Recall 16V385 covers 306 2015-2016 Winnebago Tour and Itasca Ellipse motor homes for steering-box play. Get the free inspection before driving.
Winnebago is recalling 306 2015-2016 Tour and Ellipse motor homes under recall 16V385 because an incorrect steering-box spacer can create too much play between the steering wheel and front axle. That wear can lead to sudden loss of steering ability and increase crash risk; the Winnebago dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The steering box on the 2015-2016 Winnebago Tour and Ellipse motor homes is part of the steering system between the steering wheel and the front axle. It turns the driver's steering input into controlled movement at the front wheels. Inside that box, spacers help hold the steering components in the correct position so the linkage stays tight.
In these motor homes, the steering box was built with the wrong spacer. The spacer does not have enough height, which leaves too much play inside the box. That extra movement lets the connection between the steering wheel and the front axle wear during normal use. If the wear progresses far enough, the mechanical connection can be lost.
There is no warning sign before failure. An owner should not rely on noise, looseness, or a dashboard light to confirm whether this steering box problem is present.
Who's affected?
Covers the Tour and Ellipse across the 2015 and 2016 model years; both list the steering system as the affected component.
| 2016 Winnebago Tour | steering system |
|---|---|
| 2015 Itasca Ellipse | steering system |
| 2016 Itasca Ellipse | steering system |
| 2015 Winnebago Tour | steering system |
| Units affected | 306 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
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 failed steering connection can cause sudden loss of steering ability and increase crash risk. Owners are urged to avoid trips until the vehicle has been inspected, so park it and arrange service before another trip. Repair will be free at any franchised Winnebago dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2015-2016 Winnebago Tour or Ellipse is included in this recall.
- Do not drive the motor home until the steering gear has been inspected.
- Contact a franchised Winnebago dealer about the free steering-gear inspection and replacement that fixes the worn steering connection.
- Arrange a tow if the motor home has to be moved to the dealer; do not drive it there yourself.
- Bring the recall notice if you have it. If not, reference recall number 16V385 when you call.
What happens at the repair
The dealer process starts with an inspection of the steering gear on the Freightliner chassis. If the steering gear has the incorrect spacer or related wear, a Winnebago technician replaces the steering gear as needed. The final dealer repair will be free once available, with parts and labor covered under recall 16V385. Until inspection is complete, owners are urged not to drive the motor home. If the vehicle has to move, call the dealer first and ask how they want it brought in.
Timeline
| May 31, 2016 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| May 31, 2016 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 16V385?
Recall 16V385 covers 306 2015-2016 Winnebago Tour and Ellipse motor homes built on a Freightliner chassis. The steering box has an incorrect spacer that lets the steering connection wear, increasing crash risk if steering ability is lost.
What should I do if my 2015-2016 Winnebago Tour or Ellipse is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific motor home is included in recall 16V385. If it is, keep it parked until a Freightliner dealer inspects it. Reference recall number 16V385 when you call, and ask whether towing is available.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. For recall 16V385, Freightliner dealers inspect the steering gear and replace it as needed free of charge.
Is it safe to drive my Winnebago Tour or Ellipse before inspection?
The filing urges owners to keep the motor home parked until inspection. The steering wheel's connection to the front axle can fail, causing sudden loss of steering ability and increasing crash risk. Ask the dealer about towing if the vehicle has to move.
When did the recall repair start?
The recall began on May 31, 2016. Because that date has passed, owners with an included VIN can contact a Freightliner dealer for the steering-gear inspection and replacement process tied to recall 16V385.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/16V385000 |
|---|---|
| Winnebago customer service | 1-800-547-0712 |
| NHTSA recall # | 16V385 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 16V385000 |
Source documents
-
Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF) - Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 31, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →