Recall 13V653 affects 47 2013-2014 Newmar Essex and King Aire motorhomes for loose steering fasteners. Repair will be free at a franchised Newmar dealer once available.
Newmar is recalling 47 2013-2014 Essex and King Aire motorhomes because loose castle nuts on the steering linkage ball joint fasteners can let the linkage separate from the bell cranks without warning. That separation can cause a loss of steering and increase crash risk; the Newmar dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The steering linkage on 2013-2014 Newmar Essex and King Aire motorhomes connects the steering gear to the parts that turn the front wheels. The ball joint fasteners attach that linkage to bell cranks, which are pivoting steering arms that transfer motion from the steering system to the wheels.
On the affected motorhomes, the castle nuts on those ball joint fasteners are loose. A castle nut is the notched nut that holds a fastener in place after the joint is assembled. If the nut backs off completely, the ball joint fastener loses its clamp on the bell crank. The steering linkage can then separate from the bell crank, breaking the mechanical path between the steering wheel and the front steering parts.
There is no warning sign before failure. The steering linkage can separate from the bell cranks without warning, so a normal-feeling steering wheel does not prove the fasteners are secure.
Who's affected?
Both Essex and King Aire motorhomes are included across the 2013 and 2014 model years, with the same steering-system scope.
| 2013 Newmar Essex | steering system |
|---|---|
| 2014 Newmar Essex | steering system |
| 2014 Newmar King Aire | steering system |
| 2013 Newmar King Aire | steering system |
| Units affected | 47 |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific motorhome.
What's the safety risk?
A steering-linkage fastener problem can lead to loss of steering and increases the risk of a crash. Drive cautiously until the recall repair is completed, and ask a franchised Newmar dealer when the repair can be scheduled. Repair will be free at any franchised Newmar dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2013-2014 Newmar Essex or King Aire is included in this recall.
- Contact Newmar customer service at 1-800-731-8300 to confirm the repair path for your motorhome.
- Reference recall number 13V653 when you call or schedule service.
- Schedule the free steering-linkage fastener replacement that secures the loose ball-joint castle nuts and helps prevent steering linkage separation.
- Bring the recall notice if Newmar mailed one, plus any service records tied to steering linkage work.
What happens at the repair
The final dealer repair is not open yet. Newmar has not provided an owner notification schedule for this campaign. Once the repair is available, a Newmar technician will replace the steering linkage fasteners at the ball joint and bell crank connections. Parts and labor will be free under the recall. Until Newmar opens the repair path, keep the recall notice with your service records and ask the dealer what interim handling applies to your motorhome.
Timeline
| December 12, 2013 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| January 16, 2014 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 13V653?
Recall 13V653 covers 47 2013-2014 Newmar Essex and King Aire motorhomes with loose castle nuts on steering linkage ball joint fasteners. If the fasteners come loose, the steering linkage can separate from the bell cranks without warning, causing loss of steering and increasing crash risk.
What should I do if my 2013-2014 Newmar Essex or King Aire is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific motorhome is included in recall 13V653. If it is, contact Newmar at 1-800-731-8300 and ask for the steering linkage fastener repair. Reference recall 13V653 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the recall repair to be performed at no cost. For recall 13V653, Spartan dealers will replace the steering linkage fasteners free of charge after Newmar confirms your motorhome is included.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is loss of steering. The affected castle nuts sit on steering linkage ball joint fasteners mounted to bell cranks. If those nuts come completely loose, the steering linkage can separate without warning, increasing crash risk.
What if I bought my Newmar motorhome used?
The free recall repair still applies. Federal recall law follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your 2013-2014 Essex or King Aire is included, then call Newmar at 1-800-731-8300 with recall number 13V653.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/13V653000 |
|---|---|
| Newmar customer service | 1-800-731-8300 |
| NHTSA recall # | 13V653 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 13V653000 |
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 →