2002 Newmar Dutch Star problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Wheels (1) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components (1) · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump (1)
Safety recalls (3)
Equipment 2017-12-15 · campaign 17V809000 · 34,699 vehicles
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 a
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.
Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System 2016-07-05 · campaign 16V501000 · 742 vehicles
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.
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.
Steering 2015-12-09 · campaign 15V829000 · 1,920 vehicles
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.
Fix: 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.
Service bulletins (1)
Technical service bulletins are repair instructions manufacturers send dealers for known issues. Unlike recalls, the fix is not automatically free — but naming the bulletin at the service desk can save diagnosis time and support goodwill repairs.
Equipment 2017-09-28 · PIB 494 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
if the coach's hwh leveling system has intermittent issues when operating, check for corrosion or loose mounting bolts. torque the mounting bolts (if needed) to 30 ft. pounds. a ground cable may also be installed to improve the overall grounding of the hwh pump assembly.
What owners report
2017-06-21 · Wheels · 123,343 mi“driving north on i-15 in baker, ca, at just under 60 mph when the passenger front tire blew out causing the motor home to leave the pavement to the right. we stopped safely. we have a tpms that was working properly on all tires. no alarm warning sounded. had filled tire to 115 psi the morning before and tpms reflected that pressure. i had checked a…”
2008-04-07 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components · 36,713 mi“tl*the contact owns a 2002 newmar dutch star. while driving 55 mph, the front passenger brake calipers failed to release and pulled the vehicle to the right. the contact pulled off the road for a few minutes and the brake calipers automatically released. he notified workhorse and they stated that the caliper pins needed to be lubed once a year. …”
2002-09-11 · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump“while traveling 60 mph coming down a mountain engine shutoff with no warning due to fuel pump failing. brakes and steering became difficult to function when shutting off. workhorse and newmar were neglecting fault based on motorhome built by above two manufacturers. please describe details. *ak…”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.