Recall 12V048 covers 13 2011-2013 Tiffin Zephyr and Phaeton motorhomes for exhaust clamp failure. Authorized Cummins dealers perform the repair free.
Tiffin is recalling 13 2011-2013 Phaeton and Zephyr motorhomes because a V-band clamp T-bolt on the diesel oxidation catalyst or diesel particulate filter can fracture under stress. A failed clamp can let hot exhaust gases vent before the tailpipe, which creates a fire risk and a road hazard if the filter housing detaches; the Tiffin dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
On 2011-2013 Tiffin Zephyr and Phaeton motorhomes with certain Cummins diesel engines, the V-band clamp is the metal band that holds exhaust sections tight at the diesel oxidation catalyst and diesel particulate filter. Those emissions parts clean soot and exhaust gases before they leave the tailpipe. The clamp uses a T-bolt to pull the band tight around the inlet and outlet cone sections, so the exhaust housing stays sealed and supported.
On the recalled motorhomes, the T-bolt in the clamp assembly can fracture when it is under stress or load. Once that bolt breaks, the clamp loses tension. The inlet or outlet cone section can loosen from the DOC or DPF housing, leaving part of the exhaust aftertreatment system disconnected.
There is no warning sign before failure. Tiffin did not identify a reliable dashboard light, sound, or smell before the clamp bolt breaks, so the defect is found through the recall repair or inspection.
Who's affected?
Covers the Zephyr and Phaeton motorhome lines across the 2011-2013 model years, with engine and cooling listed as the shared component.
| 2013 Tiffin Zephyr | Engine and engine cooling |
|---|---|
| 2011 Tiffin Phaeton | Engine and engine cooling |
| 2012 Tiffin Phaeton | Engine and engine cooling |
| Units affected | 13 |
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?
Disconnected exhaust inlet or outlet sections let hot exhaust gases vent before the tailpipe, creating fire risk. If both clamps fail, the DOC/DPF housing can detach and become a road hazard. If your VIN is included, schedule the recall repair promptly. Repair will be free at any franchised Tiffin dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2011-2013 Tiffin Zephyr or Phaeton is included in this recall.
- Look for the owner letter from Tiffin or Cummins before scheduling the repair.
- Contact an authorized Cummins dealer to ask about the free V-band clamp repair that secures the DOC/DPF exhaust housing and keeps hot exhaust gas routed through the tailpipe.
- Reference recall number 12V048 when you call the dealer or Tiffin customer service.
- Avoid driving if you smell exhaust, see loose exhaust hardware, or notice hot exhaust venting under the motorhome.
What happens at the repair
Tiffin is working with Cummins to identify and notify owners included in this recall. Authorized Cummins dealers perform the recall work on the diesel oxidation catalyst and diesel particulate filter clamp assembly, including the V-band clamp area described in campaign 12V048. The final dealer repair will be free once available. Parts and labor are covered by the recall, and owners can contact Tiffin or Cummins for campaign handling while the notification process is underway.
Timeline
| February 8, 2012 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| October 10, 2012 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 12V048?
Recall 12V048 covers 13 2011-2012 Tiffin Phaeton and 2013 Tiffin Zephyr recreational vehicles with certain Cummins diesel engines. The V-band clamp T-bolt can fracture, letting exhaust parts loosen from the DOC or DPF housing and creating fire or road-hazard risk.
What should I do if my 2011-2012 Tiffin Phaeton or 2013 Tiffin Zephyr is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific motorhome is included in recall 12V048. If it is, contact Tiffin or Cummins customer service, then arrange the clamp repair through an authorized Cummins dealer. Reference recall number 12V048 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the defect repair to be performed at no cost. Tiffin is working with Cummins on owner notification, and authorized Cummins dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The risk is fire or a road hazard from exhaust hardware coming loose. If the inlet or outlet sections disconnect, hot exhaust gases can vent before the tailpipe and create combustion risk. If both clamps fail, the DOC or DPF housing can detach completely.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/12V048000 |
|---|---|
| Tiffin customer service | 1-812-377-5000 |
| NHTSA recall # | 12V048 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 12V048000 |
Source documents
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 2, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →