Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2016 Forest River Salem
The 2016 Forest River Salem has several electrical and suspension issues indicated by recalls, particularly involving wiring defects and axle assembly. Buyers should ensure these issues have been addressed and thoroughly inspect the vehicle for any signs of related problems before purchase.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2016 Forest River Salem has 8 NHTSA recall campaigns and 9 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #25V682000 Missing Over Current Protection May Cause Fire NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #18V550000 Break-Away Safety Switch may be Improperly Wired NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #18V436000 Outside Shower Cover Covers Water Heater Exhaust NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #17V756000 Fire Extinguisher May Be Clogged or Inoperable NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #15V831000 Carbon Monoxide Detector not Installed NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #15V645000 Incorrect Tire and Rim Placard NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #15V359000 Wheel Studs may Break NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #15V231000 Wheel Studs may Break NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Unknown or Other 4 complaints
- Wheels 3 complaints
- Electrical System 2 complaints
- Equipment 2 complaints
- Structure 2 complaints
- Suspension 1 complaint
Of the 9 complaints on file, 1 reports a fire (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Over current protection missing
How to check: Check the distribution panel wiring for proper connection.
Brakes may not engage
How to check: Verify the break-away safety switch is properly wired.
Missing carbon monoxide detector
How to check: Ensure a carbon monoxide detector is installed.
Wheel studs may break
How to check: Inspect axle hubs for any broken studs or wear.
Incorrect tire and wheel labeling
How to check: Confirm the tire and wheel size matches placard.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for unusual ticking or clanking noises.
Red flag: Persistent noise is heard.
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Monitor the dashboard for warning lights.
Red flag: Check engine lights stay on.
- 03
Initial acceleration
What to check: Check brake response and braking noise.
Red flag: Brakes feel weak or grind.
- 04
City driving
What to check: Feel for steering responsiveness and smoothness.
Red flag: Steering feels loose or unresponsive.
- 05
Highway acceleration
What to check: Observe stability at high speeds.
Red flag: Vehicle shakes or vibrates.
- 06
Parking
What to check: Assess ease of maneuvering and alignment.
Red flag: Significant difficulty maneuvering.
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the wiring recall been addressed?
- Were there any axle repairs done?
- Is there a carbon monoxide detector?
- Any persistent electrical issues?
- Do all lights function properly?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Recall repair confirmations
- Maintenance records
- Title and registration
- Warranty documents
- Inspection certifications
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2016 Forest River Salem at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
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