Owners filed 33 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the tires. It has been recalled 8 times.
What fails
Component
Reports
Crashes
Fires
Injuries
Tires
15
0
0
0
Unknown or Other
2
0
0
0
Tires › Tread/Belt
2
1
0
0
Tires › Sidewall
2
0
0
0
Exterior Lighting › Headlights
2
0
0
0
Vehicle Speed Control
1
0
0
0
Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Ball Joint
1
0
0
0
Suspension › Front
1
0
0
0
Suspension
1
0
0
0
Steering › Linkages › Tie Rod Assembly
1
0
0
0
8 safety recalls
Part 573 reports
Equipment17V809000
Filed Dec 15, 201734,699 vehiclesNewmar Corporation
Defect. Newmar Corporation (Newmar) is recalling various 1995-2018 motorhomes. A list of the affected vehicles available at: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17V809-2309.pdf. These motorhomes are equipped with Kidde Plastic-Handle or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers that may become clogged, preventing the extinguisher from discharging as expected or excessive force may be needed to activate the extinguisher. Additionally, in certain models, the nozzle may detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury and also render the product inoperable. For a full list of the affected fire extinguisher models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17E062-5427.pdf
Risk. In the event of a fire, if the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy. Newmar will notify owners, and instruct them to contact Kidde for a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began on February 7, 2018. Owners may contact Kidde customer service toll-free at 1-855-262-3540, or online at www.kidde.com and click on "Product Safety Recall" for more information or owners may contact Newmar customer service at 1-574-773-7791. Newmar's number for this recall is 17E-062.
Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System16V501000
Filed Jul 5, 2016742 vehiclesNewmar Corporation
Defect. Newmar Corporation (Newmar) is recalling certain model year 1998-2010 Dutch Star, 2008 Kountry Star, 2008-2009 All Star and Ventana, 2009-2010 Dutch Aire, 2014-2015 King Aire and 2015 Essex motorhomes, built on a Spartan Motors chassis. In the affected vehicles, the flexible exhaust tube may tear allowing hot exhaust to blow against other components or materials.
Risk. If hot exhaust gas contacts other components or materials, it can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy. Newmar will notify owners, and Spartan dealers will inspect the alignment of the tubes, correcting them and replacing any that are torn. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on August 29, 2016. Owners may contact Newmar customer service at 1-800-731-8300 or Spartan customer service at 1-800-543-4277. Newmar's number for this recall is 16V 313.
Steering15V829000
Filed Dec 9, 20151,920 vehiclesNewmar Corporation
Defect. Newmar Corporation (Newmar) is recalling certain model year 1997-2005 Dutch Star and Mountain Aire, 1998-1999 London Aire, 2004 Essex and 1997-1998 Kountry Aire motorhomes. The affected vehicles have a steering gear mounting bracket that may crack, causing a loss of steering ability.
Risk. A loss of steering increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy. Newmar will notify owners, and Spartan dealers will replace the steering gear mounting brackets, free of charge. The recall began on January 4, 2016. Owners may contact Newmar customer service at 1-800-731-8300 or Spartan customer service at 1-800-543-4277. Newmar's number for this recall is 15V 633.
Vehicle Speed Control08V025000
Filed Jan 24, 20085,575 vehiclesNewmar Corporation
Defect. ON CERTAIN CLASS A MOTOR HOMES CONSTRUCTED ON FORD F-53TY1 AND P131 MOTOR HOME CHASSIS AND EQUIPPED WITH SPEED CONTROL, THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH MAY OVERHEAT.
Risk. OVERHEATING COULD RESULT IN SMOKE OR BURN AND AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.
Remedy. NEWMAR IS WORKING WITH FORD IN CONDUCTING THIS RECALL. FORD WILL INSTALL A FUSED WIRING HARNESS INTO THE SPEED CONTROL SYSTEM FREE OF CHARGE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332 OR NEWMAR AT 574-773-7791. (NOTE: ALSO SEE FORD RECALLS 05V017, 05V388, AND 06V286)
Equipment › Recreational Vehicle/Trailer07V075000
Filed Mar 5, 200716,190 vehiclesNewmar Corporation
Defect. CERTAIN CLASS A AND DIESEL PUSHER MOTOR HOMES AND FIFTH WHEEL TRAILERS EQUIPPED WITH A TWO-DOOR REFRIGERATOR, MANUFACTURED BY THE DOMETIC CORPORATION, MAY HAVE A DEFECT IN THE BOILER TUBE. PRESSURIZED COOLANT SOLUTION COULD BE RELEASED INTO AN AREA WHERE AN IGNITION SOURCE (GAS FLAME) IS PRESENT.
