Recall 11V138 covers 2 2007-2008 Triple E Rv Topaz and Empress motor homes with slow refrigerator shutoff. Norcold dealers provide the free remedy.
Triple E Rv is recalling 2 2007-2008 Topaz and Empress motor homes because their 1200-series Norcold refrigerators can keep running after high temperatures are detected. A delayed shutoff during a hydrogen gas leak can fail to prevent a fire; the dealer repair will be free once Triple E Rv makes it 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 2007-2008 Triple E Rv Topaz and Empress motor homes in this recall have Norcold 1200-series refrigerators. That refrigerator uses an electric control system to watch for excessive heat at the cooling unit. Depending on the refrigerator setup, the shutoff device is either a sensing algorithm, which is control logic inside the refrigerator, or a thermal switch, which is a heat-sensitive switch. Its job is to cut power when temperatures rise high enough to create a fire risk.
On these motor homes, that shutoff protection does not respond fast enough. The refrigerator is designed to stop power before heat reaches a dangerous point, but the sensor logic or thermal switch takes too long to act. That delay leaves the refrigerator powered during a high-temperature condition, which is the defect Triple E Rv is addressing.
There is no warning sign before failure. Because the filing does not identify a specific owner symptom, do not count on a smell, light, sound, or refrigerator performance change to show the problem first.
Who's affected?
Covers 2 RV lines from adjacent model years, both tied to recreational vehicle/trailer equipment.
| 2008 Triple E Rv Topaz | Recreational vehicle/trailer |
|---|---|
| 2007 Triple E Rv Empress | Recreational vehicle/trailer |
| Units affected | 2 |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific RV is included.
What's the safety risk?
If the refrigerator safety shutoff does not act fast enough during high heat from a hydrogen gas leak, the refrigerator can keep receiving power long enough for a fire to start. Arrange the recall repair soon, and stop using the refrigerator if it overheats. Repair will be free at any franchised Triple E Rv dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2007-2008 Triple E Rv Empress or Topaz motor home is included in this recall.
- Contact Norcold at 1-800-767-9101 for current dealer instructions before using the refrigerator.
- Schedule the free Norcold 1200-series refrigerator remedy that fixes the delayed high-temperature shutoff tied to fire risk.
- Bring the recall notice if Triple E Rv or Norcold sent one. If not, reference recall number 11V138 when you call.
- Keep the refrigerator off until Norcold or the dealer confirms the remedy is complete.
What happens at the repair
Triple E Rv worked with Norcold to identify affected owners and route them to Norcold dealers for the refrigerator remedy. At the dealer, the technician handles the Norcold remedy for the affected refrigerator power shutoff system, which is tied to high temperature protection. The final dealer remedy is free once available, and Triple E Rv says the safety recall began on February 28, 2011. The remedy record does not give a repair time, so ask the dealer what to expect when scheduling.
Timeline
| February 22, 2011 | Owner notification mailed |
|---|---|
| March 1, 2011 | NHTSA published the recall |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 11V138?
Recall 11V138 covers 2 2007-2008 Triple E Rv Topaz and Empress motor homes with 1200-series Norcold refrigerators. The refrigerator shutoff sensor or thermal switch does not respond fast enough after high temperatures from a possible hydrogen gas leak, creating a fire risk. Norcold dealers provide the remedy for free.
What should I do if my 2007-2008 Triple E Rv Topaz or Empress is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific motor home is included in recall 11V138. If it is, contact a Norcold dealer for the free refrigerator remedy. You can also call Norcold at 1-800-767-9101 and reference recall 11V138 when you ask for appointment instructions.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the recall remedy to be performed at no cost, and Triple E Rv's remedy instructions say owners will receive the Norcold refrigerator remedy free of charge through Norcold dealers.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is fire. If high temperatures occur because of a possible hydrogen gas leak, the sensing algorithm or thermal switch installed to cut refrigerator power does not shut power off fast enough to prevent a fire. Confirm your VIN before arranging the free remedy.
What if I bought this motor home used?
The free recall remedy still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the first owner. If you never received the owner notice that began on February 28, 2011, check your VIN and contact a Norcold dealer with recall 11V138.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/11V138000 |
|---|---|
| Triple E Rv customer service | 1-800-767-9101 |
| NHTSA recall # | 11V138 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 11V138000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - 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 →