2014 AIRSTREAM INTERSTATE — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data

I test drove a black Sprinter (with everything working) in June 2022, and I subsequently mailed a $5,000 deposit in June 2022, to have the vehicle removed off the inventory lot until I tendered the balance. I came to the dealership on [XXX], to purchase the Sprinter that I test drove; and the radio, front tv, rear bench seat, back up camera and step was not working properly. They instructed me to take the RV to a local Georgia location (where I live). Upon inspection and diagnosis Multiple problems found that all need to be addressed. For some unknown reason a jumper wire had been installed between the chassis batteries and the coach batteries. I can only assume this was used to trick the inverter into charging even when the coach batteries were low. This wire needs to be removed. Incorrect batteries. The unit has 2 wet cell batteries, these need to be AGMs, this is a health and fire hazard. The inverter charger is only outputting12VDC at 7A, even though it is rated for 50A. The internal fan makes a clicking/rubbing sounds when it turns on, the inverter needs to be replaced. It is a Magnum MMS1012. The battery disconnect is not working remotely, I have verified the switch wiring and continuity. The disconnect is faulty, AS P# 512604. Also, it was later discovered that the macerator mounting bolts are badly rusted to a point they will not come off without breaking and they are also welded to the mounting bracket. Upon review of my paperwork, photos & videos taken during the test drive, I discovered that the vehicle that I test drove was actually a 2015 Sprinter and not the 2014, that they sold to me. The dealership deliberately switched the vehicle without telling me. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

I test drove a black Sprinter (with everything working) in June 2022, and I subsequently mailed a $5,000 deposit in June 2022, to have the vehicle removed off the inventory lot until I tendered the balance. I came to the dealership on [XXX], to purchase the Sprinter that I test drove; and the radio, front tv, rear bench seat, back up camera and step was not working properly. They instructed me to take the RV to a local Georgia location (where I live). Upon inspection and diagnosis Multiple problems found that all need to be addressed. For some unknown reason a jumper wire had been installed between the chassis batteries and the coach batteries. I can only assume this was used to trick the inverter into charging even when the coach batteries were low. This wire needs to be removed. Incorrect batteries. The unit has 2 wet cell batteries, these need to be AGMs, this is a health and fire hazard. The inverter charger is only outputting12VDC at 7A, even though it is rated for 50A. The internal fan makes a clicking/rubbing sounds when it turns on, the inverter needs to be replaced. It is a Magnum MMS1012. The battery disconnect is not working remotely, I have verified the switch wiring and continuity. The disconnect is faulty, AS P# 512604. Also, it was later discovered that the macerator mounting bolts are badly rusted to a point they will not come off without breaking and they are also welded to the mounting bracket. Upon review of my paperwork, photos & videos taken during the test drive, I discovered that the vehicle that I test drove was actually a 2015 Sprinter and not the 2014, that they sold to me. The dealership deliberately switched the vehicle without telling me. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

AN AIRSTREAM INTERSTATE OWNER EXPERIENCED A FIRE IN HIS/HER VEHICLE IN JUNE 2018. HTTP://WWW.AIRFORUMS.COM/FORUMS/F240/ELECTRICAL-BURNING-HEAVY-SMOKE-W-3YR-OLD-GRANDSON-SLEEPING-IN-AI-182891.HTML IT APPEARED THAT A MAGNUM ENERGY INC. MMS1012 CAUGHT FIRE UNDER CONDITIONS IDENTICAL TO THOSE DESCRIBED IN NHTSA SAFETY RECALL REPORT 17V-704. THE DEFECT DESCRIBED IN NHTSA SAFETY RECALL REPORT 17V-704 IS PRESENT IN THE AIRSTREAM INTERSTATE VEHICLES 2014-2018, UNTIL AIRSTREAM CHANGED THE DESIGN OF THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM IN THE 2019 MODEL YEAR (PRESUMABLY TO REMEDY THIS SAFETY RISK). THE RISK IS MUCH GREATER IN THE AIRSTREAM VEHICLES, HOWEVER, BECAUSE 1) THE MAGNUM MMS1012 IS (IMPROPERLY) MOUNTED ON A FLAMMABLE WOOD BOARD IN A FLAMMABLE WOOD BOX, AND 2) THE MMS1012 IS MOUNTED DIRECTLY UNDERNEATH THE SLEEPING AREA OF THE RV INSIDE THE CABIN. IT APPEARS AIRSTREAM BECAME AWARE OF THIS RISK MORE THAN A YEAR AGO, BECAUSE AIRSTREAM CHANGED THE DESIGN OF THE RV ELECTRICAL SYSTEM IN THE 2019 MODEL YEAR, PRESUMABLY TO REMEDY THE RISK. AIRSTREAM HAS NOT ISSUED A SERVICE BULLETIN OR RECALL YET TO APPLY THE REMEDY TO OLDER MODEL YEARS (2014-2018). SINCE THE RISK IS ALREADY IDENTIFIED AS DESCRIBED IN 17V-704, I THINK THE NHTSA SHOULD EXPAND THE RECALL TO INCLUDE ALL AIRSTREAM INTERSTATE RVS FROM 2014 TO 2018, BECAUSE AIRSTREAM APPEARS UNWILLING TO TAKE REMEDIAL ACTION ON THEIR OWN.