Recall 16V721 affects 7 2015 Newmar Dutch Star motorhomes for a brake signal defect. Repair will be free at any franchised Newmar dealer once available.
Newmar is recalling 7 2015 Dutch Star motorhomes because the brake activation signal sent to certain towed devices can stay active after the motorhome service brakes are released. This can make the towed brakes drag and overheat, which increases fire and crash risk; the dealer repair will be free once Newmar makes it available.
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What's wrong?
The brake activation signal on a 2015 Newmar Dutch Star tells a connected towed device when the motorhome service brakes are being applied. In normal operation, that signal turns on when you press the brake pedal and turns off when you release it. That lets the brakes on the towed device follow the motorhome instead of staying applied after the stop.
On affected Dutch Star motorhomes built on Freightliner XCM, XCR, or XCL chassis, the heavier adjustable straight foot pedal can leave that brake signal active after the motorhome brakes are released. If the towed device is wired to respond to that signal, its brakes can remain engaged while the motorhome is moving. Incorrectly operating brakes on the towed device can raise the risk of a crash.
There is no warning sign before failure. After it happens, the first clue can be that the towed device does not move or tow the way it normally does.
Who's affected?
| 2015 Newmar Dutch Star | brake system |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 7 |
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?
In recall 16V721, a brake activation signal that stays on after the motorhome brakes are released can keep the towed device brakes engaged. That brake drag creates a fire risk. It can also confuse following drivers and increase crash risk. Repair will be free at any franchised Newmar dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2015 Newmar Dutch Star is included in this recall.
- Wait for Newmar's repair instructions if your VIN is included; the dealer repair is free once the remedy opens.
- Contact Newmar customer service at 1-800-731-8300 with questions, and reference recall number 16V721 when you call.
- Schedule the pedal-assembly modification that fixes the brake signal staying active for a towed device after the motorhome service brakes are released.
- Bring the Newmar owner letter to the service visit if you received one.
What happens at the repair
Once the repair is available, a Newmar technician will modify the affected pedal assemblies so the brake activation signal to towed devices turns off when the motorhome service brakes are released. The final dealer repair will be free under the recall. Newmar has a general reimbursement plan on file for eligible out of pocket repairs paid before the recall work. If you already paid for a related pedal assembly or brake signal repair, keep your invoice and repair documentation for the reimbursement review.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| October 7, 2016 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| December 1, 2016 | Owner notification mailed |
| December 5, 2016 | Dealer notification began |
| December 5, 2016 | Dealer notification ended |
| December 5, 2016 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| December 5, 2016 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 16V721?
Recall 16V721 covers 7 2015 Newmar Dutch Star motorhomes built on certain Freightliner XCM, XCR, or XCL chassis. The brake activation signal for a towed device can stay active after the motorhome service brakes are released. Newmar said affected pedal assemblies will be modified for free.
What should I do if my 2015 Newmar Dutch Star is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific motorhome is included in recall 16V721. If it is, contact Newmar customer service at 1-800-731-8300 or your dealer to arrange the affected pedal assembly modification. Reference Newmar recall number 16V 654 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to correct the defect at no cost, and Newmar said the affected pedal assemblies will be modified free of charge. The recall began on December 1, 2016.
What is the safety risk?
The towed device brakes can stay engaged after the motorhome brakes are released. That can make the towed brakes drag and overheat, which can result in a fire. Drivers behind the motorhome can also be confused by its actions, increasing crash risk.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/16V721000 |
|---|---|
| Newmar customer service | 1-800-731-8300 |
| NHTSA recall # | 16V721 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 16V721000 |
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 →