Newmar-All Star RV Exposed: Slide Leaks, Electrical Fire Risks, Parts Scarcity — What Owners Report

Introduction and model background

AI-powered research tools have systematically collected and analyzed public information to produce this report. The Newmar All Star is a distinctive, now-discontinued motorhome line produced by Newmar in the mid-to-late 2000s. Known for innovative floorplans (including garage and bunk configurations) and a mid-engine diesel layout on select models, the All Star carved out a reputation as a creative, family- and toy-hauler–friendly coach built on commercial-duty chassis with full-body paint and upscale amenities. Enthusiasts praise Newmar’s craftsmanship and the All Star’s versatility. However, a detailed look at public owner reports, forum threads, recall notices, and review sites reveals recurring defects, aging-vehicle liabilities, parts scarcity, and service challenges that today’s buyers—especially those considering used units—should weigh carefully.

Below, this investigative report synthesizes the most frequently reported issues, patterns of complaints, and documented risks tied to the Newmar All Star, with links to primary sources so shoppers can verify evidence directly and make informed decisions.

Unfiltered owner communities and research links

Before diving into specific issues, consult multiple independent owner communities to collect unfiltered feedback. Start here:

• Facebook owner groups: Join several Newmar All Star–focused communities and search historical posts for “leaks,” “slides,” “transfer switch,” and “recall.” Use this Google search: Find Facebook groups for Newmar All Star
• YouTube owner reports: Video walk-throughs and repair diaries often reveal more than sales listings. Try: YouTube search: Newmar All Star Problems
• General web search: Scan for patterns across reviews and blogs: Google search: Newmar All Star Problems
• Better Business Bureau: Read complaints tied to Newmar/All Star and dealer responses: BBB search: Newmar All Star
• Reddit owner threads: Useful for candid repair tales and cost breakdowns:
  • r/rvs: Newmar All Star Problems
  • r/RVLiving: Newmar All Star Problems
  • r/GoRVing: Newmar All Star Problems
• Owner review sites and forums:
  • RVInsider search: Newmar All Star Problems
  • Good Sam Community search: Newmar All Star Problems
  • RVForums.com (search for Newmar All Star)
  • RVForum.net (search for Newmar All Star)
  • RVUSA Forum (search for Newmar All Star Problems)
• PissedConsumer: Use the site’s search bar to look up Newmar/All Star complaints: PissedConsumer browse page (search “Newmar All Star”)

Consumer advocate creators are also exposing systemic RV quality issues. See Liz Amazing’s channel—then search her videos for this model name to find relevant content: Liz Amazing on YouTube — search for Newmar All Star. If you’ve owned this coach, would you add your story for other shoppers?

Before you buy: a third‑party inspection is your leverage

Independent inspection is the single most powerful thing you can do. A paid, third‑party RV inspection gives you leverage to demand repairs or renegotiate price before you sign. After the dealer has your money, many owners report being “pushed to the back of the line,” with rigs tied up for weeks or months awaiting parts or approval—leading to cancelled trips and unexpected hotel bills. Find a certified professional by searching: RV Inspectors near me. Have them pressure test for leaks, thermal-scan electrical, scope the roof, verify slide floors, inspect suspension/air systems, check transfer switch and inverter, and confirm recall compliance. If the seller objects, treat it as a red flag.

What the Newmar All Star is (and how that affects risks)

The All Star line blended family layouts, toy-hauler utility (on select floorplans), and, in some variants, a mid-engine diesel configuration on a commercial-grade chassis. That unique engineering delivers space and payload advantages, but it also creates special serviceability and parts-sourcing realities today:

• Mid-engine packaging: Can complicate routine service (e.g., cooling system access), sometimes increasing labor hours compared with rear-engine diesel pushers.
• Discontinued model: Body-specific parts (e.g., garage door seals, custom compartments) may be harder to source; owners frequently resort to custom fabrication.
• Age-driven maintenance: Most All Stars on the market are 15–18+ years old. Age compounds risks: seal shrinkage, slide floor rot, dual-pane window fogging, paint/clearcoat failure, obsolete electronics, and tired suspension components.

Cross-check real-world experiences here: Google search: Newmar All Star Issues and owner videos here: YouTube search: Newmar All Star Problems. For broader industry context, many shoppers appreciate how Liz Amazing scrutinizes RV quality — search her channel for Newmar All Star. If you’re an owner, can you confirm or refute the issues below?

Patterns of problems and risk areas

Chassis, drivetrain, and cooling system serviceability

Owners of mid-engine diesel All Stars report that certain maintenance and repairs (radiators, CAC hoses, accessory drives) can be more labor-intensive due to packaging and access. Even routine cooling-system service may require more disassembly than on common rear-engine layouts, driving up shop time and cost. Heat soak around the mid-engine bay can accelerate hose and loom aging if not managed, and clogged side radiators (if present) or underfloor airflow restrictions can exacerbate overheating under load.

