Owners have filed 33 complaints
about the 2019 Newmar Dutch Star with NHTSA between 2018 and 2025.
The largest single group is the lights.
Across this model's run it ranks 2 of 5 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 63
Against the median year of the Newmar Dutch Star. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 0
0% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 100
100% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2019 compares with every other Newmar Dutch Star
Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 2019 Newmar Dutch Star
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Lights
824.2%
Median failure at 900 miles
Electrical System
618.2%
Other & Unspecified
515.2%
Median failure at 4,000 miles
Engine & Cooling
515.2%
Median failure at 4,345 miles
Windows, Mirrors & Wipers
26.1%
Median failure at 2,000 miles
Fuel & Propulsion
26.1%
Transmission & Drivetrain
26.1%
Median failure at 16,600 miles
Seats
13.0%
Body & Structure
13.0%
Median failure at 2,000 miles
Steering
13.0%
Median failure at 19,140 miles
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
215.4%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
969.2%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
215.4%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Dec 2018peak 3Nov 2025
Recalls on the 2019 Newmar Dutch Star
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
22V234000
SEATS
Newmar Corporation (Newmar) is recalling certain 2019-2022 Bay Star, Bay Star Sport, Ventana, Dutch Star, New Aire, Canyon Star, 2019 Ventana LE, 2020-2022 Kountry Star, 2019-2020 Mountain Aire, London Aire, Essex, and 2021 Super Star vehicles. The wiring under the seats may be incorrectly secured, which can lead to a pinched wire in the seat adjustment mechanism and cause an electrical short circuit.
Risk: A short circuit increases the risk of a fire.
21V700000
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
Newmar Corporation (Newmar) is recalling certain 2019-2021 London Aire, Dutch Star, Essex, King Aire, Mountain Aire, 2020-2021 Ventana, and 2021 New Aire recreational vehicles. The instrument cluster may intermittently go blank while the vehicle is in motion.
Risk: A blank instrument cluster display may be missing critical information such as the vehicle's speed and warning lights, which can increase the risk of a crash.
21V571000
EQUIPMENT:RECREATIONAL VEHICLE/TRAILER
Newmar Corporation (Newmar) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Bay Star, Ventana, New Aire, 2019-2020 Canyon Star, Bay Star Sport, Essex, King Aire, London Aire, Mountain Aire, 2018-2021 Dutch Star, 2020 Kountry Star, and 2019 Ventana LE recreational vehicles. The adhesive that bonds the vented portion of the window may fail.
Risk: Adhesive failure may cause the vent portion of the window to detach, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Newmar Corporation (Newmar) is recalling certain 2019 Mountain Aire, 2020-2021 New Aire, 2020-2022 Super Star, 2018-2021 Ventana, and Dutch Star vehicles equipped with certain Cummins diesel engines. The sealing washer may not seat correctly in the pilot boreholes, allowing the high-pressure fuel rail assembly to leak.
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
Newmar Corporation (Newmar) is recalling certain 2017-2022 Dutch Star, 2017-2019 Mountain Aire, 2019-2021 Ventana and 2021 New Aire motorhomes. The sealing washer may not seat correctly in the pilot bore holes, allowing the high pressure fuel rail assembly to leak.
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
21V082000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
Newmar Corporation (Newmar) is recalling certain 2021 Kountry Star and 2017-2021 Dutch Star motorhomes. The brake light switch may chafe against the windshield wiper mechanism, which could damage the brake light switch or it's wiring, and cause the brake lights to not illuminate.
Risk: If the brake lights do not illuminate, other motorists will be unaware of the driver's intention, increasing the risk of a crash.
20V509000
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
Newmar Corporation (Newmar) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Essex and New Aire, 2019 Dutch Star, London Aire, Mountain Aire, and Ventana motorhomes. The instrument panel brightness cannot be adjusted, possibly causing glare when driving at night. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 101, "Control and Displays."
Risk: Glare can reduce the driver's visibility of the road, increasing the risk of a crash.
20V421000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS
Newmar Corporaton (Newmar) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Ventana LE, 2017-2020 Ventana, London Aire, Essex and Dutch Star, 2017-2019 Mountain Aire, 2018-2020 New Aire, and 2020 Kountry Star motorhomes that received the 'inspection-only' remedy from recall 19V-426. The rear mounted Power Distribution Module (PDM) may have been damaged during manufacturing, possibly resulting in the rear marker lights, brake lights, or turn signals not functioning.
