2012 Newmar Dutch Star Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Problem: Newmar Corporation (Newmar) is recalling certain 2014-2017 Newmar Ventana, 2011-2017 Newmar Dutch Star, and 2011-2014 Newmar Mountain Aire vehicles, built on Freightliner XBR chassis and equipped with Cummins ISL engines. The power steering hose on the affected vehicles may be routed incorrectly, and, as a result, the hose may rub against the power stud on the starter motor, possibly causing electrical arcing and a power steering fluid leak.

Risk: If the power steering hose contacts the power stud causing a power steering fluid leak, additional steering effort may be needed increasing the risk of a crash or an electrical arc may occur, increasing the risk of a fire.

Fix: Newmar will notify owners, and Freightliner dealers will reroute the power steering hose, free of charge. The recall began on May 24, 2018. Owners may contact Newmar customer service at 1-800-731-8300. Newmar's number for this recall is FL-762.

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 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 2008-2014 King Aire, 2009-2014 Essex, 2011-2015 Mountain Aire, Ventana, and Dutch Star, 2012-2014 Ventana LE, 2012-2015 Canyon Star, and 2015 London Aire motorhomes. The affected vehicles are equipped with refrigerator door latches that may inadvertently lock without the operator's knowledge.

Risk: If an individual climbed into the refrigerator and the door inadvertently latched, the person would not be able to open the door, increasing their risk of injury.

Fix: Newmar will notify owners, and dealers will install a new replacement door latch that will not automatically latch, free of charge. The recall began on January 24, 2016. Owners may contact Newmar customer service at 1-800-731-8300.

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 Corporation (Newmar) is recalling certain model year 2011 through 2013 Ventana Class A, Dutch Star Class A, and Mountain Aire Class A model motor homes manufactured from January 25, 2010, through September 19, 2012, built on Freightliner brand XB and XC custom chassis. The chassis are equipped with connectors for diode jumpers that may come loose, 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.

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.

Fix: Daimler Trucks (DTNA) will notify owners on behalf of Newmar, 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.