2005 Newmar Essex 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 2004-2007 Essex motorhomes manufactured March 24, 2003, to March 7, 2007, and 2005-2007 London Aire motorhomes manufactured May 30, 2005, to October 23, 2006, and 2007-2008 Mountain Aire motorhomes manufactured January 19, 2006, to February 27, 2007. In the affected vehicles, the engine cooling fan may separate from the fan drive while the fan is spinning.

Risk: If the engine area is open and the cooling fan and detaches, someone nearby may be injured.

Fix: Newmar will notify owners, and Spartan dealers will replace the fan and fan drive system, free of charge. The recall began on December 1, 2016. Owners may contact Newmar service department at 1-800-731-8300 or Spartan Chassis at 1-800-543-4277.

Problem: Certain motor home chassis built on freightliner vcl or xc chassis and equipped with zf model 8018 steering gears, these gears may have been assembled with the incorrect recirculating ball spacer. This could potentially allow the recirculating balls to escape from the recirculating ball circuit resulting in a loss of steering.

Risk: The operator may notice higher required steering wheel inputs, or the need for more steering wheel adjustments while driving in a straight line in combination with metallic cracking noises prior to a loss of steering. Loss of steering could result in a vehicle crash.

Fix: Freightliner is conducting this recall (please see 07v-343) and will replace the steering gear free of charge. Owners may contact freightliner at 1-800-547-0712 or newmar at 574-773-7791.

Problem: On certain motor homes built on spartan chassis, the steering gear assembly contains a spacer with incorrect dimensions. A spacer of insufficient height allows for excessive play in the return function of the recirculation balls and, as a consequence, there is a failure in the circulatory function of these balls.

Risk: If the failure mode is allowed to continue, the final result will be interruption in the connection between the steering wheel and the wheels of the vehicle. The vehicle can no longer be steered and could result in a vehicle crash.

Fix: Newmar is working with spartan to replace the steering gear assembly free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided an owner notification schedule. Owners may contact spartan at 1-517-543-6400 or newmar at 1-574-773-7791.

Problem: On certain motor homes built on spartan chassis and equipped with i-shafts supplied by zf heavy duty steering, there is a potential for a failure of the fork/shaft connection. At the non-welded side of the i-shaft there is a universal joint. It is possible that the fork shaft connection could be lost.

Risk: Drivers will lose steerability of the vehicle and a crash could occur without prior warning.

Fix: Newmar, with the assistance of spartan, intends to establish a program for remedying the defective i-shafts free of charge. Owners may contact spartan at 517-543-6400 or newmar at 1-574-773-7791.

Problem: On certain motor homes equipped with ametek ngi gauges, the air gauges are not properly calibrated and the low air warning indicator may be activated when actual air reservoir pressure readings are below the federal motor vehicle safety standard required range of 60 to 65psi.

Risk: This may cause the parking brake to engage without warning, thus throwing the passenger forward, creating the potential for injury to occupants.

Fix: Spartan is conducting the owner notification and remedy for this campaign. Dealers will install a harness jumper cable to each air sender. Owners may contact spartan at 800-543-4277 or newmar at 574-773-7719.

Problem: On certain class a motor homes equipped with vehicle systems' aqua-hot and hydro-hot water heaters, which are equipped with webasto burner tubes, the burner tubes do not meet specifications and could fail prematurely.

Risk: Should the burner tube fail, the coolant heater could overheat, possibly resulting in a fire.

Fix: Vehicle systems is conducting the owner notification and remedy for this campaign. Owners may contact vehicle systems at 1-800-685-4298 or newmar at 574-773-7719.