Recall 18V285 covers 895 2011-2017 Thor Motor Coach Venetian and Tuscany motorhomes with misrouted power steering hoses. Free Thor Motor Coach dealer repair.
Thor Motor Coach is recalling 895 2011-2017 Venetian and Tuscany motorhomes because the power steering hose can be routed against the starter motor power stud. The contact can cause electrical arcing and a power steering fluid leak, and arcing near leaking fluid increases the risk of a fire; Thor Motor Coach dealers will repair the routing free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The 2011-2017 Thor Motor Coach Venetian and Tuscany motorhomes use a high pressure power steering hose to move power steering fluid through the hydraulic assist system. That fluid helps the steering gear add assist when the driver turns the wheel, so the motorhome does not rely only on driver effort. The hose needs open clearance from nearby electrical parts.
On affected motorhomes, the hose was routed too close to the power stud on the starter motor. As the vehicle moves and vibrates, the hose can rub against that stud. That contact can wear the hose, create electrical arcing, and let power steering fluid leak from the line. The corrected setup routes the hose away from the starter power stud.
There is no warning sign before failure. If the hose is damaged, an owner can notice leaked power steering fluid near the starter area or heavier steering after fluid loss has already started.
Who's affected?
Covers both Venetian and Tuscany motorhomes across the 2011-2017 model years, with the power steering system listed for each included year and model.
| 2016 Thor Motor Coach Venetian | power steering system |
|---|---|
| 2017 Thor Motor Coach Venetian | power steering system |
| 2017 Thor Motor Coach Tuscany | power steering system |
| 2016 Thor Motor Coach Tuscany | power steering system |
| 2015 Thor Motor Coach Tuscany | power steering system |
| 2014 Thor Motor Coach Tuscany | power steering system |
| 2014 Thor Motor Coach Venetian | power steering system |
| 2011 Thor Motor Coach Venetian | power steering system |
| 2012 Thor Motor Coach Venetian | power steering system |
| 2015 Thor Motor Coach Venetian | power steering system |
| 2011 Thor Motor Coach Tuscany | power steering system |
| 2012 Thor Motor Coach Tuscany | power steering system |
| 2013 Thor Motor Coach Tuscany | power steering system |
| 2013 Thor Motor Coach Venetian | power steering system |
| Units affected | 895 |
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?
Electrical arcing near leaking power steering fluid can raise the risk of a fire. Until repaired, watch for power steering fluid leaks and schedule the repair promptly. If you see leaking fluid, stop using the coach and contact the dealer. Repair is free at any franchised Thor Motor Coach dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2011-2017 Thor Motor Coach Venetian or Tuscany is included in this recall.
- Contact Thor Motor Coach customer service or your Thor Motor Coach dealer to schedule the free power-steering-hose rerouting that gives the hose proper clearance from the starter power stud.
- Bring the owner notice if you have it. If not, reference recall number 18V285 and Thor Motor Coach recall RC000153 when you call.
- Avoid parking near heat sources or driving with signs of leaking power steering fluid until the hose routing repair is complete.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Thor Motor Coach technician reroutes the power steering hose so it has proper clearance from the starter motor power stud. The recall repair is free, and parts and labor are covered. A general reimbursement plan is on file for this campaign. If you already paid for the same hose routing repair, ask Thor Motor Coach customer service or the service desk how to submit repair paperwork under that plan.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| May 1, 2018 | Owner notification mailed |
|---|---|
| May 2, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
| July 2, 2018 | Dealer notification began |
| July 2, 2018 | Dealer notification ended |
| July 2, 2018 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V285?
Recall 18V285 covers 895 2011-2017 Thor Motor Coach Venetian and Tuscany motorhomes built on FCCC chassis. The power steering hose can be routed incorrectly, rub against the starter motor power stud, cause electrical arcing, and leak power steering fluid. FCCC dealers will reroute the hose for free.
What should I do if my 2011-2017 Thor Motor Coach Venetian or Tuscany is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific motorhome is included in recall 18V285. If it is, contact Thor Motor Coach customer service or an FCCC dealer to schedule the free power steering hose rerouting. Reference recall number 18V285 and Thor Motor Coach recall RC000153 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the recall repair at no cost, and FCCC dealers will reroute the power steering hose to provide proper clearance free of charge. The recall began on May 1, 2018, so the dealer repair is available now.
What is the safety risk in this Thor Motor Coach recall?
The safety risk is fire. If the power steering hose rubs against the starter motor power stud, electrical arcing can occur near leaking power steering fluid. If your VIN is included, schedule the free hose rerouting before taking another long trip.
What if I bought my Thor Motor Coach motorhome used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific Venetian or Tuscany is included, then call an FCCC dealer and reference recall 18V285 when you schedule service.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V285000 |
|---|---|
| Thor Motor Coach customer service | 1-877-855-2867 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V285 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V285000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 25, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →