Swift - July 2024
We contacted Swift to ask for answers to a number of questions and it provided the below responses:
- What are Swift currently doing, if anything, to make the skylights (sunroofs) safe?
“Following several failure reports in late December 2023, we immediately conducted a full investigation with the incumbent supplier of the window system. The window system has been featured on our motorhome products for almost a decade and has been thoroughly tested as part of our extensive vehicle development programmes with world-class automotive testing facilities. As part of the investigation, we undertook testing which was focused specifically on the failure modes seen in the recent reports. This testing has confirmed that as long as the vehicle is driven with the window in the closed position and securely attached, there is no risk of failure in the form of window-pane detachment. For the avoidance of doubt, the window is not designed to be driven under any circumstances in an unsecured position and this has been advised in the user handbook and on advice labels on the window itself and the cab windscreen. These labels are in clear sight for the end user.”
- Have you reported this fault to The Driving Standards Agency (DVSA)?
“Yes, we reported to the DVSA in January 2024 that we were aware of several issues which had been reported via our warranty system and that we were conducting a full investigation with the incumbent supplier of the window system. We have subsequently advised them of the outcome of the investigation with the supplier and we await their response on the matter.”
- Are you planning to recall the motorhomes that have the reported issues with their skylights (sunroofs)?
“We have no plans at present to launch a Product Safety Recall. However, if the customer fails to follow the instructions provided, and drives the vehicle with the window in an open and unsecured position, then there is a risk of failure due to the additional stress which is placed on the fixings in this condition. As a precautionary measure, we are writing to all customers to remind them of the requirement to secure the window in transit and if they believe that they may have driven with the window in an unsecured position at any point during their ownership period, then we strongly advise they have the window inspected, and rectified where necessary, by a Swift Approved workshop or any AWS approved workshop. Second or subsequent owners of vehicles may also wish to have this check undertaken to ensure that previous owners had adhered to the guidance on usage.”
Swift also added in it’s response that previous recalls of products did not relate to the window assembly in question, and that:
“The Swift Group are committed to responsible manufacturing, and we pride ourselves on ensuring that every leisure vehicle we manufacture is able to withstand the rigours of road travel, provide a comfortable and safe holiday space over many years and meet stringent safety criteria.”
Finally, in July, Swift updated us that the DVSA have now completed it’s review and is satisfied with the documents provided, it told us the case is now closed.
If you want to watch the show, it will be on iPlayer for 30 days here - /iplayer/episode/m0021clq/the-one-show-24072024