Risk. RELEASE OF COOLANT UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS COULD IGNITE AND RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy. NEWMAR WILL BE WORKING WITH DOMETIC IN ORDER TO REPAIR THESE REFRIGERATORS (PLEASE SEE 06E076). DOMETIC WILL REPAIR THESE REFRIGERATORS BY INSTALLING A SECONDARY BURN HOUSING, A THERMAL FUSE, AND A MELT FUSE FREE OF CHARGE. DOMETIC HAS RETAINED STERICYCLE INC. TO MANAGE THIS CAMPAIGN. STERICYCLE WILL ASSIST YOU IN LOCATING DEALERSHIPS OR SERVICE CENTERS AND WILL PROVIDE ASSISTANCE WITH SCHEDULING OF APPOINTMENTS. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOMETIC/STERICYCLE AT 1-888-446-5157 OR NEWMAR AT 1-574-773-7791.
Tires04V037000
Filed Jan 28, 20043,589 vehiclesNewmar Corporation
Defect. ON CERTAIN MOTOR HOMES BUILT ON SPARTAN/FREIGHTLINER CHASSIS AND EQUIPPED WITH MICHELIN 255/80R22.5 XRV TIRES, THE CORDS CAN FATIGUE IF THE TIRES ARE OVERLOADED OR UNDERINFLATED.
Risk. THIS MAY RESULT IN A LOSS OF CONTROL AND COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE ONLY THE FRONT TIRES. IT IS IMPORTANT THAT THE FRONT TIRES ARE NOT ROTATED TO THE REAR. A CERTIFICATION TAG DOCUMENTING THE NEW FRONT TIRES INSTALLATION AND SIMULTANEOUSLY INCREASING THE REAR TIRE INFLATION PRESSURES TO 105 PSI WILL BE ISSUED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN FEBRUARY 9, 2004. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT NEWMAR AT 1-574-773-2381.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Brake Fluid Low Warning › Lamp03V064000
Filed Mar 26, 20031,227 vehiclesNewmar Corporation
Defect. CERTAIN MOTOR HOME CHASSIS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 105, "HYDRAULIC AND ELECTRIC BRAKE SYSTEMS." THE BRAKE SYSTEM WARNING INDICATOR MAY NOT FUNCTION AS REQUIRED BY STANDARD.
Risk. IN SOME OF THE AFFECTED VEHICLES, THE BRAKE SYSTEM WARNING INDICATOR WILL NOT ILLUMINATE WHEN THE IGNITION IS IN THE START POSITION OR FOR A LOW BRAKE FLUID CONDITION, IF THE BODY BUILDER RELIED SOLELY UPON FORD'S IVM COMPLIANCE STATEMENT FOR THE BRAKE SYSTEM WARNING INDICATOR.
Remedy. DEALERS WILL REVISE THE BRAKE WARNING LAMP CIRCUIT. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN APRIL 14, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT NEWMAR AT 1-574-773-7791.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings00V315000
Filed Oct 7, 20001,263 vehiclesNewmar Corporation
Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: FRONT AND REAR ENGINE MOTOR HOMES BUILT ON FORD, SPARTAN AND WORKHORSE CHASSIS. ALL FRONT ENGINE CLASS A MOTOR HOMES BUILT ON FORD AND WORKHORSE CHASSIS WERE MANUFACTURED FROM JANUARY 1, THROUGH AUGUST 31, 2000. ALL REAR ENGINE MOTOR HOMES BUILT ON SPARTAN CHASSIS WERE BUILT FROM FEBRUARY 23 THROUGH AUGUST 31, 2000. THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 301, "FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY." AN INCORRECT VENT HOSE WAS INSTALLED ON THE FILL NOZZLE TO THE FUEL TANK. THE HOSE CAN BREAK DOWN ALLOWING FUEL LEAKAGE.
Risk. FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE TO AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL VENT HOSE.
What owners reported
Newest filings
Electrical System › Instrument Panel › Speedometer/Odometer
Filed Nov 21, 2025102,000 milesLA
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2000 Newmar Dutch Star RV. After driving the RV on a road trip, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The RV was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the RV mileage was 102,000, and at the time it was taken to an independent mechanic, it was determined that the odometer had been disconnected. The contact contacted the State Enforcement Agency for odometer fraud and was referred to an attorney. The mileage remained 102,000. The contact was unable to determine the actual mileage.
Suspension
Filed Oct 1, 201022,000 milesCA
I HAVE A 2000 MOTORHOME ON A SPARTAN CHASSIS. THE BALL JOINTS ARE BAD AND I BELIEVE THIS IS A SAFETY PROBLEM. SPARTAN CHASSIS HAS KNOWN ABOUT THIS PROBLEM FOR YEARS AND REFUSES TO REPAIR OR ACKNOWLEDGE. *TR
Steering › Linkages › Tie Rod Assembly
Filed Nov 16, 200943,000 milesLA
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 NEWMAR DUTCH STAR RV TRAILER. HE REPLACED THE TIE ROD PARTS 16 TIMES THE BALL JOINT COMPONENTS WERE REPLACED 8 TIMES IN A NINE YEARS WHICH ARE ALL A PART OF THE STEERING FRONT SUSPENSION. THE CONTACT WAS ONLY REQUIRED TO PAY FOR LABOR. THE MANUFACTURER CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS ARE WERE REPLACED DUE TO NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR AND WERE NOT DEFECTIVE. THE PARTS ARE NOT RELATED TO A RECALL OR WARRANTY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 43,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 64,000. UPDATED 12/10/09. *LJ THE CONSUMER STATED HE DISCOVERED THE TIE ROD ENDS AND BALL JOINT ON THE RV HAD NOT PROTECTIVE RUBBER OR VERY LITTLE RUBBER LEFT. THE RUBBER WAS FOR SAFETY, IT KEEPS THE GREASE IN AND DIRT, SAND AND WATER FROM WEARING DOWN THE TIE ROD ENDS AND BALL JOINTS. THE CONSUMER STATED IN FOUR YEARS THE PROBLEM RESURFACED. UPDATED 12/10/09
Equipment
Filed Jan 14, 200921,000 milesFL
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 NEWMAR DUTCHSTAR RV. THE VEHICLE HAS A DOMETIC REFRIGERATOR, MODEL NDR1062. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REFRIGERATOR IN THE RV COMPLETELY FAILED. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP AND THE REFRIGERATOR WAS REPLACED AT THE COST OF $200.00. ONE YEAR LATER, HE RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 07V075000 (EQUIPMENT:RECREATIONAL VEHICLE). THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT BECAUSE THE UNIT WAS NOT REPAIRED BEFORE MARCH OF 2007, THE CONTACT WOULD NOT BE ENTITLED TO REIMBURSEMENT. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE NOT APPLICABLE. UPDATED 2/23/09 *CN THE COOLING UNIT WAS REPALCED. UPDATED 02/27/09. *JB
Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Ball Joint
Filed May 19, 2007TX
I OWN A NEWMAR DUTCHSTAR MOTORHOME WITH A SPARTAN CHASSIS. THE BALL JOINTS HAVE A LIFETIME LUBE BOOT AROUND THEM. THE BOOT HAS CRACKED AND FELL APART. THEREWAS NO WAY TO LUBE THIS BALL JOINT. I FELT THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD STAND BEHIND IT. THEY WILL SEND YOU PARTS AND YOU PAY LABOR WHICHWAS OVER $1000.00 IF IT WAS LESS THAN 5 YEARS OLD. LIFETIME MEANT LIFETIME. THIS PART WAS MADE BY REYCO, GRANNING A DIVISION OF TUTHILL CORPORATION. *AK
