Recall 20V591 covers 79 2020-2021 Dynamax Isata vehicles for engine warmup software that can damage the engine block. Free reprogramming at any franchised Dynamax dealer.
Dynamax is recalling 79 2020-2021 Isata vehicles because inadequate engine warmup protection can leave connecting rod bearings without enough oil film, damaging the engine and causing connecting rod failure. A damaged engine block can leak oil onto hot engine or exhaust parts and raise the risk of fire; Dynamax dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The engine in a 2020-2021 Dynamax Isata depends on pressurized oil to keep moving parts separated while it warms up. One of those parts is the connecting rod bearing, a bearing surface between the connecting rod and the crankshaft. Its normal job is to let the rod move smoothly without metal grinding against metal.
On affected Isata vehicles, the warmup protection is inadequate while the engine is reaching operating temperature. That can leave too little oil film on the connecting rod bearings. Without that film, the bearing surface can be damaged, and the connecting rod can fail. A failed connecting rod can puncture the engine block, which increases fire risk.
There is no warning sign before failure. Do not rely on a dashboard light, noise, or smell to tell you the bearing has already been damaged.
Who's affected?
This recall names separate oil/lubrication and electrical system software components across both model years.
| 2021 Dynamax Isata | Oil/lubrication |
|---|---|
| 2021 Dynamax Isata | electrical system software |
| 2020 Dynamax Isata | Oil/lubrication |
| 2020 Dynamax Isata | electrical system software |
| Units affected | 79 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
The year and model narrow the list, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific motorhome is included.
What's the safety risk?
A damaged engine block can leak oil onto hot engine or exhaust parts, increasing fire risk. If your VIN is included, schedule the recall repair soon and avoid driving with an active oil leak near the engine. Repair is free at any franchised Dynamax dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2020-2021 Dynamax Isata is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Dynamax dealer to schedule the free engine-calibration software update that improves warmup protection for the connecting rod bearings.
- Bring the recall notice if Dynamax mailed one. If not, reference recall number 20V591 when you call.
- Ask the dealer to confirm the FCA W57 calibration is complete before you leave.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete, especially while the engine is warming up.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Dynamax technician reprograms the engine calibration software so the engine has stronger warm up protection before it reaches operating temperature. The recall repair is free, including the software update and labor. Forest River lists a general reimbursement plan for this campaign. If you already paid for the same engine calibration repair before the recall work was available, bring your repair paperwork and payment records to the service desk so the dealer can route the claim under that plan.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| September 25, 2020 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| October 13, 2020 | Owner notification mailed |
| November 6, 2020 | Dealer notification began |
| November 6, 2020 | Dealer notification ended |
| November 6, 2020 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 20V591?
Recall 20V591 covers 79 2020-2021 Dynamax Isata vehicles with inadequate engine warmup protection. The defect can damage connecting rod bearings and lead to connecting rod failure. A damaged engine block can leak oil onto hot engine or exhaust parts, increasing fire risk.
What should I do if my 2020-2021 Dynamax Isata is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 20V591. If it is, contact a franchised FCA dealer to schedule the engine calibration software reprogramming. Reference recall number 20V591000, Forest River number 51-1234, or FCA number W57 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. For this recall, FCA dealers will reprogram the engine calibration software to improve engine warmup protection free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The risk is fire from leaking engine oil. Inadequate warmup protection can damage the engine connecting rod bearings while the engine reaches operating temperature. If that damage leads to connecting rod failure and a punctured engine block, oil can contact hot engine or exhaust components.
What if I bought my Dynamax Isata used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your Isata is included, then call a franchised FCA dealer with recall number 20V591000 to schedule the software reprogramming.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/20V591000 |
|---|---|
| Dynamax customer service | 1-800-853-1403 |
| NHTSA recall # | 20V591 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 20V591000 |
Source documents
-
Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF) - Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 23, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →