On [XXX], after arriving at our campground in Tok, Alaska, the main entry-door latch/handle on our 2023 Fleetwood Bounder motorhome failed completely. I parked the motorhome in front of the campground office. When I attempted to open the main entry door by lifting the door handle, the handle broke off and came completely into my hand. The door would no longer open. There were four people inside the motorhome, and none of us could open the main entry door. We were effectively trapped inside the RV through the primary entrance. Because we could not open the door, I climbed out through the passenger-side window so that I could get outside and retrieve tools. While climbing out of the window, I fell and injured my leg and back. After getting up, I went to the motorhome’s tool compartment and retrieved a screwdriver. I then passed the screwdriver through the window to my friend, who was still inside the motorhome. Since the main door could not be opened using the broken handle, my friend had to remove the screws securing the inside door latch/handle assembly. When those screws were removed, the assembly came apart and the internal components became loose. This disassembly was necessary so that we could gain access to the internal latch mechanism. My friend was then able to manually pull one of the internal latch components, which finally released the door and allowed us to open it. The latch assembly and its components were subsequently removed from the door. We have saved the broken handle, the latch assembly, and all of the loose internal components. Nothing has been discarded, and we also have photographs documenting the failed parts. The duct tape currently visible on the door is only being used to cover the opening left after removal of the latch assembly. It is not being used to repair the latch or hold the latch mechanism together. After the incident, I contacted two service people in Tok, Alaska seeking assistance. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11758492 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

The contact owns a 2023 Fleetwood Bounder. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V351000 (Trailer Hitches) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11567189 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov