Recall 15V727 affects 60 2012-2013 Newmar Essex and King Aire recreational vehicles for ABS modulator valve contact. Repair is free at any franchised Newmar dealer.
Newmar is recalling 60 2012-2013 Essex and King Aire recreational vehicles because contact with the steering relay rod can fracture the ABS modulator valve, stopping air from reaching one wheel's air brakes. Longer stopping distance or a pull to one side while braking increases crash risk, and Newmar dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The ABS modulator valve on these 2012-2013 Newmar Essex and King Aire motorhomes is part of the air brake system. It helps control brake air pressure at the wheel during an ABS event, so the wheel keeps braking without locking. The steering relay rod is nearby; it is the linkage that transfers steering movement across the front suspension.
On affected motorhomes built on the Spartan chassis, the valve is positioned close enough to the steering relay rod that the ball joint shaft can hit it during a full left or right turn. Repeated or hard contact can fracture the valve. Once the valve is fractured, air is not applied to that wheel's air brake during a braking event, which can make the motorhome pull to one side and raise crash risk.
There is no warning sign before failure. The filing says the contact and valve fracture can happen without warning, so an owner should not expect a light, sound, or pedal change first.
Who's affected?
Covers Essex motorhomes from 2012 and 2013 plus the 2012 King Aire, all tied to the front suspension.
| 2013 Newmar Essex | front suspension |
|---|---|
| 2012 Newmar Essex | front suspension |
| 2012 Newmar King Aire | front suspension |
| Units affected | 60 |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific motorhome is included.
What's the safety risk?
A brake-system clearance problem can increase stopping distance or make the vehicle pull to one side during braking, increasing the risk of a crash. There is no warning sign before the braking change, so drive cautiously and schedule the repair soon. Repair is free at any franchised Newmar dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2012-2013 Newmar Essex or King Aire is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Newmar dealer to schedule the free ABS modulator valve repair, which reorients the valve and adds spacers so the steering relay rod has proper clearance.
- Tell the dealer this is recall number 15V727, and bring the Newmar notice if you have it.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete. Leave extra following distance and be prepared for longer stopping distance or a pull to one side while braking.
- Call Newmar customer service at 1-800-731-8300 with questions about scheduling or dealer routing.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Newmar technician inspects the ABS modulator valve, reorients it, and installs spacers to create additional clearance from the steering relay rod. If the valve needs the spacer behind it, the authorized service facility completes that repair under the recall. The recall repair is free, and parts and labor are covered for included Essex and King Aire recreational vehicles.
Timeline
| November 3, 2015 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| November 30, 2015 | Owner notification mailed |
| December 30, 2015 | Dealer notification began |
| December 30, 2015 | Dealer notification ended |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 15V727?
Recall 15V727 covers 60 2012-2013 Newmar Essex and King Aire recreational vehicles built on a Spartan chassis. Contact with the steering relay rod can fracture the ABS modulator valve, reducing air brake force at an affected wheel. Dealers will reorient the valve and install spacers for free.
What should I do if my 2012-2013 Newmar Essex or King Aire is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific recreational vehicle is included in recall 15V727. If it is, contact Newmar customer service at 1-800-731-8300 or a franchised Newmar dealer to schedule the free ABS modulator valve repair. Reference recall number 15V727 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and the remedy for recall 15V727 is free. The dealer will reorient the ABS modulator valve and install spacers to create additional clearance from the steering relay rod.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is reduced braking control. If the ABS modulator valve fractures, air is not applied to the affected wheel's air brakes. That can lengthen stopping distance or make the vehicle pull to one side during braking, increasing crash risk.
What if I bought this Newmar recreational vehicle used?
The free repair still applies. Federal recall law follows the vehicle, not the first owner. If you never received the original notice, check your VIN to confirm whether your Essex or King Aire is included, then call the dealer with recall number 15V727.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/15V727000 |
|---|---|
| Newmar customer service | 1-800-731-8300 |
| NHTSA recall # | 15V727 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 15V727000 |
Source documents
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 31, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →