The problem
Newmar is recalling certain model year 2008-2010 Dutch Star and 2009-2010 Dutch Aire motorhomes, built on a Spartan chassis equipped with a Hendrickson independent front suspension. The front brake chambers may contact the upper control arm of the independent front suspension. Continued contact may result in damage sufficient enough to prevent the full release of the brakes. If the brakes do not fully release, as they drag, heat could be generated causing the brakes to engage even further.
The risk
As the brakes heat up, they may self-engage, causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix
Spartan Motors will notify owners and repair the vehicles. The manufacturer has not provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Newmar Corporation at 1-574-773-7791.
Contacts
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153), or go to http://www.safercar.gov.
What to do
- Check your VIN. Enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls - it shows whether this recall applies to your vehicle and whether the repair has been done.
- Call a dealer. Any authorized Newmar dealer will do the repair free, whether or not you bought the vehicle there. Quote campaign 12V467000.
- Ask about parts and a loaner. If parts aren't available yet, ask what to do in the meantime.
- Keep your paperwork. If you paid for this repair before the recall, you may be able to get reimbursed - here's how.