2003 National RV Dolphin recalls and problems

The 2003 National RV Dolphin has 1 safety recall and 9 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any National RV dealer.

Recalls
1
Complaints
9
Crashes / fires
0 / 2
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2003 National RV Dolphin vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2003 National RV Dolphin recalls

Recall 07V-230: Equipment

Reported Jun 4, 2007 · 21,326 vehicles affected · NATIONAL RV, INC.

Problem: Certain motor homes equipped with a two-door refrigerator, manufactured by the dometic corporation, may have a defect in the boiler tube. Pressurized coolant solution could be released into an area where an ignition source (Gas flame) is present.

Risk: Release of coolant under certain conditions could ignite and result in a fire.

Fix: National rv will be working with dometic in order to repair these refrigerators (Please see 06e076). Dometic will repair these refrigerators by installing a secondary burn housing, a thermal fuse, and a melt fuse free of charge. Dometic has retained stericycle inc. To manage this campaign. Stericycle will assist owners in locating dealerships or service centers and will provide assistance with scheduling of appointments. Owners may contact dometic/stericycle at 1-888-446-5157 or national rv at 1-800-999-7260, ext. 4335. The national highway traffic safety administration (Nhtsa), an agency of the united states department of transportation, has been notified that national rv, inc. And its holding company, national rv holdings, inc., have filed for bankruptcy. Nhtsa has been advised that owners who wish to pursue claims related to safety recall repair work on their national rv vehicles may file a proof of claim with the united states bankruptcy court for the central district of california, riverside division. The case number assigned to this matter is 07-17941. The proof of claim form and instructions are available online at the court's website www.cacb.uscourts.gov. Additional information about the bankruptcy and its proceedings may also be found at www.omnimgt.com/nationalrv. National rv's phone number is (951) 943-6007. Information about safety recalls on national rv's products may be found at www.safercar.gov. The NHTSA wishes to advise owners of recalled products that, in the interests of their safety and the safety of the motoring public, all safety recall work should be performed on motor vehicles and items of equipment.

2003 National RV Dolphin problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Service Brakes, Hydraulic5
Electrical System2
Power Train1
Vehicle Speed Control1
Visibility1
Structure1
Fuel System, Other1
Service Brakes, Air1

Most reported parts

  • Electrical System › Wiring › Front Underhood — 1
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings — 1
  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 1
  • Electrical System › Wiring — 1
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Pads — 1
  • Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Motor — 1
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip — 1
  • Fuel System, Other › Delivery › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 15,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2003 National RV Dolphin complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic · at 15,000 miles · reported Jun 15, 2009
The contact owns a 2003 national dolphin rv. The vehicle has been experiencing brake failure ever since it was purchased. The dealer repaired the front brakes under warranty. The rear brakes were also repaired. The contact received a recall notice for the brakes, but the dealer stated that his vehicle was excluded from the recall repair since the repairs were previously performed. The NHTSA campaign id number was unknown. The failure mileage was 15,000 and current mileage was 50,000.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic · at 23,640 miles · reported Nov 17, 2008
Mileage: 23640 brakes on my rv (Workhorse w22 2003 chasis) locked up, overheated, and dash ABS warning light came on. Replaced left front and rear wheel sensors. Mileage: 23765 date:11-7-07 - brakes again locked up, overheated, and ABS warning light came on. Replaced ABS control module, wheel sensors, front hub seals, front brake pads, flush brake system, add new fluid, & bleed system. Mileage:31990 date:10-15-08 - front brakes dragging, overheated, ABS warning light came on. Replace front rotors, calipers, hub seals, pads, wheel sensors, flush, replace fluid, and bleed brake system.…
Service Brakes, Air · at 15,000 miles · reported Aug 28, 2007
The contact owns a 2003 national rv dolphin. While driving 35 MPH, the vehicle pulled to the right. The dealer stated that the passenger side front brake was not releasing. Both front brakes were replaced. While driving 50 MPH, the brake pedal extended to the floor when depressed. The emergency brake was applied to stop the vehicle. The dealer replaced the rear brakes because the calipers overheated and became stuck. The brakes were less than 20% worn. The failure mileage was 15,000 and current mileage was 32,000.
Fuel System, Other · at 37,000 miles · reported Jan 26, 2007
- the contact stated that the fuel line on the 2003 dolphin lx motor home started leaking gas above the fuel tank. The contact has the fuel tank and the repair invoices. The contact also had the fuel tank with the cracks in it. Updated 02/22/07.
Structure · at 2,364 miles · reported May 20, 2004
The consumer indicated that due to the angle of the front windshield, sun light reflected on the windshield which caused a glare in the exterior rear view mirror. This resulted in poor or no visibility.

Other National RV Dolphin years

Compare all National RV Dolphin years · All National RV models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2003 National RV Dolphin have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2003 National RV Dolphin: 07V-230 (equipment). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2003 National RV Dolphin?

Owners report service brakes, hydraulic problems most often (5 reports), followed by electrical system (2). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 15,000 miles.

Are National RV recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized National RV dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.