Recall 18V198 affects 2,139 2011-2017 Newmar Dutch Star, Mountain Aire, and Ventana vehicles for steering-hose routing. Repair is free at any franchised Newmar dealer.
Newmar is recalling 2,139 2011-2017 Dutch Star, Mountain Aire, and Ventana motorhomes because a misrouted power steering hose can rub against the starter motor power stud. Contact can cause a power steering fluid leak, extra steering effort, or electrical arcing that raises fire risk; Newmar dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The power steering hose on the 2011-2017 Newmar Dutch Star, Mountain Aire, and Ventana carries hydraulic fluid that helps the steering system turn with less effort. These motorhomes use a Freightliner XBR chassis with a Cummins ISL engine, so the hose has to pass near other engine-bay components while keeping clear of electrical connections.
On affected motorhomes, the rubber-coated braided hose was routed with too little clearance from the power stud on the starter motor. Road movement and engine vibration can let the hose rub against that stud. That contact can wear the hose, create an electrical arc, and let power steering fluid leak near the electrical source.
A fluid leak can make the steering harder to turn, especially at low speed. Fluid near an electrical arc also raises the fire risk described in recall 18V198. There is no warning sign before failure.
Who's affected?
Spans Dutch Star, Mountain Aire, and Ventana motorhomes across 7 model years, all tied to the same power steering system.
| 2014 Newmar Dutch Star | power steering system |
|---|---|
| 2016 Newmar Dutch Star | power steering system |
| 2013 Newmar Mountain Aire | power steering system |
| 2014 Newmar Ventana | power steering system |
| 2014 Newmar Mountain Aire | power steering system |
| 2017 Newmar Ventana | power steering system |
| 2015 Newmar Ventana | power steering system |
| 2017 Newmar Dutch Star | power steering system |
| 2015 Newmar Dutch Star | power steering system |
| 2013 Newmar Dutch Star | power steering system |
| 2016 Newmar Ventana | power steering system |
| 2011 Newmar Mountain Aire | power steering system |
| 2012 Newmar Mountain Aire | power steering system |
| 2012 Newmar Dutch Star | power steering system |
| 2011 Newmar Dutch Star | power steering system |
| Units affected | 2,139 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
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?
Power steering hose contact with the power stud can leak fluid, forcing extra steering effort and increasing crash risk. The same contact can create an electrical arc and raise fire risk. If steering effort increases, pull over safely and call the dealer before continuing. Repair is free at any franchised Newmar dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2011-2017 Newmar Dutch Star, Mountain Aire, or Ventana is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Newmar dealer to schedule the free power-steering-hose reroute that keeps the hose clear of the starter power stud.
- Bring the recall notice if Newmar mailed one. If not, reference recall number 18V198 when you call.
- Call Newmar customer service at 1-800-731-8300 with questions, and reference Newmar recall FL-762.
- Watch for harder steering or signs of a fluid leak until the repair is complete, and keep the coach away from heat or sparks if fluid is leaking.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Newmar technician reroutes the power steering hose so it has proper clearance from the starter motor power stud. The recall repair is free, and parts and labor are covered. Newmar has a general reimbursement plan on file for owners who already paid for a related repair before the recall notice. Bring repair invoices, receipts, and any service notes to the service desk so Newmar can review the documented expense under that plan.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| March 27, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| May 24, 2018 | Owner notification mailed |
| May 25, 2018 | Dealer notification began |
| May 25, 2018 | Dealer notification ended |
| May 25, 2018 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| May 25, 2018 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V198?
Recall 18V198 covers 2,139 2011-2017 Newmar Dutch Star, Mountain Aire, and Ventana motorhomes built on Freightliner XBR chassis with Cummins ISL engines. The power steering hose can rub the starter motor power stud, causing a fluid leak or electrical arcing. Freightliner dealers reroute the hose for free.
What should I do if my 2011-2017 Newmar Dutch Star, Mountain Aire, or Ventana is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific motorhome is included in recall 18V198. If it is, contact a franchised Newmar service contact or Freightliner dealer to schedule the power steering hose rerouting. Reference recall number 18V198 and Newmar recall FL-762 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to correct the safety defect at no cost. For recall 18V198, Freightliner dealers reroute the affected power steering hose free of charge, with parts and labor covered for included vehicles.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is harder steering or fire if the hose rubs the starter motor power stud. A power steering fluid leak can require more steering effort and increase crash risk. Electrical arcing at the starter motor can increase fire risk.
What if I bought this Newmar motorhome used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the VIN, not the original owner. Check your VIN to see whether your Dutch Star, Mountain Aire, or Ventana is included, then call a Newmar service contact or Freightliner dealer with recall number 18V198.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V198000 |
|---|---|
| Newmar customer service | 1-800-731-8300 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V198 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V198000 |
Source documents
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 25, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →