Recall 12V596 covers 576 2008-2013 Airstream Interstate motorhomes with rear sofa electrical parts that can arc. Repair is free at any franchised Airstream dealer.
Airstream is recalling 576 2008-2013 Interstate motorhomes with the rear sofa floor plan because electrical equipment under the sofa can contact the seat belt buckle or metal seat cables. That contact can cause electrical arcing and lead to a vehicle fire, and the Airstream dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The recalled 2008-2013 Airstream Interstate motorhomes use electrical equipment under the rear sofa to route and protect power for equipment in that seating area. That equipment is supposed to stay separated from the seat frame, seat belt buckle, and the metal cables that move with the sofa hardware. The rear sofa floor plan puts those parts close together.
On affected Interstates, the seat belt buckle or metal seat cables can contact the electrical equipment under the sofa. That contact creates an electrical path or rubbing point where metal hardware does not belong. Over time, normal seat movement and vibration can press the metal parts against the electrical components and damage the system.
There is no warning sign before failure. The problem is hidden under the sofa, so an owner is not expected to see or feel it during normal use.
Who's affected?
Covers the Interstate across six model years, all tied to the electrical system.
| 2008 Airstream Interstate | electrical system |
|---|---|
| 2009 Airstream Interstate | electrical system |
| 2010 Airstream Interstate | electrical system |
| 2011 Airstream Interstate | electrical system |
| 2012 Airstream Interstate | electrical system |
| 2013 Airstream Interstate | electrical system |
| Units affected | 576 |
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?
Metal sofa components that contact electrical components can cause electrical arcing. That arcing can lead to a vehicle fire, so schedule the recall repair soon and avoid using the sofa area if it presses against nearby wiring. Repair will be free at any franchised Airstream dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2008-2013 Airstream Interstate is included in this recall.
- Use Airstream's owner notice to confirm the dealer instructions before scheduling work.
- Contact a franchised Airstream dealer about the free electrical-component cover installation, which separates the sofa hardware from the electrical equipment underneath it.
- Reference recall number 12V596 when you call the dealer.
- Avoid using the rear sofa area until the cover is installed if the seat belt buckle or metal seat cables touch the electrical components.
What happens at the repair
Because the remedy status is not listed as available, do not assume the final repair can be scheduled yet. Once available, an Airstream technician will install a cover over the electrical components underneath the rear sofa so the seat belt buckle and metal seat cables stay separated from that equipment. The dealer repair will be free once available. The source says owner notification was expected by late January 2013.
Timeline
| December 20, 2012 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| January 3, 2013 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 12V596?
Recall 12V596 covers 576 2008-2013 Airstream Interstate motorhomes with the rear sofa floor plan. Electrical equipment under the sofa can contact a seat belt buckle or metal seat cables, causing electrical arcing and fire risk. Airstream dealers install a protective cover for free.
What should I do if my 2008-2013 Airstream Interstate is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific motorhome is included in recall 12V596. If it is, contact a franchised Airstream dealer and ask for the free cover installation over the electrical components under the rear sofa. Reference recall number 12V596 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. Airstream dealers install a cover over the affected electrical components free of charge, including parts and labor for vehicles included in recall 12V596.
What is the safety risk?
The risk is electrical arcing under the rear sofa. If metal sofa parts contact the electrical equipment, arcing can start a vehicle fire. The repair path is to have an Airstream dealer install the protective cover over those electrical components for free.
What if I bought my Airstream Interstate used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to see whether your specific Interstate is included, then call a franchised Airstream dealer and reference recall number 12V596.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/12V596000 |
|---|---|
| Airstream customer service | 1-877-596-6111 |
| NHTSA recall # | 12V596 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 12V596000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (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 →