NHTSA Recall 08V015000: Gear box (other than rack and pinion) (steering)
NEWMAR CORPORATION reported this safety recall to NHTSA on , covering an estimated 126 vehicles. It affects 3 models including the Newmar Dutch Star.
| NHTSA campaign | 08V015000 |
|---|---|
| Component | STEERING › GEAR BOX (OTHER THAN RACK AND PINION) |
| Report received | January 11, 2008 |
| Initiated by | NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation |
Defect
Certain motor home chassis built on freightliner vcl or xc chassis and equipped with zf model 8018 steering gears, these gears may have been assembled with the incorrect recirculating ball spacer. This could potentially allow the recirculating balls to escape from the recirculating ball circuit resulting in a loss of steering.
Safety risk
The operator may notice higher required steering wheel inputs, or the need for more steering wheel adjustments while driving in a straight line in combination with metallic cracking noises prior to a loss of steering. Loss of steering could result in a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Freightliner is conducting this recall (please see 07v-343) and will replace the steering gear free of charge. Owners may contact freightliner at 1-800-547-0712 or newmar at 574-773-7791.
Notes
Customers may also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (tty 1-800-424-9153), or go to http://www.safercar.gov.
Vehicles covered by recall 08V015000
| Make and model | Model years |
|---|---|
| Newmar Dutch Star | 2004, 2005 |
| Newmar Essex | 2004, 2005 |
| Newmar Mountain Aire | 2004, 2005 |
Being listed here means the campaign covers the model year, not that every car was built with the defect or is still unrepaired. Enter your VIN above to check your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are free at authorised dealers. Source: NHTSA, October 2026.