Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 2004 Newmar Kountry Star
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Suspension
330.0%
Median failure at 30,000 miles
Steering
330.0%
Median failure at 30,000 miles
Equipment & Accessories
220.0%
Median failure at 1,700 miles
Seats
110.0%
Median failure at 1,700 miles
Engine & Cooling
110.0%
0 crashes, 1 fires · median 38,000 mi
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.
Aug 2004peak 3Oct 2010
Recalls on the 2004 Newmar Kountry 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.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 20062081,501 units in Canada
Fuel System
On certain motorhomes equipped with Workhorse Custom Chassis, the engine fuel rail pulse damper retainer clip may fracture, resulting in inadequate retention of the damper. If the damper comes loose, a fuel leak may result in the underhood area which may result in a fire. Correction: Dealers will replace the engine fuel rail pulse damper retainer clip.
Recall 2004201123 units in Canada
Brakes
On certain vehicles built on FCCC XC motorhome chassis, in a situation where multiple alarms are active, a Check Engine, Stop Engine, or similar warning indicator is given priority over the Low Air alarm by the instrument system controller software. If the operator does not acknowledge these higher priority alarms a Low Air alarm may not be displayed. This is a non-compliance with the low air warning requirements of CMVSS 121. Correction: Dealers will reprogram the Multi-Module Data Controller (MMDC).
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 38,000 milesOwensboro, KYFire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 NEWMAR KOUNTRY STAR RV. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS, SMOKE APPEARED FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED SMOKE AND FLAMES IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE FIRE ENGULFED THE ENTIRE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED TO THE SCENE AND A REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE INSURANCE COMPANY'S STORAGE FACILITY. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE HAS NOT BEEN DETERMINED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 38,000. UPDATED 12/02/08. *LJ UPDATED 12/03/08.
NHTSA complaint #10248621 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 30,000 milesEdgewater, FL
STEERING
BALL JOINTS ON THE SPARTAN CHASSIS SUPPLIED BY TUTHILL ARE DEFECTIVE. THESE COMPANIES ARE AWARE OF THIS. I HAVE APPROXIMATELY 30K MILES ON MY 2004 KOUNTRY STAR DIESEL MOTOR HOME AND ALL UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS(RUBBER CUPS) ARE DEFECTIVE AND SPLITTING. I CONTACTED BOTH SPARTAN AND TUTHILL AND WAS TOLD, THERE ARE ONLY A "HAND" FULL OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS ISSUE AND THAT I AM NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY. DEFECTIVE BALL JOINTS ARE SAFETY ISSUE THAT THESE COMPANIES ARE FULLY AWARE OF THIS ISSUE AND HAVE ELECTED TO DISREGARD IT. THE DEFECTS ARE NOT NOTICED UNTIL THE WARRANTIES ARE NO LONGER IN EFFECT. MANY RV OWNERS DON'T KNOW OF THIS PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #10358764 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 30,000 milesEdgewater, FL
SUSPENSION
BALL JOINTS ON THE SPARTAN CHASSIS SUPPLIED BY TUTHILL ARE DEFECTIVE. THESE COMPANIES ARE AWARE OF THIS. I HAVE APPROXIMATELY 30K MILES ON MY 2004 KOUNTRY STAR DIESEL MOTOR HOME AND ALL UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS(RUBBER CUPS) ARE DEFECTIVE AND SPLITTING. I CONTACTED BOTH SPARTAN AND TUTHILL AND WAS TOLD, THERE ARE ONLY A "HAND" FULL OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS ISSUE AND THAT I AM NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY. DEFECTIVE BALL JOINTS ARE SAFETY ISSUE THAT THESE COMPANIES ARE FULLY AWARE OF THIS ISSUE AND HAVE ELECTED TO DISREGARD IT. THE DEFECTS ARE NOT NOTICED UNTIL THE WARRANTIES ARE NO LONGER IN EFFECT. MANY RV OWNERS DON'T KNOW OF THIS PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #10358764 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 38,000 milesOwensboro, KYFire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 NEWMAR KOUNTRY STAR RV. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS, SMOKE APPEARED FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED SMOKE AND FLAMES IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE FIRE ENGULFED THE ENTIRE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED TO THE SCENE AND A REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE INSURANCE COMPANY'S STORAGE FACILITY. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE HAS NOT BEEN DETERMINED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 38,000. UPDATED 12/02/08. *LJ UPDATED 12/03/08.
