Recall 16V280 affects 93 2014-2015 Newmar Essex, Mountain Aire, and London Aire motorhomes for power steering hose failure. Repair is free at franchised Newmar dealers.
Newmar is recalling 93 2014-2015 Essex, Mountain Aire, and London Aire motorhomes because power steering fluid heat can exceed the hose material rating and lead to hose failure. Loss of power steering assist makes the vehicle harder to steer at low speeds and increases crash risk; Newmar dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The power steering hose on 2014-2015 Newmar Essex, Mountain Aire, and London Aire motorhomes carries hot hydraulic fluid between the steering pump and the steering gear. That fluid provides assist, so turning the wheel at parking-lot speeds does not depend only on driver effort. The hose has to tolerate heat, pressure, and movement on the Freightliner rear-engine chassis.
On the affected motorhomes, the power steering fluid can run hotter than the hose material is rated to handle. Heat breaks down the hose until it fails. If the hose fails, power steering assist is lost suddenly, especially during low-speed driving. The driver can still steer, but the wheel takes much more force, and Newmar's filing warns that this loss of assist can lead to a crash. The fix is replacement with a higher-temperature hose.
There is no warning sign before failure. The first sign can be a sudden increase in steering effort when the hose gives out.
Who's affected?
Covers Essex for 2014 and 2015, plus 2015 Mountain Aire and London Aire, all tied to the power steering system.
| 2015 Newmar Essex | power steering system |
|---|---|
| 2014 Newmar Essex | power steering system |
| 2015 Newmar Mountain Aire | power steering system |
| 2015 Newmar London Aire | power steering system |
| Units affected | 93 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching Newmar model year does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific motorhome is included.
What's the safety risk?
Loss of power steering assist makes the vehicle harder to steer in either direction at low speeds and increases the risk of a crash. If steering effort suddenly rises, slow down safely, avoid tight maneuvers, and arrange service promptly. Repair is free at any franchised Newmar dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2014-2015 Newmar Essex, 2015 Mountain Aire, or 2015 London Aire motorhome is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Newmar dealer to schedule the free power steering hose replacement that addresses hose failure and loss of power steering assist.
- Bring the recall notice if Newmar mailed one. If not, reference recall number 16V280 when you call.
- Ask the dealer to confirm the repair uses the higher temperature rated power steering hose.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete, especially at low speeds where steering effort increases if power steering assist is lost.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Newmar technician replaces the power steering hose with one rated for higher temperatures. The recall repair is free, with parts and labor covered. This repair addresses hose failure tied to power steering fluid temperatures above the hose material rating. Newmar has a general reimbursement plan on file for owners who already paid for a related repair. If you have prior repair paperwork or proof of payment, ask the service desk how to submit documentation under that plan.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| May 10, 2016 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| June 15, 2016 | Owner notification mailed |
| July 3, 2016 | Dealer notification began |
| July 3, 2016 | Dealer notification ended |
| July 3, 2016 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 16V280?
Recall 16V280 covers 93 2014-2015 Newmar Essex, Mountain Aire, and London Aire motorhomes with power steering hoses that can fail after fluid temperatures exceed the hose rating. Freightliner dealers replace the hose free of charge.
What should I do if my 2014-2015 Newmar Essex, Mountain Aire, or London Aire is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific motorhome is included in recall 16V280. If it is, contact a Freightliner dealer or Newmar customer service to schedule the power steering hose replacement. Reference recall 16V280 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. For recall 16V280, Freightliner dealers replace the affected power steering hose with a higher temperature rated hose free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is sudden loss of power steering assist. If the hose fails, the motorhome becomes harder to steer in either direction at low speeds, increasing crash risk. Confirm your VIN, then schedule the free hose replacement if your vehicle is included.
What if I bought my Newmar motorhome used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific Essex, Mountain Aire, or London Aire is included, then reference recall 16V280 when you contact the dealer.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/16V280000 |
|---|---|
| Newmar customer service | 1-800-547-0712 |
| NHTSA recall # | 16V280 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 16V280000 |
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 →