2008 Newmar GRAND STAR CA: complaints, problems and recalls

DURING A SERVICE AT A FREIGHTLINER CHASSIS CENTER, THEIR SAFETY INSPECTION REVEALED BOTH INNER TIRES ON THE REAR DUALS ARE COMING IN CONTACT WITH THE COACH FRAME. AT 5K MILES, ONE TIRE NEAR FAILURE, THE OTHER LESS SO. VISUAL INSPECTION SHOWS A TOO CLOSE GAP BETWEEN THE TIRE TREAD AND COACH BODY WHEN VEHICLE IS UNLOADED. APPROXIMATE 1/4" GAP ON LEFT, 1/2" ON RIGHT AT THE TREAD. AS THE SUSPENSION COMPRESSES OR THE VEHICLE IS LOADED, THE SIDEWALL , AS IT WIDENS TOWARDS THE WHEEL, IS IN CONSTANT, INCREASING CONTACT WITH A PIECE OF ANGLE IRON …

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10268379 at NHTSA ↗

INNER FENDER WALLS ON THE NEWMAR 2008 GRANDSTAR 3750 ARE TOO CLOSE TO THE REAR INSIDE DUAL TIRE, CAUSING BOLT RUBBING ON SIDEWALL OF THE TIRE, CAUSING THE BOLT TO WEAR INTO TIRE SIDEWALL SHEARING OFF THE RUBBER, COMPROMISING THE TIRE. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10281100 at NHTSA ↗

Reported: 2009-06-11 (June 11, 2009)

NEWMAR IS RECALLING 2,578 MOTORHOMES EQUIPPED WITH AXLES THAT INCLUDE BOSCH ZOPS OR ZOHT PIN SLIDE HYDRAULIC DISC BRAKES. WHEN COMBINED WITH OCCASIONAL OR SEASONAL VEHICLE OPERATION MAY EXPERIENCE CALIPERS STICKING IN THE APPLIED POSITION. THIS CAN RESULT IN ABNORMAL HEAT GENERATION AT THE WHEEL END CAUSING BRAKE DRAG. THE DRIVER WOULD NORMALLY HAVE WARNING OF THE BRAKE DRAG IF UNDETECTED BY THE DRIVER.

Consequence: THE DRIVER WOULD NORMALLY DETECT THE BRAKE DRAG BUT IF UNDETECTED THE TEMPERATURE INCREASE AT THE WHEEL END CAN EVENTUALLY LEAD TO SOFT PEDAL CONDITIONS DUE TO BRAKE FLUID BOIL, AND POSSIBLE EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE NECESSARY COMPONENTS FREE OF CHARGE. WORKHORSE IS HANDLING THE REMEDY AND OWNER NOTIFICATION FOR THIS CAMPAIGN PLEASE SEE 09V-110. OWNERS MAY CONTACT WORKHORSE AT 1-877-246-7731.

Reported: 2011-04-12 (April 12, 2011)

NEWMAR IS RECALLING CERTAIN RECREATIONAL VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 1200 SERIES NORCOLD REFRIGERATORS. THE POPULATION OF REFRIGERATORS BEING ADDRESSED CONTAINS EITHER A SENSING ALGORITHM OR THERMAL SWITCH TO SHUT OFF POWER TO THE REFRIGERATOR WHEN HIGH TEMPERATURES ARE DETECTED IN ORDER TO PREVENT A POTENTIAL FIRE. THE RESPONSE TIMES OF THE SENSOR ALGORITHM AND THERMAL SWITCH DEVICES TO STOP POWER ARE NOT SUFFICIENT.

Consequence: THE SENSING ALGORITHM OR THERMAL SWITCH INSTALLED TO SHUT OFF POWER TO THE REFRIGERATOR WHEN HIGH TEMPERATURES ARE DETECTED DUE TO A POSSIBLE HYDROGEN GAS LEAK MAY NOT SHUT OFF IN SUFFICIENT TIME TO PREVENT A FIRE.

Remedy: NEWMAR IS WORKING WITH NORCOLD TO IDENTIFY AND NOTIFY ANY AFFECTED OWNERS. OWNERS WILL BE INSTRUCTED TO CONTACT NORCOLD DEALERS TO RECEIVE THE REMEDY FREE OF CHARGE. PLEASE SEE NORCOLD'S DEFECT REPORT 10E-049 FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 28, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NORCOLD AT 1-800-767-9101.

Reported: 2012-07-31 (July 31, 2012)

Newmar Corporation (Newmar) is recalling certain model year 2008 and 2009 Grand Star Class A motorhomes built on Freightliner Custom Chassis (FCCC) from January 25, 2007, through May 22, 2009. These motorhomes chassis are equipped with Bosch hydraulic disc brakes which, when exposed to long periods of time of non-driving, may experience diametrical brake caliper piston growth and reduced piston to bore clearance potentially leading to brake drag and overheating resulting in reduced brake performance.

Consequence: Reduced brake performance may lead to a vehicle crash.

Remedy: Owners will be notified by Daimler Trucks/FCCC, and repairs will be performed by authorized FCCC dealers free of charge. An interim letter was mailed by DTNA on August 6, 2012. Owners may contact Newmar at 1-574-773-7791 or Daimler Trucks at 1-800-547-0712.