NHTSA complaint #10248621 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Appleton, WI
EQUIPMENT
MY 2004 KOUNTRY STAR HAS A DOMETIC REF RECALL ACCORDING TO MODEL AND SERIAL #. NEWMAR SAID MY 04 WAS NOT AFFECTED. THE NEWMAR RECALL NHSTA ID 07V075000 IS ONLY FOR 1997-2003. I HAVE NOT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE BECAUSE MY MODEL IS A 2004.
NHTSA complaint #10185937 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Appleton, WI
SUSPENSION:FRONT
2004 NEWMAR KOUNTRY STAR IS NOT LISTED UNDER THE NHSTA RECALL #03V-488. I HAVE TRIED TO OBTAIN THE RECALL RECORDS FROM NEWMAR, AND THE DEALER SINCE THE MH WAS ALREADY AT A DEALERSHIP WHEN NOTIFICATION WERE SUPPOSED TO BE SENT OUT. BUT I AM GETTING CONFLICTING INFO CONCERNING THE RECALL RECORDS, SINCE THERE IS NO RECORD THAT THE NOTICES WERE SENT OUT. FINALLY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC CORRECTED THE RECALL AT NO COST TO ME ON 02/06. BUT I AM HAVING ADDITONAL PROBLEMS WHICH I BELIEVE IS A DIRECT RESULT OF THE RECALL AND THEREFORE MY MH REMAINS IN THE SAME UNSAFE CONDITION AS WHEN THE RECALL WAS MADE.
NHTSA complaint #10185851 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Appleton, WI
STEERING
2004 NEWMAR KOUNTRY STAR IS NOT LISTED UNDER THE NHSTA RECALL #03V-488. I HAVE TRIED TO OBTAIN THE RECALL RECORDS FROM NEWMAR, AND THE DEALER SINCE THE MH WAS ALREADY AT A DEALERSHIP WHEN NOTIFICATION WERE SUPPOSED TO BE SENT OUT. BUT I AM GETTING CONFLICTING INFO CONCERNING THE RECALL RECORDS, SINCE THERE IS NO RECORD THAT THE NOTICES WERE SENT OUT. FINALLY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC CORRECTED THE RECALL AT NO COST TO ME ON 02/06. BUT I AM HAVING ADDITONAL PROBLEMS WHICH I BELIEVE IS A DIRECT RESULT OF THE RECALL AND THEREFORE MY MH REMAINS IN THE SAME UNSAFE CONDITION AS WHEN THE RECALL WAS MADE.
NHTSA complaint #10185851 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Appleton, WI
SUSPENSION:FRONT
MY PREVIOUS COMPLAINT TO ODI # 10126325, I DID NOT KNOW THAT A NHTSA SAFETY RECALL # 03V-488 HAD BEEN ISSUED FOR MY MOTORHOME. I CONTACTED NEWMAR IN MAY, 2005 THAT I WAS CONCERNED ABOUT THE SAFETY OF MY MOTORHOME AS EXPLAINED IN PREVIOUS COMPLAINT. ALTHOUGH, I HAVE HAD MY MOTORHOME CHECKED REPEATEDLY, NO ONE EVER CHECKED TO DETERMINE IF THE RECALL HAD BEEN DONE. I HAVE NO STICKERS ON MY MOTORHOME THAT WOULD SHOW THAT THE WORK HAD BEEN DONE. BUT THE PAPERWORK FROM FREIGHTLINER SAYS THAT THE WORK HAD BEEN DONE. A MECHANIC IN DEL RIO TEXAS, SHOWED ME THE STEERING STOP BOLTS WERE MISSING THE NODULE AND WERE HITTING THE AXLE AND THE STEERING WAS DECREASED. I UNDERSTAND THIS IN RETURN EFFECTS THE STEERING GEAR BOX. ALSO OTHER STEERING COMPONENTS CAN BE EFFECTED. I BELIEVE THAT THIS HAS HAPPENED. THE RECALLED WAS 12/03 AND WAS SUPPOSE TO BE CORRECTED 01/04 BEFORE THE MOTORHOME WAS SOLD IN FLORIDA TO THE ORIGINAL OWNER. I SPOKE WITH NEWMAR CUSTOMER RELATIONS. I UNDERSTAND THAT THEY DO NOT KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT THE RECALL. SINCE I AM NOT FAMILIAR WITH RECALL PROCEDURE, I DO NOT KNOW WHO THE RECALL WOULD GO TO IF THE MOTORHOME WAS SETTING ON THE LOT OF INDEPENDENCE RV DEALER IN FLORIDA.
NHTSA complaint #10155286 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Appleton, WI
STEERING
MY PREVIOUS COMPLAINT TO ODI # 10126325, I DID NOT KNOW THAT A NHTSA SAFETY RECALL # 03V-488 HAD BEEN ISSUED FOR MY MOTORHOME. I CONTACTED NEWMAR IN MAY, 2005 THAT I WAS CONCERNED ABOUT THE SAFETY OF MY MOTORHOME AS EXPLAINED IN PREVIOUS COMPLAINT. ALTHOUGH, I HAVE HAD MY MOTORHOME CHECKED REPEATEDLY, NO ONE EVER CHECKED TO DETERMINE IF THE RECALL HAD BEEN DONE. I HAVE NO STICKERS ON MY MOTORHOME THAT WOULD SHOW THAT THE WORK HAD BEEN DONE. BUT THE PAPERWORK FROM FREIGHTLINER SAYS THAT THE WORK HAD BEEN DONE. A MECHANIC IN DEL RIO TEXAS, SHOWED ME THE STEERING STOP BOLTS WERE MISSING THE NODULE AND WERE HITTING THE AXLE AND THE STEERING WAS DECREASED. I UNDERSTAND THIS IN RETURN EFFECTS THE STEERING GEAR BOX. ALSO OTHER STEERING COMPONENTS CAN BE EFFECTED. I BELIEVE THAT THIS HAS HAPPENED. THE RECALLED WAS 12/03 AND WAS SUPPOSE TO BE CORRECTED 01/04 BEFORE THE MOTORHOME WAS SOLD IN FLORIDA TO THE ORIGINAL OWNER. I SPOKE WITH NEWMAR CUSTOMER RELATIONS. I UNDERSTAND THAT THEY DO NOT KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT THE RECALL. SINCE I AM NOT FAMILIAR WITH RECALL PROCEDURE, I DO NOT KNOW WHO THE RECALL WOULD GO TO IF THE MOTORHOME WAS SETTING ON THE LOT OF INDEPENDENCE RV DEALER IN FLORIDA.
NHTSA complaint #10155286 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 1,700 milesANN Arbor, MI
SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY
RECREATIONAL VEHICLE'S REAR SEATS ARE NOT PROPERLY ATTACHED TO THE CHASSIS. CONSUMER IS CONCERNED THAT IN AN EVENT OF A COLLISION OR ROLL OVER THE SEATS WOULD NOT STAY IN POSITION.
NHTSA complaint #10089998 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 1,700 milesANN Arbor, MI
EQUIPMENT:RECREATIONAL VEHICLE/TRAILER
RECREATIONAL VEHICLE'S REAR SEATS ARE NOT PROPERLY ATTACHED TO THE CHASSIS. CONSUMER IS CONCERNED THAT IN AN EVENT OF A COLLISION OR ROLL OVER THE SEATS WOULD NOT STAY IN POSITION.
NHTSA complaint #10089998 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.