The problem
Newmar Corporation (Newmar) is recalling certain model year 2017 Ventana, Ventana VL, and Dutch Star motorhomes manufactured November 1, 2015, to June 24, 2016 and built on a Freightliner Custom Chassis. In the affected vehicles, when the windshield wipers are turned off, the headlights may also turn off. Additionally, the wiper arms may stop in an incorrect location blocking the driver's view, and the wiper motor may stall when under load.
The risk
If the headlights go out or the wiper system does not operate properly, the driver's visibility may be adversely affected, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix
Newmar will notify owners, and Freightliner dealers will update the wiper software, free of charge. The recall began on July 28, 2016. Owners may contact Newmar Customer Service Department at 1-800-731-8300.
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 16V481000.
- 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.