Risk: Non-functioning exterior marker lights can increase the risk of a crash.
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Hot Springs National Park, AR
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The digital dash is delaminating and makes it hard to see all of the safety items displayed on the dash. Everything is distorted, this is a SAFETY ISSUE. This is a know issue that occurs on many Freightliner products. ( The chassis is Freightliner ) Freightliner will not accept any responsibility beyond the normal warranty timeframe. Freightliner wants $ 7,000.00 ~ for the repair and then how long will this last?? I appears that this is a major issue for Freightliner chassis, and you have to do is google it and many posts come up discussing this problem. Apparently auto manufactures know how to make a digital dash that does not delaminate.
NHTSA complaint #11697973 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hot Springs National Park, AR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
The digital dash is delaminating and makes it hard to see all of the safety items displayed on the dash. Everything is distorted, this is a SAFETY ISSUE. This is a know issue that occurs on many Freightliner products. ( The chassis is Freightliner ) Freightliner will not accept any responsibility beyond the normal warranty timeframe. Freightliner wants $ 7,000.00 ~ for the repair and then how long will this last?? I appears that this is a major issue for Freightliner chassis, and you have to do is google it and many posts come up discussing this problem. Apparently auto manufactures know how to make a digital dash that does not delaminate.
NHTSA complaint #11697973 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Moorpark, CA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
The Freightliner chassis under this motorhome uses a Power Distribution Module (PDM) that is a fuse panel "block" that powers several coach items, from taillights, brake lights, engine cooling, air conditioning and several other components. The PDM intermittently fails as it can't support the amount of power it must distribute without overheating and shutting off several components as you drive. Especially dangerous is the lost of rear brake and taillights. The PDM was recalled by Freightliner and was replaced with the same item. I'm only guessing that they thought they had a bad batch and replacing it with another would solve the issue. The replacements failed and they recalled the product again. This time, they left the failed PDM in place and removed several circuits from the unit and ran them outside of the PDM with their own fuses. Again, I think the idea was to reduce how much amperage the unit had to handle. This bypass repair is still failing on some coaches, and Freightliner is refusing to cover the repair under the initial recall.
NHTSA complaint #11620605 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Moorpark, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The Freightliner chassis under this motorhome uses a Power Distribution Module (PDM) that is a fuse panel "block" that powers several coach items, from taillights, brake lights, engine cooling, air conditioning and several other components. The PDM intermittently fails as it can't support the amount of power it must distribute without overheating and shutting off several components as you drive. Especially dangerous is the lost of rear brake and taillights. The PDM was recalled by Freightliner and was replaced with the same item. I'm only guessing that they thought they had a bad batch and replacing it with another would solve the issue. The replacements failed and they recalled the product again. This time, they left the failed PDM in place and removed several circuits from the unit and ran them outside of the PDM with their own fuses. Again, I think the idea was to reduce how much amperage the unit had to handle. This bypass repair is still failing on some coaches, and Freightliner is refusing to cover the repair under the initial recall.
NHTSA complaint #11620605 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Moorpark, CA
ENGINE
The Freightliner chassis under this motorhome uses a Power Distribution Module (PDM) that is a fuse panel "block" that powers several coach items, from taillights, brake lights, engine cooling, air conditioning and several other components. The PDM intermittently fails as it can't support the amount of power it must distribute without overheating and shutting off several components as you drive. Especially dangerous is the lost of rear brake and taillights. The PDM was recalled by Freightliner and was replaced with the same item. I'm only guessing that they thought they had a bad batch and replacing it with another would solve the issue. The replacements failed and they recalled the product again. This time, they left the failed PDM in place and removed several circuits from the unit and ran them outside of the PDM with their own fuses. Again, I think the idea was to reduce how much amperage the unit had to handle. This bypass repair is still failing on some coaches, and Freightliner is refusing to cover the repair under the initial recall.
NHTSA complaint #11620605 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Newbury Park, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The area on the dash where you read all the gauges is delaminating. This is a hazard as the gauges are hard to see and affected
NHTSA complaint #11611246 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Newbury Park, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
The area on the dash where you read all the gauges is delaminating. This is a hazard as the gauges are hard to see and affected
NHTSA complaint #11611246 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Manassas, VA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The Freightliner instrument cluster (ICU) screen delaminates and makes it difficult to read the gauges. This issue appears to happen with a lot of 2019 models. Freighter refuses to assist and the cost is $5700 for the cluster + labor.
NHTSA complaint #11603226 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Manassas, VA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
The Freightliner instrument cluster (ICU) screen delaminates and makes it difficult to read the gauges. This issue appears to happen with a lot of 2019 models. Freighter refuses to assist and the cost is $5700 for the cluster + labor.
NHTSA complaint #11603226 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 16,600 milesPortland, OR
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2019 Newmar Dutch Star RV. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to accelerate, he heard an abnormal clunking sound coming from the rear of the RV. No warning lights were illuminated. The RV was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the rear differential bolts had become loosened and required to be torqued back to specs. The RV was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 16,600.
NHTSA complaint #11548416 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tigard, OR
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Multiple double pane windows are fogging. The driver’s side window fogging between the double pane glass, is causing visibility problem’s creating a safety hazard.
NHTSA complaint #11508791 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tigard, OR
VISIBILITY/WIPER
Multiple double pane windows are fogging. The driver’s side window fogging between the double pane glass, is causing visibility problem’s creating a safety hazard.
NHTSA complaint #11508791 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 19,140 milesGirdwood, AK
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS
The contact owns a 2019 Newmar Dutch Star RV. The contact stated while driving 10 MPH, he heard an abnormally loud sound before the steering wheel seized. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to park safely on the side of the road. Upon inspecting the RV, he noticed the steering hose had separated from the fitting. The contact towed the RV to an independent mechanic where the RV was being serviced. The RV was not yet diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 19,140.
NHTSA complaint #11481429 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fairfield, OH
POWER TRAIN
Vehicle was operating normally when dash lights up with bars stating "check Engine and Low DEF." My dash (digital) locked up and I could not access any error codes. I checked my DEF tank and it was 80% full. I contacted Freightliner Custom Chassis who advised that it needed to go to a dealer. They gave me two dealers, one 30 miles away and the other was 60 miles. Contacted both. Neither on could say if the engine would go into de-rate mode and leave me stranded. I asked for a mobile tech and neither had one. I was five miles from my destination and made it there. I found a mobile tech on my own who came out and assessed that the def system indicated a malfunction. He worked with it for hours and finally got the codes to clear and I was able to make it home. This system has been problematic from the start. This failure of this system can leave the vehicle stranded on the side of the road, cause it to decelerate in traffic lanes creating a safety issue for other drivers and passengers in the vehicle. This is an industry wide known problem yet nothing has been done to resolve the issue.
NHTSA complaint #11476652 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fairfield, OH
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Vehicle was operating normally when dash lights up with bars stating "check Engine and Low DEF." My dash (digital) locked up and I could not access any error codes. I checked my DEF tank and it was 80% full. I contacted Freightliner Custom Chassis who advised that it needed to go to a dealer. They gave me two dealers, one 30 miles away and the other was 60 miles. Contacted both. Neither on could say if the engine would go into de-rate mode and leave me stranded. I asked for a mobile tech and neither had one. I was five miles from my destination and made it there. I found a mobile tech on my own who came out and assessed that the def system indicated a malfunction. He worked with it for hours and finally got the codes to clear and I was able to make it home. This system has been problematic from the start. This failure of this system can leave the vehicle stranded on the side of the road, cause it to decelerate in traffic lanes creating a safety issue for other drivers and passengers in the vehicle. This is an industry wide known problem yet nothing has been done to resolve the issue.
NHTSA complaint #11476652 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Crestview, FL
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
DEF sensors failed and we had no assurance that we could drive safely to a repair center before the engine computer shut us down in the middle of nowhere. This DEF issue has resulted in untold waste of time and money. Also personal safety is of NO concern to the EPA. Please resolve this Safety issue now!
NHTSA complaint #11427356 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 5,409 milesHome, PA
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2019 Newmar Dutch Star Spartan Motor Chassis RV. The contact stated while driving 45 mph, there were several unknown warning lights illuminated. The RV was driven to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed of the DEF head (Diesel Exhaust Fluid) failure. The dealer was able to clear the error code but stated that the failure recurred, and the engine degraded the speed on the RV. The mechanic recommended that the RV not be driven. The RV was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 5,409.
NHTSA complaint #11426115 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Loomis, CA
ENGINE
The Shaw DEF head failed. Started engine and received MIL light - Emissions. Checked codes and saw "SPN 3031 FMI 9-Abnorm. Update Rate" - "Aftertreatment 1 Diesel Exhaust Fluid Tank Temperature". It should be noted that the motorhome was in my enclosed shop, no excessive temperature. It was started in the morning after setting overnight. Knowing that this could potentially derate engine, I contacted Spartan & a local repair facility. Was able to get DEF Head replaced. I am the original owner of the motorhome. Fortunately this happened while preparing for 3-week trip (at home) and not on road.
NHTSA complaint #11425564 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Robert, LA
SEATS
The seats that are installed on the front passenger side have I’ll positioned seatbelts. There is no adjustment for it. I’ve reported it to the dealership and they said they hear it all the time but there is nothing they can do. The seatbelt crosses the chest such that the seatbelt anchors at the top of the seat crossing the neck. Should an accident occur, the seatbelt will be across the neck. This could result in a devastating injury. If I were short, I could understand the positioning but I am 5’8”. I took photos and are attached.
NHTSA complaint #11418126 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 3,000 milesMission, TX
ENGINE
WHILE DRIVING MOTORHOME GOT FLASHING CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND DEF WARNING MESSAGE. STOPPED VEHICLE AND CALLED SPARTAN (THE CHASSIS MANUFACTURE) WAS TOLD TO NOT DRIVE VEHICLE AS THE DEF HEAD HAD FAILED AND A REPLACEMENT WAS NEEDED. SCHEDULED REPLACEMENT WORK. VEHICLE HAD 3,000 MILES ON IT WHEN THIS HAPPENED. I WAS TOLD THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD BE LIMITED TO 5MPH IS I ATTEMPT TO DRIVE IT FURTHER.
NHTSA complaint #11362911 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 300 milesFairfield, OH
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
MY VEHICLE IS BUILD ON A FREIGHTLINER CHASSIS AND HAS AN OPTIVIEW DIGITAL DASH. WHEN DRIVING AT NIGHT THE DASH DISPLAY LIGHTS CANNOT BE DIMMED.
NHTSA complaint #11355180 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 4,345 milesMartinsville, VA
ENGINE
WHILE DRIVING, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. MOMENTS LATER, ANOTHER CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THE DEF GAUGE WENT FROM F TO E AND TURNED RED WITH AN ALARM. WE WERE ABOUT 5 MILES FROM OUR DESTINATION. I CALLED NEWMAR WHO PUT SPARTAN ON THE PHONE. IT WAS THE DEF SENSOR. I WAS ASKED TO DRIVE ONE HOUR AWAY ON A TWO LANE ROAD TO A DEALER. I REFUSED. WE EXTENDED OUR STAY BY ONE WEEK UNTIL THE PART CAME IN (BACK ORDERED). MOBILE TECHNICIANS CAME AND INSTALLED THE PART. I ASKED IF I SHOULD HAVE A SPARE SENSOR... JUST IN CASE...AND WAS TOLD NO. THE.CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WENT OUT AND IT APPEARS TO BE FIXED.
NHTSA complaint #11354120 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 2,000 milesLake Wales, FL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
WE EXPERIENCED A WINDOW FLY OFF OUR COACH WHILE DRIVING ON INTERSTATE 40 NEAR WEATHERFORD OK. IT NARROWLY MISSED A SUV BEHIND OUR COACH. WE HAVE HAD TWO OTHER WINDOWS THAT THE OUTER PANE HAS SEPARATED FROM THE INNER PANE. THE HALF BATH WINDOW AND WINDOW ABOVE DRIVERS SIDE WINDOW. IN COMMUNICATING WITH OTHER OWNERS, THERE ARE SEVERAL PEOPLE WHO HAVE EXPERIENCED THE SAME THING. MANY OTHERS HAVE CAUGHT IT BEFORE THERE WAS A COMPLETE SEPARATION. IT IS OBVIOUS THE ADHESIVE THAT LIPPERT (WINDOW MANUFACTURER) IS DEFECTIVE. JAYCO HAS A SIMILAR PROBLEM: JAYCO, INC. (JAYCO) IS RECALLING CERTAIN 2020 MOTORIZED ALANTE, GREYHAWK, MELBOURNE, PRECEPT, REDHAWK, SENECA, ACCOLADE, EMBLEM, ESTEEM, ODYSSEY, QWEST, AND VISION RVS. THE ADHESIVE BOND BETWEEN THE GLASS AND THE METAL HINGE FRAME OF THE FRAMELESS CRANK OUT VENT AND EGRESS WINDOWS MAY FAIL WHICH WOULD THEN ALLOW THE GLASS TO DETACH AND FALL OUT.
NHTSA complaint #11328838 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 2,000 milesLake Wales, FL
STRUCTURE
WE EXPERIENCED A WINDOW FLY OFF OUR COACH WHILE DRIVING ON INTERSTATE 40 NEAR WEATHERFORD OK. IT NARROWLY MISSED A SUV BEHIND OUR COACH. WE HAVE HAD TWO OTHER WINDOWS THAT THE OUTER PANE HAS SEPARATED FROM THE INNER PANE. THE HALF BATH WINDOW AND WINDOW ABOVE DRIVERS SIDE WINDOW. IN COMMUNICATING WITH OTHER OWNERS, THERE ARE SEVERAL PEOPLE WHO HAVE EXPERIENCED THE SAME THING. MANY OTHERS HAVE CAUGHT IT BEFORE THERE WAS A COMPLETE SEPARATION. IT IS OBVIOUS THE ADHESIVE THAT LIPPERT (WINDOW MANUFACTURER) IS DEFECTIVE. JAYCO HAS A SIMILAR PROBLEM: JAYCO, INC. (JAYCO) IS RECALLING CERTAIN 2020 MOTORIZED ALANTE, GREYHAWK, MELBOURNE, PRECEPT, REDHAWK, SENECA, ACCOLADE, EMBLEM, ESTEEM, ODYSSEY, QWEST, AND VISION RVS. THE ADHESIVE BOND BETWEEN THE GLASS AND THE METAL HINGE FRAME OF THE FRAMELESS CRANK OUT VENT AND EGRESS WINDOWS MAY FAIL WHICH WOULD THEN ALLOW THE GLASS TO DETACH AND FALL OUT.
NHTSA complaint #11328838 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 2,000 milesLake Wales, FL
VISIBILITY
WE EXPERIENCED A WINDOW FLY OFF OUR COACH WHILE DRIVING ON INTERSTATE 40 NEAR WEATHERFORD OK. IT NARROWLY MISSED A SUV BEHIND OUR COACH. WE HAVE HAD TWO OTHER WINDOWS THAT THE OUTER PANE HAS SEPARATED FROM THE INNER PANE. THE HALF BATH WINDOW AND WINDOW ABOVE DRIVERS SIDE WINDOW. IN COMMUNICATING WITH OTHER OWNERS, THERE ARE SEVERAL PEOPLE WHO HAVE EXPERIENCED THE SAME THING. MANY OTHERS HAVE CAUGHT IT BEFORE THERE WAS A COMPLETE SEPARATION. IT IS OBVIOUS THE ADHESIVE THAT LIPPERT (WINDOW MANUFACTURER) IS DEFECTIVE. JAYCO HAS A SIMILAR PROBLEM: JAYCO, INC. (JAYCO) IS RECALLING CERTAIN 2020 MOTORIZED ALANTE, GREYHAWK, MELBOURNE, PRECEPT, REDHAWK, SENECA, ACCOLADE, EMBLEM, ESTEEM, ODYSSEY, QWEST, AND VISION RVS. THE ADHESIVE BOND BETWEEN THE GLASS AND THE METAL HINGE FRAME OF THE FRAMELESS CRANK OUT VENT AND EGRESS WINDOWS MAY FAIL WHICH WOULD THEN ALLOW THE GLASS TO DETACH AND FALL OUT.
NHTSA complaint #11328838 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.