IllustrationREAR SLIDE ON 2005 NEWMAR DUTCH STAR RETRACTS WITHOUT WARNING. THIS HAS OCCURRED TWICE. LUCKILY WE OR OUR PETS WERE NOT INJURED. THIS OCCURRED WHILE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, AUTOMATIC JACKS WERE DEPLOYED, BUT HAVE NEVER WORKED PROPERLY SINCE THE UNIT WAS PURCHASED NEW IN AUG 2005. *JB
2005 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
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: 4 of 5 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.
- Latches/locks/linkages. Review the 2 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Electrical System. Review the 1 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Equipment. Review the 1 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
Equipment complaints
1 reportsOfficial recalls
917V809000 · 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.
08V366000 · Equipment:recreational Vehicle/trailer
Jul 17, 2008
NEWMAR IS RECALLING 772 MY 2004-2005 AMERICAN STAR, KOUNTRY AIRE, MOUNTAIN AIRE, MY 2003-2006 KOUNTRY STAR, MY 2007 X-AIRE FIFTH WHEEL TRAILERS; MY 2007 BAY STAR, MY 2004-2007 KOUNTRY STAR, MY 2004-2006 MOUNTAIN AIRE, MY 2003-2005 SCOTTSDALE CLASS A MOTOR HOMES; AND MY 2004-2006 DUTCH STAR, MY 2003-2006 KOUNTRY STAR, MY 2004-2006 MOUNTAIN AIRE DIESEL PUSHER MOTOR HOMES EQUIPPED WITH A TWO-DOOR REFRIGERATOR MANUFACTURED BY THE DOMETIC CORPORATION. THE REFRIGERATOR 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: IF THIS SOLUTION IS EXPOSED TO AN IGNITION SOURCE UNDER CERTAIN SPECIFIC CIRCUMSTANCES, IT CAN RESULT IN A VEHICLE FIRE.
Remedy: NEWMAR IS WORKING WITH DOMETIC TO REPAIR THESE REFRIGERATORS (PLEASE SEE 08E032). 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 THE OWNER 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.
08V015000 · Steering:gear Box (other Than Rack And Pinion)
Jan 11, 2008
CERTAIN MOTOR HOME CHASSIS BUILT ON FREIGHTLINER VCL OR XC CHASSIS AND EQUIPPED WITH ZF MODEL 8018 STEERING GEARS, THESE GEARS MAY HAVE BEEN ASSEMBLED WITH THE INCORRECT RECIRCULATING BALL SPACER. THIS COULD POTENTIALLY ALLOW THE RECIRCULATING BALLS TO ESCAPE FROM THE RECIRCULATING BALL CIRCUIT RESULTING IN A LOSS OF STEERING.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THE OPERATOR MAY NOTICE HIGHER REQUIRED STEERING WHEEL INPUTS, OR THE NEED FOR MORE STEERING WHEEL ADJUSTMENTS WHILE DRIVING IN A STRAIGHT LINE IN COMBINATION WITH METALLIC CRACKING NOISES PRIOR TO A LOSS OF STEERING. LOSS OF STEERING COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: FREIGHTLINER IS CONDUCTING THIS RECALL (PLEASE SEE 07V-343) AND WILL REPLACE THE STEERING GEAR FREE OF CHARGE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FREIGHTLINER AT 1-800-547-0712 OR NEWMAR AT 574-773-7791.
05V263000 · Service Brakes, Air:supply
Jun 2, 2005
ON CERTAIN MOTOR HOMES EQUIPPED WITH AMETEK NGI GAUGES, THE AIR GAUGES ARE NOT PROPERLY CALIBRATED AND THE LOW AIR WARNING INDICATOR MAY BE ACTIVATED WHEN ACTUAL AIR RESERVOIR PRESSURE READINGS ARE BELOW THE FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD REQUIRED RANGE OF 60 TO 65PSI.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS MAY CAUSE THE PARKING BRAKE TO ENGAGE WITHOUT WARNING, THUS THROWING THE PASSENGER FORWARD, CREATING THE POTENTIAL FOR INJURY TO OCCUPANTS.
Remedy: SPARTAN IS CONDUCTING THE OWNER NOTIFICATION AND REMEDY FOR THIS CAMPAIGN. DEALERS WILL INSTALL A HARNESS JUMPER CABLE TO EACH AIR SENDER. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SPARTAN AT 800-543-4277 OR NEWMAR AT 574-773-7719.
05V170000 · Equipment
Apr 25, 2005
ON CERTAIN CLASS A MOTOR HOMES EQUIPPED WITH VEHICLE SYSTEMS' AQUA-HOT AND HYDRO-HOT WATER HEATERS, WHICH ARE EQUIPPED WITH WEBASTO BURNER TUBES, THE BURNER TUBES DO NOT MEET SPECIFICATIONS AND COULD FAIL PREMATURELY.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: SHOULD THE BURNER TUBE FAIL, THE COOLANT HEATER COULD OVERHEAT, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.
Remedy: VEHICLE SYSTEMS IS CONDUCTING THE OWNER NOTIFICATION AND REMEDY FOR THIS CAMPAIGN. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VEHICLE SYSTEMS AT 1-800-685-4298 OR NEWMAR AT 574-773-7719.
04V403000 · Seat Belts:front:anchorage
Aug 17, 2004
ON CERTAIN MOTOR HOMES, DURING MANUFACTURING, THE SEAT BELT SHOULDER HARNESS ATTACHMENT LOCATION FOR THE PASSENGER SEAT WAS NOT PROPERLY WELDED OR ATTACHED.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SHOULDER HARNESS MAY BECOME LOOSE OR UNATTACHED CAUSING SERIOUS INJURY TO ANYONE IN THE PASSENGER SEAT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW PLATE OVER EXISTING BY DRILLING FOUR ATTACHMENT HOLES ON EACH SIDE OF NEW PLATE AND ADD SECURING BOLTS. THIS RECALL BEGAN OCTOBER 1, 2004. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NEWMAR AT 1-574-773-7791.
04V244000 · Seat Belts:front:buckle Assembly
May 18, 2004
CERTAIN SEAT BELT BUCKLES ON SOME MOTOR HOMES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE LOAD REQUIREMENT OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 209, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE MAY UNLATCH IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN PERSONAL INJURY TO THE SEAT OCCUPANT.
Remedy: AMSAFE WILL NOTIFY CUSTOMERS AND REPLACE THE BUCKLES. THE RECALL BEGAN MAY 28, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT AMSAFE AT 1-574-266-8330 OR NEWMAR AT 1-574-773-7791.
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
1PE07061 · Lift Assissted Cargo Doors
Opened Nov 30, 2007 · Closed Mar 24, 2008
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Latches/locks/linkages:doors:latch; Structure:body:door ; Structure:body:door:hinge And Attachments
ODI OPENED THIS INVESTIGATON WITH A SINGLE COMPLAINT, VOQ 10192456. DURING THE INVESTIGATION, NEWMAR IDENTIFIED ONE ADDITIONAL OWNER COMPLAINT ON A SUBJECT VEHICLE (POPULATION 2,431).NEWMAR ALSO IDENTIFIED ONE COMPLAINT PERTAINING TO A MODEL YEAR 2006 VEHICLE (OF 1,567 MFD) IN WHICH A LIFT ASSISTED CARGO DOOR IN A MOVING VEHICLE HAD REPORTEDLY OPENED (OR BEEN LEFT IN THE OPEN POSITION BY THE OPERATOR) TO THE NEAR HORIZONTAL POSITION AND THE PROTRUDING RIGHT REAR CARGO DOOR HAD CONTACTED A HIGHWAY GUARDRAIL WHICH SHEARED THE CARGO DOOR FROM THE VEHICLE.NEWMAR HAS ADVISED ODI THAT INADVERTANT OPENING OF HORIZONTALLY HINGED CARGO DOORS WILL BECOME LESS FREQUENT BECAUSE NEWMAR VEHICLES MANUFACTURED IN MORE RECENT YEARS ARE EQUIPPED WITH VERTICALLY HINGED CARGO DOORS (WHICH ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH A LIFT ASSIST FEATURE).ODI IS CLOSING THIS INVESTIGATION DUE TO A LOW NUMBER OF FAILURES, BUT HAS IMPLEMENTED A ONE-YEAR MONITORING PROGRAM AT NEWMAR THAT REQUIRESNEWMAR TO INFORM ODI WHEN ANY ADDITIONAL INCIDENTS OF INADVERTANT CARGO DOOR OPENINGS ARE REPORTED SO THE AGENCY CAN RESPOND WITH THE APPROPORIATEACTION IF, AND WHEN , NEW INCIDENTS ARE REPORTED.
Additional source detail variants (3)
Latches/locks/linkages:doors:latch
ODI OPENED THIS INVESTIGATON WITH A SINGLE COMPLAINT, VOQ 10192456. DURING THE INVESTIGATION, NEWMAR IDENTIFIED ONE ADDITIONAL OWNER COMPLAINT ON A SUBJECT VEHICLE (POPULATION 2,431).NEWMAR ALSO IDENTIFIED ONE COMPLAINT PERTAINING TO A MODEL YEAR 2006 VEHICLE (OF 1,567 MFD) IN WHICH A LIFT ASSISTED CARGO DOOR IN A MOVING VEHICLE HAD REPORTEDLY OPENED (OR BEEN LEFT IN THE OPEN POSITION BY THE OPERATOR) TO THE NEAR HORIZONTAL POSITION AND THE PROTRUDING RIGHT REAR CARGO DOOR HAD CONTACTED A HIGHWAY GUARDRAIL WHICH SHEARED THE CARGO DOOR FROM THE VEHICLE.NEWMAR HAS ADVISED ODI THAT INADVERTANT OPENING OF HORIZONTALLY HINGED CARGO DOORS WILL BECOME LESS FREQUENT BECAUSE NEWMAR VEHICLES MANUFACTURED IN MORE RECENT YEARS ARE EQUIPPED WITH VERTICALLY HINGED CARGO DOORS (WHICH ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH A LIFT ASSIST FEATURE).ODI IS CLOSING THIS INVESTIGATION DUE TO A LOW NUMBER OF FAILURES, BUT HAS IMPLEMENTED A ONE-YEAR MONITORING PROGRAM AT NEWMAR THAT REQUIRESNEWMAR TO INFORM ODI WHEN ANY ADDITIONAL INCIDENTS OF INADVERTANT CARGO DOOR OPENINGS ARE REPORTED SO THE AGENCY CAN RESPOND WITH THE APPROPORIATEACTION IF, AND WHEN , NEW INCIDENTS ARE REPORTED.
