1997 Jayco Designer
Only 11 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 11 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 11
- Recalls
- 5
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1997
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1997: 11 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1991 | 0 |
| 1992 | 0 |
| 1993 | 0 |
| 1995 | 4 |
| 1996 | 3 |
| 1997 | 11 |
| 1998 | 2 |
| 1999 | 6 |
| 2000 | 5 |
| 2001 | 0 |
| 2002 | 1 |
| 2003 | 0 |
| 2004 | 2 |
| 2005 | 0 |
| 2007 | 0 |
| 2008 | 2 |
| 2009 | 1 |
| 2010 | 1 |
Known problem areas
Only 11 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Tires
4 of 11 total reports mention: tires, most commonly citing tread/belt.
Show complaint excerpts
On sept.16,2002, I had a left front tire, firestone steeltex 225/75/16, tread separate from the steel belt. July 27TH this year, two back duals, left side, seperated. Then on aug. 16TH, 124 miles more, two more tires seperated.
NHTSA ODI report, 2003-08-22
The goodyear wrangler ht tire size lt P215/85R16 experienced two tire tread separations while driving causing damage to the recreational trailer.
NHTSA ODI report, 2000-09-26
Electrical system
3 of 11 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing fuses and circuit breakers.
Show complaint excerpts
Returned to motorhome from dinner with a/c on and found a coach full of smoke. Disconnected all power, traveled 2 days without air in over 100' temps. Brought coach in for repair and found online with goodsams club, 2 recalls for this unit.
NHTSA ODI report, 2005-08-12
Structure
2 of 11 total reports mention: structure, most commonly citing frame and members.
Trailer hitches
1 of 11 total reports mentions: trailer hitches.
Show complaint excerpts
Consumer states after some mountain driving the frame to the trailer that the hitch is attached to cracked and collasped.
NHTSA ODI report, 2002-10-08
Service brakes
1 of 11 total reports mentions: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.
Safety timeline
5 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
R
1997-04-07Electrical system97V062000 An in-line fuse to the auxiliary battery was omitted.
Remedy: Dealers will install an in-line fuse to the auxiliary battery.
-
R
1997-07-30Structure97V113000 Vehicle description: fifth wheel and travel trailers. Rivets used to secure the step risers on these vehicles are the wrong size. The rivets are too short in length and under stress can allow the…
Remedy: Dealers will replace the step riser assembly.
-
I
2001-06-18Preliminary evaluationClosed 2001-08-15 Undercarriage pan/cover detachment
-
R
2001-09-28Structure01V251000 Vehicle description: travel and fifth wheel trailers. The fasteners used on the underfloor can either come loose or pull through the underfloor causing portions or all of a section of underfloor…
Remedy: Dealers will add or replace fasteners. Owner notification began September 28, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the…
-
R
Date not on fileElectrical system98V122001 Vehicle description: mini-motor homes, travel trailers, and fifth wheels equipped with a printed circuit (Pc) board housed in the electrical control box assembly equipped with the vehicle's air conditioning unit.
Remedy: Rv products is conducting the owner notification and remedy campaign for this recall. Owners will receive a replacement electrical control box and installation instructions.
-
R
Date not on fileVehicle speed control06V320000 On certain motor homes built on Ford chassis, the speed control deactivation switch may overheat.
Remedy: Ford is conducting this recall (Please see 06V286) and will install a fused wiring harness into the speed control system free of charge. Owners may contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332 or Jayco at 1-800-283-8267.
Buy-smart checklist
1997 Jayco Designer — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Tires: 4 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 3 reports on file for this year.
- Structure: 2 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 98V122001 · Electrical system
- Recall 06V320000 · Vehicle speed control
- Recall 97V062000 · Electrical system
- Recall 97V113000 · Structure
- Recall 01V251000 · Structure
FAQ
- Is the 1997 Jayco Designer 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 Jayco Designer?
- The most-reported component is tires, accounting for 36% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1997 Jayco Designer have?
- 5 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.