NHTSA vehicle safety data

2003 Holiday Rambler Ambassador Recalls & Complaints

The 2003 Holiday Rambler Ambassador has 5 NHTSA recall campaigns and 18 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Holiday Rambler dealer.

NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2003 Holiday Rambler Ambassador. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

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2003 Holiday Rambler Ambassador owner complaints

Owners have filed 18 complaints with NHTSA about the 2003 Holiday Rambler Ambassador, describing incidents dated September 10, 2004 to October 16, 2018.

Most-cited components

Service Brakes 9 complaints
Suspension 7 complaints
Structure 3 complaints
Air Bags 1 complaint
Tires 1 complaint
Wheels 1 complaint

Of the 18 complaints on file, 1 reports a crash (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).

Newest complaints

ODI #11144654 · Filed November 1, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HOLIDAY RAMBLER AMBASSADOR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS LOW SPEEDS, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS APPLIED AND INSTANTLY WENT TO THE FLOORBOARD. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A POLE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT CRASHING INTO THE POLE WAS THE ONLY WAY TO…
ODI #10744971 · Filed July 30, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HOLIDAY RAMBLER AMBASSADOR. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE STARTED TO VEER TO ONE SIDE AND THE ABS SENSOR LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS MERGED OVER TO THE SHOULDER TO COOL OFF AND WAS LATER DRIVEN TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE…
ODI #10533403 · Filed August 3, 2013
FRONT CALIPERS DID NOT RELEASE, CAUSING ABNORMAL WEAR AND TEAR ON THE ROTORS AND PADS I HAVE A ROADMASTER CHASSIS. *TR

Read all 18 complaints

REFRIGERATOR/FIRE/NORCOLD

NHTSA #08V257000 · Equipment — Recreational Vehicle/Trailer · NHTSA notice

Reported June 5, 2008 · MONACO COACH CORPORATION

Potentially affected: 8,587 vehicles

Manufacturer campaign R08017 · Owners notified August 29, 2008 · Vehicles built November 17, 1997 – July 15, 2002 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

MONACO IS RECALLING CERTAIN MOTOR HOMES EQUIPPED WITH NORCOLD REFRIGERATORS. A FATIGUE FAILURE IN THE SECTION OF THE COOLING UNIT WHICH CONTAINS THE REFRIGERANT COULD ALLOW THE LIQUID SOLUTION TO SLOWLY LEAK.

Safety consequence

EXTENDED OPERATION OF A LEAKING COOLING UNIT COULD LEAD TO A FIRE FROM GAS WHICH MIGHT ESCAPE.

Manufacturer remedy

MONACO IS WORKING WITH NORCOLD TO REPAIR THESE REFRIGERATORS. NORCOLD WILL PROVIDE THERMAL SWITCH KITS TO OWNERS ALONG WITH THE NECESSARY FORMS AND INSTRUCTIONS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 29, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NORCOLD AT 1-800-767-9101 OR MONACO AT 1-800-685-6545.

Notes

MONACO RECALL NO. 08017.CUSTOMERS MAY CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

TRAILING ARMS/SUSPENSION

NHTSA #05V053000 · Suspension — Rear — Springs — Leaf Spring Assembly · NHTSA notice

Reported February 14, 2005 · MONACO COACH CORPORATION

Potentially affected: 2,827 vehicles

Manufacturer campaign R04062 · Owners notified March 29, 2005 · Vehicles built November 30, 2001 – October 1, 2004 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

ON CERTAIN CLASS A MOTOR HOMES, THE SPACER PLATE UNDER THE TRAILING ARMS HAD A TRANSVERSE WELD WHICH CREATES A HEAT RISER AND CAUSE THE TRAILING ARMS TO CRACK.

Safety consequence

THIS COULD CREATE ROUGH DRIVING CONDITIONS AND DAMAGE TO REAR SUSPENSION SYSTEM. THE DRIVER COULD LOOSE CONTROL OF THE MOTORHOME AND A CRASH COULD OCCUR WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE REPLACE THE TRAILING ARMS FOR CRACKS AND REPLACING THE TRAILING ARMS AND U-BOLTS IN THE REAR SUSPENSION OF THE MOTORHOMES FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 29, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MONACO AT 1-800-685-6545.

Notes

MONACO RECALL NO. R04062.CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

MONACO/I-BEAM IMITATOR

NHTSA #04V038000 · Suspension — Front · NHTSA notice

Reported January 28, 2004 · MONACO COACH CORPORATION

Potentially affected: 2,156 vehicles

Manufacturer campaign R03024 · Owners notified March 1, 2004 · Vehicles built February 4, 2002 – October 24, 2003 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

ON CERTAIN MOTORHOMES, THE I-BEAM LEAF IMITATOR IN THE FRONT AXLE SUSPENSION COULD CRACK AND BREAK DUE TO AN INADEQUATE WELDING PROCESS.

Safety consequence

THE I-BEAMS ON THE FRONT AXLE AND THE PANARD BRACKET ON THE REAR AXLE COULD CRACK AND BREAK CAUSING THE DRIVER TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ORIGINAL I-BEAM. ALSO, DEALERS WILL WELD THE STIFFENERS FROM THE PANARD BAR BRACKET TO THE CENTER DIFFERENTIAL OF THE REAR AXLE HOUSING. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 1, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT MONACO AT 1-877-466-6226.

