EQUIPMENT:RECREATIONAL VEHICLE/TRAILER; STRUCTURE
2018 Newmar Dutch Star
Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data
Data refreshed
Overview
Our database contains 16 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2018 Newmar Dutch Star, most frequently naming the engine, body & structure and visibility categories. 15 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 22 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.
Complaint activity over time
When owners filed reports about this model year
View as table
| Month | Complaints filed | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|
| Sep 2018 | 1 | 1 |
| Sep 2020 | 1 | 2 |
| Jan 2021 | 1 | 3 |
| Mar 2021 | 1 | 4 |
| Jun 2021 | 2 | 6 |
| Jul 2021 | 4 | 10 |
| Aug 2021 | 1 | 11 |
| Aug 2022 | 2 | 13 |
| Sep 2022 | 1 | 14 |
| May 2023 | 1 | 15 |
| Jun 2024 | 1 | 16 |
What owners report
Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded
- Engine850.0%
- Body & structure425.0%
- Visibility212.5%
- Fuel system16.3%
- Tires & wheels16.3%
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
15 campaigns cover this model year
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.govFUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM:FUEL RAIL
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM:FUEL RAIL
Recent owner complaints
Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words
Window Adhesive Failure Adhesive failure may cause the vent portion of the window to detach, increasing the risk of a crash or injury. NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V571000 Manufacturer Newmar Corporation Components EQUIPMENT, STRUCTURE Had to purchase 4 windows from Newmar For the window failures in NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V571000. Newmar denied the recall claim. This problem goes well beyond 2108 models all the way to 2016 models. Newmar is just trying to mitigate their costs by lying and denying claims. Remedy: I want reimbursement for the cost of the 4 replacement windows.
- NHTSA ID
- 11593980
- Incident
- Jun 1, 2021
I used the Hydralift to carry my wife’s motorcycle, a 2018 Indian Chieftain. When you mount a Hydra lift on the back of an RV you no longer have access to the receiver hitch that came with the RV. Because of that Hydralift adds a receiver hitch to the lift so that you can flat tow a vehicle behind the RV. There is a plate on the receiver hitch that states it is rated to tow 8000 lbs. I was towing a 2018 Ram 1500 pickup. In the bed I had an Amerideck lift and on the lift was my motorcycle, a 2020 Indian Challenger. The total weight of the pickup, lift and motorcycle was approximately 6500 lbs., well within the tow rating the manufacturer claimed for the hitch. While on a cross country trip I had traveled approximately 2500 miles without incident. I then encountered a severe dip in the road on interstate 76 just S/W of Denver, Colorado. This dip caused the motorcycle on the Hydralift to shake loose even though it was in a wheel chock and was held in place by 3 ratchet straps. The motorcycle was suspended from the Hydralift onto the Blue Ox towing system I was using to flat tow the pickup. Since the straps were still attached, most of the motorcycles weight was born by the straps and a much smaller amount of weight was on the Blue Ox system. Along with 2 DOT Road Rangers and a passerby we managed to get the bike back into position. A visual inspection by myself and the 2 DOT employees showed no visible damage to the Blue Ox system or the receiver hitch. 2 days later we were traveling along Interstate 70 W/B. I pulled off the highway in Parachute, Colorado. When I turned right at the top of the exit the receiver hitch snapped and the pickup/ motorcycle took off on its own. It crossed a lane of traffic and went down an embankment. It travelled approx. 100 yds across a field and came to a stop against an embankment. I had the safety cables and emergency braking lanyard attached but they didn’t work because of where the manufacturer placed the attachment points.
- NHTSA ID
- 11523668
- Incident
- Aug 21, 2022
The driver's side window is a dual pane window. The glass has lost its seal letting moisture in between the panes causing a drivers visibility issue. Driver is unable to see in the rear mirror or to the left side of the vehicle. Vehicle manufacturer claims vehicle is out of warranty and denied any remedy.
- NHTSA ID
- 11487343
- Incident
- Sep 1, 2022
Entry door unlatches and allows door to open at highway speed, unless secondary deadbolt lock is manually latched. This occurred twice on my recent trip. Manufacturer has worked/examined this issue on 2 previous occasions. Standard door latch does not secure door as designed.
- NHTSA ID
- 11480424
- Incident
- Aug 10, 2022
Blowout and tire separation, Drivers front, traveling N on I-25 mile marker 7, south of Trinidad Co. Using Tire Patrol sensors on all motorhome tires and tow vehicle. After replacing tire and rim and on our way back home I noticed a low tire pressure on the right front tire. On inspecting the sensor I noticed a partial separation of the sensor which presumably allowed the tire to partially deflate. I re-inflated the tire and replaced the sensor with one from the rear tag tire so we could monitor the pressure and complete the trip. The morning after returning home I found the right front tire completely flat and the sensor had separated and was found beside the wheel on the concrete. After thinking about all of this I have come to the conclusion that the original blowout was likely due to a failure of the sensor on that tire allowing the tire to deflate and ultimately blowout and separate. I would not have thought about this had it not been for the other two sensors doing something similar. Luckily no-one was injured in this episode but there was moderate damage to our motorhome and the result could have been substantially different. I have contacted the manufacturer and they are aware of my concerns. I have a complete description of my actions and timeline. I have multiple photos of the damages as well as the two sensors that failed. The original sensor and valve stem extender on the drivers front tire that blewout were not found.
- NHTSA ID
- 11478506
- Incident
- Jul 15, 2022
Three week ago today we were 500 miles into a road trip when the check engine light and alarm went off - we exited interstate at the next exit, called Spartan, and read off the codes. We were told that it was a DEF sensor that would be derating our engine and we need to get somewhere soon.. We were too far from home and made it another 130 miles with notice of some power loss. These sensors are back ordered until late August - mid September. After discussion with a Cummins service center in Chattanooga, TN it is deemed unsafe to drive the 90 miles to there location. We are told that the engine will derate down to only 5 miles per hour which will lead to a very unsafe driving condition for ourselves and anyone on the road with us. My understanding is that it's just a sensor messing up - the regent was performed as normal while the engine light was lit - indicating all was working with that system.
