Recall 10V612 covers 110 2001-2011 Peterson fifth-wheel trailers with Norcold refrigerators that can fail to stop overheating. Remedy is free through Norcold dealers.
Peterson recall 10V612 covers 110 2001-2011 Excel Limited Edition, Excel Limited, Excel Wild Cargo, Excel Classic, and Classic fifth wheel trailers equipped with 1200-series Norcold refrigerators. The refrigerator shutoff sensor or thermal switch can respond too slowly after high temperatures from a hydrogen gas leak, and that raises fire risk; the dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The recalled Peterson fifth wheel trailers use 1200-series Norcold refrigerators. The refrigerator has a safety shutoff system, either a sensing algorithm or a thermal switch, that is supposed to cut power when the unit detects high temperatures. That shutoff is meant to stop the refrigerator from staying energized during an overheating event.
On affected 2001-2011 Peterson trailers, the shutoff response is not fast enough. The sensor algorithm or thermal switch does not stop power quickly enough after high heat is detected. When power stays on during that condition, the refrigerator area remains exposed to heat long enough to create a fire risk.
There is no warning sign before failure. Owners should not rely on smell, noise, or a visible refrigerator problem to know whether the shutoff system is working correctly.
Who's affected?
Spans Excel Limited Edition, Excel Limited, Excel Wild Cargo, Excel Classic, and Classic across 2001-2011, all tied to recreational vehicle/trailer equipment.
| 2003 Peterson Excel Limited Edition | Recreational vehicle/trailer |
|---|---|
| 2010 Peterson Excel Limited | Recreational vehicle/trailer |
| 2004 Peterson Excel Limited | Recreational vehicle/trailer |
| 2008 Peterson Excel Limited Edition | Recreational vehicle/trailer |
| 2007 Peterson Excel Limited Edition | Recreational vehicle/trailer |
| 2006 Peterson Excel Limited Edition | Recreational vehicle/trailer |
| 2001 Peterson Excel Limited Edition | Recreational vehicle/trailer |
| 2010 Peterson Excel Wild Cargo | Recreational vehicle/trailer |
| 2005 Peterson Excel Classic | Recreational vehicle/trailer |
| 2011 Peterson Excel Limited | Recreational vehicle/trailer |
| 2007 Peterson Excel Limited | Recreational vehicle/trailer |
| 2009 Peterson Excel Limited | Recreational vehicle/trailer |
| 2005 Peterson Excel Limited | Recreational vehicle/trailer |
| 2001 Peterson Classic | Recreational vehicle/trailer |
| 2002 Peterson Excel Limited Edition | Recreational vehicle/trailer |
| Units affected | 110 |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific trailer is included.
What's the safety risk?
A refrigerator shutoff system that reacts too slowly during high heat from a possible hydrogen gas leak increases the risk of a fire. Keep using the vehicle with caution and schedule the recall remedy when directed. Repair will be free at any franchised Peterson dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2001-2011 Peterson Excel Limited Edition, Excel Limited, Excel Wild Cargo, Excel Classic, or Classic trailer is included in this recall.
- Watch for the Peterson or Norcold recall notice with instructions for the free refrigerator safety remedy.
- Contact Peterson or Norcold at 1-800-767-9101 if you have not received instructions for recall number 10V612.
- Avoid using the Norcold 1200-series refrigerator until the remedy is completed; the shutoff system can fail to cut power fast enough during high-temperature conditions.
- Bring the recall notice to the Norcold dealer or repair location when you go in for the free remedy.
What happens at the repair
Peterson is working with Norcold to identify affected owners and direct them to a Norcold dealer for the refrigerator remedy. The dealer remedy is free once available. The filing does not describe the exact part replacement or inspection step, so ask the dealer to confirm the Norcold refrigerator recall procedure before the trailer is brought in. The safety recall began on January 12, 2011, and the repair path is handled through Norcold dealers at no charge to the owner.
Timeline
| December 8, 2010 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| January 12, 2011 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 10V612?
Recall 10V612 covers 110 2001-2011 Peterson fifth wheel trailers equipped with 1200-series Norcold refrigerators. The refrigerator safety shutoff does not respond fast enough when high temperatures are detected from a hydrogen gas leak, which increases fire risk. Norcold dealers provide the remedy for free.
What should I do if my 2001-2011 Peterson Excel Limited Edition, Excel Limited, Excel Wild Cargo, Excel Classic, or Classic is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific fifth wheel is included in recall 10V612. If it is, contact a Norcold dealer for the free refrigerator remedy. Use recall number 10V612 when you call, and contact Norcold at 1-800-767-9101 for dealer guidance.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Peterson's remedy instructions send owners to Norcold dealers for the free repair. Parts and labor are covered for trailers included in recall 10V612.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is fire. On affected trailers, the sensing algorithm or thermal switch installed to cut power to the refrigerator does not shut power off fast enough when high temperatures are detected from a hydrogen gas leak. The recall remedy fixes that refrigerator safety issue for free.
What if I bought this Peterson fifth wheel used?
The free recall remedy still applies. Recall coverage follows the trailer, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific Peterson fifth wheel is included, then contact a Norcold dealer and reference recall 10V612 when you schedule the refrigerator repair.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/10V612000 |
|---|---|
| Peterson customer service | 1-800-767-9101 |
| NHTSA recall # | 10V612 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 10V612000 |
Source documents
-
Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF) - Download Defect / Noncompliance Notice (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 3, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →