RoadVitals

2003 Newmar Kountry 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.
6
Latest Jul 6, 2017
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.
10
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
2 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 6 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2003 Newmar Kountry Star, most frequently naming the other / unspecified, brakes and body & structure categories. 10 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

  • Other / unspecified350.0%
  • Brakes233.3%
  • Body & structure116.7%

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

10 campaigns cover this model year

View all 10

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
09V324000

EQUIPMENT

Aug 11, 2009
493 units potentially affected
The defect: NEWMAR IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2003 AND 2004 MOTOR HOMES AND RECREATIONAL VEHICLE TRAILERS MANUFACTURED BETWEEN MARCH 5, 2002 AND APRIL 3, 2003, EQUIPPED WITH CERTAIN NORCOLD REFRIGERATORS. THE COOLANT SOLUTION IN THESE COOLING UNITS CAN ESCAPE.
The risk: IF A LEAK OCCURS AND THE UNIT CONTINUES TO OPERATE, HYDROGEN GAS MAY BE EXPELLED AND CAN BE IGNITED, RESULTING IN A FIRE, POSSIBLY CAUSING SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.
The remedy: NEWMAR IS WORKING WITH NORCOLD TO NOTIFY OWNERS AND THE VEHICLES WILL BE REPAIRED FREE OF CHARGE. THE REMEDY CAMPAIGN WILL BE CONDUCTED BY NORCOLD. THE SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN BEGAN ON OCTOBER 19, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NORCOLD SERVICE CENTER AT 1-800-767-9101 OR NEWMAR AT 1-574-773-7791.
NEWMAR CORPORATIONView on NHTSA.gov
09V217000

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

Jun 11, 2009
2,578 units potentially affected
The defect: NEWMAR IS RECALLING 2,578 MOTORHOMES EQUIPPED WITH AXLES THAT INCLUDE BOSCH ZOPS OR ZOHT PIN SLIDE HYDRAULIC DISC BRAKES. WHEN COMBINED WITH OCCASIONAL OR SEASONAL VEHICLE OPERATION MAY EXPERIENCE CALIPERS STICKING IN THE APPLIED POSITION. THIS CAN RESULT IN ABNORMAL HEAT GENERATION AT THE WHEEL END CAUSING BRAKE DRAG. THE DRIVER WOULD NORMALLY HAVE WARNING OF THE BRAKE DRAG IF UNDETECTED BY THE DRIVER.
The risk: THE DRIVER WOULD NORMALLY DETECT THE BRAKE DRAG BUT IF UNDETECTED THE TEMPERATURE INCREASE AT THE WHEEL END CAN EVENTUALLY LEAD TO SOFT PEDAL CONDITIONS DUE TO BRAKE FLUID BOIL, AND POSSIBLE EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE NECESSARY COMPONENTS FREE OF CHARGE. WORKHORSE IS HANDLING THE REMEDY AND OWNER NOTIFICATION FOR THIS CAMPAIGN PLEASE SEE 09V-110. OWNERS MAY CONTACT WORKHORSE AT 1-877-246-7731.
NEWMAR CORPORATIONView on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

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

Brakes
Filed Jul 6, 2017

CALIPERS ON FRONT AND REAR WHEELS HAVE LOCKED UP AFTER SITTING OVER WINTER. BRAKES OVER HEATED WHEN VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN SHORT DISTANCE IN CITY. WILL NEED SERVICE AT MY LOCATION AS I WILL NOT BE ABLE TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO A SERVICE CENTER

NHTSA ID
11003443
Incident
Jul 6, 2017
Mileage
10,702 mi
Other / unspecified
Filed Feb 4, 2009

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NEW BAR COUNTRY COACH. THE VEHICLE HAS A DOMETIC REFRIGERATOR, MODEL NDR1062, WHICH IS INCLUDED IN A RECALL. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE IN AUGUST OF 2008 AND A CRACK IN THE BOILER TUBE WAS REPAIRED. IN JANUARY OF 2009, THE REFRIGERATOR FAILED AGAIN. THE CONTACT PURCHASED NEW PARTS FOR THE REAR OF THE UNIT IN ORDER TO REPAIR IT HIMSELF. HE RECEIVED ANOTHER RECALL NOTICE ON JANUARY 27, 2009 AND CALLED DOMETIC REGARDING REIMBURSEMENT. HE WAS INFORMED THAT AFTER APRIL OF 2008, NO REIMBURSEMENT WOULD BE PROVIDED FOR SELF-REPAIRS. UPDATED 3/25/09 *CN UPDATED 03/26/09.*JB

