RoadVitals

2003 Newmar Dutch Star

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

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.
4
Latest Nov 4, 2018
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
12
Latest Dec 15, 2017
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
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

Overview

Our database contains 4 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2003 Newmar Dutch Star, most frequently naming the electrical, engine and other / unspecified categories. 12 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 3 manufacturer communications are on file.

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

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Electrical120.0%
  • Engine120.0%
  • Other / unspecified120.0%
  • Steering120.0%
  • Suspension120.0%

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

Safety recalls

12 campaigns cover this model year

View all 12

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
17V809000

EQUIPMENT

Dec 15, 2017
34,699 units potentially affected
The 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 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
The risk: In the event of a fire, if the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury.
The remedy: 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.
Newmar CorporationManufacturer number 17E-062View on NHTSA.gov
16V501000

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM

Jul 5, 2016
742 units potentially affected
The 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.
The risk: If hot exhaust gas contacts other components or materials, it can increase the risk of a fire.
The remedy: 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.
Newmar CorporationManufacturer number 16V 313View on NHTSA.gov
15V829000

STEERING

Dec 9, 2015
1,920 units potentially affected
The 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.
The risk: A loss of steering increases the risk of a crash.
The remedy: 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.
Newmar CorporationManufacturer number 15V 633View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

SteeringSuspension
Filed Nov 4, 2018

I WAS BACKING MY COACH AND TRAILER UP WHEN I HEARD A LOUD POP. I STOPPED TO INSPECT OVERHEAD BECAUSE I THOUGHT I HIT A LIMB. FINDING NO DAMAGE I GOT BACK IN AND WHEN I TURNED THE WHEEL IT FREESPUN AND I HAD NO STEERING. I LOOKED UNDERNEATH TO SEE THE DRAG LINK DANGLING FROM THE STEERING BOX AND DISCOVERED A BROKEN CASTING. THE CASTING THAT BROKE IS CALLED THE BELL CRANK. IN MY CASE IT WAS THE FRONT LOBE THAT BROKE. THE PART THAT ATTACHES THE DRAG LINK TO THE STEERING BOX LEAVING ME WITH A STEERING WHEEL THAT JUST SPUN AROUND AND NO CONNECTION TO THE ACTUAL STEERING CONTROLS. THANKFULLY WE WERE IN A PARKING LOT WHEN IT HAPPENED. 10 MINUTES EARLIER AND WE WOULD'VE BEEN ON A MOUNTAIN INTERSTATE WITH NO CONTROL. THIS IS NOT THE SAME COMPONENT THAT IS LISTED IN THE RECALL. WHEN I SPOKE TO SPARTAN THEY SAID THEY HAD NEVER ENCOUNTERED ANYTHING LIKE IT.

NHTSA ID
11145237
Incident
Aug 31, 2018
Mileage
225,000 mi
Electrical
Filed Jan 11, 2016

THIS FALL AS IN PAST FALLS I PLACED MY MOTOR COACH IN WINTER STORAGE. AT THAT TIME I TURNED OFF THE ENGINE BATTERIES AS WELL AS THE HOUSE BATTERIES. APPROXIMATELY FOUR WEEKS LATER DEC 6TH 2015 I WAS CALLED BY AN OBSERVER THAT MY LEFT SUPER SLIDE WAS EXTENDING AND RETRACTING ALL BY ITSELF. WHEN I ARRIVED AT THE COACH IT WAS OVERWHELMING TO SEE THAT THE SLIDE EVEN THOUGH THERE NO POWER BEING SUPPLIED TO IT HAS ATTEMPTING TO GO IN AND OUT BENDING THE HEAVY STEEL LOCK LITERALLY IN TWO. I CALLED NEWMAR CORP AND THEY ADVISED ME TO TAKE MY COACH TO A US AUTHORIZED DEALER IN MOUNT CLEMENTS MIC WHICH WAS LITERALLY 500 MILES CLOSER THAN MY CDN DEALER. AFTER WEEK THE THE DEALER RV GENERAL CALLED ME TO INFORM ME MY COACH HAD BEEN REPAIRED.I PICKED UP THE COACH AND PAID THE INVOICE OF $775.00 IN US CURRENCY. ON DEC 27 2015 I HEADED OFF TO FLORIDA, MY FIRST AND SECOND NIGHT ON THE ROAD THE SIDE DID NOT FUNCTION AT ALL. ON DEC 229TH 2015 I WAS ON I 95 SOUTH BOUND NEAR THE ORANGE FLORIDA CUT OFF WHEN THE SLIDE DEPLOYED ITSELF AS WE DROVE DOWN THE FREE WAY. I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER AND TAKE THE EXIT THERE WITH A GREAT DEAL OF DIFFICULTY. I DISCONNECTED THE FUSES AND HAND CRANKED IN THE SLIDE AND WENT TO MY DESTINATION. I CONTACT NEWMAR AND THEY WERE QUICK TO POINT OUT YET AGAIN THIS ISSUE IS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. TO WHICH HAS SHOCKED ME NOW THREE TIMES, AS MY CONCERNS WAS THE MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE THAT THIS COULD PRESENT INCLUDING THE POTENTIAL LOSS OF LIFE. I WAS ALSO SURPRISED THAT THIS IS NOT AN UNCOMMON PROBLEM WITH NEWMAR AS THERE ARE NUMEROUS BLOGS ON THE NET ABOUT IT. I TRIED TO RESOLVE THIS WITH NEWMAR BUT THEY SIMPLY KEPT REFERRING TO WARRANTY AND NOT SAFETY. THUS I SUBMIT THIS COMPLAINT.

NHTSA ID
10819363
Incident
Dec 6, 2015
Mileage
39,000 mi
Other / unspecified
Filed Aug 4, 2008

OUR DOMETIC REFRIGERATOR FOR OUR RV MODEL#NDR1062 S/N24200040 LEAKED ALL OF ITS COOLANT FROM A FAILURE IN THE COOLING TUBES AND DOMETIC REFUSES TO REPAIR THE LEAK - DID NOT ADMIT ON PHONE THAT THERE WAS ANY FATIGUE IN THE WELD AND NOW WE FIND THERE IS A RECALL ON THIS REFRIGERATOR DUE TO WELD FATIGUE BUT THEY FAIL TO REPAIR OUR REFRIGERATOR AT THEIR COST. *TR

NHTSA ID
10236928
Incident
Jul 17, 2008
Mileage
29,923 mi
Engine
Filed Mar 14, 2003

THE VALVE ATTACHED TO THE COOLING SYSTEM LEAKED WATER. THE PART WAS CAMOUFLAGED WITH BUBBLE GUM. *JB

NHTSA ID
10011834
Incident
Mar 14, 2003

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

PIB 494

EQUIPMENT

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.

344

EQUIPMENT:RECREATIONAL VEHICLE/TRAILER

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

343

EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT:RECREATIONAL VEHICLE/TRAILER

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

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Newmar Dutch Star by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2026000—
2025000—
2024000—
2023230—
2022090—
20216130—
20206100—
201923110—
201816150—
20176180—
20164110—
20155110—
20142140—
2013080—
2012060—
2011060—
2010060—
2009050—
2008270—
2007180—
2006440—
2005591—
20043100—
2003Viewing4120—
20023100—
2001880—
20003380—
19992360—
19981060—
1997340—
1996010—
1995010—
1994110—

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. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.