IllustrationI HAVE A 2000 MOTORHOME ON A SPARTAN CHASSIS. THE BALL JOINTS ARE BAD AND I BELIEVE THIS IS A SAFETY PROBLEM. SPARTAN CHASSIS HAS KNOWN ABOUT THIS PROBLEM FOR YEARS AND REFUSES TO REPAIR OR ACKNOWLEDGE. *TR
2000 Newmar Dutch Star
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
Limited comparison data
There is not enough comparable history to draw a useful model-year comparison.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Dutch Star years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
Limited mileage data: 18 of 33 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Tires. Review the 19 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Suspension. Review the 4 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Steering. Review the 3 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
1 crash reports0 fire reports0 injury reports
Suspension complaints
4 reportsTL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 NEWMAR DUTCH STAR RV TRAILER. HE REPLACED THE TIE ROD PARTS 16 TIMES THE BALL JOINT COMPONENTS WERE REPLACED 8 TIMES IN A NINE YEARS WHICH ARE ALL A PART OF THE STEERING FRONT SUSPENSION. THE CONTACT WAS ONLY REQUIRED TO PAY FOR LABOR. THE MANUFACTURER CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS ARE WERE REPLACED DUE TO …
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 NEWMAR DUTCH STAR RV TRAILER. HE REPLACED THE TIE ROD PARTS 16 TIMES THE BALL JOINT COMPONENTS WERE REPLACED 8 TIMES IN A NINE YEARS WHICH ARE ALL A PART OF THE STEERING FRONT SUSPENSION. THE CONTACT WAS ONLY REQUIRED TO PAY FOR LABOR. THE MANUFACTURER CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS ARE WERE REPLACED DUE TO NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR AND WERE NOT DEFECTIVE. THE PARTS ARE NOT RELATED TO A RECALL OR WARRANTY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 43,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 64,000. UPDATED 12/10/09. *LJ THE CONSUMER STATED HE DISCOVERED THE TIE ROD ENDS AND BALL JOINT ON THE RV HAD NOT PROTECTIVE RUBBER OR VERY LITTLE RUBBER LEFT. THE RUBBER WAS FOR SAFETY, IT KEEPS THE GREASE IN AND DIRT, SAND AND WATER FROM WEARING DOWN THE TIE ROD ENDS AND BALL JOINTS. THE CONSUMER STATED IN FOUR YEARS THE PROBLEM RESURFACED. UPDATED 12/10/09
I OWN A NEWMAR DUTCHSTAR MOTORHOME WITH A SPARTAN CHASSIS. THE BALL JOINTS HAVE A LIFETIME LUBE BOOT AROUND THEM. THE BOOT HAS CRACKED AND FELL APART. THEREWAS NO WAY TO LUBE THIS BALL JOINT. I FELT THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD STAND BEHIND IT. THEY WILL SEND YOU PARTS AND YOU PAY LABOR WHICHWAS OVER $1000.00 IF IT WAS LESS THA…
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I OWN A NEWMAR DUTCHSTAR MOTORHOME WITH A SPARTAN CHASSIS. THE BALL JOINTS HAVE A LIFETIME LUBE BOOT AROUND THEM. THE BOOT HAS CRACKED AND FELL APART. THEREWAS NO WAY TO LUBE THIS BALL JOINT. I FELT THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD STAND BEHIND IT. THEY WILL SEND YOU PARTS AND YOU PAY LABOR WHICHWAS OVER $1000.00 IF IT WAS LESS THAN 5 YEARS OLD. LIFETIME MEANT LIFETIME. THIS PART WAS MADE BY REYCO, GRANNING A DIVISION OF TUTHILL CORPORATION. *AK
THE VEHICLE DRIFTS TO THE LEFT OR THE RIGHT, THERE WAS A SQUEEL IN THE LEFT FRONT AND REAR WHEELS WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS MOVING FORWARD. *YH
Official recalls
817V809000 · Equipment
Dec 15, 2017
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
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: In the event of a fire, if the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury.
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.
16V501000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System
Jul 5, 2016
Newmar Corporation (Newmar) is recalling certain model year 1998-2010 Dutch Star, 2008 Kountry Star, 2008-2009 All Star and Ventana, 2009-2010 Dutch Aire, 2014-2015 King Aire and 2015 Essex motorhomes, built on a Spartan Motors chassis. In the affected vehicles, the flexible exhaust tube may tear allowing hot exhaust to blow against other components or materials.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If hot exhaust gas contacts other components or materials, it can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Newmar will notify owners, and Spartan dealers will inspect the alignment of the tubes, correcting them and replacing any that are torn. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on August 29, 2016. Owners may contact Newmar customer service at 1-800-731-8300 or Spartan customer service at 1-800-543-4277. Newmar's number for this recall is 16V 313.
15V829000 · Steering
Dec 9, 2015
Newmar Corporation (Newmar) is recalling certain model year 1997-2005 Dutch Star and Mountain Aire, 1998-1999 London Aire, 2004 Essex and 1997-1998 Kountry Aire motorhomes. The affected vehicles have a steering gear mounting bracket that may crack, causing a loss of steering ability.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A loss of steering increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Newmar will notify owners, and Spartan dealers will replace the steering gear mounting brackets, free of charge. The recall began on January 4, 2016. Owners may contact Newmar customer service at 1-800-731-8300 or Spartan customer service at 1-800-543-4277. Newmar's number for this recall is 15V 633.
08V025000 · Vehicle Speed Control
Jan 24, 2008
ON CERTAIN CLASS A MOTOR HOMES CONSTRUCTED ON FORD F-53TY1 AND P131 MOTOR HOME CHASSIS AND EQUIPPED WITH SPEED CONTROL, THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH MAY OVERHEAT.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: OVERHEATING COULD RESULT IN SMOKE OR BURN AND AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.
Remedy: NEWMAR IS WORKING WITH FORD IN CONDUCTING THIS RECALL. FORD WILL INSTALL A FUSED WIRING HARNESS INTO THE SPEED CONTROL SYSTEM FREE OF CHARGE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332 OR NEWMAR AT 574-773-7791. (NOTE: ALSO SEE FORD RECALLS 05V017, 05V388, AND 06V286)
07V075000 · Equipment:recreational Vehicle/trailer
Mar 5, 2007
CERTAIN CLASS A AND DIESEL PUSHER MOTOR HOMES AND FIFTH WHEEL TRAILERS EQUIPPED WITH A TWO-DOOR REFRIGERATOR, MANUFACTURED BY THE DOMETIC CORPORATION, MAY HAVE A DEFECT IN THE BOILER TUBE. PRESSURIZED COOLANT SOLUTION COULD BE RELEASED INTO AN AREA WHERE AN IGNITION SOURCE (GAS FLAME) IS PRESENT.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: RELEASE OF COOLANT UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS COULD IGNITE AND RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy: NEWMAR WILL BE WORKING WITH DOMETIC IN ORDER TO REPAIR THESE REFRIGERATORS (PLEASE SEE 06E076). DOMETIC WILL REPAIR THESE REFRIGERATORS BY INSTALLING A SECONDARY BURN HOUSING, A THERMAL FUSE, AND A MELT FUSE FREE OF CHARGE. DOMETIC HAS RETAINED STERICYCLE INC. TO MANAGE THIS CAMPAIGN. STERICYCLE WILL ASSIST YOU IN LOCATING DEALERSHIPS OR SERVICE CENTERS AND WILL PROVIDE ASSISTANCE WITH SCHEDULING OF APPOINTMENTS. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOMETIC/STERICYCLE AT 1-888-446-5157 OR NEWMAR AT 1-574-773-7791.
04V037000 · Tires
Jan 28, 2004
ON CERTAIN MOTOR HOMES BUILT ON SPARTAN/FREIGHTLINER CHASSIS AND EQUIPPED WITH MICHELIN 255/80R22.5 XRV TIRES, THE CORDS CAN FATIGUE IF THE TIRES ARE OVERLOADED OR UNDERINFLATED.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS MAY RESULT IN A LOSS OF CONTROL AND COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE ONLY THE FRONT TIRES. IT IS IMPORTANT THAT THE FRONT TIRES ARE NOT ROTATED TO THE REAR. A CERTIFICATION TAG DOCUMENTING THE NEW FRONT TIRES INSTALLATION AND SIMULTANEOUSLY INCREASING THE REAR TIRE INFLATION PRESSURES TO 105 PSI WILL BE ISSUED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN FEBRUARY 9, 2004. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT NEWMAR AT 1-574-773-2381.
03V064000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:brake Fluid Low Warning: Lamp
Mar 26, 2003
CERTAIN MOTOR HOME CHASSIS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 105, "HYDRAULIC AND ELECTRIC BRAKE SYSTEMS." THE BRAKE SYSTEM WARNING INDICATOR MAY NOT FUNCTION AS REQUIRED BY STANDARD.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IN SOME OF THE AFFECTED VEHICLES, THE BRAKE SYSTEM WARNING INDICATOR WILL NOT ILLUMINATE WHEN THE IGNITION IS IN THE START POSITION OR FOR A LOW BRAKE FLUID CONDITION, IF THE BODY BUILDER RELIED SOLELY UPON FORD'S IVM COMPLIANCE STATEMENT FOR THE BRAKE SYSTEM WARNING INDICATOR.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REVISE THE BRAKE WARNING LAMP CIRCUIT. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN APRIL 14, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT NEWMAR AT 1-574-773-7791.
00V315000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
Oct 7, 2000
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: FRONT AND REAR ENGINE MOTOR HOMES BUILT ON FORD, SPARTAN AND WORKHORSE CHASSIS. ALL FRONT ENGINE CLASS A MOTOR HOMES BUILT ON FORD AND WORKHORSE CHASSIS WERE MANUFACTURED FROM JANUARY 1, THROUGH AUGUST 31, 2000. ALL REAR ENGINE MOTOR HOMES BUILT ON SPARTAN CHASSIS WERE BUILT FROM FEBRUARY 23 THROUGH AUGUST 31, 2000. THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 301, "FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY." AN INCORRECT VENT HOSE WAS INSTALLED ON THE FILL NOZZLE TO THE FUEL TANK. THE HOSE CAN BREAK DOWN ALLOWING FUEL LEAKAGE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE TO AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL VENT HOSE.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
0No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.