RoadVitals

2021 Newmar Bay Star Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
10
Latest Jun 11, 2025
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
9
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
0

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2021 Newmar Bay Star, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

  • Brakes423.5%
  • Driver assistance423.5%
  • Other / unspecified317.6%
  • Powertrain (other)15.9%
  • Suspension15.9%
  • Body & structure15.9%
  • Visibility15.9%
  • Electrical15.9%
  • Fuel system15.9%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Anti-Skid light on, Hill Start Assist Not Available Light on and Cruise Control inoperable. Come to a stop, turn engine off. Restart engine, Anti-Skid light still on, drive away and within 100 yards Skid light will turn off and cruise control will work. Within 5 miles Anti- Skid light back on and cruise control cuts out. Repeat procedure again. Same results. At times, no problem for 150 miles. At times, light will not shut off. This is a serious problem as anti lock braking might be affected in wet conditions, also no cruise control and no Anti skid available.

NHTSA ID 11470667 · filed Jun 23, 2022

IT ALL STARTED WITH THE ADVANCE TRACTION CONTROL. DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY WITH WIND GUST DISABILIES THE CRUISE CONTROL AND THEN THE ABS. THIS CONTINUED TO HAPPEN. YOUR HAVE TO PULL OVER AND TURN OFF THE RV TO RESET THE ABS. ON THE LONG TRIP WE WERE PULLING OVER ABOUT EVERY 10 TO 15 MINUTES TO RESET THE SYSTEM. WE TOOK OUR FORD V8 RV INTO SHOP FOR REPAIR. AFTER HAVING THE REPAIR DONE. WE TOOK A TRIP AND IMMEDIATELY IT HAPPENED AGAIN. IT WAS NOT FIXED. WE WERE TOLD THIS PROBLEM IS NOT FIXABLE FROM FORD AFTER SPENDING $581 FOR NOTHING. AND TOLD IT WAS NOT UNDER WARRANTY. PURCHASED IN JUNE 30 2021. WE BELIEVE THIS IS A MAIN PROBLEM DUE TO YOUR SPEED AND THE CRUISE CONTROL KICKING OFF THE ABS, DISABLING THE ABS, ESPECIALY IN TRAFFIC. NEWMAR AND FORD, BOTH DO NOT WANT TO TAKE RESPONSILIBITY AND WE ARE LEFT HANGING WITH THIS PROBLEM. WE HAVE COME TO BELIEVE THAT THIS IS A PROBLEM WITH ALL 2021 OR OLDER V53 CHASSIC ON RV'S THAT DOES NOT HAVE A FIX ON NUMEROUS RV MANUFACTURERS. EVERYONE THAT USES THAT PLATFORM

NHTSA ID 11443434 · filed Dec 11, 2021

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Anti-Skid light on, Hill Start Assist Not Available Light on and Cruise Control inoperable. Come to a stop, turn engine off. Restart engine, Anti-Skid light still on, drive away and within 100 yards Skid light will turn off and cruise control will work. Within 5 miles Anti- Skid light back on and cruise control cuts out. Repeat procedure again. Same results. At times, no problem for 150 miles. At times, light will not shut off. This is a serious problem as anti lock braking might be affected in wet conditions, also no cruise control and no Anti skid available.

NHTSA ID 11470667 · filed Jun 23, 2022

IT ALL STARTED WITH THE ADVANCE TRACTION CONTROL. DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY WITH WIND GUST DISABILIES THE CRUISE CONTROL AND THEN THE ABS. THIS CONTINUED TO HAPPEN. YOUR HAVE TO PULL OVER AND TURN OFF THE RV TO RESET THE ABS. ON THE LONG TRIP WE WERE PULLING OVER ABOUT EVERY 10 TO 15 MINUTES TO RESET THE SYSTEM. WE TOOK OUR FORD V8 RV INTO SHOP FOR REPAIR. AFTER HAVING THE REPAIR DONE. WE TOOK A TRIP AND IMMEDIATELY IT HAPPENED AGAIN. IT WAS NOT FIXED. WE WERE TOLD THIS PROBLEM IS NOT FIXABLE FROM FORD AFTER SPENDING $581 FOR NOTHING. AND TOLD IT WAS NOT UNDER WARRANTY. PURCHASED IN JUNE 30 2021. WE BELIEVE THIS IS A MAIN PROBLEM DUE TO YOUR SPEED AND THE CRUISE CONTROL KICKING OFF THE ABS, DISABLING THE ABS, ESPECIALY IN TRAFFIC. NEWMAR AND FORD, BOTH DO NOT WANT TO TAKE RESPONSILIBITY AND WE ARE LEFT HANGING WITH THIS PROBLEM. WE HAVE COME TO BELIEVE THAT THIS IS A PROBLEM WITH ALL 2021 OR OLDER V53 CHASSIC ON RV'S THAT DOES NOT HAVE A FIX ON NUMEROUS RV MANUFACTURERS. EVERYONE THAT USES THAT PLATFORM

NHTSA ID 11443434 · filed Dec 11, 2021

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Other / unspecified

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Wheel bearings and hubs failed on both front wheels of our RV. Our current mileage is 38500. According to maintenance service is not required on the bearings until 60,000 miles. At that time bearings are to be regreased. At 150,000 miles bearings are to be replaced. The mechanic that did the repair work informed us that we were lucky the front passenger wheel didn't fall off. I understand that the Ford F53 chassis has encountered this wheel bearing issue. We have filed a complaint with Ford with pictures and detailed information of the work that was done to both of the front wheels. The only indication we had of this issue was intermittent vibration in the front end (as if you were riding over a rumble strip). Also, the ABS light came on and then went off. We were driving from Maryland to Texas and on the last day of our trip about 100 miles from our destination is when the vibration first occurred. Upon arrival we tried to contact Ford dealerships in the Abilene, Texas area. None of the dealerships contacted would service our RV. We then contacted an independent truck repair shop who diagnosed and fixed our RV. Total cost was just under $8,900. The parts were very difficult to find from Ford. Ford said that many of the parts needed were on back order and wouldn't be available for more than a month. According to the maintenance schedule this issue should not have happened. We feel there is a major issue with the Ford F53 chassis wheel bearings and a recall should be issued by Ford due to the dangerous conditions it creates.

