.

12V057000TransmissionFebruary 16, 2012 · 2,841 units

Defect

WINNEBAGO IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011-2012 WINNEBAGO AND ITASCA MOTOR HOMES BUILT ON A FORD F-53 CHASSIS. THE ‘PRNDL’ CABLE MAY BREAK AT THE ATTACHMENT TO THE TRANSMISSION CONTROL SELECTOR ARM ASSEMBLY MOUNTED ON THE STEERING COLUMN. IF THE CABLE BREAKS, THE TRANSMISSION GEAR INDICATOR IN THE ‘PRNDL’ DISPLAY IN THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WILL REMAIN IN THE FIRST GEAR POSITION REGARDLESS OF THE GEAR SELECTED.

Consequence

AN INCORRECT GEAR INDICATION IN THE INSTRUMENT PANEL MAY PREVENT THE DRIVER FROM KNOWING IF THEY ARE IN PARK OR REVERSE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

WINNEBAGO WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION SELECTOR ARM ASSEMBLY AND THE ‘PRNDL’ CABLE ASSEMBLY, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 2, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT WINNEBAGO INDUSTRIES OWNER RELATIONS AT 1-641-585-6939.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 WINNEBAGO SIGHTSEER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH, THE STAIRS AT THE EXIT DOOR CAME OUT WHILE IN MOTION CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO CRASH INTO THE GUARD RAIL. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED NECK INJURIES WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION AND NO POLICE REPORT WAS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · February 18, 2013 · crash

“OUR 2012 WINNEBAGO SIGHTSEER 30A COMES EQUIPPED WITH A SINGLE PEDESTAL AIR-ASSISTED DINETTE TABLE. OUR ORIGINAL PEDESTAL BEGAN LOWERING BY ITSELF, AND BECOMING VERY DIFFICULT TO LIFT BACK TO TABLE LEVEL. WE FOUND IT HAD STARTED TO COMPLETELY LOWER WHILE DRIVING. THE ISSUE IS THAT THE 2 PASSENGER…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · February 12, 2013

2012 Winnebago Sightseer — common questions

Is the 2012 Winnebago Sightseer reliable?

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

Does the 2012 Winnebago Sightseer have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2012 Winnebago Sightseer. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2012 Winnebago Sightseer under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

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.