In July 2025 while in the Dallas Ft. Worth area I experienced a DEF head failure when starting my motorhome. Fortunately I was departing an RV park, not driving on the highway. I contacted Freightliner 24/7 who confirmed based on codes that I needed a DEF head. The original DEF head OEM numbers were 04-32247-000. Searching sites, including Freightliner, it suggested that this head was superseded by 04-37616-000. Searching for this revealed this part was likely on backorder. The Freightliner service manager at Premier Truck Group, Fort Worth told me that 04-37616-000 was the correct part verified by VIN, and that it was backordered with no available release date. Their parts department confirmed this. Since we were traveling to a wedding in Ohio and had time constraints I called FCCC in Gaffney and spoke to a parts specialist who also confirmed that the latest DEF head 04-37616-00 was on backorder with a 30-60 day waiting period for shipment. He then checked backward and advised that the prior iteration 04-36004-000 was a valid replacement and was still available. On [XXX], the Fort Worth Freightliner dealer replaced the DEF head with 04-36004-000. The cost of this repair was $1,474.89 parts and $1,425.89 labor totaling $ 2,900.78 (see attached). Coach mileage at this time was 51,986. Fast forward to [XXX], (14.5 months) mileage 60220 while traveling to Corpus Christi Texas I experienced another DEF Head Failure. I managed to get to my destination and contacted Corpus Christi Freightliner who ordered the part [XXX]. On [XXX] they installed the latest DEF head and corrected the problem. Cost of this repair was parts $1,070.98, labor $1295 with tax totaling $2,619.61 (see attached). When the DEF head fails the motorhome derates and speed is reduced as you know. DEF head failures are a very common problem on these Freightliner motorhomes and they are not standing behind the failures or standing behind replacement parts. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(
The worst 2018 Newmar Dutch Star problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Engine9
- Body4
- Visibility2
- Fuel system1
- Tires1
Specific symptoms reported on the 2018 Newmar Dutch Star
Recalls 15
Structure
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect the windows, and replace the vent if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 10, 2021. Owners may contact Newmar customer service at 1‑800‑731‑8300. Newmar's number for this recall is 21E 047.
Recall number 21V571000 · Recall details
Fuel system, diesel: fuel injection system: fuel rail
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Remedy
- Cummins service centers will inspect the rail threads and fuel lines, and replace the rail as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on August 24, 2021. Owners may contact Newmar customer service at 1‑800‑731‑8300. Newmar's number for this recall is Cummins 21E-32.
Recall number 21V506000 · Recall details
Fuel system, diesel: fuel injection system: fuel rail
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect the rail threads, and replace the rail as necessary, free of charge. Interim notification letters were mailed to owners on July 16, 2021. Owners may contact Newmar customer service at 1‑800‑731‑8000. Newmar's number for this recall is Cummins 21E-032.
Recall number 21V372000 · Recall details
Exterior lighting: brake lights: switch
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Remedy
- Newmar will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brake light switch and replace it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on April 12, 2021. Owners may contact Newmar customer service at 1‑800‑731‑8300.
Recall number 21V082000 · Recall details
Exterior lighting: turn signal
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Remedy
- Newmar will notify owners, and Daimler Trucks North America dealers will replace the PDM, free of charge. This recall began September 11, 2020. Owners may contact Newmar's customer service at 1‑800‑731‑8300. Newmar's number for this recall is 20V‑404.
Recall number 20V421000 · Recall details
Exterior lighting
- What is wrong
- Newmar Corporation (Newmar) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Ventana LE and 2017-2019 Dutch Star, Essex, London Aire, Mountain Aire and Ventana, and 2018-2019 New Aire motorhomes built on a Daimler trucks chassis. 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
- Nonfunctioning lights can increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Newmar will notify owners, and Daimler Trucks dealers will inspect and replace the rear PDM, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began July 18, 2019. Owners may contact Newmar customer service at 1‑800‑731‑8300. Newmar's number for this recall is 18V‑852.
Recall number 19V426000 · Recall details
Equipment: electrical
- What is wrong
- Newmar Corporation (Newmar) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Bay Star, Essex, New Aire, 2018 Bay Start Sport, Canyon Star, Dutch Star, King Aire, Mountain Aire, Ventana LE, Ventana, and London Aire motorhomes. The power supply for the WiFiRanger may overheat.
- Risk
- An overheated power supply can increase the risk of a fire.
