1997 Fleetwood Southwind
Only 8 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 8 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 8 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
2 of 8 total reports mention: parking brake.
Show complaint excerpts
THE "AUTO PARK BRAKE" AND THE MANUALLY FOOT OPERATED PARKING BRAKE HAVE FAILED THREE (3) TIMES ALLOWING THE MOTORHOME TO DRIFT FREELY OR NEARLY SO.
NHTSA ODI report, 20010910
2 of 8 total reports mention: parking brake.
1 of 8 total reports mentions: tires.
Show complaint excerpts
SIX (6) BCT RADIAL A/P TIRES WERE INSTALLED ON 97 FLEETWOOD SOUTHWIND MOTORHOME (MODEL 32VS) ON 3/19/11 AT APPROX. 33000 MILES. ONE TIRE FAILED WITH TREAD SEPARATION WHILE DRIVING ON RT. 90,10 MILES WEST OF ROCHESTER, NY, ON 7/2/13.
NHTSA ODI report, 20130830
1 of 8 total reports mentions: structure.
INJURYShow complaint excerpts
THE AUTOMATIC ELECTRIC STEP DID NOT COME OUT WHEN SUPPOSE TO UPON OPENING THE DOORS. THIS CAUSED THE CONSUMER TO FALL OUT, AND BREAK HIS LEG. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20050111
1 of 8 total reports mentions: service brakes, hydraulic.
Show complaint excerpts
THE "AUTO PARK BRAKE" AND THE MANUALLY FOOT OPERATED PARKING BRAKE HAVE FAILED THREE (3) TIMES ALLOWING THE MOTORHOME TO DRIFT FREELY OR NEARLY SO.
NHTSA ODI report, 20010910
SAFETY TIMELINE
THE E-Z SLIDE-OUT ROOM CAN OPERATE UNEXPECTEDLY. WATER CAN CAUSE AN ELECTRICAL SHORT IN THE SLIDE-OUT ROOM CONTROL RELAY.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A REPLACEMENT CONTROL RELAY IN A WATERPROOF LOCATION ON THESE MOTOR HOMES.
Campaign 96V236000 — check if this car was fixed
CERTAIN MOTOR HOMES AND TRAVEL TRAILERS EQUIPPED WITH A TWO-DOOR REFRIGERATOR, MANUFACTURED BY THE DOMETIC CORPORATION, MAY HAVE A DEFECT IN THE BOILER TUBE. PRESSURIZED COOLANT SOLUTION COULD BE REL
Remedy: FLEETWOOD WILL BE WORKING WITH DOMETIC IN ORDER TO REPAIR THESE REFRIGERATORS (PLEASE SEE 06E076). DOMETIC WILL REPAIR THESE REFRIGERATORS BY INSTALLING A SECONDARY BURN HOUSING, A THERMAL FUSE, AND
Campaign 07V120000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1997 Fleetwood Southwind — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for parking brake issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for parking brake issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for tires issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 96V236000 (visibility) has been completed.
- Verify recall 07V120000 (equipment) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 1997 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 1997 Fleetwood Southwind?
The most-reported component is parking brake:conventional, accounting for 25% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1997 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.