Recall 16V481 covers 24 2017 Newmar Ventana Vl, Ventana, and Dutch Star motorhomes. Wiper software repair is free at any franchised Newmar dealer.
Newmar is recalling 24 2017 Ventana Vl, Ventana, and Dutch Star motorhomes built on Freightliner Custom Chassis because shutting off the windshield wipers can also shut off the headlights and leave the wiper arms in the wrong spot. That reduces the driver's visibility and increases crash risk; Newmar dealers will complete the free repair.
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What's wrong?
On the 2017 Newmar Ventana Vl, Ventana, and Dutch Star motorhomes, the windshield wiper system is supposed to clear the windshield and then park the wiper arms low enough to stay out of the driver's view. The wiper controls also interact with the vehicle lighting logic, so the headlights stay on when they are needed while the wipers are used.
In this recall, the wiper system software does not operate as designed. The wiper arms can park in the wrong spot and block part of the windshield. Under high load, such as running on a dry windshield, the wiper motor can stall. The same control problem can also turn the headlights off when the wipers are turned off, and the Hi/Lo button can send the motor to high speed after a key cycle when it should start in low.
There is no warning sign before failure. The problem shows up when the wipers park incorrectly, stall, change speed incorrectly, or affect the headlights during use.
Who's affected?
Covers three Newmar motorhome lines from the 2017 model year, all tied to the rear wiper system.
| 2017 Newmar Ventana Vl | wiper system |
|---|---|
| 2017 Newmar Ventana | wiper system |
| 2017 Newmar Dutch Star | wiper system |
| Units affected | 24 |
| 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?
Headlight loss or improper wiper operation reduces the driver's visibility and increases the risk of a crash. If the headlights go out or the wipers stop working correctly, slow down, pull over when safe, and arrange service. Repair is free at any franchised Newmar dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2017 Newmar Ventana Vl, Ventana, or Dutch Star is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Newmar dealer to schedule the free wiper-software update that fixes the headlight shutoff and wiper operation problem.
- Bring the recall notice if Newmar mailed one. If not, reference recall number 16V481 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete. Avoid night driving and rain when visibility depends on the headlights or windshield wipers.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, the wiper control software is updated so the windshield wipers and headlights operate as intended. The software update is free under recall 16V481, with parts and labor covered. Newmar has a general reimbursement plan on file for owners who already paid for a related repair before the recall work. Keep any repair order, invoice, and proof of payment, then contact Newmar Customer Service Department at 1-800-731-8300 to ask how to submit documentation.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| June 29, 2016 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| July 28, 2016 | Owner notification mailed |
| August 23, 2016 | Dealer notification began |
| August 23, 2016 | Dealer notification ended |
| August 23, 2016 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 16V481?
Recall 16V481 covers 24 2017 Newmar Ventana Vl, Ventana, and Dutch Star motorhomes built on a Freightliner Custom Chassis. The wiper software can turn off the headlights, park the wiper arms in the driver's view, or let the wiper motor stall under load.
What should I do if my 2017 Newmar Ventana Vl, Ventana, or Dutch Star is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific motorhome is included in recall 16V481. If it is, contact Newmar customer service at 1-800-731-8300 or a franchised Freightliner dealer to schedule the wiper software update. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the defect repair at no cost, and Newmar's remedy says Freightliner dealers will update the wiper software free of charge. The recall repair became available after the recall began on July 28, 2016.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is reduced driver visibility. If the headlights turn off or the wiper system fails to operate correctly, the driver has less visibility, increasing crash risk. The free repair updates the wiper software so the system operates correctly.
What if I bought this Newmar motorhome used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recalls follow the vehicle, not the first owner, so a used 2017 Newmar Ventana Vl, Ventana, or Dutch Star still qualifies if its VIN is included. Reference recall 16V481 when you call for service.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/16V481000 |
|---|---|
| Newmar customer service | 1-800-731-8300 |
| NHTSA recall # | 16V481 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 16V481000 |
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 →