Tires › Sidewall
Filed Jul 24, 200653,000 milesNH
WHILE TRAVELING IN OUR 2000 DUTCH STAR MOTOR HOME, DIESEL PUSHER, THROUGH HOUSTON TX, ON MARCH 23, 2006, WE EXPERIENCED AN INNER REAR TIRE BLOWOUT ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THIS TIRE HAS A "ZIPPER" FRACTURE OF 14 INCHES ON THE SIDEWALL. WE WERE ABLE TO MAKE A SAFE STOP AND EXITED FROM THE HIGHWAY. WE HAD THE TIRE REPLACED WITH A MATCHED MICHELIN TIRE. ON APRIL 1, 2006 WHILE TRAVELING THROUGH ELMIRA NY (1600 MILES LATER) ON INTERSTATE 86, WE EXPERIENCED ANOTHER BLOWOUT ON THE INNER REAR TIRE ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE MOTOR HOME. WE WERE ABLE TO MAKE A SAFE STOP. HOWEVER THE REAR LEFT FENDER SKIRT WAS BLOWN OFF BY THE RUPTURING TIRE. THIS "ZIPPER" FRACTURE WAS 12 INCHES IN THE IDENTICAL TIRE POSITION AS THE FIRST RUPTURE. WE WERE UNABLE TO GET AN IDENTICAL REPLACEMENT TIRE FOR THE BLOWN TIRE AND WE MADE THE DECISION THAT ALL FOUR REAR TIRES SHOULD BE REPLACED SINCE IT IS NOT ADVISABLE TO HAVE MISMATCHED TIRES. WE REPLACED THESE REAR TIRES WITH AN H RATED TIRE BY GOODYEAR 275/70R 22.5 G670 RV. IN 2004, NEWMAR (MANUFACTURER OF DUTCH STAR MOTOR HOMES) HAD A RECALL AND REPLACED ONLY THE FRONT TIRES ON THIS MOTOR HOME WHICH WAS BUILT ON A FREIGHTLINER FRAME. THE NEW TIRES WERE MICHELIN XZA1 275/70R 22.5 WHICH IS HIGHER RATED THAN THE ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT TIRES. PREVIOUSLY, WE HAVE HAD THIS MOTOR HOME WEIGHED ON AT A FAMILY MOTOR COACH ASSN. (FMCE) RALLY. THE FOUR CORNERS WERE WEIGHED AND WE WERE WITHIN THE RECOMMENDED GVW (GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT) OF 27,900 LBS. WE WERE NOT OVERLOA
Tires
Filed Sep 19, 200515,000 milesFL
DT: 2000 NEWMAR DUTCH STAR MOTOR HOME. THE CONSUMER STATES VEHICLE HAS MICHELIN TIRES, 255/80R22-5XRV. THE PASSENGER'S SIDE FRONT TIRE BLEW OUT ON THE SIDEWALL AT 15,000 MILES. THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR INSIDE TIRE BLEW OUT AT 23,800 MILES. THE FRONT TIRES WERE RECALLED AND THEY WERE REPLACED. THE REAR TIRE WAS NOT PART OF THE RECALL. THE REAR TIRE HAS NOT BEEN INSPECTED TO SEE WHY IT BLEW OUT. *AK
Tires
Filed Jul 15, 2004IL
PROBLEMS WITH TIRE RECALL REPLACEMENT.*MR THE CONSUMER RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE 04V-037 EARLIER THIS YEAR. THE CONSUMER CONTACTED THE NEWMAR TIRE RECALL CENTER AND THEY AGREED TO HAVE NEW TIRES SENT. THE CONSUMER IS STILL IN POSSESSION OF THE ORIGINAL RECALL TIRES. *NM
Tires
Filed Jul 14, 2004LA
LTR FM R. MILLER (LA) OWNER OF A DUTCH STAR MOTORHOME, RECALLED VEHICLE TO REPLACE FRONT TIRES TO IMPROVE CARRYING CAPACITY OWNER REQUEST RECALL REPLACE ALL TIRES NOT JUST FRONT 2-TIRES SUGGEST NHTSA INVESTIGATE.*MR (RECALL#04V037000) *JB
Tires
Filed Jun 29, 200422,490 milesNY
THE REAR DRIVER'S OUTER SIDE TIRE BLEW OUT WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 55-60 MPH. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED. THE CONSUMER WILL PROVIDE PICTURES, TIRE MANUFACTURING SIZE. AND DOT #. *AK *SC *JB
Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe
Filed Jun 23, 2004TX
VEHICLE SAFETY CONCERN COMPLAINT REGARDING 2000 NEWMAR DUTCH STAR MODEL 3665 COACH.*MR ON TWO OCCASIONS, THE CONSUMER HIT ROAD HAZARDS WHICH CAUSED THE MUFFLER TO BECOME LOOSE AND SUBSEQUENTLY IT FELL ON THE HIGHWAY. THE CONSUMER BELIEVED THE EXHAUST PIPE WAS TOO LOW ON THE VEHICLE. *JB
