Recall 18V385 affects 691 2019 Thor Motor Coach motorhomes for loose rear axle U-bolts. Repair is free at any franchised Thor Motor Coach dealer.
Thor Motor Coach is recalling 691 2019 Freedom Elite, Outlaw, Four Winds, Vegas, Chateau, Quantum, and Majestic motorhomes because rear axle U-bolts on modified Ford E-450 chassis were not tightened enough. Loose U-bolts can loosen further or break, allowing the axle to separate and causing loss of control; Thor Motor Coach dealers will inspect and tighten them free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The rear suspension on these 2019 Thor Motor Coach Freedom Elite, Outlaw, Four Winds, Vegas, Chateau, Quantum, and Majestic motorhomes uses leaf springs to support the rear of the coach and keep the rear axle located under the frame. U-bolts are heavy clamp bolts shaped like a U. They wrap around the axle and leaf spring assembly so the axle stays tight against the springs as the motorhome carries weight and moves over the road.
On the affected Ford E-450 chassis, the original U-bolts were replaced during a wheelbase modification. The problem is torque, which is the measured tightness of the fastener. After the modification, the U-bolt torque was not verified, so the rear axle and leaf spring clamp assembly was left without confirmed required tightness.
There is no warning sign before failure. An owner should not count on noise, vibration, or a visible lean to appear before the loose hardware becomes a safety issue.
Who's affected?
Spans 7 motorhome lines in the 2019 model year, all tied to the same rear suspension component.
| 2019 Thor Motor Coach Freedom Elite | rear suspension |
|---|---|
| 2019 Thor Motor Coach Outlaw | rear suspension |
| 2019 Thor Motor Coach Four Winds | rear suspension |
| 2019 Thor Motor Coach Vegas | rear suspension |
| 2019 Thor Motor Coach Chateau | rear suspension |
| 2019 Thor Motor Coach Quantum | rear suspension |
| 2019 Thor Motor Coach Majestic | rear suspension |
| Units affected | 691 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching 2019 Thor Motor Coach model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific motorhome is included.
What's the safety risk?
Loose U-bolts can keep loosening or break, which allows the axle to separate and cause loss of control. That increases crash risk. If handling feels abnormal, slow down, stop in a safe place, and call a franchised Thor Motor Coach dealer before continuing. Repair is free at any franchised Thor Motor Coach dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2019 Thor Motor Coach Freedom Elite, Outlaw, Four Winds, Vegas, Chateau, Quantum, or Majestic is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Thor Motor Coach dealer to schedule the free rear-axle U-bolt torque repair that secures the leaf springs and rear axle.
- Bring the recall notice if Thor Motor Coach mailed one. If not, reference recall number 18V385 and Thor Motor Coach recall RC000156 when you call.
- Drive carefully until the repair is complete, because loose rear-axle U-bolts can let the axle separate and cause loss of control.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Thor Motor Coach technician tightens the rear axle U-bolts to the proper torque so the leaf spring and rear axle are secured together as intended. The recall repair is free, with parts and labor covered. If you already paid out of pocket for a related rear axle or leaf spring repair before the owner notice, Thor Motor Coach's standard reimbursement plan covers documented expenses. Bring repair paperwork to the service desk.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| June 8, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| June 22, 2018 | Owner notification mailed |
| August 8, 2018 | Dealer notification began |
| August 8, 2018 | Dealer notification ended |
| August 8, 2018 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| August 8, 2018 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V385?
Recall 18V385 covers 691 2019 Thor Motor Coach Freedom Elite, Outlaw, Four Winds, Vegas, Chateau, Quantum, and Majestic motorhomes built on modified Ford E-450 chassis. The rear axle U-bolts were not tightened enough. Dealers will tighten them to the proper torque for free.
What should I do if my 2019 Thor Motor Coach motorhome is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific motorhome is included in recall 18V385. If it is, contact a Thor Motor Coach dealer to schedule the rear axle U-bolt torque repair. Reference recall number 18V385 or Thor Motor Coach recall RC000156 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. Thor Motor Coach dealers will tighten the rear axle U-bolts to the proper torque free of charge.
What is the safety risk in recall 18V385?
Loose rear axle U-bolts can loosen further or break. If that happens, the axle can separate and cause loss of control, increasing crash risk. Until your VIN is checked and any needed repair is complete, ask the dealer whether the motorhome needs inspection before travel.
When did Thor Motor Coach notify owners about recall 18V385?
Thor Motor Coach began the recall on June 22, 2018. Owners were notified, and dealers were instructed to tighten the U-bolts to the proper torque free of charge. If you bought the motorhome used, check your VIN because the original letter went to the owner on record.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V385000 |
|---|---|
| Thor Motor Coach customer service | 1-877-855-2867 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V385 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V385000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - 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 25, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →