Published by If you or a loved one experienced injuries due to defective seat belt systems in a Winnebago Era RV, you may be entitled to pursue compensation.
At Schmidt & Clark, we are dedicated to helping individuals who have suffered due to manufacturing defects in recreational vehicles.
Our experienced legal team is here to guide you through the process and fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact Schmidt & Clark today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
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Should you or someone close to you suffer injuries, it’s imperative you reach out to our attorneys without delay. You could qualify for financial restitution through a Winnebago Era Lawsuit, and our team is here to assist. For a no-cost Confidential Case Review, kindly click the button below or connect with us any time 24/7 by calling (866) 588-0600.
Table Of Contents
- Winnebago Era Lawsuit Overview
- Latest Winnebago Era Lawsuit Updates
- NHTSA Reports and Statistics
- Winnebago Era Injuries & Side Effects
- Do You Qualify for a Winnebago Era Lawsuit?
- Winnebago Era Recall Information
- Statute of Limitations for Winnebago Era Lawsuits
- FAQs
- 1. What is the basis for the Winnebago Era lawsuit?
- 2. Who can file a lawsuit related to the Winnebago Era?
- 3. What types of defects are alleged in the Winnebago Era lawsuit?
- 4. What compensation can be sought in a Winnebago Era lawsuit?
- 5. How do I know if my Winnebago Era is affected by the recall?
- 6. What should I do if I’ve been injured due to the seat belt defect?
- Take Action Now: Time-Sensitive Legal Claims
- References
Winnebago Era Lawsuit Overview
The Winnebago Era lawsuits involve claims against Winnebago Industries for potentially dangerous defects in their Era 170X recreational vehicles.
Primary allegations focus on manufacturing defects in the seat belt systems where weld nuts were installed incorrectly, potentially compromising passenger safety during accidents.
The recall affects thousands of vehicles manufactured between 2012-2021, and has been classified as a serious safety risk by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration [1].
Latest Winnebago Era Lawsuit Updates
March 2025
– Multiple class action lawsuits have been consolidated in federal court, with plaintiffs seeking compensation for diminished vehicle value, repair costs, and potential injuries related to the seat belt defect. Settlement discussions are reportedly in preliminary stages.
January 2025 – New engineering reports submitted in court proceedings confirm that improper seat belt installation could reduce restraint effectiveness by up to 60% in certain crash scenarios, strengthening plaintiffs’ claims [2].
December 2024 – NHTSA upgraded its investigation into Winnebago Era vehicles after receiving 78 additional consumer complaints regarding seat belt failures, including 12 reports of injuries sustained during accidents where seat belts performed below safety standards.
NHTSA Reports and Statistics
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration database:
- The recall affects approximately 7,800 Winnebago Era 170X vehicles from model years 2012-2021
- 88 consumer complaints have been filed regarding seat belt issues in these vehicles
- 17 injuries have been reported in connection with the defect, including 3 requiring hospitalization
- Crash testing revealed that the improperly installed weld nut reduces seat belt retention strength by 40-60%
- Winnebago initiated the recall on December 21, 2021, after NHTSA investigation [3]
Winnebago Era Injuries & Side Effects
The defective seat belt systems in affected Winnebago Era vehicles have been linked to several types of injuries during accidents.
- Traumatic Head Injuries: Reduced restraint effectiveness can lead to head impact with vehicle interior
- Neck and Spinal Trauma: Improper restraint during impact can cause whiplash and spinal injuries
- Chest and Thoracic Injuries: Including broken ribs and internal organ damage due to improper restraint
- Facial Lacerations and Fractures: Resulting from unrestrained forward movement during collision
Do You Qualify for a Winnebago Era Lawsuit?
You may qualify for a Winnebago Era lawsuit if:
- You own or owned a Winnebago Era 170X manufactured between 2012-2021
- Your vehicle was subject to the seat belt recall announced on December 21, 2021
- You or a passenger sustained injuries during an accident where the seat belt may have failed to perform properly
- You incurred significant repair costs or medical expenses related to the defect
- You can provide documentation of vehicle ownership and any injuries sustained
Evidence Required for a Winnebago Era Lawsuit
To strengthen your Winnebago Era lawsuit claim, you should gather:
- Vehicle purchase documentation and proof of ownership
- Recall notification letters from Winnebago or NHTSA
- Medical records documenting injuries sustained in any accidents
- Repair invoices and maintenance records for the vehicle
- Photographs of the defective seat belt system or injuries sustained
- Accident reports filed with police or insurance companies
Damages You Can Recover
Successful Winnebago Era lawsuits may provide compensation for:
- Medical expenses for injury treatment
- Lost wages due to injury recovery time
- Pain and suffering resulting from injuries
- Vehicle repair or replacement costs
- Diminished value of the recreational vehicle
- Punitive damages in cases of gross negligence
Winnebago Era Recall Information
Details of the official recall include:
- Recall initiated: December 21, 2021
- Affected models: Winnebago Era 170X (2012-2021 model years)
- NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V-965
- Defect: Weld nut for shoulder belt upper anchorage installed on wrong side of bracket
- Fix: Installation of a serrated flange nut in the intended weld nut location
- Cost: Repairs provided free of charge by authorized dealers
Statute of Limitations for Winnebago Era Lawsuits
The time limits for filing a Winnebago Era lawsuit vary by state:
- Most states allow 2-3 years from date of injury or discovery of defect
- Some states extend the deadline if the defect was concealed or not reasonably discoverable
- Product liability claims typically have different deadlines than personal injury claims
- The recall announcement (December 21, 2021) may affect how statute of limitations is calculated
- Consult with an attorney immediately to ensure your claim is filed within the applicable deadline
Related Articles:
- Winnebago Micro Minnie Lawsuit
- Winnebago Adventurer Recall Case
- Winnebago Revel Litigation
- Defective Seat Belt Case
FAQs
1. What is the basis for the Winnebago Era lawsuit?
The Winnebago Era lawsuit is based on claims of manufacturing defects in the seat belt systems of Era 170X vehicles (2012-2021). The weld nut for the shoulder belt was installed on the wrong side of the bracket, potentially reducing restraint effectiveness by up to 60% during accidents.
Owners of affected Winnebago Era vehicles who have experienced injuries, accidents, or incurred repair costs due to the defective seat belt system may file a lawsuit. Family members of those injured in accidents involving the defect may also have legal standing.
3. What types of defects are alleged in the Winnebago Era lawsuit?
The primary defect alleged involves incorrectly installed weld nuts in the seat belt system, which significantly reduces restraint effectiveness. This manufacturing error compromises passenger safety during accidents and has been linked to numerous injuries.
4. What compensation can be sought in a Winnebago Era lawsuit?
Compensation can include medical expenses, lost wages, vehicle repair costs, diminished vehicle value, pain and suffering, and in some cases, punitive damages. The exact amount depends on injury severity, economic losses, and jurisdiction.
5. How do I know if my Winnebago Era is affected by the recall?
You can check if your vehicle is affected by visiting the NHTSA website and entering your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), or by contacting Winnebago directly. All Era 170X models from 2012-2021 are potentially affected.
6. What should I do if I’ve been injured due to the seat belt defect?
Seek immediate medical attention, document all injuries and treatments, report the incident to Winnebago and NHTSA, preserve all evidence including photographs of injuries and the vehicle, and consult with a product liability attorney as soon as possible.
See other product liability cases we’re currently taking.
Take Action Now: Time-Sensitive Legal Claims
Time is limited to pursue legal action for Winnebago Era defects. Most states only allow 2-3 years from the date of injury or discovery of the defect to file a claim, and this window may be closing for many affected owners.
At Schmidt & Clark, LLP, we offer:
- Free, confidential case evaluations for all Winnebago Era owners
- No upfront costs or attorney fees – we only get paid if you win
- Nationwide representation with experience in RV and automotive defect litigation
- Personalized attention from experienced product liability attorneys
Don’t wait until it’s too late – product liability claims have strict deadlines, and important evidence may become harder to obtain with the passage of time.
References
1. https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/09/23/2024-21707/winnebago-industries-inc-denial-of-petition-for-decision-of-inconsequential-noncompliance
2. https://www.iihs.org/topics/bibliography/ref/2270
3. https://www.consumerreports.org/cars-car-safety/car-recalls-and-safety-notices-a6400368175/