Recall 16V252 covers 1,150 2014-2016 Newmar motorhomes for a brake-signal defect that keeps towed-device brakes active. Repair is free at any franchised Newmar dealer.
Newmar is recalling 1,150 2014-2016 London Aire, Essex, Mountain Aire, and Dutch Star motorhomes because the brake activation signal sent to certain towed devices can stay on after the motorhome brakes are released. That can leave the towed-device brakes dragging, raising fire and crash risk, and Newmar dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The brake pedal and linkage on 2014-2016 Newmar Dutch Star, Mountain Aire, Essex, and London Aire motorhomes do more than slow the motorhome. On these Freightliner chassis, the pedal assembly also sends a brake activation signal to certain towed devices. When the service brakes are released, that signal is supposed to shut off so the towed device's brakes release too.
On affected motorhomes, the heavier adjustable foot pedal can keep that brake activation signal active after the motorhome brakes are released. If the towed device is set up to respond to that signal, its brakes stay engaged while the motorhome is moving. That incorrectly applied braking can make the towed device harder to control and increase crash risk.
There is no warning sign before failure. The motorhome brake pedal can feel normal while the towed device receives the wrong command, so the problem is not always obvious from the driver's seat.
Who's affected?
Spans four Newmar motorhome lines, London Aire, Essex, Mountain Aire, and Dutch Star, across the 2014-2016 model years, all tied to the hydraulic brake system.
| 2016 Newmar London Aire | hydraulic brake system |
|---|---|
| 2015 Newmar Essex | hydraulic brake system |
| 2014 Newmar Essex | hydraulic brake system |
| 2016 Newmar Essex | hydraulic brake system |
| 2014 Newmar Mountain Aire | hydraulic brake system |
| 2014 Newmar Dutch Star | hydraulic brake system |
| 2016 Newmar Dutch Star | hydraulic brake system |
| 2016 Newmar Mountain Aire | hydraulic brake system |
| 2015 Newmar Dutch Star | hydraulic brake system |
| 2015 Newmar Mountain Aire | hydraulic brake system |
| 2015 Newmar London Aire | hydraulic brake system |
| Units affected | 1,150 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
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?
An active brake signal after the motorhome brakes are released can keep a towed device's brakes engaged. Dragging brakes can overheat and result in a fire. The motorhome's behavior can also confuse following drivers, increasing crash risk. Schedule the repair soon. Repair is free at any franchised Newmar dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2014-2016 Newmar London Aire, Essex, Mountain Aire, or Dutch Star is included in this recall.
- Contact Newmar customer service or a Freightliner dealer to schedule the free brake-pedal assembly modification that stops the towed-device brake signal from staying active after the motorhome brakes are released.
- Bring the recall notice if Newmar mailed one. If not, reference recall number 16V252 when you call.
- Avoid towing another vehicle until the repair is complete.
- Watch for brake drag, heat, or burning smells from the towed vehicle, and stop driving if those signs appear.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, the affected brake signal assemblies are modified so the brake activation signal to a towed device turns off when the motorhome service brakes are released. The recall repair is free, and parts and labor are covered. Newmar's general reimbursement plan covers documented out-of-pocket costs for related repairs paid before the recall notice. Bring repair invoices and payment records to the service desk or contact Newmar customer service to ask how to submit the claim.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| April 28, 2016 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| May 26, 2016 | Owner notification mailed |
| June 25, 2016 | Dealer notification began |
| June 25, 2016 | Dealer notification ended |
| June 25, 2016 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 16V252?
Recall 16V252 covers 1,150 2014-2016 Newmar London Aire, Essex, Mountain Aire, and Dutch Star motorhomes built on a Freightliner chassis. A heavier adjustable foot pedal can keep the brake activation signal active for a towed device after the motorhome service brakes are released.
What should I do if my 2014-2016 Newmar London Aire, Essex, Mountain Aire, or Dutch Star is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific motorhome is included in recall 16V252. If it is, contact a Freightliner dealer for the brake pedal assembly modification. Reference recall 16V252 and Newmar recall number 16V-204 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Newmar says Freightliner dealers will modify the affected assemblies free of charge. Parts and labor are covered for vehicles included in recall 16V252.
What is the safety risk?
The risk is brake drag and overheating on a towed device after the motorhome service brakes are released. That can result in a fire. Drivers behind the motorhome can also be confused by its actions, increasing crash risk. The free dealer repair corrects the affected assemblies.
What if I bought the 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 specific London Aire, Essex, Mountain Aire, or Dutch Star is included, then call a Freightliner dealer with recall number 16V252.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/16V252000 |
|---|---|
| Newmar customer service | 1-800-547-0712 |
| NHTSA recall # | 16V252 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 16V252000 |
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 →