- NHTSA ID
- 11427500
- Incident
- Jul 12, 2021
When preparing to leave, my coach received a check engine light, and 3 error codes from the Cumins ECU. SPN 3364, 1761 and 3031. All FMI code 9. My engine is Likely now debated to 5% power and I was just able to return it to the driveway at the house. Thankfully I hadn’t gotten onto the busy interstate when it happened. After contacting Spartan Chassis, they informed me that I needed a new DEF Head unit. This has been a major issue across the industry. The part is manufactured by SHAW and parts are not available. I was told by Spartan “August or September” for parts. I am unable to move the coach for fear that it is in fact debated to 5% so will need to have a mobile mechanic dispatched to replace. I understand the need for emission controls, but to derate the engine because we might have a little bit dirtier tailpipe until its fixed…. Major safety issue as there is NO workaround.
- NHTSA ID
- 11425348
- Incident
- Jul 5, 2021
Since purchasing this RV new, I have had the DEF Head fail twice. 1st time was Sep 2019 with a mileage of 14066 and the 2nd time was April 2021 with a mileage of 16018. Both times DEF Header Assemblies were replaced. When these fail the motor can de-rate at any time. Very dangerous when traveling down the highway. Both times the low DEF warning and check engine lights came on.
- NHTSA ID
- 11425316
- Incident
- Sep 16, 2019
Manufacturer communications
A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING; FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL:DELIVERY
Daimler Trucks North America has decided that a defect relating to motor vehicle safety exists in specific motorhomes built on Freightliner chassis (NHTSA #21V 326) based on Cummins recall (NHTSA # 21E 032). In response, Newmar Corporation is issuing recall NHTSA # 21V 506 and TC # 2021-427. On certain motorhomes, as described in Cummins recall 21E-032, the fuel rail assembly on the engine may develop leaks, which may result in an undetected prolonged diesel fuel spray. A leak involving spraying/misting fuel in the presence of an ignition source may increase the risk of fire.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING; FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:DELIVERY
The Shyft Group Inc. (Spartan Chassis) has decided that a defect relating to motor vehicle safety exists in specific motorhomes built on Spartan chassis (NHTSA #21V 319) based on Cummins recall (NHTSA # 21E 032). In response, Newmar Corporation is issuing recall NHTSA # 21V 372 and TC # 2021-303. On certain motorhomes, as described in Cummins recall 21E-032, the fuel rail assembly on the engine may develop leaks, which may result in an undetected prolonged diesel fuel spray. A leak involving spraying/misting fuel in the presence of an ignition source may increase the risk of fire.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INTEGRATED TRAILER BRAKE CONTROL; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:CONNECTORS/PLUGS:ACCESORY POWER OUTLET/JACK/PORT/USB/SAE/CIGARETTE LIGHTER; EQUIPMENT
Newmar Corporation has decided that a defect relating to motor vehicle safety may exist in specific coaches. On certain units, the windshield wiper mechanism may contact the brake light switch. If the brake light switch or wiring is damaged, the brake lights may not illuminate. Non-functioning brake lights may not alert other motorists of the driverâs intentions, increasing the risk of a crash.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT
Daimler Trucks North America LLC, has decided that a defect relating to motor vehicle safety exists in specific motorhomes built on Freightliner chassis NHTSA # 20V 404. In response, Newmar Corporation is issuing NHTSA Recall # 20V 421
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT; EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Daimler Trucks North America LLC has decided that a defect, which relates to motor vehicle safety, exists in specific motorhomes built on Freightliner chassis (NHTSA # 18V 582 ). In response, Newmar is releasing NHTSA # 19V 426.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT
Newmar Corporation has decided that a defect, which relates to motor vehicle safety, exists in specific motorhomes with the WiFi Ranger option and a specific power supply.
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
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Investigations | Issue Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 2025 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 2024 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 2023 | 2 | 3 | 0 | — |
| 2022 | 0 | 9 | 0 | — |
| 2021 | 6 | 13 | 0 | — |
| 2020 | 6 | 10 | 0 | — |
| 2019 | 23 | 11 | 0 | — |
| 2018Viewing | 16 | 15 | 0 | — |
| 2017 | 6 | 18 | 0 | — |
| 2016 | 4 | 11 | 0 | — |
| 2015 | 5 | 11 | 0 | — |
| 2014 | 2 | 14 | 0 | — |
| 2013 | 0 | 8 | 0 | — |
| 2012 | 0 | 6 | 0 | — |
| 2011 | 0 | 6 | 0 | — |
| 2010 | 0 | 6 | 0 | — |
| 2009 | 0 | 5 | 0 | — |
| 2008 | 2 | 7 | 0 | — |
| 2007 | 1 | 8 | 0 | — |
| 2006 | 4 | 4 | 0 | — |
| 2005 | 5 | 9 | 1 | — |
| 2004 | 3 | 10 | 0 | — |
| 2003 | 4 | 12 | 0 | — |
| 2002 | 3 | 10 | 0 | — |
| 2001 | 8 | 8 | 0 | — |
| 2000 | 33 | 8 | 0 | — |
| 1999 | 23 | 6 | 0 | — |
| 1998 | 10 | 6 | 0 | — |
| 1997 | 3 | 4 | 0 | — |
| 1996 | 0 | 1 | 0 | — |
| 1995 | 0 | 1 | 0 | — |
| 1994 | 1 | 1 | 0 | — |
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.