• Verify temperatures and airflow: Inspect radiator cleanliness, shroud integrity, and CAC/turbo plumbing; road test on grades.
• Budget for labor: Ask a diesel shop familiar with this chassis how many hours typical jobs take versus a rear-engine diesel pusher.
• Research owner reports: Reddit r/rvs: Newmar All Star Problems and Good Sam: Newmar All Star Engine Overheating.

Slide-outs: leaks, floor rot, mechanism wear

Water intrusion around slide-outs is one of the most expensive failure modes in older coaches. Reports across owner forums describe perimeter seal shrinkage, weep channel clogging, and slide floor rot—particularly where water wicks into the substrate from a compromised edge or under the bulb seals. Mechanisms (rack-and-pinion or hydraulic) can drift out of square after years of use, stressing seals and causing uneven compression. Repairs range from seal replacements to complete slide floor rebuilds, which can require partially disassembling cabinetry.

• Evidence trail: See threads via Google: Newmar All Star Slide Problems and owner reviews via RVInsider: Newmar All Star Slide Problems.
• Inspection musts: Water test all slides (spray and interior look), probe floor edges with a moisture meter, run full extend/retract cycles, and check for squareness.
• Cost reality: Slide floor rebuilds can run into the thousands; insist on repair concessions before purchase if any softness is found.

Roof, cap, and sidewall water intrusion

Longstanding owner complaints across older fiberglass motorhomes include seam failures at cap-to-roof joints, aged sealant around roof penetrations, and window frame leaks. With the All Star’s age, even well-maintained units can develop hidden moisture—leading to delamination, mold risk, and soft decking. On garage-door–equipped floorplans, bottom seals and hinge points are critical to scrutinize; water tracking under the threshold can silently rot framing.

• Research and corroboration: Google: Newmar All Star Water Leaks and Good Sam: Newmar All Star Water Damage.
• Action items: Demand a pressure (blower door) test or at minimum a thorough water test by a third party: Find local RV inspectors.

Fiberglass sidewall “checking” and paint/clearcoat failure

Many mid-2000s coaches—across brands—suffered from fiberglass microcracking (“checking” or “crazing”) and clearcoat deterioration. All Star owners have posted about paint checking on sun-exposed sides and ghosting around decals. Repairs may involve expensive repainting or panel replacement. While cosmetic, such damage hurts resale and can expose the substrate if left unresolved.

• Owner narratives: Google: Newmar All Star Paint Checking and discussion boards: RVForums.com (search Newmar All Star checking).
• What to look for: Fine spider-webbing in gelcoat, clearcoat peeling, decal outline ghosting; use strong side-lighting during inspection.

Electrical hazards: transfer switches, inverters, and refrigerator recalls

Older motorhomes commonly used automatic transfer switches (ATS) that have documented overheating risks (e.g., certain IOTA units). Some All Star owners report ATS replacement after heat damage or arcing. Inverter/charger failures (Magnum/Xantrex, depending on build) also appear in owner accounts, leading to shore/gen power anomalies and battery abuse. Perhaps most critical: many coaches of this era used Norcold 1200-series refrigerators implicated in fire-related recalls; owners report repeated recall kits and eventual full replacement with residential fridges to mitigate risk.

• Recall checks: Search official data: NHTSA recalls: Newmar All Star.
• Community evidence: YouTube: Newmar All Star Electrical Problems, and Good Sam: Newmar All Star Transfer Switch.
• Inspection checklist: Open and photo-document the ATS model, inspect for heat discoloration; verify refrigerator model/serial against recall lists; load-test house batteries and confirm proper charging profiles.

Leveling jacks, hydraulics, and air suspension leaks

It’s common to find HWH/Power Gear hydraulic leaks at hoses, fittings, or jack cylinders in older coaches. Owners describe slow retraction, “jack down” alarms, or fluid seep at the pump manifold. Air suspension leaks (bags, fittings, valves) can cause overnight coach leaning or compressor cycling. While often repairable, locating leaks and rebuilding cylinders adds labor and downtime, and parts for legacy systems can be backordered.

• Evidence: Google: Newmar All Star Leveling Jack Problems and Reddit r/RVLiving: Leveling Problems.
• What to do: Cycle jacks repeatedly during inspection; look for oily residue; listen for air leaks; soap-test fittings.

Dual-pane window fogging and seal failure

Thermal-pane windows from this era frequently lose their hermetic seal, creating fogged or milky glass that impairs visibility, especially in driver/co-pilot areas. Replacement or rebuild costs mount quickly, and lead times can strand the coach awaiting glazing.

• Owner posts: Good Sam: Newmar All Star Window Fog and RVInsider: Window Problems.
• Inspection tip: View through all windows into shaded areas; look for moisture between panes and “rainbow” distortion.

Toy‑hauler/garage hardware and seals (floorplans so equipped)

On All Star layouts with a rear garage, owners have reported wear and misalignment on garage doors, latch hardware fatigue, water intrusion at seals, and floor scuffs/delamination from heavy cargo. Because these were niche components, sourcing exact replacement seals or panels can be challenging now that the model is discontinued.

• Research path: Google: Newmar All Star Garage Door Problems and forum archives at RVUSA Forum (search Newmar All Star garage).
• Inspection: Hose-test the door perimeter, check threshold for soft spots, and verify smooth latching and hinge integrity.

Customer service delays, dealer backlogs, and parts scarcity

Owners frequently complain about long waits for appointments, diagnostic delays, and weeks-long parts backorders—particularly for model-specific body pieces, trim, and older hydraulic or electrical components. With the All Star out of production, some parts may require salvage or custom fabrication, extending downtime and costs. BBB complaints and forum posts describe coaches sidelined during peak season with minimal dealer communication.

• Where to verify: BBB search: Newmar All Star, Reddit: Newmar All Star Service Delay, and Google: Parts Availability.
• Mitigation: Before buying, identify a shop that knows this chassis and can obtain parts quickly. Get their written lead-time estimates for common repairs.

Marketing promises vs. real-world livability

Owners sometimes contrast brochure claims (quiet operation, maintenance ease, “residential” comfort) with realities of noise, vibration, storage compromises, and heat when living with a mid-engine layout. Climate control loads can be heavy for large slide coaches in hot weather. In older rigs, insulation settling, duct leaks, and window fogging compound these issues. Buyers report spending extra on upgrades—window restoration, added insulation, residential fridge retrofits—to meet expectations.

• Owner critiques: RVInsider: Newmar All Star Complaints and Google: Air Conditioning Problems.
• Reality check: Plan for upgrades in your budget; verify generator output, inverter capacity, and duct performance on a hot day test.

Safety recalls and compliance follow‑through

Multiple safety recalls have affected mid‑2000s motorhomes: refrigerator fires, awning motor detachments, seat belt anchorage concerns, and chassis component issues (steering/brakes) depending on the underlying platform. It is critical to determine which recalls applied to the exact VIN and whether the remedy was properly completed. Owner complaints sometimes describe “recall kit installed” but no confirmation of functionality improvement, or dealerships reluctant to perform legacy campaigns due to reimbursement complexity.

• Primary source: Run the VIN at: NHTSA recall search: Newmar All Star.
• Community context: Browse reports: YouTube: Newmar All Star Recall and Google: Safety Recall.

Are we missing a recall experience you’ve lived through? Add your recall story to help future buyers.

How these defects affect safety and your wallet

Defects cited above are not merely inconveniences—they can carry real safety and financial risks:

• Fire risk: Faulty ATS units and certain absorption refrigerators have documented overheating or fire potential if not addressed. Confirm model numbers and remedy status.
• Roadworthiness: Slide structural damage can compromise wall integrity; suspension air leaks and brake system maintenance neglect reduce handling margins, especially in crosswinds and emergency maneuvers.
• Water damage and air quality: Chronic leaks can lead to hidden mold, with health impacts and dramatic devaluation at resale.
• Serviceability costs: Mid-engine access challenges and discontinued model parts can multiply labor hours and wait times, stranding the coach during prime travel windows.

For a balanced understanding, watch independent reviewers who test and expose issues across brands. Many shoppers cite Liz Amazing’s candid RV quality coverage — search for Newmar All Star as a helpful starting point. And if you’ve paid for major All Star repairs, could you share the bill and what fixed it?

Legal and regulatory warning signs

Patterns of complaints and unresolved failures can implicate consumer protection frameworks:

• Magnuson‑Moss Warranty Act: If a seller or warranty provider (extended warranty/service contract) fails to honor written warranty terms, consumers may pursue remedies under federal law. Keep meticulous records of defects, repair attempts, and communications.
• State lemon laws and implied warranties: Some states include motorhomes in lemon statutes; others exclude them or limit coverage to the chassis. Separate “house” and “chassis” warranties during original ownership can complicate claims. Even for used sales “as is,” implied warranties may attach if a dealer made specific representations about condition.
• UDAP/Deceptive practices: State Unfair and Deceptive Acts and Practices laws protect against material misrepresentations and omissions. Claims like “fully inspected” or “ready to camp” are risky for sellers if significant undisclosed defects exist.
• NHTSA and safety defects: If you experience a safety-related failure (e.g., brake, steering, fire), file a complaint with NHTSA and check VIN recalls: NHTSA: Newmar All Star.
• FTC used vehicle advertising rules: Ads must be truthful and substantiated; “Certified” claims should be backed by a detailed inspection report. Demand the inspection and all repair orders before purchase.

