The defect
Newmar Corporation (Newmar) is recalling certain model year 2015 Dutch Star motorhomes manufactured July 24, 2014, to September 10, 2014 and built on a Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation (FCCC) XCM, XCR, or XCL motorhome chassis. In these vehicles with a heavier, adjustable, straight foot pedal, the brake activation signal to certain towed devices may not deactivate when the motorhome service brakes are released.
The risk
If the brake activation signal to a towed device remains active when the motorhome chassis service brakes are released, the brakes on a towed device may remain engaged depending on brake configuration of the trailer. As a result, the brakes would drag and possibly overheat potentially resulting in a fire. Additionally, following drivers may be confused by the motorhome's actions, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy
Newmar will notify owners, and Freightliner dealers will modify the affected pedal assemblies, free of charge. The recall began on December 1, 2016. Owners may contact Newmar customer service at 1-800-731-8300. Newmar's number for this recall is 16V 654.
NHTSA's own wording · initiated by MFR
Vehicles covered
| Model | Model years |
|---|---|
| Newmar Dutch Star | 2015 |
Components: SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC
Model years in this recall
NHTSA complaints and the number of recall campaigns for each model year this recall covers.
| Model | Year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| Newmar Dutch Star | 2015 | 5 | 11 |
Other service brakes, electric recalls in 2016
6 of the 919 recall campaigns reported to NHTSA in 2016 concerned the service brakes, electric; Newmar Corporation filed 120 campaigns in all.
| 16V654000 12 Sept 2016 | Daimler Trucks North America LLC |
| 16V463000 24 Jun 2016 | Entegra Coach |
| 16V330000 20 May 2016 | Forest River, Inc. |
| 16V238000 25 Apr 2016 | Winnebago Industries, Inc |
| 16V204000 11 Apr 2016 | Daimler Trucks North America LLC |
NHTSA recalls (public domain) · all recalls of 2016