Is the 1998 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 1998 Jayco Designer?

The most-reported component is trailer hitches, accounting for 100% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1998 Jayco Designer have?

3 recalls on file for this model year.

1998 Jayco Designer

○ Not enough data

1998 Jayco Designer
RENDERED 2026-11-01T16:56:37.415Z

Only 2 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 2 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 2
Recalls: 3
Investigations: 0
Top problem: —

Complaints per year

1998: 2 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 2 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

Trailer hitches

2 of 2 total reports mention: trailer hitches, most commonly citing fifth wheel assembly.

Show complaint excerpts

Consumer states that "The king pin hitch assembly was breaking loose and coming apart. The 6 inch sea channel across the front of the fifth wheel broke in half, down the center.

NHTSA ODI report, 2003-11-21

There was a crack in the front beam, which was caused by drilling to put other components into the vehicle.

NHTSA ODI report, 2002-09-10

Also filed under Suspension

Suspension

1 of 2 total reports mentions: suspension.

Safety timeline

3 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

R

1998-06-30Electrical system98V140000 Vehicle description: mini motor homes. The routing of the wire loom in the engine is too close to the engine block.

Remedy: Dealers will relocate the wire away from the engine block.

Check if this car was fixed →
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…

Check if this car was fixed →
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.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

1998 Jayco Designer — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Trailer hitches: 2 reports on file for this year.
Suspension: 1 report on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 06V320000 · Vehicle speed control
Recall 98V140000 · Electrical system
Recall 01V251000 · Structure

FAQ

Is the 1998 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 1998 Jayco Designer?: The most-reported component is trailer hitches, accounting for 100% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1998 Jayco Designer have?: 3 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.