Structure:body:door:hinge And Attachments
ODI OPENED THIS INVESTIGATON WITH A SINGLE COMPLAINT, VOQ 10192456. DURING THE INVESTIGATION, NEWMAR IDENTIFIED ONE ADDITIONAL OWNER COMPLAINT ON A SUBJECT VEHICLE (POPULATION 2,431).NEWMAR ALSO IDENTIFIED ONE COMPLAINT PERTAINING TO A MODEL YEAR 2006 VEHICLE (OF 1,567 MFD) IN WHICH A LIFT ASSISTED CARGO DOOR IN A MOVING VEHICLE HAD REPORTEDLY OPENED (OR BEEN LEFT IN THE OPEN POSITION BY THE OPERATOR) TO THE NEAR HORIZONTAL POSITION AND THE PROTRUDING RIGHT REAR CARGO DOOR HAD CONTACTED A HIGHWAY GUARDRAIL WHICH SHEARED THE CARGO DOOR FROM THE VEHICLE.NEWMAR HAS ADVISED ODI THAT INADVERTANT OPENING OF HORIZONTALLY HINGED CARGO DOORS WILL BECOME LESS FREQUENT BECAUSE NEWMAR VEHICLES MANUFACTURED IN MORE RECENT YEARS ARE EQUIPPED WITH VERTICALLY HINGED CARGO DOORS (WHICH ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH A LIFT ASSIST FEATURE).ODI IS CLOSING THIS INVESTIGATION DUE TO A LOW NUMBER OF FAILURES, BUT HAS IMPLEMENTED A ONE-YEAR MONITORING PROGRAM AT NEWMAR THAT REQUIRESNEWMAR TO INFORM ODI WHEN ANY ADDITIONAL INCIDENTS OF INADVERTANT CARGO DOOR OPENINGS ARE REPORTED SO THE AGENCY CAN RESPOND WITH THE APPROPORIATEACTION IF, AND WHEN , NEW INCIDENTS ARE REPORTED.
Structure:body:door
ODI OPENED THIS INVESTIGATON WITH A SINGLE COMPLAINT, VOQ 10192456. DURING THE INVESTIGATION, NEWMAR IDENTIFIED ONE ADDITIONAL OWNER COMPLAINT ON A SUBJECT VEHICLE (POPULATION 2,431).NEWMAR ALSO IDENTIFIED ONE COMPLAINT PERTAINING TO A MODEL YEAR 2006 VEHICLE (OF 1,567 MFD) IN WHICH A LIFT ASSISTED CARGO DOOR IN A MOVING VEHICLE HAD REPORTEDLY OPENED (OR BEEN LEFT IN THE OPEN POSITION BY THE OPERATOR) TO THE NEAR HORIZONTAL POSITION AND THE PROTRUDING RIGHT REAR CARGO DOOR HAD CONTACTED A HIGHWAY GUARDRAIL WHICH SHEARED THE CARGO DOOR FROM THE VEHICLE.NEWMAR HAS ADVISED ODI THAT INADVERTANT OPENING OF HORIZONTALLY HINGED CARGO DOORS WILL BECOME LESS FREQUENT BECAUSE NEWMAR VEHICLES MANUFACTURED IN MORE RECENT YEARS ARE EQUIPPED WITH VERTICALLY HINGED CARGO DOORS (WHICH ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH A LIFT ASSIST FEATURE).ODI IS CLOSING THIS INVESTIGATION DUE TO A LOW NUMBER OF FAILURES, BUT HAS IMPLEMENTED A ONE-YEAR MONITORING PROGRAM AT NEWMAR THAT REQUIRESNEWMAR TO INFORM ODI WHEN ANY ADDITIONAL INCIDENTS OF INADVERTANT CARGO DOOR OPENINGS ARE REPORTED SO THE AGENCY CAN RESPOND WITH THE APPROPORIATEACTION IF, AND WHEN , NEW INCIDENTS ARE REPORTED.