Unknown or Other
Filed Jun 4, 2004MI
THE MOTORHOME'S ENGINE WAS BUILT BY FORD. THE OWNER BROUGHT TO FORD'S ATTENTION THE FACT THAT THE ENGINE'S DIP STICK WAS INCORRECTLY INSTALLED. FORD TOLD THE OWNER THAT HE MUST PURCHASE THE CORRECT STICK SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY. *NM *NM
Tires
Filed Jun 4, 200434,300 milesMA
RECALL 04V037000 CONCERNING TIRES. CONSUMER WAS CONCERNED ABOUT THE MANUFACTURER'S RECALL PROCEDURES. THE MANUFACTURER WANTED TO REPLACE THE FACTORY TIRES WITH TIRES BIGGER THAN THE REAR TIRES. MANUFACTURER WAS ONLY REPLACING THE FRONT TIRES. *AK
Tires
Filed May 19, 200419,000 milesTX
THE REPLACEMENT TIRES FOR RECALL 04V0370000 HAVE NOT BEEN AVAILABLE FOR 2 MONTHS, AND DEALERSHIP DOESN'T NOT KNOW WHEN THE TIRES WILL BE AVAILABLE.*AK
Tires
Filed May 17, 2004TX
CONSUMER IN DELAYED RECEIPT OF A SAFETY RECALL ON MICHELIN 255/80R22.5 TIRES. (NAR) *LA THE TIRE ORIGINAL INSTALLED ON THE TRUCK WERE RECALLED BECAUSE THEY WERE NOT DESIGNED TO HANDLE THE WEIGHT OF THE MOTORHOME. *NM
Tires › Tread/BeltCrash
Filed May 11, 20044,500 milesFL
WHILE DRIVING 65-70 MPH CONSUMER HEARD A NOISE. CONSUMER LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE, AND IT FLIPPED OVER SEVERAL TIMES DUE TO FRONT RIGHT TIRE BLOWOUT. 255/80R22.5XRV.*AK TIRES WERE PROPERLY INFLATED AT 120 PSI DURING THE TIME OF INCIDENT. RECALL ISSUED BY VEHICLE'S MANUFACTURER REGARDING FRONT TIRES. *LA
Tires
Filed May 3, 2004IL
I RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE CAPAIGN #04V037000 REGARDING THE FRONT TIRES ON MY DUTCH STAR MOTOR HOME. I HAVE BEEN ATTEMPTING TO CONTACT NEWMAR TIRE RECALL HOTLINE SINCE LATE MARCH 04. I HAVE CALLED EVERY MONDAY SINCE THEN LEAVING A MESSAGE ON THEIR ANSWERING MACHINE. THEY HAVE NOT YET RETURNED ANY CALLS. *AK
Tires
Filed Apr 6, 2004AZ
THE DEALERSHIP IS ONLY RECEIVING REPLACEMENT TIRES AT A TIME, AND THE TIRES HAVE ALREADY BEEN ASSIGNED TO A CONSUMER. THE CONSUMER HAS BEEN WAITING FOR OVER 2 MONTHS TO HAVE THE TIRE RECALL 04V037000 PERFORMED. *MR
Tires
Filed Mar 9, 200432,000 milesMO
WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, A BUBBLE ACCUMULATED ON THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE TIRE. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK
Tires › Sidewall
Filed Feb 19, 200421,000 milesNC
WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT 65 MPH DRIVER'S FRONT TIRE BLEW OUT, CAUSING THE DRIVER TO PULL OFF THE HIGHWAY. THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE DID NOT HIT ANY OBJECTS ON THE ROAD. TIRE SIZE 255/80/22.5/XRV.*AK THE VEHICLE HAD THREE SIDEWALL BLOWOUTS WHILE DRIVING . ALL THE BLOWOUTS RESULTED IN SOME TYPE OF DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE. MICHELIN AGREED TO PAY THE CONSUMER $95. PER TIRE BUT REFUSED TO PROVIDE ANY ASSISTANCE FOR THE DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE. IT HAS BEE A MONTH AND THE CONSUMER STILL HASN'T RECEIVED REIMBURSEMENT. *NM
No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.
Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.
Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.
Most recent recall on file: Dec 15, 2017. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.