NHTSA ID 11662658 · filed May 22, 2025

The factory installed tire pressure monitoring system does not work properly-even after a performed recall. The tpms system usually shows all tire pressures properly after initial start up and driving and then after a period of time it will start losing tire pressure signals from one to all tires and does not give any alarm or notification that this is happening. Additionally, it will also give over temperature and over pressure alarms at various times as well even though a back up tpms system that I installed indicates that there is no issue. You have to acknowledge the alarm or it will keep going off and then it will reoccur at subsequent random times. I consider this an important safety issue because this safety system as installed by the manufacturer does not perform its proper function and cannot be relied upon. Apparently, the manufacturer (Freightliner) is aware of these issues because the newer models have a different system. I have had my Freightliner in for service at various times and have asked them if this issue is being addressed after the initial recall and they have indicated that they are not aware of any updates but they admit that many owners are having the same issue.

NHTSA ID 11576203 · filed Mar 8, 2024

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

2021 NEWMAR BAYSTAR W/ FORD F53 CHASSIS. ABS & TRACTION CONTROL (ADVANCETRAC) LIGHTS CAME ON 10 MINUTES AFTER WE TOOK DELIVERY OF RV. 32 DAYS IN FORD SERVICE DEPT. REPLACED ABS SENSOR. REPLACED ECBM. PERFORMED WIRING HARNESS OVERLAY (FIRST PARTIAL, THEN COMPLETE). REPLACED O-RING + WHEEL HUB + BRAKE ROTOR ASSEMBLY. WARNING LIGHTS WENT OUT, BUT CAME ON AGAIN ABOUT 250 MILES LATER. CRUISE CONTROL & HILL ASSIST DISABLED. 11 DAYS IN 2ND FORD SERVICE DEPT. REMOVED & REPLACED ENTIRE WIRING HARNESS OVERLAY. WARNING LIGHTS WENT OUT. NOT SURE FOR HOW LONG. WAS TOLD FORD MAKES THE WIRING HARNESS AS PART OF CHASSIS BUT NEWMAR MODIFIES IT WHEN COACH PUT ON.

NHTSA ID 11420711 · filed Jun 12, 2021

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

Anti-Skid light on, Hill Start Assist Not Available Light on and Cruise Control inoperable. Come to a stop, turn engine off. Restart engine, Anti-Skid light still on, drive away and within 100 yards Skid light will turn off and cruise control will work. Within 5 miles Anti- Skid light back on and cruise control cuts out. Repeat procedure again. Same results. At times, no problem for 150 miles. At times, light will not shut off. This is a serious problem as anti lock braking might be affected in wet conditions, also no cruise control and no Anti skid available.

NHTSA ID 11470667 · filed Jun 23, 2022

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

When opening my hood, one of the hood hinges came loose from the hood. It appears to be epoxied on from the factory. I called factory support and was told to take it to their authorized repair shop at my expense. The risks of these hoods only being secured to the vehicles posses a huge safety risk to the driver and other vehicles. It could break loose and fly off the vehicle while driving down the interstate.

NHTSA ID 11666322 · filed Jun 11, 2025

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

My dual pane windows are delaminating causing foggy windows. All windows seem to be defective accept front windshield.

NHTSA ID 11462529 · filed Apr 27, 2022

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

2021 NEWMAR BAYSTAR W/ FORD F53 CHASSIS. ABS & TRACTION CONTROL (ADVANCETRAC) LIGHTS CAME ON 10 MINUTES AFTER WE TOOK DELIVERY OF RV. 32 DAYS IN FORD SERVICE DEPT. REPLACED ABS SENSOR. REPLACED ECBM. PERFORMED WIRING HARNESS OVERLAY (FIRST PARTIAL, THEN COMPLETE). REPLACED O-RING + WHEEL HUB + BRAKE ROTOR ASSEMBLY. WARNING LIGHTS WENT OUT, BUT CAME ON AGAIN ABOUT 250 MILES LATER. CRUISE CONTROL & HILL ASSIST DISABLED. 11 DAYS IN 2ND FORD SERVICE DEPT. REMOVED & REPLACED ENTIRE WIRING HARNESS OVERLAY. WARNING LIGHTS WENT OUT. NOT SURE FOR HOW LONG. WAS TOLD FORD MAKES THE WIRING HARNESS AS PART OF CHASSIS BUT NEWMAR MODIFIES IT WHEN COACH PUT ON.

NHTSA ID 11420711 · filed Jun 12, 2021

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

RV was purchased March 2021, 700 miles on it when purchased. First time using it not 100 miles from home Service Advance Trac warning comes on, we lose cruise control when it comes on. Call Ford Service they tell us it is ok to drive that way, but should have it checked. Then ABS warning and check engine light comes on. Have had them worked many times and they still come on. (Not fixed) Brake handle comes off in three pieces (fixed), Hood latch does not work (took three months to fix), Recall on rear bearings (took a month to fix) Leveling jack leaking fluid (fixed), wheel seal leaking (fixed) water heater leaking, ruined cabinets, (fixed), awning does not work (waiting to get fixed) Every trip we have taking something has gone wrong. This is a 3 ring circus trying to get things fixed. there are more receipts but do not have copies.

NHTSA ID 11434726 · filed Sep 28, 2021

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .