1989 Fleetwood Southwind
Only 3 complaints 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 3 complaints 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 3 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
2 of 3 total reports mention: structure.
Show complaint excerpts
SIDE OF VEHICLE WAS DESIGNED IN TWO PIECES, THE HORIZONTAL STRIP THAT SECURES THE TWO PIECES FAILED.
NHTSA ODI report, 19990409
CRACKS ON THE EXTERIOR CORNERS OF THE DOOR/WINDOWS.
NHTSA ODI report, 19970627
1 of 3 total reports mentions: service brakes, hydraulic.
Show complaint excerpts
I WRITE THIS SHORT MEMO TO HIGHLIGHT A POTENTIALLY DEADLY DESIGN FLAW WITH OUR (AND MOST LIKELY OTHER SIMILAR MODELS) SOUTHWIND RV'S (CHASSIS NUMBER [XXX]) THAT RESULTED IN A COMPLETE LOSS OF BRAKING ABILITY.
NHTSA ODI report, 19990529
SAFETY TIMELINE
MISSING OR MISAPPLIED SUPPORT CLIP CREATES POTENTIAL FOR REAR BRAKE LINE FRACTURE DUE TO FATIGUING.
Remedy: REPAIR BRAKE CLIP, AS NECESSARY.
Campaign 89V145000 — check if this car was fixed
THE STEERING COLUMN SHAFT NUT RETAINING CLIP MAY BE MISSING. UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, THE LACK OF A RETAINING CLIP WILL ALLOW THE NUT TO WORK LOOSE AND THE STEERING WHEEL TO SEPARATE FROM THE STEERIN
Remedy: INSPECT STEERING ASSEMBLY FOR A STEERING WHEEL NUT RETAINING CLIP. IF CLIP IS MISSING, INSTALL A STEERING WHEEL NUT RETAINING CLIP, OR HAVE A DEALER INSPECT AND INSTALL A CLIP. FLEETWOOD ADVISES OWNER
Campaign 92V052000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1989 Fleetwood Southwind — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for structure issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes, hydraulic issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 89V145000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 92V052000 (steering) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 1989 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 1989 Fleetwood Southwind?
The most-reported component is structure:body, accounting for 67% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1989 Fleetwood Southwind have?
2 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.