NHTSA vehicle safety data
2012 Tiffin Phaeton Recalls & Complaints
The 2012 Tiffin Phaeton has 7 NHTSA recall campaigns and 2 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Tiffin dealer.
NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2012 Tiffin Phaeton. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
2012 Tiffin Phaeton owner complaints
Owners have filed 2 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012 Tiffin Phaeton, describing incidents dated September 3, 2012 to November 1, 2022.
Most-cited components
- Engine 2 complaints
Newest complaints
ODI #11491959 · Filed
This vehicle like many thousands has a DEF system that uses Diesel Exhaust Fluid in addition to Diesel fuel. This POLLUTION CONTROL SCHEME, Installed by both Freight Liner and Cummins diesel, when it fails, it orverides all engine speed controls and only allows the vehicle to drive at 5 mph. THIS IS…
ODI #10543275 · Filed
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 TIFFEN PHAETON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CABIN WAS FILLED WITH EXHAUST FUMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS BEING REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,000.
Fire Extinguisher May Be Clogged or Inoperable
NHTSA #17V841000 · Equipment · NHTSA notice
Reported December 22, 2017 · Tiffin Motorhomes, Inc.
Potentially affected: 36,005 vehicles
Repair completion: 15.86% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)
Owners notified February 5, 2018 · Vehicles built January 1, 2003 – November 30, 2017 (per NHTSA)
Defect description
Tiffin Motorhomes, Inc. (Tiffin) is recalling certain 2009-2018 Allegro and Allegro RED, Bus and Phaeton vehicles, 2009-2010 Bay vehicles, 2011-2018 Breeze vehicles, and 2009-2015, and 2017-2018 Zephyr vehicles. These motorhomes are equipped with Kidde Plastic-Handle or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers that may become clogged, preventing the extinguisher from discharging as expected or excessive force may be needed to activate the extinguisher. Additionally, in certain models, the nozzle may detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury and also render the product inoperable. For a full list of the affected fire extinguisher models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17E062-5427.pdf
Safety consequence
In the event of a fire, if the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury.
Manufacturer remedy
Tiffin will notify owners, and instruct them to contact Kidde for a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began on February 5, 2018. Owners may contact Kidde customer service toll-free at 1-855-262-3540, or online at www.kidde.com and click on "Product Safety Recall" for more information. Owners may also contact Tiffin customer service at 1-256-356-8661.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Insufficient Exhaust Pipe Clearance may cause Fire
NHTSA #17V121000 · Engine and Engine Cooling — Exhaust System — Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe · NHTSA notice
Reported February 27, 2017 · Tiffin Motorhomes, Inc.
Potentially affected: 35 vehicles
Repair completion: 80% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)
Tiffin campaign TIF-106 · Owners notified March 22, 2017 · Vehicles built June 1, 2011 – August 1, 2011 (per NHTSA)
Defect description
Tiffin Motorhomes, Inc. (Tiffin) is recalling certain 2012 Phaeton motorhomes with floor plans QBH, QKH, and QTH, built on PowerGlide chassis. The affected vehicles have an exhaust pipe that is mounted too close to the underside of the floor.
Safety consequence
Insufficient spacing between the exhaust pipe and the floor may result in the insulation melting and an increased risk of a fire.
Manufacturer remedy
Tiffin will notify owner, and dealers will reconfigure the exhaust to provide extra clearance, free of charge. The recall began on March 22, 2017. Owners may contact Tiffin customer service at 1-256-356-8661. Tiffin's number for the recall is TIF-106.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Electric Entry Steps may Become Unstable
NHTSA #15V880000 · Equipment — Recreational Vehicle/Trailer · NHTSA notice
Reported December 28, 2015 · Tiffin Motorhomes, Inc.
Potentially affected: 14,889 vehicles
Repair completion: 41.38% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)
Owners notified February 10, 2016 · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation
Defect description
Tiffin Motorhomes (Tiffin) is recalling certain model year 2007-2015 motorhomes manufactured May 1, 2007, to December 31, 2014, equipped with certain Coachstep Double and Triple Electric Steps. The bolt that attaches the fan gear assembly to the steps may fracture allowing the fan gear to disengage from the steps. As a result, the steps may not remain in the expected position and may become unstable.
Safety consequence
Unstable entry and exit steps increase the risk of injury.
Manufacturer remedy
Dealers will install a retainer bracket on the double step assemblies and the Coachstep Linkage Assembly will be replaced and a retainer bracket will be installed on the trip step assemblies. The recall began on Ferbuary 10, 2016. Owners may contact Tiffin customer service at 1-256-356-8661, or Lippert customer service at 1-574-537-8900.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Exhaust Pipe may Melt Insulation
NHTSA #15V612000 · Engine and Engine Cooling — Exhaust System — Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe · NHTSA notice
Reported September 30, 2015 · Tiffin Motorhomes, Inc.
Potentially affected: 140 vehicles
Repair completion: 67.14% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)
Owners notified December 1, 2015 · Vehicles built July 1, 2010 – August 1, 2011 (per NHTSA)
Defect description
Tiffin Motorhomes, Inc. (Tiffin) is recalling certain model year 2010-2012 Phaeton motorhomes built on Powerglide chassis with floor plans QBH, QKH, and QTH manufactured July 1, 2010, to August 1, 2011. The affected vehicles have an exhaust pipe that is mounted too close to the underside of the floor.
