Newmar Corporation (Newmar) recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Essex, and 2015 Mountain Aire and London Aire motorhomes manufactured from May 20, 2013, through April 09, 2015. These vehicles are built on Freightliner rear engine chassis that have 18,000lb or 20,000lb-capacity front axles. In these motorhomes, the power steering fluid temperature may exceed the power steering hose material rating, subsequently causing the hoses to fail, resulting in a sudden loss of power steering.
Loss of power steering assist would result in increased difficulty to steer the vehicle in either direction at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.
Newmar will notify owners, and Freightliner dealers will replace the power steering hose with a higher temperature rated one, free of charge. The recall began on June 15, 2016. Owners may contact Freightliner customer service at 1-800-547-0712 or Newmar customer service at 1-800-731-8300. Newmar's number for this recall is 16V-121.
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.