NHTSA Complaint #11586294 — 2021 WINNEBAGO NAVION

In December 2021, we experienced a failure of the RV Mercedes Sprinter to start. After calling a mobile technician out, and upon research of similar events, it was determined that the Electronic Ignition System had failed. We had the RV towed to Mercedes Service Center in Asheville, NC where the problem was confirmed. It appears that internal windshield condensation can drain into the dash and onto the EIS module resulting in corrosion and subsequent failure. We found a service bulletin (Reference XENTRY TIPS Topic # LI54.2-N-069524; attached) describing the issue and corrective actions. This bulletin is dated October 7, 2020. Mercedes Asheville repaired the damaged EIS module and installed the protective "boot" cover at our expense. Our Mercedes Sprinter had been taken our RV in for both Service A and Service B over the previous 2 years for routine scheduled maintenance. At neither maintenance event was the problem discussed or the corrective "boot" cover for the EIS offered. Our concern is that this is a known design defect that renders the Sprinter fully non-functional. The failure could occur at any point which could leave the drivers stranded in remote or potential high traffic areas. We would like to apply pressure to Mercedes to offer the corrective "boot" cover at all routine maintenance visits and also feel this defect warrants a safety recall to force action by the Manufacturer.