2011 Thor Motor Coach Astoria, 2011 Thor Motor Coach Montecito, 2013 Thor Motor Coach Palazzo and 2 other models Recall: Vehicles are equipped with diode jumpers that may come loose in their…

The defect

Thor Motor Coach (Thor) is recalling certain model year 2011 through 2013 Tuscany, Astoria, Ultrasport, Montecito, and Palazzo recreational vehicles manufactured from May 17, 2010, through October 30, 2012, built on Freightliner brand XB and XC custom chassis. The vehicles are equipped with diode jumpers that may come loose in their connectors resulting in an open circuit. Two circuits are affected: The one that disengages the cruise control with brake pedal use, and the one that illuminates the brake lights with brake pedal use.

The risk

Failure of the cruise control to disengage when the brakes are applied may increase the risk of a vehicle crash. Without the brake lights illuminating when the brakes are applied, the driver's intent is not communicated, increasing the risk of a crash.

The fix — what to do

Daimler Trucks (DTNA) will notify owners on behalf of Thor, and Freightliner dealers will inspect the diode jumpers to make sure they are fully locked in place and will correct the vehicles as needed. The recall is expected to begin January 28, 2013. Owners should contact DTNA Warranty Campaigns Department at (800) 547-0712, 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Pacific Time Monday through Friday, e-mail address [email protected], or the Customer Assistance Center at (800) FTL-HELP after normal business hours.

DTNA's recall campaign number is FL-634.Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.