Recall 12V371 covers 70 2008-2009 Newmar Grand Star Ca motorhomes for brake drag and overheating. Repairs are free through authorized FCCC dealers.
Newmar is recalling 70 2008-2009 Grand Star Ca motorhomes under recall 12V371 because the Bosch hydraulic disc brake caliper pistons can grow after long non-driving periods, reducing clearance and causing brake drag and overheating. Reduced brake performance can lead to a crash, and Newmar dealers will perform the repair free once Newmar makes it available.
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What's wrong?
The Bosch hydraulic disc brake system on 2008-2009 Newmar Grand Star Ca motorhomes uses calipers to press brake pads against the rotors. Each caliper has pistons that move in a tight bore, or channel, when brake fluid pressure pushes them outward. That pressure creates the clamping force that slows the motorhome.
On affected motorhomes, long stretches of non-driving can let the brake caliper pistons grow slightly in diameter. That leaves less clearance between the piston and the bore, so the piston does not move as freely as designed. The brake can drag instead of fully releasing, which builds heat and reduces braking performance.
There is no warning sign before failure. If the brakes have already begun to drag, the owner can notice heat or brake performance that feels weaker, but the recall filing does not identify a reliable early warning sign.
Who's affected?
Covers two model years with the same hydraulic brake system.
| 2009 Newmar Grand Star Ca | hydraulic brake system |
|---|---|
| 2008 Newmar Grand Star Ca | hydraulic brake system |
| Units affected | 70 |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific motorhome is included.
What's the safety risk?
Reduced brake performance means the vehicle has less stopping ability, which increases the risk of a crash. Keep extra distance, slow down earlier, and schedule the recall repair promptly if your VIN is included. If braking changes while you are driving, stop in a safe place and call the dealer. Repair will be free at any franchised Newmar dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2008-2009 Newmar Grand Star Ca is included in this recall.
- Contact Newmar customer service at 1-574-773-7791 to confirm the current repair path for NHTSA recall number 12V371.
- Ask Newmar which authorized FCCC dealer is handling the free Bosch hydraulic brake repair for brake drag and reduced brake performance.
- Bring the recall notice if you have it, and reference recall number 12V371 when you call or visit for service.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete. Leave extra following distance and avoid long trips if the brakes feel weak, hot, or slow to respond.
What happens at the repair
Newmar's source remedy says owners were notified by Daimler Trucks and FCCC, with an interim letter mailed by DTNA on August 6, 2012. The final repair details are not listed in the input, so do not assume a specific brake part replacement from this section alone. Once the repair is available for your VIN, an authorized FCCC dealer performs the recall repair on the Freightliner Custom Chassis at no charge. The dealer work addresses the Bosch hydraulic disc brake condition described in campaign 12V371. Parts and labor are covered under the recall.
Timeline
| July 31, 2012 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 12V371?
Recall 12V371 covers 70 2008-2009 Newmar Grand Star Ca motorhomes built on Freightliner Custom Chassis with Bosch hydraulic disc brakes. Long parking periods can lead to brake caliper piston growth, brake drag, overheating, and reduced brake performance. Authorized FCCC dealers perform the repair for free.
What should I do if my 2008-2009 Newmar Grand Star Ca is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific motorhome is included in recall 12V371. If it is, contact Newmar or an authorized FCCC dealer to schedule the brake repair. Reference recall number 12V371 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the defect repair at no cost, and the recall remedy says authorized FCCC dealers will perform the repair free of charge. Ask the service desk to confirm the appointment is tied to recall 12V371 before work begins.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is reduced brake performance. The brake caliper pistons can grow after long periods without driving, which can cause brake drag and overheating. NHTSA campaign 12V371 says reduced brake performance increases crash risk, so confirm your VIN and arrange the free dealer repair.
What if I bought this Newmar Grand Star Ca used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the VIN, not the original owner. If you never received the interim letter mailed on August 6, 2012, check your VIN and reference recall number 12V371 when you call Newmar or the dealer.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/12V371000 |
|---|---|
| Newmar customer service | 1-574-773-7791 |
| NHTSA recall # | 12V371 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 12V371000 |
Source documents
-
Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF) - Download Defect / Noncompliance Notice (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 2, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →