The problem
Newmar Corporation (Newmar) is recalling certain 2019 Essex, King Aire, London Aire, Mountain Aire, and 2020 Dutch Star motorhomes. The brake relay valve may have an air flow restriction due to a partially blocked orifice, which may lead to extended stopping distance. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 121, "Air Brake Systems."
The risk
An increase in stopping distance without warning increases the risk of crash.
The fix
Newmar will notify owners, and Spartan dealers will inspect and replace the brake relay valve, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 20, 2019. Owners may contact Newmar customer service at 1-800-731-8300 or Spartan customer service at 1-800-543-5008. Newmar's number for this recall is 19012.
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 19V381000.
- 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.