2017 Thor Motor Coach ACE
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Electrical system is the leading concern among 3 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 6th highest complaint count among 8 ACE model years with reports.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
EquipmentNov 22, 2017
Thor Motor Coach (Thor) is recalling various 2003-2018 recreational vehicles, equipped with Kidde Plastic-Handle or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers. See a list of the affected trailer models at: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17V758-5764.pdf. These extinguishers 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
In the event of a fire, if the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury.
Thor will notify owners, instructing them to contact Kidde for a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began on January 15, 2018. Owners may contact Thor customer service at 1-877-500-1020, or 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.
Campaign 17V758000 on NHTSA.gov
Trailer hitchesApr 10, 2017
Thor Motor Coach (TMC) is recalling certain 2017 Ace, Hurricane, and Windsport motorhomes. The weight rating labels for the tow hitches on these vehicles indicate a 10,000lb weight capacity when the actual hitch capacity is 8,000lbs.
If the hitch is loaded to the capacity on the label, the hitch may damage the motorhome or the hitch may disconnect from the tow vehicle, increasing the risk of the crash.
TMC will notify owners and provide them corrected labels, free of charge. The recall began on May 22, 2017. Owner's may contact TMC customer service at 1-877-500-1020.
Campaign 17V239000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints
3 reports, newest first.
Structure, Latches/locks/linkages, Oct 2, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 FORD F-53. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENTRY DOOR LATCH MECHANISM FAILED TO LOCK THE RV DOOR. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO ENTER THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 31,000. *DT*JB*PM CONSUMER STATED HE HAD A FAULTY LATCH.*JB
Electrical system, Tires, Aug 29, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 THOR ACE RV EQUIPPED WITH GOODYEAR G6T0RV TIRES, SIZE: 245/17/R19.5 (NA). WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH AND TOWING A TRAILER WITH A COMPACT VEHICLE INSIDE, THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE INSIDE DUAL TIRE SUDDENLY EXPERIENCED A BLOWOUT. DURING THE TIRE BLOWOUT, WIRES CONNECTING THE LIGHTING SYSTEM THAT WERE LOCATED IN THE WHEEL WELL WERE DAMAGED. THE FAILURE CAUSED ALL THE EXTERIOR LIGHTING TO SHUT OFF, WHICH PREVENTED THE CONTACT FROM SEEING THE ROAD AT NIGHT. THE WIRES WERE REPLACED BY THE OWNER. THE MANUFACTURER AND AN UNKNOWN DEALER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE AND TIRE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5,000.
Electrical system, Apr 13, 2018
THE ELECTRICAL WIRING WITHIN THE MOTOR COACH IS NOT TO NFPA'S NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE NOR IS IT WIRED TO THOR'S OWN FACTORY SPECIFICATIONS. IN ADDITION, THE APPLIANCES WITHIN THE COACH ARE NOT WIRED TO THE SPECIFICATIONS OF THE APPLIANCE MANUFACTURER. OUR MOTOR COACH EXPERIENCED A SHORTED WIRE IN THE WATER HEATER JUNCTION BOX DUE TO IMPROPER SPLICING IN AN AREA WHERE NO SPLICING SHOULD HAVE BEEN NECESSARY. THAT SAME ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT WHICH, PER THE NEC AND THOR'S FACTORY SPECIFICATIONS SHOULD HAVE BEEN ON A DEDICATED BREAKER, WAS NOT ON A DEDICATED BREAKER WHICH COULD HAVE ALLOWED THE AMPERAGE IN THE JUNCTION BOX TO EXCEED THE BREAKER'S CAPACITY AND HEAT TO THE POINT OF DISINTEGRATING THE WIRE'S INSULATION LEAVING A BARE WIRES. THIS COULD HAVE EASILY LED TO A FIRE. NOT ONLY HAS THIS RESULTED IN LOSS OF USE OF THE APPLIANCE, BUT HAS ALSO RESULTED IN COMPLETE LOSS OF FAITH THAT THE REST OF THE MOTOR HOME IS SAFE FOR HABITATION OR FOR TRAVEL ON PUBLIC ROADS. THIS IS A MATTER OF PUBLIC SAFETY AND SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED FURTHER.