NHTSA ID
10257448
Incident
Jan 20, 2009
Brakes
Filed Jul 26, 2008

RIGHT FRONT BRAKE CALIPER LOCKED UP ON WAY TO CAMPGROUND ON NARROW ROAD WITH OUT ROOM TO PULL OFF. TAPPED BRAKES SEVERAL TIMES WITH SMALL SUCCESS IN FREEING CALIPER. ABOUT 3 MILES FROM CAMPGROUND WE CONTINUED TO PARK UPON ARRIVAL BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR AND OIL BLEW OUT OF WHEEL BEARING. CALLED WORKHORSE BUT RECEIVED NO HELP. FINALLY FOUND A MECHANIC TO DO ON SITE WORK COST $828. *TR

NHTSA ID
10235870
Incident
Jul 16, 2008
Mileage
11,528 mi
Other / unspecified
Filed Jan 2, 2007

TL* - THE CONTACT RECEIVED RECALL 06E076000 ON DOMETIC REFRIDGERATOR RM 3862. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE CALLED THE TOLL FREE NUMBER PROVIDED BY DOMETIC ,AND THAT HE WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO FOR HIM. THE CONTACT HAD UNPLUGGED THE DOMETIC REFRIDGERATOR BECAUSE IT WAS NOT COOLING, AND IT WAS LEAKING A YELLOW FLUID. THE CONTACT HAS A 2003 KOUNTRY STAR PURCHASED FROM NEW MAR. THE CONTACTS RV WAS PARKED WHEN THE DOMETIC STOPPED COOLING AND BEGAN LEAKING. *AK THE CONSUMER STATED SO FAR THE UNIT IS WORKING OK. UPDATED 03/30/07. *JB

NHTSA ID
10177535
Incident
Dec 29, 2006
Other / unspecified
Filed Dec 8, 2003
1 injury reported

LTR FM JACKIE AND WILLIAM AMBURGEY (WA) CONCERNED ABOUT THE SAFETY OF THEIR DEFECTIVE 2003 NEWMAR KOUNTRY STAR MOTORHOME, INTERIOR STEP COLLAPSED.*MR THE CONSUMER STATED THE RV HAD A MECHANISM THAT LIFTED THE STEP TO FLOOR LEVEL, WHEN SHE STOOD UP, THE STEP COLLAPSED AND SUBSEQUENTLY THE CONSUMER FELL INTO HOLE AND WAS INJURED. THE STEP HAD BEEN CONSTRUCTED WITH INFERIOR GRADE 1/2 INCH PLYWOOD WITH 1/2 INCH SCREWS, WHEN IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN CONSTRUCTED WITH MARINE GRADE PLYWOOD AND STEEL ON STEEL HINGES AND LONG RODS INSTEAD OF SCREWS. *JB *NM

NHTSA ID
10050167
Incident
May 30, 2003
Body & structure
Filed Jun 26, 2003
1 injury reported

THE INTERIOR STEPS COLLAPSED IN THE MOTORHOME. *MR *TT WHILE STANDING THE FLOOR COLLAPSED AND THE CONSUMER FELL INTO THE STAIRWELL. TT *JB

NHTSA ID
10025063
Incident
May 1, 2003

Manufacturer communications

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

TSB-372

SEAT BELTS

NEWMAR CORP.: FAILED AMSAFE SEAT BELTS BEING RETURNED TO NEWMAR FOR WARRANTY COVERAGE. PLEASE NOTE THAT WHEN CHANGING OUT WARRANTY AMSAFE SEAT BELTS, BOTH HARNESS STRAP WITH CLIP AND BUCKLE PORTION WILL NEED TO BE RETURNED. ALL MOTORIZED MODELS AND ALL MODEL YEARS ARE INCLUDED. *PE

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 Kountry Star by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2024000—
2023010—
2022340—
2021160—
2020250—
2010000—
2009000—
2008020—
2007340—
2006150—
2005380—
2004690—
2003Viewing6100—
2002780—
2001870—
2000350—
1999130—
1998030—
1997030—
1996120—
1995020—
1994010—

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.