2005 Newmar Dutch Star problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Tires (1) · Steering (1) · Latches/Locks/Linkages:doors:latch (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 (6)
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.
Steering 2016-01-11 · TSB 439 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
newmar corporation has decided that a defect relating to motor vehicle safety exists in specific motor homes built on spartan chassis. this recall is the result of information provided to newmar by spartan motors. nhtsa # 15v 829 tc # 2015-587 the steering gear mounting bracket may crack and break,
Equipment:recreational Vehicle/Trailer 2008-06-04 · 344 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
newmar corporation: all motorized equipped with norcold refer. change cooling unit heating element vendors; there is a new style electric heating element that must be used in certain new cooling units. *pe
Equipment 2008-06-02 · 343 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
newmar corporation: all motorized rv. a thermal limit switch is added to certain 1200 lr, 1200 lrim, and 1201 lrim refrigerators to prevent possible excess or overheating conditions in the heater area of the cooling unit to exceed a certain level. *pe
Exterior Lighting:turn Signal 2006-12-06 · 306 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
optical warning devices - turn signal stalk operation is awkward. spartan campaign tsb06-540-0002 mh586. *nj
Electrical System 2004-12-20 · 250 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
inability of the optional ems (energy management system) system to shed loads for low amperage connections. this would result in all controlled appliances to be kept on-line despite incoming amperage. applicable only to units with ems option. newmar corporation. *tt
What owners report
2007-06-05 · Latches/Locks/Linkages:doors:latch · 22,000 mi · 💥 crash“i have a newmar rv and the doors on the storage areas on the sides can come open when driving done the road. one such door opened and hit a motorcycle parked on the side of the road. this could of been a death if the rider would of been on his bike. the company was informed and of course their reply was that this has not happened defore. there h…”
2006-03-30 · Equipment:recreational Vehicle/Trailer · 6,970 mi“rear slide on 2005 newmar dutch star retracts without warning. this has occurred twice. luckily we or our pets were not injured. this occurred while vehicle was parked, automatic jacks were deployed, but have never worked properly since the unit was purchased new in aug 2005. *jb…”
2006-02-08 · Steering · 1,380 mi“dt*: the contact stated while driving at various speeds there is play in the steering. this occurs without warning on normal roads. it does not occur when the vehicle is turning right or left; only when the vehicle is driven straight. the dealership inspected the vehicle and aligned the front end however, the problem still exists. the manufact…”
2005-10-25 · Latches/Locks/Linkages · 2,300 mi“automatic slide locks failed to close on slides. they have a cheap screw that they bend to make contact with a magnet. very poor design. *nm…”
2005-04-11 · Tires“tires load rating below that of gawr. …”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.