AI Damage2004 Newmar Kountry Star: common problems
Owners of the 2004 Newmar Kountry Star filed 6 complaints with NHTSA, most often about steering and suspension. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 6
What fails most often
- 1 Steering 50% of all complaints
- 2 Suspension 50% of all complaints
- 3 Equipment 33% of all complaints
- 4 Engine and cooling 17% of all complaints
- 5 Seats 17% of all complaints
- Steering: 3 complaints (50% of all).
- Suspension: 3 complaints (50% of all).
- Equipment: 2 complaints (33% of all).
- Engine and cooling: 1 complaints (17% of all).
- Seats: 1 complaints (17% of all).
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steering | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Equipment | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine and cooling | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Seats | 1 | 0 | 0 |
What owners report
Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.
Ball joints on the spartan chassis supplied by tuthill are defective. These companies are aware of this. I have approximately 30k miles on my 2004 kountry star diesel motor home and all upper and lower ball joints(rubber cups) are defective and splitting.
While driving approximately 60 mph on normal road conditions, smoke appeared from the rear of the vehicle. The contact pulled over to inspect the vehicle and noticed smoke and flames in the engine compartment. The fire engulfed the entire vehicle. The failure occurred without warning.
My 2004 kountry star has a dometic ref recall according to model and serial #. Newmar said my 04 was not affected. The newmar recall nhsta id 07v075000 is only for 1997-2003. I have not received a recall notice because my model is a 2004.
2004 newmar kountry star is not listed under the nhsta recall #03v-488. I have tried to obtain the recall records from newmar, and the dealer since the mh was already at a dealership when notification were supposed to be sent out.
My previous complaint to odi # 10126325, I did not know that a nhtsa safety recall # 03v-488 had been issued for my motorhome. I contacted newmar in may, 2005 that I was concerned about the safety of my motorhome as explained in previous complaint.
Recreational vehicle's rear seats are not properly attached to the chassis. Consumer is concerned that in an event of a collision or roll over the seats would not stay in position.
When owners complained
NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.
Comparison
By complaint count this model year ranks 13,278 of 36,656 model years in the NHTSA data (top 36% most complained about).
On average one model year of the Kountry Star has 3 complaints (16 years in the data). This year has 6, above average.
What to check before buying
- Steering. Steering play, power assist, rack and tie rods after a wheel impact.
- Suspension. Wheel alignment, control arms, subframe, even tire wear.
- Engine and cooling. Radiator and fan after a frontal hit, coolant level and condition, overheating.
- Seats. Occupant sensor, power adjustment, seat mounts.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 2004 Newmar Kountry Star?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: steering, suspension, equipment. Total complaints: 6. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: smoke, burning smell, fire (17%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 2004 Newmar Kountry Star?
NHTSA lists 0 manufacturer service bulletins for this year. A bulletin tells dealers how to diagnose or fix a known issue; it is not a recall.
Should I buy a 2004 Newmar Kountry Star from a US auction?
Owner complaints describe defects, not crash damage. Before bidding, check the components listed above and review the lot photos: VinWind builds a report of visible and hidden damage by VIN.
Other 2004 models
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-05.