RoadVitals

2018 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.
16
Latest Jun 12, 2024
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.
15
Latest Jul 27, 2021
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 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.

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.gov

EQUIPMENT:RECREATIONAL VEHICLE/TRAILER; STRUCTURE

Jul 27, 2021
4,106 units potentially affected
The defect: Newmar Corporation (Newmar) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Bay Star, Ventana, New Aire, 2019-2020 Canyon Star, Bay Star Sport, Essex, King Aire, London Aire, Mountain Aire, 2018-2021 Dutch Star, 2020 Kountry Star, and 2019 Ventana LE recreational vehicles. The adhesive that bonds the vented portion of the window may fail.
The risk: Adhesive failure may cause the vent portion of the window to detach, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
The remedy: Dealers will inspect the windows, and replace the vent if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 10, 2021. Owners may contact Newmar customer service at 1-800-731-8300. Newmar's number for this recall is 21E 047.
Newmar CorporationManufacturer number 21E 047View on NHTSA.gov

FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM:FUEL RAIL

Jul 2, 2021
1,737 units potentially affected
The defect: Newmar Corporation (Newmar) is recalling certain 2019 Mountain Aire, 2020-2021 New Aire, 2020-2022 Super Star, 2018-2021 Ventana, and Dutch Star vehicles equipped with certain Cummins diesel engines. The sealing washer may not seat correctly in the pilot boreholes, allowing the high-pressure fuel rail assembly to leak.
The risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
The remedy: Cummins service centers will inspect the rail threads and fuel lines, and replace the rail as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on August 24, 2021. Owners may contact Newmar customer service at 1-800-731-8300. Newmar's number for this recall is Cummins 21E-32.
Newmar CorporationManufacturer number Cummins 21E-032View on NHTSA.gov

FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM:FUEL RAIL

May 20, 2021
1,294 units potentially affected
The defect: Newmar Corporation (Newmar) is recalling certain 2017-2022 Dutch Star, 2017-2019 Mountain Aire, 2019-2021 Ventana and 2021 New Aire motorhomes. The sealing washer may not seat correctly in the pilot bore holes, allowing the high pressure fuel rail assembly to leak.
The risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
The remedy: Dealers will inspect the rail threads, and replace the rail as necessary, free of charge. Interim notification letters were mailed to owners on July 16, 2021. Owners may contact Newmar customer service at 1-800-731-8000. Newmar's number for this recall is Cummins 21E-032.
Newmar CorporationManufacturer number Cummins 21E-032View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

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

Filed Jun 12, 2024

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
Body & structure
Filed May 24, 2023

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
Body & structureVisibility
Filed Sep 30, 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
Body & structure
Filed Aug 21, 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
Tires & wheels
Filed Aug 9, 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
Filed Aug 2, 2021

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
EngineFuel system
Filed Jul 18, 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
Engine
Filed Jul 18, 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.

21V506

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.

21V372

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.

21V082

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 driver’s intentions, increasing the risk of a crash.

20V 421

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

19V 426

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.

19V 257

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

Newmar Dutch Star by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2026000
2025000
2024000
2023230
2022090
20216130
20206100
201923110
2018Viewing16150
20176180
20164110
20155110
20142140
2013080
2012060
2011060
2010060
2009050
2008270
2007180
2006440
2005591
20043100
20034120
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.