2009 Newmar Dutch Aire DP Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

Problem: Newmar Corporation (Newmar) is recalling certain model year 2008-2014 Bay Star, Dutch Star, and Ventana, 2012-2014 Bay Star Sport and Ventana VL, 2008-2015 Canyon Star, 2009-2010 Dutch Aire and 2008 Kountry Star motorhomes manufactured May 29, 2007, to January 14, 2015, and equipped with certain Coachstep Double and Triple Electric Steps manufactured by Lippert Components. The bolt that attaches the fan gear assembly to the steps may fracture allowing the fan gear to disengage from the steps. As a result, the steps may not remain in the expected position and may be unstable.

Risk: Unstable entry and exit steps increase the risk of injury.

Fix: Newmar will notify owners, and dealers will install a retainer bracket to reinforce the operating mechanism, free of charge. The recall began on February 17, 2016. Owners may contact Newmar customer service at 1-574-773-7791 or Lippert Customer service at 574-537-8900. Newmar's number for this recall is 15E 078.

Problem: Newmar Corporation (Newmar) is recalling certain model year 2007-2012 Bay Star, Ventana VT/VL, Dutch Aire, Dutch Star, All-Star, Mountain Aire, and Essex motorhomes manufactured January 16, 2007, to May 24, 2012. In the affected vehicles, the circuit breaker for the refrigerator heated water line may be incorrect for the amperage draw.

Risk: A circuit breaker that is incorrectly rated for the amperage need increases the risk of a fire.

Fix: Newmar will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the motorhome and verify that the circuit breaker rating is correct for the amperage draw, free of charge. The recall began November 6, 2014. Owners may contact Newmar customer service at 1-800-731-8300.

Problem: Newmar is recalling certain model year 2008-2010 Dutch Star and 2009-2010 Dutch Aire motorhomes, built on a Spartan chassis equipped with a Hendrickson independent front suspension. The front brake chambers may contact the upper control arm of the independent front suspension. Continued contact may result in damage sufficient enough to prevent the full release of the brakes. If the brakes do not fully release, as they drag, heat could be generated causing the brakes to engage even further.

Risk: As the brakes heat up, they may self-engage, causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Spartan Motors will notify owners and repair the vehicles. The manufacturer has not provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Newmar Corporation at 1-574-773-7791.

Problem: Newmar is recalling certain recreational vehicles equipped with 1200 series norcold refrigerators. The population of refrigerators being addressed contains either a sensing algorithm or thermal switch to shut off power to the refrigerator when high temperatures are detected in order to prevent a potential fire. The response times of the sensor algorithm and thermal switch devices to stop power are not sufficient.

Risk: The sensing algorithm or thermal switch installed to shut off power to the refrigerator when high temperatures are detected due to a possible hydrogen gas leak may not shut off in sufficient time to prevent a fire.

Fix: Newmar is working with norcold to identify and notify any affected owners. Owners will be instructed to contact norcold dealers to receive the remedy free of charge. Please see norcold's defect report 10e-049 for additional information. The safety recall began on march 28, 2011. Owners may contact norcold at 1-800-767-9101.

Problem: Newmar is recalling 63 model year 2009 and 2010 recreational vehicles manufactured between july 21, 2008 and april 22, 2009, equipped with certain haldex quick release valves (qrv). The rubber diaphragm inside the qrv may experience delamination resulting in significant levels of air pressure leakage past and/or through the diaphragm, or the development of a bubble in the diaphragm which may trap air pressure in the valve and not allow the service brakes to release.

Risk: Malfunction of the air brake system could result in a vehicle crash.

Fix: Newmar will notify owners and spartan will provide a free remedy. The safety recall is expected to begin during july 2009. Owners may contact spartan chassis toll-free at 1-800-543-4277 or newmar at 1-574-773-7791.

Problem: Newmar is recalling 913 my 2007-2009 all star me, dutch star dp, my 2007-2008 kountry star dp, my 2007 mountain aire dp, and my 2009 dutch aire dp and ventana dp motor homes built on spartan chassis and equipped with putnam hitches. After some period of use, certain trailer hitches may develop stress fractures due to sharp radii and /or tool marking.

Risk: Fractures in the suspect hitches may result in hitch separation, potentially resulting in injury and/or property damage.

Fix: Newmar is working with spartan who will replace the trailer hitch free of charge (please see 08v567). Owners may contact spartan at 1-517-543-6400 or newmar at 1-574-773-7791.

Problem: Newmar is recalling certain motor homes built on spartan motor home chassis. Certain chassis fasteners may fracture resulting in poor handling of the vehicle, loss of steering, and/or reduced level of suspension performance.

Risk: Loss of steering will increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: Newmar is working with spartan to have these motor homes inspected and the fasteners replaced as needed free of charge. Owners may contact spartan chassis at 1-800-543-4277 or newmar at 1-574-773-7791.