Notes

MONACO RECALL NO. R03024.CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

MONACO/BATTERY CABLE

NHTSA #03V267000 · Electrical System — 12V/24V/48V Battery — Cables · NHTSA notice

Reported July 28, 2003 · MONACO COACH CORP.

Potentially affected: 135 vehicles

Manufacturer campaign R03011 · Owners notified August 22, 2003 · Vehicles built October 31, 2002 – February 18, 2003 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

ON CERTAIN MOTOR HOMES, THE BATTERY CABLE THAT IS ATTACHED TO THE CIRCUIT BREAKER IS ROUTED TOO CLOSE TO THE FRAME OF THE COACH.

Safety consequence

THIS COULD RESULT IN THE CABLE BECOMING WORN AND CREATING AN ELECTRICAL SHORT IN THE 12-VOLT SYSTEM THAT COULD DAMAGE THE BATTERY AND/OR CIRCUIT BREAKER.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL ROTATE THE EYELET ON THE CIRCUIT BREAKER TO ELIMINATE THE POSSIBILITY OF THE CABLE RUBBING ON THE FRAME. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 22, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT MONACO AT 1-800-685-6545.

Notes

MONACO RECALL NO. R03011.CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

MONACO/BOSCH/BRAKE ASSEMBLIES

NHTSA #02V278000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic — Foundation Components · NHTSA notice

Reported October 22, 2002 · MONACO COACH CORP.

Potentially affected: 8,581 vehicles

Manufacturer campaign R02175 · Owners notified August 18, 2004 · Vehicles built April 10, 1998 – September 3, 2002 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Defect description

ON CERTAIN MOTOR HOMES, THE BRAKE ASSEMBLIES EXHIBIT ELEVATED TEMPERATURES THAT CAN LEAD TO CATASTROPHIC DETERIORATION OF THE WHEEL END COMPONENTS SUCH AS BEARINGS, RACES, SPINDLES, KNUCKLES, SEALS, HUBS, ROTORS, PATCH BOLTS, CALIPERS, BRAKE PADS, AND ABS SENSORS.

Safety consequence

THIS COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF CONTROL, AND/OR THE POTENTIAL FOR A FIRE.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE FRONT AND REAR BRAKE CALIPERS FOR CORROSION AND REPLACE OR REBUILD THE CALIPERS AS NECESSARY. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 18, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT MONACO AT 1-800-685-6545.

Notes

MONACO RECALL NO. R02175.CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

try.vin has no NCAP crash-test rating on file for the 2003 Holiday Rambler Ambassador. NHTSA rates some vehicles by body style — pickups by cab, vans by roof height — so check nhtsa.gov/ratings.

18 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2003 Holiday Rambler Ambassador.

Service Brakes

ODI #11144654

Crash

Incident: October 16, 2018 · Filed: November 1, 2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HOLIDAY RAMBLER AMBASSADOR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS LOW SPEEDS, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS APPLIED AND INSTANTLY WENT TO THE FLOORBOARD. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A POLE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT CRASHING INTO THE POLE WAS THE ONLY WAY TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT ENGAGED THE PARKING BRAKE TO STOP THE VEHICLE WHILE IN THE REVERSE POSITION BECAUSE THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ROLL BACKWARDS WHILE THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES SUSTAINED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO PREMIER TRUCK GROUP OF KNOXVILLE (1413 EVERETT ROAD, KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE 37932 (800) 443-2324) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FOOT VALVE WAS FAULTY AND THAT AIR WAS INDUCED INTO THE BRAKE LINES. THE DEALER REPLACED THE FRONT RIGHT BRAKE CALIBER, THE FRONT AXLE, AND ALL OF THE ABS SENSOR LIGHTS ON THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 53,500. *DT*JB

Service Brakes

ODI #10744971

Incident: July 25, 2015 · Filed: July 30, 2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HOLIDAY RAMBLER AMBASSADOR. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE STARTED TO VEER TO ONE SIDE AND THE ABS SENSOR LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS MERGED OVER TO THE SHOULDER TO COOL OFF AND WAS LATER DRIVEN TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 02V278000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC); HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME TO ADDRESS THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,000.

Service Brakes

ODI #10533403

Incident: June 20, 2013 · Filed: August 3, 2013

FRONT CALIPERS DID NOT RELEASE, CAUSING ABNORMAL WEAR AND TEAR ON THE ROTORS AND PADS I HAVE A ROADMASTER CHASSIS. *TR

Tires

ODI #10509232

Incident: April 7, 2013 · Filed: April 23, 2013

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HOLIDAY RAMBLER AMBASSADOR EQUIPPED WITH HERCULES S208 LOAD RATING TIRES, SIZE: 255 70 22.5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING 65 MPH, THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE TIRE BLEW AND THE TREAD BECAME SEPARATED FROM THE TIRE. THE CONTACT SPOKE WITH THE DISTRIBUTOR OF THE TIRE AND WAS ADVISED THAT THEY HAD RECEIVED NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS FROM TRUCK DRIVERS ABOUT THE TIRES. THE TIRES WERE REPLACED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. *TR

