RoadVitals

2004 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 Oct 1, 2010
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.
9
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.
1

Overview

Our database contains 6 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2004 Newmar Kountry Star, most frequently naming the steering, suspension and other / unspecified categories. 9 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

  • Steering330.0%
  • Suspension330.0%
  • Other / unspecified220.0%
  • Engine110.0%
  • Interior & seats110.0%

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

9 campaigns cover this model year

View all 9

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
10V434000

EQUIPMENT

Sep 22, 2010
435 units potentially affected
The defect: NEWMAR IS RECALLING CERTAIN RECREATIONAL TRAILERS EQUIPPED WITH DIMPLEX ELECTRAFLAME, SYMPHONY, OR OPTIFLAME BRANDED ELECTRIC FIREPLACES, STOVES, AND FIREPLACE INSERTS. THE PLUG IN REMOTE CONTROL RECEIVER FOR THE FIREPLACE CAN OVERHEAT.
The risk: AN OVERHEATED RECEIVER COULD CAUSE A FIRE.
The remedy: NEWMAR IS WORKING WITH DIMPLEX AND DIMPLEX WILL PROVIDE OWNERS A FREE REPLACEMENT PLUG-IN REMOTE CONTROL KIT. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 6, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DIMPLEX NORTH AMERICA CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-888-346-7539.
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

SteeringSuspension
Filed Oct 1, 2010

BALL JOINTS ON THE SPARTAN CHASSIS SUPPLIED BY TUTHILL ARE DEFECTIVE. THESE COMPANIES ARE AWARE OF THIS. I HAVE APPROXIMATELY 30K MILES ON MY 2004 KOUNTRY STAR DIESEL MOTOR HOME AND ALL UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS(RUBBER CUPS) ARE DEFECTIVE AND SPLITTING. I CONTACTED BOTH SPARTAN AND TUTHILL AND WAS TOLD, THERE ARE ONLY A "HAND" FULL OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS ISSUE AND THAT I AM NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY. DEFECTIVE BALL JOINTS ARE SAFETY ISSUE THAT THESE COMPANIES ARE FULLY AWARE OF THIS ISSUE AND HAVE ELECTED TO DISREGARD IT. THE DEFECTS ARE NOT NOTICED UNTIL THE WARRANTIES ARE NO LONGER IN EFFECT. MANY RV OWNERS DON'T KNOW OF THIS PROBLEM. *TR

NHTSA ID
10358764
Incident
Sep 28, 2010
Mileage
30,000 mi
Engine
Filed Nov 12, 2008
Fire reported

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 NEWMAR KOUNTRY STAR RV. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS, SMOKE APPEARED FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED SMOKE AND FLAMES IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE FIRE ENGULFED THE ENTIRE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED TO THE SCENE AND A REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE INSURANCE COMPANY'S STORAGE FACILITY. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE HAS NOT BEEN DETERMINED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 38,000. UPDATED 12/02/08. *LJ UPDATED 12/03/08. *JB

NHTSA ID
10248621
Incident
May 31, 2008
Mileage
38,000 mi
Other / unspecified
Filed Mar 22, 2007

MY 2004 KOUNTRY STAR HAS A DOMETIC REF RECALL ACCORDING TO MODEL AND SERIAL #. NEWMAR SAID MY 04 WAS NOT AFFECTED. THE NEWMAR RECALL NHSTA ID 07V075000 IS ONLY FOR 1997-2003. I HAVE NOT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE BECAUSE MY MODEL IS A 2004.

NHTSA ID
10185937
Incident
Mar 22, 2007
SteeringSuspension
Filed Mar 21, 2007

2004 NEWMAR KOUNTRY STAR IS NOT LISTED UNDER THE NHSTA RECALL #03V-488. I HAVE TRIED TO OBTAIN THE RECALL RECORDS FROM NEWMAR, AND THE DEALER SINCE THE MH WAS ALREADY AT A DEALERSHIP WHEN NOTIFICATION WERE SUPPOSED TO BE SENT OUT. BUT I AM GETTING CONFLICTING INFO CONCERNING THE RECALL RECORDS, SINCE THERE IS NO RECORD THAT THE NOTICES WERE SENT OUT. FINALLY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC CORRECTED THE RECALL AT NO COST TO ME ON 02/06. BUT I AM HAVING ADDITONAL PROBLEMS WHICH I BELIEVE IS A DIRECT RESULT OF THE RECALL AND THEREFORE MY MH REMAINS IN THE SAME UNSAFE CONDITION AS WHEN THE RECALL WAS MADE.*AK

NHTSA ID
10185851
Incident
May 7, 2005
SteeringSuspension
Filed May 22, 2006

MY PREVIOUS COMPLAINT TO ODI # 10126325, I DID NOT KNOW THAT A NHTSA SAFETY RECALL # 03V-488 HAD BEEN ISSUED FOR MY MOTORHOME. I CONTACTED NEWMAR IN MAY, 2005 THAT I WAS CONCERNED ABOUT THE SAFETY OF MY MOTORHOME AS EXPLAINED IN PREVIOUS COMPLAINT. ALTHOUGH, I HAVE HAD MY MOTORHOME CHECKED REPEATEDLY, NO ONE EVER CHECKED TO DETERMINE IF THE RECALL HAD BEEN DONE. I HAVE NO STICKERS ON MY MOTORHOME THAT WOULD SHOW THAT THE WORK HAD BEEN DONE. BUT THE PAPERWORK FROM FREIGHTLINER SAYS THAT THE WORK HAD BEEN DONE. A MECHANIC IN DEL RIO TEXAS, SHOWED ME THE STEERING STOP BOLTS WERE MISSING THE NODULE AND WERE HITTING THE AXLE AND THE STEERING WAS DECREASED. I UNDERSTAND THIS IN RETURN EFFECTS THE STEERING GEAR BOX. ALSO OTHER STEERING COMPONENTS CAN BE EFFECTED. I BELIEVE THAT THIS HAS HAPPENED. THE RECALLED WAS 12/03 AND WAS SUPPOSE TO BE CORRECTED 01/04 BEFORE THE MOTORHOME WAS SOLD IN FLORIDA TO THE ORIGINAL OWNER. I SPOKE WITH NEWMAR CUSTOMER RELATIONS. I UNDERSTAND THAT THEY DO NOT KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT THE RECALL. SINCE I AM NOT FAMILIAR WITH RECALL PROCEDURE, I DO NOT KNOW WHO THE RECALL WOULD GO TO IF THE MOTORHOME WAS SETTING ON THE LOT OF INDEPENDENCE RV DEALER IN FLORIDA. *NM

NHTSA ID
10155286
Incident
May 6, 2005
Interior & seatsOther / unspecified
Filed Aug 30, 2004

RECREATIONAL VEHICLE'S REAR SEATS ARE NOT PROPERLY ATTACHED TO THE CHASSIS. CONSUMER IS CONCERNED THAT IN AN EVENT OF A COLLISION OR ROLL OVER THE SEATS WOULD NOT STAY IN POSITION. *AK

NHTSA ID
10089998
Incident
Aug 29, 2004
Mileage
1,700 mi

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—
2004Viewing690—
20036100—
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.