- Remedy
- Newmar has notified owners, and dealers will replace the power supply, free of charge. The recall began April 18, 2019. Owners may contact Newmar customer service at 1‑800‑731‑8300.
Recall number 19V257000 · Recall details
Equipment: recreational vehicle/trailer
- What is wrong
- Newmar Corporation (Newmar) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Newmar Ventana LE, Mountain Aire, Essex, Ventana, Dutch Star, New Aire, London Aire and King Aire motorhomes. The affected vehicles have entry doors that have latch rods that may be improperly adjusted, allowing the door to open during transit.
- Risk
- If the door opens during transit, it can increase the risk of injury or a crash.
- Remedy
- Newmar will notify owners, and dealers will readjust the door latch rod, free of charge. The recall began September 5, 2018. Owners may contact Newmar customer service at 1‑800‑731‑8300.
Recall number 18V518000 · Recall details
Electrical system
- What is wrong
- Newmar Corporation (Newmar) is recalling certain 2018 Newmar Bay Star, King Aire, London Aire, Mountain Aire, Bay Star Sport, Canyon Star, Dutch Star, Essex, New Aire, Ventana LE, and Ventana motorhomes. When the ignition key is in the off/accessory position and the battery disconnect is on, the slide-out rooms on these vehicles may move in or out unexpectedly.
- Risk
- If the slide-out room moves unexpectedly, it can increase the risk of injury.
- Remedy
- Newmar will notify owners, and dealers will replace the slide-out room controller, free of charge. The recall began August 24, 2018. Owners may contact Newmar customer service at 1‑800‑731‑8300.
Recall number 18V438000 · Recall details
Electrical system: wiring: fuses and circuit breakers
- What is wrong
- Newmar Corporation (Newmar) is recalling certain 2018 Newmar Bay Star, Bay Star Sport, Canyon Star, Ventana LE, Ventana, Dutch Star, New Aire, Mountain Aire, London Aire, Essex, and King Aire motorhomes. The electrical connections in the breaker box may not be properly tightened, possibly causing the connections to overheat.
- Risk
- Overheating of the electrical connections can increase the risk of a fire.
- Remedy
- Newmar will notify owners, and dealers will tighten the loose electrical connections, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on May 17, 2018. Owners may contact Newmar customer service at 1‑800‑731‑8300.
Recall number 18V236000 · Recall details
Exterior lighting: headlights
- What is wrong
- Newmar Corporation (Newmar) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Ventana, Ventana LE and Dutchstar motorhomes built on a Freightliner chassis. The low beam headlights do not also illuminate as intended when the high beam headlights are activated, reducing the driver's visibility. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
- Risk
- If the driver has reduced visibility, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Newmar will notify owners, and Daimler Trucks North America authorized service facilities will reprogram the Freightliner chassis module, free of charge. The recall began on February 9, 2018. Owners may contact Newmar customer service at 1‑800‑731‑8300.
Recall number 18V062000 · Recall details
Electrical system: wiring
- What is wrong
- Newmar Corporation (Newmar) is recalling certain model year 2016-2018 Bay Star, Bay Star Sport, Canyon Star, Dutch Star, Essex, King Aire, London Aire, Mountain Aire, New Aire, Ventana and Ventana LE motorhomes. These vehicles may have a loose power connection at the Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS), possibly resulting in a build up of heat.
- Risk
- The build up of heat in the wiring from the loose power connection can increase the risk of a fire.
- Remedy
- Newmar will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the electrical connection at the ATS, tightening it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on February 5, 2018. Owners may contact Newmar customer service at 1‑800‑731‑8300.
Recall number 17V830000 · Recall details
Equipment
- What is wrong
- Newmar Corporation (Newmar) is recalling various 1995-2018 motorhomes. A list of the affected vehicles available at: 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:
- Risk
- 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.
Recall number 17V809000 · Recall details
Equipment: recreational vehicle/trailer
- What is wrong
- Newmar Corporation (Newmar) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Newmar Dutch Star and 2015-2017 Newmar Ventana motorhomes. In the affected motorhomes, the driver side and passenger side powered night shades can be lowered by using the remote when the ignition is in the ON position.
- Risk
- If the vehicle is being driven and the button on the remote is pushed, the night shades may lower, blocking the driver's view, possibly increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Newmar will notify owners and dealers will install a relay to disable the operation of the driver and passenger night shade by the remote when the ignition is in the ON position. The recall began on July 28, 2017. Owners may contact Newmar customer service at 1‑800‑731‑8300.