Service Brakes, Hydraulic; Wheels

ODI #10336636

Incident: May 13, 2010 · Filed: June 16, 2010

I HAVE A 2003 HOLIDAY RAMBLER AMBASSADOR ON A ROADMASTER CHASSIS. I HAVE THE SAME BOSCH BRAKES THAT ARE CURRENTLY BEING RECALLED ON THE WORK HORSE CHASSIS. I SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN THE WORK HORSE RECALL SINCE I HAVE THE SAME BRAKES. HOLIDAY RAMBLER WENT OUT OF BUSINESS AND WAS BOUGHT BY MONACO AND IT WENT OUT OF BUSINESS ALSO. NAVISTAR BOUGHT MONACO. NO ONE IS LOOKING AT THE HOLIDAY RAMBLER BRAKE PROBLEMS THAT ARE THE SAME AS THE WORK HOURS RECALL. I HAD TO HAVE ALL CALIPERS ,ROTORS, BRAKE PADS, AND ABS SENSORS CHANGED DUE TO THE CALIPER NOT RELEASING AND HEATING THE ROTORS. *TR

Service Brakes, Hydraulic

ODI #10321188

Incident: January 28, 2010 · Filed: March 20, 2010

2003 HOLIDAY RAMBLER MOTORHOME BOSCH BRAKE CALIBERS STICKING. 73MM. HAD TO CHANGE ALL 4 CALIBERS. NOW DRIVERS SIDE STICKING. VERY DANGEROUS AND EXPENSIVE. *TR

Air Bags; Structure

ODI #10285034

Incident: July 29, 2009 · Filed: September 23, 2009

EVENTS LEADING TO DISCOVERY OF FAILURE - FAILURE OF AIRBAG AND PANHARD TIE ARM ON 2003 HOLIDAY RAMBLER 36' AMBASSADOR DIESEL PUSHER MOTORHOME WHILE 500MI FROM HOME, AND THEN SECOND AIRBAG PUNCTURED AND REPLACED, ALONG WITH SWAYING ACTION THAT CAUSED DIFFICULTY DRIVING LED TO DISCOVERY OF BROKEN(COMPLETE BREAK) TRAILING ARM ON DRIVER SIDE OF MH. IT IS UNKNOWN HOW LONG THE TRAILING ARM MAY HAVE BEEN DRIVEN WITH CRACK(S). THE AIRBAG FAILURES, ALONG WITH THE PANHARD TIE ROD CAUSED BY BROKEN TRAILING ARM. DUE TO INFORMATION RECEIVED REGARDING 2ND FAILURES OF TRAILING ARMS THAT HAD BEEN REPLACED, A NEW REPLACEMENT SET OF TRAILING ARMS WAS PURCHASED FROM SOURCE ENGR MFG. *TR

Suspension

ODI #10279762

Incident: August 4, 2009 · Filed: August 8, 2009

REAR TRAILING ARM ON MONACO AND HOLIDAY RAMBLER BREAK MY VEHICLE HAD PREVIOUSLY BEEN RECALLED ( 05V053000 ) IN 2005 FOR SAME PROBLEM. A CHECK OF RV FORUMS INDICATE MANY OTHERS ARE HAVING THE SAME FAILURE. THE COMPANY THAT IS NOW MANUFACTURING REPLACEMENT PARTS INDICATED TO ME THEY WERE SHIPPING 8 TO 10 SETS (THEY ONLY SUPPLY PARTS IN SETS, BOTH SIDES) A WEEK. COMPANY'S NAME IS SOURCE MANUFACTURING, ELMIRA, OR 541-935-0308. *TR

Service Brakes, Hydraulic

ODI #10270026

Incident: May 8, 2009 · Filed: May 27, 2009

2003 HOLIDAY RAMBLER, AMBASSADOR, 34PST, AFTER LIGHT STOP AND GO TRAFFIC AT HIGHWAY SPEED THE BRAKE CALIPERS AND BRAKE SYSTEM OVERHEAT, THE DISK BRAKE CALIPERS FAIL TO RELEASE COMPLETELY OVERHEATING THE FRONT AND REAR PASSENGER SIDE BRAKES TO THE POINT OF BURNING. GEAR OIL CAN BE SMELLED AND THE WHEELS ARE LOCKED WITH THE MOTORCOACH OFF THE GROUND. AFTER COOLING THEY RELESED. NHTSA RECALL 02V278000 MONACO R02175 APPLIES. DEALER TOM RAPER REFUSES TO REPAIR. *TR

Structure

ODI #10251530

Incident: December 10, 2008 · Filed: December 11, 2008

2003 HOLIDAY RAMBLER AMBASSADOR MOTOR HOME. GRAB BAR ON OUTSIDE OF COACH BROKE OFF WHILE MY HUSBAND CLIMBED INTO THE COACH. *TR

Other Holiday Rambler Ambassador model years

Check your 2003 Holiday Rambler Ambassador VIN

Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your Holiday Rambler Ambassador at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.

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