NHTSA recall 16V721000
Service brakes, electric
Newmar Dutch Star
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.