Recall 11V087 covers 25 2004-2010 United Motor Homes with 1200-series Norcold refrigerator shutoff defects. Free remedy through Norcold dealers to reduce fire risk.
United is recalling 25 2004-2010 Motor Homes equipped with 1200-series Norcold refrigerators because the shutoff sensor or thermal switch does not stop power fast enough when high temperatures follow a hydrogen gas leak. That delay raises the risk of a refrigerator fire, and the dealer repair will be free once available.
Does this recall apply to your specific vehicle?
The official, free per-VIN recall check is run by NHTSA. Enter your VIN and we'll forward you directly — and add you to a free watchlist so you hear about new recalls for your vehicle.
Check my VIN at NHTSARecallNotify doesn't check your VIN — NHTSA's official tool does. We use your email only to alert you to new recalls.
Watch this vehicle for recalls
Add it to your free watchlist and we will alert you as new federal recalls are posted for your year, make and model. New-recall alerts are rolling out now.
You are on the watchlist.
We will email you as new federal recalls are posted for your vehicle.
What's wrong?
The refrigerator in affected 2004-2010 United Motor Homes is a Norcold 1200-series unit, the large built-in refrigerator used to keep food cold while the motor home is parked or on the road. It includes a high-temperature protection system, either a sensing algorithm or a thermal switch. That protection is supposed to cut electrical power to the refrigerator when unsafe heat is detected, so heat does not build into a fire risk.
The defect is in the response time of that protection system. On the affected refrigerators, the sensing algorithm or thermal switch does not shut off power quickly enough after high temperatures are detected. If the refrigerator keeps receiving power during that heat event, the system fails to control the condition it was designed to stop.
There is no warning sign before failure. Owners should not rely on a light, sound, smell, or cooling change to prove the refrigerator is safe.
Who's affected?
Spans 7 model years, all tied to the same recreational vehicle/trailer equipment component.
| 2008 United Motor Homes | Recreational vehicle/trailer |
|---|---|
| 2010 United Motor Homes | Recreational vehicle/trailer |
| 2007 United Motor Homes | Recreational vehicle/trailer |
| 2004 United Motor Homes | Recreational vehicle/trailer |
| 2006 United Motor Homes | Recreational vehicle/trailer |
| 2005 United Motor Homes | Recreational vehicle/trailer |
| 2009 United Motor Homes | Recreational vehicle/trailer |
| Units affected | 25 |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific motorhome is included.
What's the safety risk?
A refrigerator hydrogen gas leak can create high temperatures, and the sensing algorithm or thermal switch does not shut off power fast enough to prevent a fire. If your VIN is included, stop using the refrigerator and contact the dealer for recall instructions. Repair will be free at any franchised United dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2004-2010 United Motor Homes vehicle is included in this recall.
- Review any owner notice from United or Norcold for the refrigerator remedy instructions.
- Contact a Norcold dealer to ask about the free 1200-series refrigerator remedy that fixes the delayed high-temperature shutoff response.
- Reference recall number 11V087 when you call so the dealer can match the repair to the campaign.
- Avoid using the refrigerator until the remedy is complete if you notice heat, gas odor, or any sign of refrigerator trouble.
What happens at the repair
United is working with Norcold to identify and notify owners of 2004-2010 Motor Homes with the recalled Norcold refrigerator equipment. The source remedy says owners are instructed to contact Norcold dealers for the free remedy, and the safety recall began on February 15, 2011. Because the campaign record does not list a current remedy status, confirm availability before arranging service. Once the remedy is open for your VIN, the dealer repair is free of charge.
Timeline
| February 3, 2011 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| February 15, 2011 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 11V087?
Recall 11V087 covers 25 2004-2010 United Motor Homes equipped with 1200-series Norcold refrigerators. The refrigerator shutoff system has response times that are not sufficient to cut power fast enough after high temperatures from a hydrogen gas leak, increasing fire risk.
What should I do if my 2004-2010 United Motor Homes is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific motor home is included in recall 11V087. If it is, contact a franchised United service location or Norcold dealer and reference recall 11V087. Norcold dealers provide the remedy free of charge.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the recall remedy to be completed at no cost, and United's filing says affected owners will be instructed to contact Norcold dealers for the free remedy. Reference recall 11V087 when you call for service.
What is the safety risk from recall 11V087?
The safety risk is fire. The Norcold refrigerator system is meant to shut off power when high temperatures are detected from a hydrogen gas leak, but the response time is not sufficient. The repair path is the free Norcold dealer remedy.
What if I bought this motor home used?
The free recall remedy still applies. Recall eligibility follows the VIN, not the first owner. If you did not receive the 2011 owner notice, check your VIN and reference recall 11V087 when you contact the dealer for the Norcold refrigerator remedy.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/11V087000 |
|---|---|
| United customer service | 1-800-767-9101 |
| NHTSA recall # | 11V087 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 11V087000 |
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 →