Jayco RV Recall: Does Your RV Have Loose Caliper Bolts?
In the automotive industry, recalls are a necessary inconvenience. Almost every major brand has issued a recall at some point, and Jayco is no exception. A Jayco RV recall was recently issued for select models due to concerns over the rear brake caliper attachment bolts.
Recalls can be concerning, especially if you own one of the affected models. However, it’s always best to stay on the safe side and get your vehicle inspected. In many cases, the issue can be resolved with a simple fix. Jayco is covering the cost of these repairs, so don’t hesitate to act if your RV falls under the recall umbrella.
Loose caliper bolts can be dangerous, but fortunately, no damage has occurred yet. In the sections below, we’ll discuss more details about this Jayco recall, as well as the dangers it’s designed to prevent. Read on to learn more about your next steps.
Recall information
This recall came to light in early May 2023.
The Ford Motor Company informed Jayco that some of their models might be equipped with loose caliper bolts. The main issue was that these bolts weren’t properly torqued during production, so there was a risk that they could shake loose during travel.
When Jayco heard about this issue, they quickly announced their concerns to their buyers. Company officials agreed that loose caliper bolts posed a considerable danger, and they took action to correct it.
The recall applies to select 2023 and 2024 Jayco models that were built on a Ford F-53 chassis. The affected models include:
- Entegra Emblem
- Entegra Vision
- Entegra Vision XL
- Jayco Alante
- Jayco Precept
- Jayco Precept Prestige
Although this sounds quite frightening, it’s estimated that only 63 models were actually affected by the caliper bolt issue. Jayco and Ford were able to catch this problem quickly and are working to fix it as soon as possible.
Fortunately, there have been no accidents, injuries, or deaths attributed to these loose bolts. The Jayco recall is a preventative measure, and the company urges all customers to check whether or not their vehicle is at risk.
Notification letters will be sent to all affected Jayco RV customers on June 2, 2023. Watch your mailbox for the letter, or check your RV’s VIN to see if you’re eligible for free inspections or repairs.
What are the dangers of loose caliper bolts?
After hearing that the caliper bolts haven’t caused any issues, you might wonder why the recall is necessary in the first place. This line of thinking is risky! Just because the bolts haven’t broken yet doesn’t mean that you’re in the clear.
Loose caliper bolts seem like a small problem, but they can quickly spiral into something much worse. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) warns that loose bolts can eventually break free from their attachment points.
When this happens, the loose caliper can damage the RV wheel. The tire might begin to lose pressure at this point. It would even result in a blowout, which is extremely dangerous when traveling at highway speeds.
It’s also possible for the caliper to damage the brake lines. If these lines are damaged or broken, it could result in a brake fluid leak. At this point, your brakes will become less effective, which vastly increases the risk of a crash.
Blowouts, crashes, and faulty brakes are highly dangerous. It’s fortunate that the loose caliper bolts have held on until this point, but Jayco RV owners should take this matter seriously. Worn sockets and loose bolts may seem like minor issues, but Jayco and Ford have flagged them as potential dangers.
Is your RV affected?
Now that you know the details of the Jayco recall and the dangers of loose caliper bolts, you’re probably wondering what your next steps should be.
If you own one of the affected models, you should receive a notification letter from Jayco in early June. While you wait, you can visit the NHTSA recall database and input your RV’s VIN into their search bar. From here, you’ll be able to tell if your vehicle is eligible for any recalls or repairs.
Once you identify the problem, don’t try to fix it by yourself. RVs are complex vehicles, and you may not be able to fix loose caliper bolts on your own. Instead, Jayco advises you to take your RV to a qualified Ford or Lincoln dealership.
At this point, automotive professionals will inspect your vehicle for any potential issues. If the bolts are merely loose, they’ll be able to tighten them to the appropriate level. You’ll be eligible for caliper bolt replacements if the bolt heads are rounded or the socket is ill-fitting.
These repairs should be fairly quick, so you won’t need to give up your RV for an extended period of time. In addition, don’t worry about the cost. All the repairs and inspections are covered by Jayco.
If you have any other questions about the process, feel free to reach out to the manufacturer through their contact page on their website.
Connect with fellow Jayco RV owners
It’s always upsetting to hear that your RV has been affected by a recall. You invest a lot of money and trust into these vehicles, and a recall might be enough to shake your confidence.
However, in this case, a recall is a good thing. Jayco is getting ahead of the problem and working to fix issues before they become dangerous. Some brands only address the problems once they become deadly because they believe that it’s better to pay settlements rather than issue an expensive recall.
It’s easy to mistrust manufacturers, especially when they admit that their product has a genuine problem. But it truly seems like Jayco is trying to amend the flaws in their RVs. This recall is an effort to protect their vehicles and customers before anything bad happens.
If your RV is included in the recall specifications, please seek qualified help as soon as possible. Jayco is paying for all the repairs, so there’s no reason to wait! If you place your trust in the manufacturers, they’ll get your RV road-ready.
For more tips and information from fellow Jayco RV owners, join the conversation over on Jayco Owners Forum.
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