2018 Thor Motor Coach ACE
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Electrical system is the leading concern among 5 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 2nd 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
Exterior lightingNov 2, 2017
Thor Motor Coach (TMC) is recalling certain 2018 Ace, Axis, Hurricane, Windsport, and Vegas motorhomes. The wiring for the trailer lights may have been inserted into the wrong locations of the trailer lighting socket causing the trailer lights to not function properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
If the trailer lights do not function as intended, it can increase the risk of a crash.
Thor has notified owners and dealers will re-wire a new connector, free of charge. The recall began on November 21, 2017. Owners may contact TMC customer service at 1-877-500-1020. TMC's number for this recall is RC000148.
Campaign 17V692000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints
5 reports, newest first.
Suspension, Apr 26, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Thor Ace RV. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle suddenly veered to the right and the driver was no longer able to properly steer the vehicle. A mobile mechanic was called to the location and diagnosed that the front passenger’s side wheel bearing had failed and needed to be replaced. The mechanic stated that the wheel bearing failure was due to insufficient lubrication within the wheel bearing. The front passenger’s side wheel bearing and spindle were replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. The vehicle was later taken to the local mechanic who discovered that the front driver’s side wheel bearing was also failing due to insufficient lubrication. The front driver's side wheel bearing was replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were not yet notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 13,500.
Power train, Mar 30, 2024
Transmission down shifts excessively on downhill grades
Visibility/wiper, May 6, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 THOR ACE MOTOR HOME. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WINDSHIELD FLUID SPRAYER DID NOT SPRAY THE FLUID HIGH ENOUGH TO CLEAN THE ENTIRE WINDSHIELD. THE FAILURE CAUSED A BUILD-UP OF DEBRIS ON THE WINDSHIELD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO CAMPING WORLD OF BAKERSFIELD (888-409-0053, LOCATED AT 5500 WIBLE RD, BAKERSFIELD, CA 93313) WHERE THE LINES WERE CHECKED TO MAKE SURE THEY WERE NOT CLOGGED. THE TECHNICIAN ALSO CHANGED THE WIPER BLADES, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE TECHNICIAN TOOK A PICTURE OF THE POSITION OF THE SPRAYER AND SENT IT TO THE MANUFACTURER. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT A MODIFICATION MAY BE A SOLUTION, BUT COULD NOT RECOMMEND IT DUE TO LIABILITY CONCERNS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 300. *TR*JB
Steering, Engine, Jul 18, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 THOR ACE. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE STEERING WHEEL WAS EXTREMELY LOOSE, THE AUXILIARY BATTERY OVERHEATED, AND THE VEHICLE DECELERATED. IN ADDITION, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. UPON OPENING THE HOOD, THE CONTACT NOTICED ACID EMERGING FROM THE AUXILIARY BATTERY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO CAMPING WORLD OF ALBUQUERQUE (14303 CENTRAL AVE NW, ALBUQUERQUE, NM 87121 (888) 630-8978) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE STABILIZER FOR THE FRONT AND REAR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED ALONG WITH THE AUXILIARY BATTERY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS AT THE DEALER AWAITING REPAIRS, BUT WAS INFORMED THAT HE WOULD HAVE TO PURCHASE THE STABILIZER PARTS. THE THOR MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND ADVISED THE CONTACT TO CALL THE FORD MANUFACTURER. THE CONTACT CALLED THE FORD MANUFACTURER AND WAS INFORMED THAT ONCE THOR MADE MODIFICATIONS, THE FORD WARRANTY WAS VOID. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,300. *TT *JS
Electrical system, May 2, 2018
UNDERRATED CIRCUIT BREAKER, 15 AMP VICE 20 AMP, RATING FOR REAR AIR CONDITIONER. FORWARD AIR CONDITIONER, SAME MODEL AND SIZE, HAS CORRECT 20 AMP CIRCUIT BREAKER. OVERRATED FUSE D8, 20 AMP VICE 15 AMP, ON CEILING LIGHTS. THIS WAS FOUND WHILE STATIONARY TROUBLESHOOTING A WATER LEAK. I DECIDED TO SEE WHAT SPARE FUSES I MAY NEED AND I NOTED THESE DISCREPANCIES.