NOTE: The VIN shows as a 4x2 Sprinter, but this vehicle is a 4x4. While driving, the engine suddenly caught fire. Within one minute, flames approximately 10 feet high were coming from the motor. This is the second Winnebago Ekko reported to catch fire in such a dramatic way. One fire extinguisher was not enough to put out the blaze. The fire was extremely intense and caused catastrophic damage. The vehicle is currently at Mercedes awaiting inspection. However, more than three weeks have passed and the inspection has not yet been scheduled. Mercedes will not allow anyone else to examine the vehicle, and they have not responded to my emails. I am requesting an independent inspection, as I am concerned Mercedes may seek to avoid accepting liability. Can anyone help with that? I am not sure what to do.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11684494 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Beginning in October 2025, the Kwikee electric retractable side steps on my Winnebago Ekko began deploying spontaneously while the vehicle was being driven at highway speeds. The steps are designed to retract automatically upon the vehicle being placed in gear and to deploy only when the vehicle side access door is opened via magnetic reed switch. The failure mode observed is the inverse of intended behavior: steps extend and retract outward while the vehicle is actively in motion, without any door opening event. The issue was first documented in October 2025 and formally reported to La Mesa RV, my authorized Winnebago warranty service center, beginning in November 2025. The vehicle has been returned to service a total of five (5) times for this identical complaint. Individual components have been replaced (door open reed switch, wiring for switch, and control board), but the failure has recurred following each repair. To date, no repair attempt has resolved the root cause, and the behavior continues creating a safately concern for this vehicle, other vehicles on the road, and pedestrians. Safety Consequences: The deployed steps extend beyond the vehicle's body profile, creating a physical road hazard capable of striking curbs, guardrails, adjacent vehicles, cyclists, or pedestrians at speed. At highway speeds, a deployed step represents a significant aerodynamic and structural load not intended by the manufacturer, risking step detachment and road hazard. The driver has no reliable warning that deployment has occurred, meaning the hazard may go undetected for an extended period while driving. Other motorists and pedestrians cannot anticipate or predict the presence of an extended step on an otherwise moving vehicle. Component / System Involved: Lippert Kwikee electric side step system, including the step control module, door trigger switches, and retraction motor assemblies. Wiring should include an ignition interlock preventing deployment while in gear.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11732464 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

The Winnebago Ekko recall 200 (dually valve stem replacement) is completely unreasonable. It has turned my rig from one where I could easily check and maintain my inner dually tire pressure to one that is extremely difficult and requires specialized tools (and extended tire inflation wand). As a result, it is practically impossible for me to maintain proper tire inflation and impossible for me to solve pressure issues on the road (since most gas stations don't have an extended inflation wand). The Winnebago fix violates 49 U.S.C. § 30120(a) in that it swaps one safety defect (leaking valve stem) for another (improperly inflated tires). Proper remedies for this issue are either: (1) redesigned valve stem that allows for proper tire inflation, or (2) replacement wheels that have a proper dually valve stem setup.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11709467 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov