The problem
Newmar Corporation (Newmar) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Dutch Star motorhomes manufactured from June 5, 2014, through October 16, 2015, and built on a Freightliner chassis. In the affected vehicles, the steering box may have been manufactured with an incorrect spacer with insufficient height that can cause too much play, causing the connection to wear between the steering wheel and the front axle.
The risk
The steering wheel's connection to the front axle could fail resulting in a sudden loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix
Newmar will notify owners, and Freightliner dealers will inspect and replace the steering box if necessary, free of charge. Note: Owners are urged not to drive their vehicles until they have been inspected. The recall began on July 14, 2016. Owners may contact Freightliner customer service at 1-800-547-0712 or Newmar customer service at 1-800-731-8300. Newmar's number for this recall is 16V 366.
Contacts
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to 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 16V414000.
- 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.