Recall number 17V420000 · Recall details
Suspension: front: control arm
- What is wrong
- Newmar Corporation (Newmar) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Dutch Star, 2016-2018 Mountain Aire and London Aire, and 2012-2018 Essex and King Aire motorhomes built on a Spartan Motors chassis. The ball joints on the independent front suspension (IFS) modules can loosen and separate, leading to a partial loss of steering.
- Risk
- A separated ball joint can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Newmar will notify owners, and Spartan service centers will remove, clean, apply thread locker, reinstall and torqued the ball joints, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on May 3, 2017. Owners may contact Spartan at 1‑800‑543‑4277 to locate a qualified service center or contact Newmar customer service at 1‑574‑773‑7791. Newmar's number for this recall is 17004.
Recall number 17V195000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 2018 Newmar Dutch Star 22
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Engine and engine cooling
- Engine and engine cooling
- Electrical system: integrated trailer brake control
- Electrical system
- Exterior lighting
- Equipment
- Newmar has made a change to the water pump circuit fuse on certain coaches to improve customer experience
- If a customer complains about their satellite, this product improvement bulletin may be helpful
- Latches/locks/linkages: doors: latch
- Equipment
What 2018 Newmar Dutch Star owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Window Adhesive Failure Adhesive failure may cause the vent portion of the window to detach, increasing the risk of a crash or injury. the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 21V571000 Manufacturer Newmar Corporation Components EQUIPMENT, STRUCTURE Had to purchase 4 windows from Newmar For the window failures in the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 21V571000. Newmar denied the recall claim. This problem goes well beyond 2108 models all the way to 2016 models. Newmar is just trying to mitigate their costs by lying and denying claims. Remedy: I want reimbursement for the cost of the 4 replacement windows.
I used the Hydralift to carry my wife’s motorcycle, a 2018 Indian Chieftain. When you mount a Hydra lift on the back of an RV you no longer have access to the receiver hitch that came with the RV. Because of that Hydralift adds a receiver hitch to the lift so that you can flat tow a vehicle behind the RV. There is a plate on the receiver hitch that states it is rated to tow 8000 lbs. I was towing a 2018 Ram 1500 pickup. In the bed I had an Amerideck lift and on the lift was my motorcycle, a 2020 Indian Challenger. The total weight of the pickup, lift and motorcycle was approximately 6500 lbs., well within the tow rating the manufacturer claimed for the hitch. While on a cross country trip I had traveled approximately 2500 miles without incident. I then encountered a severe dip in the road on interstate 76 just S/W of Denver, Colorado. This dip caused the motorcycle on the Hydralift to shake loose even though it was in a wheel chock and was held in place by 3 ratchet straps. The motorcycle was suspended from the Hydralift onto the Blue Ox towing system I was using to flat tow the pickup. Since the straps were still attached, most of the motorcycles weight was born by the straps and a much smaller amount of weight was on the Blue Ox system. Along with 2 DOT Road Rangers and a passerby we managed to get the bike back into position. A visual inspection by myself and the 2 DOT employees showed no visible damage to the Blue Ox system or the receiver hitch. 2 days later we were traveling along Interstate 70 W/B. I pulled off the highway in Parachute, Colorado. When I turned right at the top of the exit the receiver hitch snapped and the pickup/ motorcycle took off on its own. It crossed a lane of traffic and went down an embankment. It travelled approx. 100 yds across a field and came to a stop against an embankment. I had the safety cables and emergency braking lanyard attached but they didn’t work because of where the manufacturer placed the attachment points.
The driver's side window is a dual pane window. The glass has lost its seal letting moisture in between the panes causing a drivers visibility issue. Driver is unable to see in the rear mirror or to the left side of the vehicle. Vehicle manufacturer claims vehicle is out of warranty and denied any remedy.
Entry door unlatches and allows door to open at highway speed, unless secondary deadbolt lock is manually latched. This occurred twice on my recent trip. Manufacturer has worked/examined this issue on 2 previous occasions. Standard door latch does not secure door as designed.
Blowout and tire separation, Drivers front, traveling N on I-25 mile marker 7, south of Trinidad Co. Using Tire Patrol sensors on all motorhome tires and tow vehicle. After replacing tire and rim and on our way back home I noticed a low tire pressure on the right front tire. On inspecting the sensor I noticed a partial separation of the sensor which presumably allowed the tire to partially deflate. I re-inflated the tire and replaced the sensor with one from the rear tag tire so we could monitor the pressure and complete the trip. The morning after returning home I found the right front tire completely flat and the sensor had separated and was found beside the wheel on the concrete. After thinking about all of this I have come to the conclusion that the original blowout was likely due to a failure of the sensor on that tire allowing the tire to deflate and ultimately blowout and separate. I would not have thought about this had it not been for the other two sensors doing something similar. Luckily no-one was injured in this episode but there was moderate damage to our motorhome and the result could have been substantially different. I have contacted the manufacturer and they are aware of my concerns. I have a complete description of my actions and timeline. I have multiple photos of the damages as well as the two sensors that failed. The original sensor and valve stem extender on the drivers front tire that blewout were not found.
Three week ago today we were 500 miles into a road trip when the check engine light and alarm went off - we exited interstate at the next exit, called Spartan, and read off the codes. We were told that it was a DEF sensor that would be derating our engine and we need to get somewhere soon.. We were too far from home and made it another 130 miles with notice of some power loss. These sensors are back ordered until late August - mid September. After discussion with a Cummins service center in Chattanooga, TN it is deemed unsafe to drive the 90 miles to there location. We are told that the engine will derate down to only 5 miles per hour which will lead to a very unsafe driving condition for ourselves and anyone on the road with us. My understanding is that it's just a sensor messing up - the regent was performed as normal while the engine light was lit - indicating all was working with that system.
When preparing to leave, my coach received a check engine light, and 3 error codes from the Cumins ECU. SPN 3364, 1761 and 3031. All FMI code 9. My engine is Likely now debated to 5% power and I was just able to return it to the driveway at the house. Thankfully I hadn’t gotten onto the busy interstate when it happened. After contacting Spartan Chassis, they informed me that I needed a new DEF Head unit. This has been a major issue across the industry. The part is manufactured by SHAW and parts are not available. I was told by Spartan “August or September” for parts. I am unable to move the coach for fear that it is in fact debated to 5% so will need to have a mobile mechanic dispatched to replace. I understand the need for emission controls, but to derate the engine because we might have a little bit dirtier tailpipe until its fixed…. Major safety issue as there is NO workaround.
Since purchasing this RV new, I have had the DEF Head fail twice. 1st time was Sep 2019 with a mileage of 14066 and the 2nd time was April 2021 with a mileage of 16018. Both times DEF Header Assemblies were replaced. When these fail the motor can de-rate at any time. Very dangerous when traveling down the highway. Both times the low DEF warning and check engine lights came on.
We got the check engine light on after starting up our coach on July 6. We got several fault codes: SPN 3364 FMI 9, SPN 1761 FMI 9, SPN 3031 FMI 9. The codes indicated that we had a faulty DEF Header and it needed to be replaced. And if we drove the coach at some point it would "derate" to 5 miles an hour and we would not be able to drive it. We were told by the chassis maker (Spartan) that we would likely not be able to get a replacement part until September or October due to the global microchip shortage. And even though there was nothing actually wrong with engine or the DEF (we had a full tank) there was no work around. Because we were in West Yellowstone where there was no diesel engine service nor a place we could leave the coach for several months. We decided to drive the coach to our next destination, Lander Wyoming which had two Cummins engine shops. We made it there, but then got the "stop engine" code - SPN 5246 FMI 16. The coach derated and we could no longer drive it. The Cummins service shop was able to clear the "stop engine" code, so we could drive it. But the check engine codes would remain until the DEF header was replaced. And countdown would restart to "stop engine". On the irv2.com RV blog forum, Spartan chassis owners, with Shaw DEF headers have reported the DEF header failure. A number have had multiple failures. Since it seems as though it may be months before a supply of DEF headers will be readily available and there is nothing fundamentally wrong with the engine, it would be tremendously helpful for Cummins or Spartan to design a workaround while the parts supply is rebuilt and it seems likely that Shaw needs to redesign their DEF Header to reduce the failure rate or Spartan needs to find a new supplier.
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Questions about the 2018 Newmar Dutch Star
Is the 2018 Newmar Dutch Star reliable?
Owners have filed 17 complaints about the 2018 Newmar Dutch Star, 4.3 times a typical Dutch Star model year.
What is the most common problem with the 2018 Newmar Dutch Star?
Engine and cooling, with 9 complaints. Next is body (4).
How many recalls does the 2018 Newmar Dutch Star have?
15 recalls, covering structure, fuel system, diesel and exterior lighting.
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