1985 Fleetwood Southwind
Only 1 complaint on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 1 complaint on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1980 | 0 |
| 1981 | 0 |
| 1982 | 0 |
| 1983 | 1 |
| 1984 | 3 |
| 1985 | 1 |
| 1986 | 1 |
| 1987 | 1 |
| 1988 | 2 |
| 1989 | 3 |
| 1990 | 4 |
| 1991 | 6 |
| 1992 | 2 |
| 1993 | 5 |
| 1994 | 9 |
| 1995 | 15 |
| 1996 | 11 |
| 1997 | 8 |
| 1998 | 13 |
| 1999 | 7 |
| 2000 | 8 |
| 2001 | 4 |
| 2002 | 4 |
| 2003 | 24 |
| 2004 | 13 |
| 2005 | 8 |
| 2006 | 4 |
| 2007 | 3 |
| 2008 | 0 |
| 2009 | 0 |
| 2010 | 0 |
| 2011 | 0 |
| 2012 | 3 |
| 2014 | 1 |
| 2015 | 0 |
| 2016 | 1 |
| 2017 | 1 |
| 2018 | 0 |
| 2019 | 0 |
| 2020 | 1 |
| 2021 | 1 |
| 2022 | 1 |
| 2023 | 1 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 1 complaint on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
1 of 1 total report mentions: tires.
Show complaint excerpts
I HAVE A 26 FT. MOTORHOME WITH 4 OF DAYTONA RADIAL STAG 7.50R16LT RIB TIRES ON THE REAR DUALS. THREE OF THE TIRES HAVE BLOWN OUT CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE WHEEL WELLS AND RUPTURING A PROPANE LINE. ALL THIS HAS OCCURRED WITHIN 2500 MILES.
NHTSA ODI report, 20050815
SAFETY TIMELINE
CO INTRUSION
TRAILER HITCHES CAN CRACK AT THE MOUNTING FLANGES AND SEPARATE FROM THE MOTORHOME WHILE BEING USED IN TRAILER OR CAR TOWING SERVICE.
Remedy: MODIFY OR REPLACE HITCH, AS REQUIRED.
Campaign 85V056000 — check if this car was fixed
MAIN FUEL TANK FILLER CAP MAY DISENGAGE SUDDENLY WHEN REMOVING THE CAP FOR REFUELING. THE SUDDEN CAP DISENGAGEMENT PERMITS EXPULSION OF VAPOR AND UNDER SOME CIRCUMSTANCES, SPRAYS GASOLINE AROUND THE SURROUNDING AREA OR PERSONS.
Remedy: REQUIRES THE REPLACEMENT OF THE SINGLE STAGE BAYONET CAP WITH A TWO STAGE CAP WHICH REQUIRES AN ADDITIONAL ROTATION PRIOR TO REMOVAL. ALSO A WARNING LABEL STICKER WILL BE ISSUED TO BE INSTALLED JUST ABOVE THE GASOLINE FILL OPENING.
Campaign 85V106000 — check if this car was fixed
GENERATOR TAILPIPE CAN BECOME DAMAGED SO THAT IT TERMINATES UNDER THE MOTORHOME BODY ALLOWING EXHAUST GASES TO LEAK UNDER THE MOTORHOME AND SEEP INTO THE MOTOR HOME.
Remedy: REROUTE AND/OR MODIFY GENERATOR EXHAUST SYSTEM TO ASSURE THAT EXHAUST PIPE REMAINS OPEN, UNBROKEN, AND EXTENDS PAST THE SIDE OR END OF THE BODY.
Campaign 85V138000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1985 Fleetwood Southwind — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for tires issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 85V056000 (trailer hitches) has been completed.
- Verify recall 85V106000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 85V138000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 1985 Fleetwood Southwind reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 1985 Fleetwood Southwind?
The most-reported component is tires, accounting for 100% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1985 Fleetwood Southwind have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.