If a seller resists pre-sale inspection or refuses to document recall status, consider walking away and report concerns to your state Attorney General or consumer protection office. For peer insight on legal outcomes, browse: Google: Newmar All Star Complaints and community discussions: Reddit r/GoRVing: Complaints.

Pre‑purchase test and inspection checklist (what to verify or renegotiate)

• Full water intrusion test: Pressure test or systematic hose test of roof, slide perimeters, windows, and garage door (if equipped). Moisture meter readings documented in a report.
• Slide function and structure: Square, smooth operation; floor edge integrity; no rot or delam. Obtain repair quotes if any play, binding, or softness is detected.
• Electrical safety: Identify ATS model; check for heat damage. Verify inverter/charger settings, transfer under load, and GFCI/AFCI performance.
• Refrigerator status: Verify make/model and recall completion; consider budgeting for residential conversion if it’s an older absorption unit.
• Chassis and cooling: Inspect hoses, clamps, radiator/CAC cleanliness; road test on a grade to watch temperatures; scan for codes; inspect belts and tensioners.
• Suspension and brakes: Air leaks, bag condition, ride height valves; brake pad/rotor state; any ABS or warning lights.
• Leveling jacks/hydraulics: Cycle multiple times; check for leaks and consistent retraction.
• Windows and seals: Fogging, failed seals, and water staining below frames. Price replacements into your offer.
• Body and paint: Look for fiberglass checking, clearcoat peel, and panel delam. Photograph in raking light.
• Recalls and documentation: Print NHTSA recall record and match to repair invoices; VIN check here: NHTSA: Newmar All Star.

Don’t skip a pro inspection: Locate RV inspectors near you. If any safety or structural items appear, either negotiate repairs in writing before money changes hands or walk away. If you’ve had an inspection uncover dealbreakers on an All Star, what were they?

Service, ownership costs, and downtime outlook

Given age and the All Star’s unique engineering, expect higher-than-average due diligence and maintenance spend versus a conventional gas Class A. Common owner-reported cost centers include:

• Cooling system refresh: Hoses, coolant, thermostats, de-bugging radiator/CAC.
• Electrical retrofits: ATS replacement, residential fridge conversion, inverter upgrade, battery bank renewal.
• Water damage remediation: Slide floor repair, re-sealing roof and windows, mold remediation if neglected.
• Suspension/jack rebuilds: Airbag and valve replacements, jack cylinder reseals, pump service.
• Cosmetic restoration: Paint correction or repaint where checking/clear coat failure is present; window rebuilds for fogging.

Owners regularly cite weeks-to-months wait times for parts and service appointments during peak season. Reviewers on forums and BBB filings document trips cancelled while the unit sits at a dealer. Crossread here: BBB search for Newmar All Star and discussion threads: Reddit: Newmar All Star Service.

Documented owner feedback and how to verify it

Because most All Star units are now long past original warranty, the most useful information is found in owners’ repair logs, video diaries, and forum threads:

• Owner video diaries: Search and filter by upload date for recent repairs: YouTube: Newmar All Star Problems.
• Aggregate reviews: Read across multiple review sites for consistency: RVInsider: Newmar All Star Problems.
• Community discussions: Good Sam: Newmar All Star Issues, Reddit r/RVLiving: Complaints.

Independent watchdog creators continue to highlight systemic quality shortfalls across the RV industry; many shoppers use them to calibrate expectations. See: Liz Amazing’s RV quality investigations — search for Newmar All Star.

Summary judgment and buyer guidance

Newmar’s All Star earned a loyal following for clever layouts and features uncommon in Class A coaches. Yet, today’s used-market reality is that these are aging, discontinued units with documented patterns of water intrusion, slide structure problems, electrical safety hazards tied to obsolete components, window fogging, paint checking, and service/parts bottlenecks that can sideline the coach for extended periods. Owners report meaningful outlays to retrofit electrical systems, rebuild slides, and remediate leaks—costs that often exceed initial expectations set by glossy listings.

Unless a specific Newmar All Star has been comprehensively reconditioned—with receipts—by a knowledgeable owner or shop and independently verified by a third‑party inspection, we do not recommend this model to risk‑averse buyers. Consider newer coaches with documented factory corrections and readily available parts, or alternative brands/models with stronger records for water ingress control and electrical safety. If you do proceed, treat a top-to-bottom professional inspection as non‑negotiable and price the unit accordingly.

Have you owned or shopped the Newmar All Star recently? Post your candid experience to help others.

Owner reports and comments

What did we miss? Are you an owner with repair invoices, recall letters, or inspection findings? Please share below so other shoppers can verify and learn from your experience.