Recall 21V082 affects 1,370 2017-2021 Newmar Dutch Star and Kountry Star motorhomes for brake-light-switch chafing. Repair is free at any franchised Newmar dealer.
Newmar is recalling 1,370 2017-2021 Dutch Star and Kountry Star motorhomes because the brake light switch can rub against the windshield wiper mechanism and damage the switch or wiring. If the brake lights stop working, other drivers do not see the driver's intent, increasing the risk of a crash; Newmar dealers will complete the free repair.
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What's wrong?
The brake light switch on 2017-2021 Newmar Dutch Star and Kountry Star motorhomes tells the rear brake lights when the driver is braking. When the pedal is pressed, the switch and its wiring complete the signal that turns those lights on, so traffic behind the motorhome sees that it is slowing or stopping.
On affected motorhomes, the brake light switch sits close enough to the windshield wiper mechanism that the two parts can rub. That contact can chafe the switch or its wiring. Once the switch or wiring is damaged, the brake lights do not illuminate when the driver applies the brakes.
The warning sign is direct: the brake lights will not illuminate. An owner, service technician, or person standing behind the motorhome can confirm the problem by checking whether the brake lights come on when the brake pedal is pressed.
Who's affected?
Covers Dutch Star model years 2017 through 2021 and the 2021 Kountry Star, all tied to the brake-light switch.
| 2018 Newmar Dutch Star | Switch |
|---|---|
| 2017 Newmar Dutch Star | Switch |
| 2019 Newmar Dutch Star | Switch |
| 2020 Newmar Dutch Star | Switch |
| 2021 Newmar Dutch Star | Switch |
| 2021 Newmar Kountry Star | Switch |
| Units affected | 1,370 |
| 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 this recall applies to your specific motorhome.
What's the safety risk?
A failed brake light switch leaves the brake lights dark when you slow or stop. Drivers behind you do not get a clear signal, which increases the risk of a crash. Check the lights before driving and schedule the inspection soon. Repair is free at any franchised Newmar dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2017-2021 Newmar Dutch Star or 2021 Newmar Kountry Star motorhome is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Newmar dealer to schedule the free brake-light-switch inspection and replacement that fixes chafing from the windshield wiper mechanism.
- Bring the recall notice if Newmar mailed one. Reference recall number 21V082 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete. Leave extra following distance because failed brake lights keep drivers behind you from seeing when you brake.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Newmar technician inspects the brake light switch and its wiring where it sits near the windshield wiper mechanism. If the switch or wiring shows damage from chafing, the technician replaces the brake light switch as needed so the brake lights illuminate correctly. The recall repair is free, and parts and labor are covered by Newmar during the visit.
Timeline
| February 17, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| April 12, 2021 | Owner notification mailed |
| April 18, 2021 | Dealer notification began |
| April 18, 2021 | Dealer notification ended |
| April 18, 2021 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V082?
Recall 21V082 covers 1,370 2017-2021 Newmar Dutch Star and 2021 Newmar Kountry Star motorhomes. The brake light switch can chafe against the windshield wiper mechanism, damage the switch or wiring, and stop the brake lights from illuminating. Newmar dealers will inspect and replace the switch as needed for free.
What should I do if my 2017-2021 Newmar Dutch Star or 2021 Newmar Kountry Star is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific motorhome is included in recall 21V082. If it is, contact a franchised Newmar dealer to schedule the brake light switch inspection. Reference recall number 21V082 when you call. The dealer repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. Newmar dealers will inspect the brake light switch and replace it as necessary free of charge, with parts and labor covered under recall 21V082.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is that the brake lights fail to illuminate when the driver brakes. Drivers behind the motorhome will not see the braking signal, which increases the risk of a crash. If your VIN is included, schedule the free dealer inspection and repair.
What if I bought my Newmar motorhome used?
The free recall repair still applies. Federal recall law follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific Dutch Star or Kountry Star is included, then call a franchised Newmar dealer or Newmar customer service at 1-800-731-8300.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V082000 |
|---|---|
| Newmar customer service | 1-800-731-8300 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V082 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V082000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (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 24, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →