Jayco motorhome recall: does your motorhome have loose caliper bolts?
In the auto industry, recalls are a necessary inconvenience. Almost every major brand has issued a recall at one time or another, and Jayco is no exception. A Jayco RV recall was recently issued for select models due to concerns about the rear brake caliper mounting bolts.
Recalls can be concerning, especially if you own one of the affected models. However, it’s always best to play it safe and have your vehicle inspected. In many cases, the problem can be fixed with a simple repair. Jayco will cover the cost of these repairs, so don’t hesitate to act if your RV falls under the recall.
Loose brake caliper pins can be dangerous, but fortunately no damage has occurred to date. In the following sections, you’ll learn more about this Jayco recall and the dangers it’s designed to prevent. Read on to learn more about your next steps.
Recall Information
This recall became known in early May 2023.
Ford Motor Company informed Jayco that brake caliper bolts could be loose on some of their models. The main problem was that these bolts were not properly tightened during production, so there was a risk that they could loosen while driving.
When Jayco learned of this problem, they quickly communicated their concerns to their buyers. Company officials agreed that the loose bolts posed a significant hazard, and they took action to correct the problem.
The recall affects select 2023 and 2024 Jayco models built on a Ford F-53 chassis. The affected models include:
- Entegra emblem
- Entegra vision
- Entegra Vision XL
- Jayco Alante
- Jayco Precept
- Jayco Precept Prestige
Although this sounds pretty scary, it is estimated that only 63 models are actually affected by the caliper pin problem. Jayco and Ford were able to quickly identify this problem and are working to fix it as soon as possible.
Fortunately, there have been no accidents, injuries or deaths attributed to these loose bolts. Jayco’s recall is a preventative measure, and the company is asking all customers to check whether or not their vehicle is at risk.
Notification letters will be mailed to all affected Jayco mobile home customers on June 2, 2023. Watch for the letter in your mailbox or check your RV’s VIN to see if you are eligible for free inspections or repairs.
What are the dangers of loose brake caliper pins?
After hearing that brake caliper pins have not caused any problems, you may be wondering why the recall is even necessary. This line of thinking is risky! Just because the bolts haven’t broken yet doesn’t mean you’re off the hook.
Loose caliper bolts seem like a minor problem, but they can quickly grow into something much worse. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) warns that loose bolts can eventually come loose from their mounting points.
When this happens, the loose saddle can damage the RV wheel. The tire may lose pressure at this point. This would even cause the tire to burst, which is extremely dangerous when driving on the highway.
It is also possible for the caliper to damage the brake lines. If these lines are damaged or broken, it can cause brake fluid to leak. In this case, your brakes become less effective, which significantly increases the risk of an accident.
Blowouts, crashes and faulty brakes are highly dangerous. It’s fortunate that the loose caliper bolts have held up to this point, but Jayco RV owners should take this matter seriously. Worn sockets and loose bolts may seem like minor things, but Jayco and Ford have flagged them as potential hazards.
Is your RV affected?
Now that you know the details of the Jayco recall and the dangers of loose caliper bolts, you’re probably wondering what your next steps should be.
If you own one of the affected models, you should receive a notification letter from Jayco in early June. While you wait, you can visit NHTSA’s recall database and enter your RV’s VIN in the search bar. From here, you can determine if your vehicle is eligible for a recall or repair.
Once you’ve identified the problem, don’t try to fix it yourself. RVs are complex vehicles, and you may not be able to fix loose caliper pins yourself. Instead, Jayco advises you to take your RV to a qualified Ford or Lincoln dealer.
There, the professionals will inspect your vehicle for potential problems. If the bolts are just loose, they can tighten them to the proper size. If the bolt heads are rounded or the bushing does not fit properly, you are entitled to brake caliper bolt replacement.
These repairs should be done relatively quickly, so you won’t have to abandon your RV for an extended period of time. Plus, you don’t have to worry about the cost. All repairs and inspections are covered by Jayco.
If you have any further questions about the process, please feel free to contact them via the contact page on the manufacturer’s website.
Connect with other Jayco RV owners
It’s always upsetting to hear that your RV has been affected by a recall. You’ve invested a lot of money and trust in these vehicles, and one recall could be enough to shake your confidence.
In this case, however, a recall is a good thing. Jayco gets ahead of the problem and works to fix issues before they become dangerous. Some brands don’t address problems until they become deadly because they believe it’s better to pay settlements than to issue an expensive recall.
It’s easy to distrust manufacturers, especially when they admit their product has a real problem. But it really seems like Jayco is trying to fix the defects in their RVs. This recall is an attempt to protect their vehicles and customers before something bad happens.
If your RV falls under the recall specifications, please seek qualified assistance as soon as possible. Jayco will pay for all repairs, so there’s no reason to wait! If you trust the manufacturers, they will get your RV back up and running.
For more tips and information from other Jayco RV owners, visit the Jayco Owners Forum.