Recall 12V278 covers 63 2009-2012 Winnebago J38S, Adventurer, and Suncruiser motorhomes for brake drag. Repair will be free at any franchised Winnebago dealer once available.
Winnebago is recalling 63 2009-2012 J38S, Adventurer, and Suncruiser motorhomes under recall 12V278 because the Bosch hydraulic disc brake calipers can develop reduced piston-to-bore clearance after long periods parked. The defect can cause brake drag and overheating, which reduces brake performance and increases crash risk; the dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The hydraulic disc brakes on 2009-2012 Winnebago J38S, Adventurer, and Suncruiser motorhomes use Bosch brake calipers to squeeze brake pads against each wheel rotor. Each caliper has a piston that moves when brake fluid pressure builds. That piston must slide freely inside its bore so the brake can apply, then release cleanly.
On affected motorhomes, long periods without driving can let the caliper piston grow in diameter. That reduces the clearance between the piston and the bore. When the clearance gets too tight, the brake does not release fully after a stop. The pads drag on the rotor, heat builds, and brake performance is reduced.
There is no warning sign before failure. Because the problem is inside the brake caliper, an owner should not rely on a visible cue before the brakes begin dragging.
Who's affected?
Spans three model lines across 2009-2012, all tied to the hydraulic brake system.
| 2009 Winnebago J38S | hydraulic brake system |
|---|---|
| 2010 Winnebago J38S | hydraulic brake system |
| 2010 Winnebago Adventurer | hydraulic brake system |
| 2009 Itasca Suncruiser | hydraulic brake system |
| 2009 Winnebago Adventurer | hydraulic brake system |
| 2011 Winnebago J38S | hydraulic brake system |
| 2012 Winnebago J38S | hydraulic brake system |
| Units affected | 63 |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific motorhome.
What's the safety risk?
Reduced brake performance means the vehicle needs more distance to slow or stop, which increases the risk of a crash. Until the remedy opens, use extra care when moving the vehicle and contact a franchised Winnebago dealer for current repair instructions. Repair will be free at any franchised Winnebago dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2009-2012 Winnebago J38S, Adventurer, or Suncruiser is included in this recall.
- Contact Winnebago customer service at 1-641-585-3535 to ask when the free brake repair is open.
- Reference recall number 12V278 when you call a franchised Winnebago dealer or customer service.
- Ask about the brake repair that addresses brake drag, overheating, and reduced brake performance from the Bosch hydraulic disc brakes.
- Avoid driving if the brakes drag, overheat, smell hot, or the motorhome does not stop normally.
What happens at the repair
Once the final repair opens, a Winnebago technician will address the Bosch hydraulic brake condition covered by this recall. The recall filing says the vehicles will be repaired free of charge, but it does not identify the exact repair procedure or owner notification schedule. That means the final dealer repair is free once available, with parts and labor covered under the recall. Ask the service desk to confirm whether your VIN is included and whether repair instructions have reached the dealer before you make the trip.
Timeline
| June 18, 2012 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 12V278?
Recall 12V278 covers 63 2009-2012 Winnebago J38S, Adventurer, and Suncruiser motorhomes with Bosch hydraulic disc brakes. After long periods without driving, the brake caliper pistons can expand, causing brake drag, overheating, and reduced brake performance. The dealer repair is free.
What should I do if my 2009-2012 Winnebago J38S, Adventurer, or Suncruiser is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific motorhome is included in recall 12V278. If it is, contact a franchised Winnebago dealer and ask about the free brake repair. Reference recall number 12V278 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and the recall remedy says dealers will repair the affected vehicles free of charge. Ask the Winnebago dealer whether Freightliner Custom Chassis handles the chassis-side repair.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is reduced brake performance. NHTSA campaign 12V278 says brake drag and overheating can reduce braking ability, which increases crash risk. If your VIN is included, arrange the free repair before taking longer trips.
What if I bought this motorhome used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the VIN, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific motorhome is included, then call a franchised Winnebago dealer and reference recall number 12V278.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/12V278000 |
|---|---|
| Winnebago customer service | 1-641-585-3535 |
| NHTSA recall # | 12V278 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 12V278000 |
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 2, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →