Runaway motorhome on a 1997 ford chassis in 2009 on interstate 85. When I realized the vehicle was accelerating I tried to brake but to no avail. I took an approaching exit and turned the engine off. The motorhome was towed to a repair facility where the mechanic lubricated the linkage. When the problem continued I called ford and they authorized a fix for a recall problem involving the brake in which a fire could start. The unintended acceleration occurred at least 2 more times in the same year on a trip from south carolina to california. I realized that the acceleration seemed to occur if the cruise control caused the gear to downshift due to highway incline. After researching on the internet it appears ford has had other unintended acceleration problem. Some dates and figures are only estimates.
The worst 1997 Newmar Dutch Star problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Transmission2
- Acceleration1
- Brakes1
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Transmission2
- Acceleration1
- Brakes1
Recalls 4
Steering
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- 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.
Recall number 15V829000 · Recall details
Vehicle speed control
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- 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)
Recall number 08V025000 · Recall details
Equipment: recreational vehicle/trailer
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- 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.
Recall number 07V075000 · Recall details
Tires
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- 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.
Recall number 04V037000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 1997 Newmar Dutch Star 2
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
What 1997 Newmar Dutch Star owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 newmar dutch star rv. While driving approximately 20 MPH on a steep mountain, there was no response when the brake pedal was depressed. The transmission failed to lock into gear while driving downhill. After the brake pedal was depressed multiple times, the rv slowed down. The brakes were functional until he reached his destination. The rv was taken to an authorized dealer for inspection and they stated that the brake system was burning. The technician replaced the rear brake system and the manufacturer was notified. The failure and current mileages were 57,000. Updated 9/17/09 *cn the cruise control would shut off by itself after driving for an hour. The consumer was unable to re-set the cruise control, he would have to wait for a half hour. The consumer was informed the transmission that was used in his rv was no longer being used for his particular rv due to its shortcomings. The manufacturer was aware of the problem, but there was no remedy.
On 2 separate occasions rear axle bolt broke while driving between 4-5 MPH. This occurred within 20,000 miles. Dealership will be notified.
Compare the 1997 Newmar Dutch Star
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Questions about the 1997 Newmar Dutch Star
Is the 1997 Newmar Dutch Star reliable?
Owners have filed 3 complaints about the 1997 Newmar Dutch Star, fewer than a typical Dutch Star model year.
What is the most common problem with the 1997 Newmar Dutch Star?
Transmission and drivetrain, with 2 complaints. Next is acceleration (1).
How many recalls does the 1997 Newmar Dutch Star have?
4 recalls, covering steering, vehicle speed control and equipment.
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