Safety consequence
Insufficient spacing between the exhaust pipe and the floor may result in the insulation melting and an increased risk of a fire.
Manufacturer remedy
Tiffin will notify owners, and dealers will change the configuration of the exhaust to provide extra clearance between it and the floor, free of charge. The recall began on December 1, 2015. Owners may contact Tiffin customer service at 1-256-356-8661. Note: Although these vehicles may have been previously repaired for this condition under recall number 11V-416, it is important that the affected vehicles receive the revised remedy of this recall.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
AIR BRAKE SYSTEM/FMVSS 121
NHTSA #12V228000 · Service Brakes, Air · NHTSA notice
Reported May 22, 2012 · TIFFIN MOTORHOMES, INC.
Potentially affected: 2 vehicles
Owners notified April 19, 2012
Defect description
TIFFIN MOTORHOMES (TIFFIN) IS RECALLING TWO MODEL YEAR 2012 PHAETON RECREATIONAL VEHICLES BUILT ON A SPARTAN CHASSIS AND EQUIPPED WITH 3030 BRAKE CHAMBERS. THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NUMBER 121, AIR BRAKE SYSTEMS BECAUSE THEY DO NOT MEET THE PARK BRAKE AND DRAW BAR REQUIREMENTS.
Safety consequence
THE PARK BRAKE MAY NOT BE SUFFICIENT TO HOLD THE VEHICLE IN PLACE. ACCORDINGLY, THE VEHICLE COULD ROLL AWAY AND STRIKE AND INJURE A BYSTANDER OR CAUSE A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Manufacturer remedy
THE AFFECTED VEHICLES HAVE NOT BEEN SOLD YET AND TIFFIN HAS NOTIFIED THE DEALERS THAT ARE IN POSSESSION OF THE VEHICLES. SPARTAN DEALERS WILL INSTALL IMPROVED BRAKE CHAMBERS PRIOR TO SALE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TIFFIN MOTORHOMES AT 1-256-356-8661.
Notes
OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATIONS VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.
V-BAND CLAMP ASSEMBLY
NHTSA #12V048000 · Engine and Engine Cooling · NHTSA notice
Reported February 8, 2012 · TIFFIN MOTORHOMES, INC.
Potentially affected: 13 vehicles
Owners notified October 10, 2012
Defect description
TIFFIN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011, 2012, AND 2013 RECREATIONAL VEHICLES, MODELS PHAETON AND ZEPHYR, EQUIPPED WITH A CUMMINS ISB, ISC, ISL, OR ISX DIESEL ENGINE. THE V-BAND CLAMP ASSEMBLY, PART NUMBERS Q187684, Q187685, AND Q187686, USED TO CONNECT THE INLET AND OUTLET CONE SECTIONS TO THE DIESEL OXIDATION CATALYST (DOC)/DIESEL PARTICULATE FILTER (DPF) INCLUDE A T-BOLT WHICH CAN FRACTURE AND FAIL WHEN SUBJECTED TO STRESS OR LOAD. A FRACTURE OR FAILURE OF THE T-BOLT MAY CAUSE THE CLAMP TO LOOSEN AND THE INLET OR OUTLET SECTIONS ATTACHED TO THE DOC/DPF HOUSING TO DISCONNECT.
Safety consequence
IF THE INLET OR OUTLET SECTIONS DISCONNECT, HOT EXHAUST GASES CAN VENT PRIOR TO EXITING THE TAILPIPE, CREATING THE RISK OF COMBUSTION AND A FIRE. IF BOTH CLAMPS FAIL, THERE IS A RISK IN SOME APPLICATIONS THAT THE DOC/DPF HOUSING MAY DETACH COMPLETELY, CREATING A ROAD HAZARD.
Manufacturer remedy
TIFFINS IS WORKING WITH CUMMINS TO IDENTIFY AND NOTIFY OWNERS OF THE RECALL CAMPAIGN. REPAIRS WILL BE PERFORMED BY AUTHORIZED CUMMINS DEALERS FREE OF CHARGE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CUMMINS AT 1-812-377-5000 OR TIFFINS AT 256-356-8661.
Notes
CUMMINS RECALL CAMPAIGN NUMBER IS C1154. OWNERS 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 <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A> .
EXHAUST PIPE/POSSIBLE FIRE
NHTSA #11V416000 · Engine and Engine Cooling — Exhaust System — Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe · NHTSA notice
Reported August 8, 2011 · TIFFIN MOTORHOMES, INC.
Potentially affected: 149 vehicles
Repair completion: 89.93% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)
Owners notified September 19, 2011
Defect description
TIFFIN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010-2012 PHAETON MOTORHOMES WITH FLOOR PLANS QBH, QKH, AND QTH THAT ARE BUILT WITH 2010 EPA-CERTIFIED ENGINES ON POWERGLIDE CHASSIS. THE EXHAUST PIPE IS MOUNTED TOO CLOSE TO THE UNDERSIDE OF THE FLOOR.
Safety consequence
MELTING OF THE INSULATION CAN OCCUR, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.
Manufacturer remedy
TIFFIN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL ATTACH A HEAT SHIELD TO THE BOTTOM OF THE FLOOR AND AN INSULATING SOCK OR BLANKET WILL BE WRAPPED AROUND THE EXHAUST PIPE. THESE REPAIRS WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 19, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TIFFIN AT 1-256-356-8661.
Notes
OWNERS 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 <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A> .
Other Tiffin Phaeton model years
Check your 2012 Tiffin Phaeton VIN
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