repaired · 2023 Q2
Equipment: recreational vehicle/trailer
Risk. Adhesive failure may cause the vent portion of the window to detach, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
2018 Newmar Dutch StarProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 17 owner complaints about the 2018 Newmar Dutch Star, most often about the engine. It is covered by 15 safety recalls, and for recall 21V-506 the manufacturer reports only 1% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through November 3, 2026. Updated daily.
Complaints by system
Where the 2018 Newmar Dutch Star has problems
17 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
9Engine
4Structure
2Visibility/wiper
1Fuel/propulsion system
1Tires
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 9 | 0 |
| Structure | 4 | 0 |
| Visibility/wiper | 2 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 1 | 0 |
| Tires | 1 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
15 recalls
2018 Newmar Dutch Star recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2023 Q2
Fuel injection system: fuel rail
Risk. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
repaired · 2023 Q2
Fuel injection system: fuel rail
Risk. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
repaired · 2023 Q1
Brake lights: switch
Risk. If the brake lights do not illuminate, other motorists will be unaware of the driver's intention, increasing the risk of a crash.
Show 11 more recalls
repaired · 2022 Q2
Electrical system
Risk. Non-functioning exterior marker lights can increase the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2020 Q4
Electrical system
Risk. Nonfunctioning lights can increase the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2020 Q3
Equipment: electrical
Risk. An overheated power supply can increase the risk of a fire.
repaired · 2019 Q2
Equipment: recreational vehicle/trailer
Risk. If the door opens during transit, it can increase the risk of injury or a crash.
repaired · 2020 Q2
Electrical system
Risk. If the slide-out room moves unexpectedly, it can increase the risk of injury.
repaired · 2020 Q1
Wiring: fuses and circuit breakers
Risk. Overheating of the electrical connections can increase the risk of a fire.
repaired · 2019 Q4
Exterior lighting: headlights
Risk. If the driver has reduced visibility, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
repaired · 2019 Q4
Electrical system: wiring
Risk. The build up of heat in the wiring from the loose power connection can increase the risk of a fire.
repaired · 2019 Q4
Equipment
Risk. In the event of a fire, if the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury.
repaired · 2019 Q2
Equipment: recreational vehicle/trailer
Risk. If the vehicle is being driven and the button on the remote is pushed, the night shades may lower, blocking the driver's view, possibly increasing the risk of…
repaired · 2018 Q4
Front: control arm
Risk. A separated ball joint can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Newmar.
Best & worst years
2018 vs. every other Dutch Star year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Dutch Star median. How we score
'94'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
In owners' words
What Dutch Star owners report
Recent engine complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
In July 2025 while in the Dallas Ft. Worth area I experienced a DEF head failure when starting my motorhome. Fortunately I was departing an RV park, not driving on the highway. I contacted Freightliner 24/7 who confirmed based on codes that I needed a DEF head. The original DEF head OEM numbers…
When preparing to leave, my coach received a check engine light, and 3 error codes from the Cumins ECU. SPN 3364, 1761 and 3031. All FMI code 9. My engine is Likely now debated to 5% power and I was just able to return it to the driveway at the house. Thankfully I hadn’t gotten onto the busy…
Since purchasing this RV new, I have had the DEF Head fail twice. 1st time was Sep 2019 with a mileage of 14066 and the 2nd time was April 2021 with a mileage of 16018. Both times DEF Header Assemblies were replaced. When these fail the motor can de-rate at any time. Very dangerous when traveling…
Own a 2018 Dutch Star?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.