2017 Thor Motor Coach Compass
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Engine is the leading concern among 2 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the highest complaint count among 3 Compass 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
Representative owner complaints: fuel/propulsion system
2 reports, newest first. Show all
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 22, 2023
While driving at highway speeds (70 mph+/-), my diesel powered vehicle 'derated' (I believe that is the term) for no apparent reason. An engine light came on related to a DEF system malfunction. I can provide the code later. My vehicle instantly went from 70 mph to 15 mph on a crowded interstate, on an inside lane. With some difficulty I managed to make across three lanes to the shoulder and turned off the vehicle. After a quick inspection, finding nothing obvious, I proceeded down the shoulder to a gas station. I tried to top off my DEF tank, but it was full. After an hour the engine light went off and the vehicle drove normal. So I'm back on the highway. I went another hour, the engine light came on and the vehicle derated at highway speed. Same white knuckle lane crossing. This time I went to a truck repair shop, who diagnosed it as an issue with the DEF system. They reset the engine light and the vehicle seem to drive normally again. This time we management to make it home without an additional incident. I went to a local diesel mechanic (Ford refused to honor the warranty) who replaced the DEF pump assembly. I think it was specifically the float arm, or the mechanism that measure DEF tank levels. It cost over $1000. While I have several issues with the situation, the primary one is that a perfectly sound vehicle purposely derating the speed from 70 mph to 15 mph in heavy traffic on an exceptionally hot day. Going across three lanes of interstate traffic decelerating to 15 mph, was more than a little scary. Someone could have easily been killed. And the fact that this system is designed to shut you down over exhaust emissions is insane and dangerous. The easy analogy would be derating a gas vehicle over an oxygen sensor failure. I'm hoping that if enough other people complain about this, the government will fix a problem they created. The craziest thing about this is my DEF pump was actually working.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 27, 2021
When this RV is driven in temperatures above 91 degrees it will suddenly and without warning have a major loss of power. Vehicle will not drive above 55 mph even though it was on cruise at 68 mph. Has been to over 6 Ford dealers in 3 years and no one can find the issue. very dangerous since it has to be on the road for this event to occur.