Recall 21V542 affects 11 2021-2022 Newmar Kountry Star and Ventana motorhomes for loose tie rod clamps. Repair is free at any franchised Newmar dealer.
Newmar is recalling 11 2021-2022 Kountry Star and Ventana motorhomes under recall 21V542 because loose tie rod clamps can let tie rod ends break or detach. If that happens, the driver can lose steering, increasing crash risk, and Newmar dealers will inspect and tighten the clamps free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The tie rod assembly on 2021-2022 Newmar Kountry Star and Ventana motorhomes is part of the steering linkage. It connects the steering system to the front wheels, so the wheels turn when the driver turns the steering wheel. The tie rod clamp nut holds the threaded tie rod end tight inside the tie rod tube.
On affected motorhomes, the supplied lock nuts were over-crimped, meaning they were squeezed too tightly before installation. That can make the bolt and nut threads bind and scrape, a problem called thread galling. The installer can reach the required assembly torque while the clamp is still loose. If the clamp stays loose, vibration can let the tie rod end loosen, pull out, or break the tube, reducing steering response and increasing crash risk.
There is no warning sign before failure. Do not wait for a steering symptom to decide whether the recall applies; the VIN decides whether this motorhome is included.
Who's affected?
Spans Kountry Star and Ventana motorhomes across the 2021 and 2022 model years, both tied to the same tie rod clamp nut.
| 2021 Newmar Kountry Star | tie rod (steering linkage) |
|---|---|
| 2021 Newmar Ventana | tie rod (steering linkage) |
| 2022 Newmar Kountry Star | tie rod (steering linkage) |
| Units affected | 11 |
| 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?
Detached or broken tie rod ends can cause steering loss and increase crash risk. Because the defect affects steering control, avoid unnecessary driving until the recall repair is completed and call the dealer for scheduling. Repair is free at any franchised Newmar dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2021-2022 Newmar Kountry Star or Ventana motorhome is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Newmar dealer to schedule the free tie rod clamp bolt and nut replacement that secures the tie rod ends.
- Bring the recall notice if Newmar mailed one. If not, reference recall number 21V542 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete, and avoid unnecessary trips in the motorhome.
- Call Newmar customer service at 1-800-731-8300 with questions about recall number 21V542.
What happens at the repair
At an authorized service facility, a Newmar technician replaces the tie rod clamp bolts and nuts covered by recall 21V542. The replacement parts and labor are free under the recall. If you paid for this repair before receiving the owner letter, Newmar provides a reimbursement path for the repair cost. Keep your repair paperwork and contact Newmar's Service Department for claim instructions.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| July 20, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| September 17, 2021 | Dealer notification began |
| September 17, 2021 | Dealer notification ended |
| September 17, 2021 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| February 9, 2022 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V542?
Recall 21V542 covers 11 2021-2022 Newmar Kountry Star and Ventana motorhomes with loose tie rod clamps. Loose clamps can let tie rod ends loosen, break, or detach, causing steering loss and increasing crash risk. Newmar dealers will replace the tie rod clamp bolts and nuts for free.
What should I do if my 2021-2022 Newmar Kountry Star or Ventana is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific motorhome is included in recall 21V542. If it is, contact a franchised Newmar dealer to schedule replacement of the tie rod clamp bolts and nuts. Reference Newmar recall FL-888 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost. Newmar dealers will replace the tie rod clamp bolts and nuts free of charge for affected 2021-2022 Kountry Star and 2021 Ventana motorhomes.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is steering loss. If the tie rod ends break or detach, the driver can lose steering control, increasing crash risk. Confirm whether your VIN is included, then arrange the free dealer repair before continuing regular use.
When did Newmar mail owner notices for this recall?
Newmar mailed owner notification letters on February 9, 2022. If you bought the motorhome used or never received a letter, the VIN still decides whether the recall applies. Newmar customer service is available at 1-800-731-8300.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V542000 |
|---|---|
| Newmar customer service | 1-800-731-8300 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V542 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V542000 |
Source documents
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 20, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →