1997 Newmar Dutch Star
Only 3 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 3 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1994 | 1 |
| 1995 | 0 |
| 1996 | 0 |
| 1997 | 3 |
| 1998 | 10 |
| 1999 | 23 |
| 2000 | 33 |
| 2001 | 8 |
| 2002 | 3 |
| 2003 | 2 |
| 2004 | 3 |
| 2005 | 5 |
| 2006 | 4 |
| 2007 | 0 |
| 2008 | 2 |
| 2009 | 0 |
| 2010 | 0 |
| 2011 | 0 |
| 2012 | 0 |
| 2013 | 0 |
| 2014 | 2 |
| 2015 | 5 |
| 2016 | 4 |
| 2017 | 6 |
| 2018 | 16 |
| 2019 | 23 |
| 2020 | 6 |
| 2021 | 6 |
| 2022 | 0 |
| 2023 | 2 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 3 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
1 of 3 total reports mentions: vehicle speed control.
1 of 3 total reports mentions: service brakes, hydraulic.
Show complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20090813
1 of 3 total reports mentions: power train.
Show complaint excerpts
ON 2 SEPARATE OCCASIONS REAR AXLE BOLT BROKE WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 4-5 MPH. THIS OCCURRED WITHIN 20,000 MILES. DEALERSHIP WILL BE NOTIFIED. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20040419
1 of 3 total reports mentions: power train.
Show complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20090813
SAFETY TIMELINE
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.
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 INCR
Campaign 04V037000 — check if this car was fixed
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. PRESSURIZE
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 M
Campaign 07V075000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
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.
Campaign 15V829000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
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.
Campaign 08V025000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1997 Newmar Dutch Star — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes, hydraulic issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 08V025000 (vehicle speed control) has been completed.
- Verify recall 04V037000 (tires) has been completed.
- Verify recall 07V075000 (equipment) has been completed.
- Verify recall 15V829000 (steering) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 1997 Newmar Dutch Star reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 1997 Newmar Dutch Star?
The most-reported component is vehicle speed control, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1997 Newmar Dutch Star have?
4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.