NHTSA service bulletin

NHTSA Service Bulletin 10197980: 2020, 2021 Thor Motor Coach Chateau

Official manufacturer communication context for 2020, 2021 Thor Motor Coach Chateau, with affected products, buyer checks and links into Carchieve recall, problem and VIN research.

NHTSA service bulletin 10197980 summary graphic for 2020, 2021 Thor Motor Coach Chateau
10197980NHTSA document ID
Manufacturer communicationcommunication type
15affected product rows
90/100quality score

Reviewed June 2026 from NHTSA manufacturer communication and service bulletin records. Carchieve is independent and not affiliated with any vehicle manufacturer or government agency.

Quick answer

MBAG has determined that on certain model year 2019-2020 Sprinter vehicles, the retaining washer on the bolt that connects the brake pedal to its bearing block could come loose. If the retaining washer were to come loose, over time it could detach from the bolt, and in the worst case and with ongoing use of the brake pedal, the bolt might separate from the bearing block on one side. If this were to occur, the brake lamp switch could become continuously activated even when the brake pedal is not pressed. If the brake lamps are continuously illuminated, it would not be possible for following traffic to determine the braking intention of the vehicle, which could increase the risk of a crash. This affects the following Thor Motor Coach products: model year 2020-2021 Citation, Compass, Daybreak, Delano, Four Winds, Freedom Elite, Gemini, Quantum, Siesta, Synergy, and Tiburon motorhomes.

What this bulletin may mean before buying

Treat this as service research, not a verdict on one car. Before you buy, compare this communication with official recall campaigns, model-level owner complaint patterns, and the exact vehicle’s VIN-decoded specifications. A bulletin can help you ask a seller or dealer sharper questions about software updates, known repairs, warranty extensions and service history.

Affected products listed in this communication

MakeModelModel yearsBuyer note
Thor Motor CoachChateau2021Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
Thor Motor CoachChateau Citation2020, 2021Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
Thor Motor CoachCompass2020Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
Thor Motor CoachDaybreak2020, 2021Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
Thor Motor CoachDelano2020, 2021Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
Thor Motor CoachFour Winds2021Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
Thor Motor CoachFour Winds Siesta2020, 2021Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
Thor Motor CoachFreedom Elite2020, 2021Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
Thor Motor CoachGemini2020, 2021Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
Thor Motor CoachQuantum2021Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
Thor Motor CoachRedundant Four Winds2020Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
Thor Motor CoachRedundant Quantum2020Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
Thor Motor CoachRedundant Synergy2020Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
Thor Motor CoachSynergy2021Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
Thor Motor CoachTiburon2020, 2021Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.

Buyer checklist

  1. Run the 17-character VIN and confirm the year, make, model, engine and equipment match the listing.
  2. Check recall campaign pages for safety actions that may require dealer repair.
  3. Compare this bulletin with common problem pages for the same model and component area.
  4. Ask the seller or dealer whether the bulletin procedure, update or inspection has already been completed.
  5. Use the used-car buying checklist and get an independent inspection.

Frequently asked questions

What is NHTSA service bulletin 10197980?

MBAG has determined that on certain model year 2019-2020 Sprinter vehicles, the retaining washer on the bolt that connects the brake pedal to its bearing block could come loose. If the retaining washer were to come loose, over time it could detach from the bolt, and in the worst case and with ongoing use of the brake pedal, the bolt might separate from the bearing block on one side. If this were to occur, the brake.

Is a service bulletin the same as a recall?

No. A recall is a safety campaign with a required remedy for affected VINs. A service bulletin or manufacturer communication usually describes diagnostic, repair, software, warranty or service information.

How should a used-car buyer use this bulletin?

Use it as a research signal. Compare it with recalls, owner complaints, service records, a VIN report and an independent inspection before buying.

Check the exact VIN before you buy

Model-level pages show public safety patterns. A full VIN report helps confirm the exact vehicle, decoded specs, recall applicability and buyer checks.

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