NHTSA vehicle safety data

2016 Forest River Berkshire Recalls & Complaints

The 2016 Forest River Berkshire has 7 NHTSA recall campaigns and 4 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Forest River dealer.

NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2016 Forest River Berkshire. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

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2016 Forest River Berkshire owner complaints

Owners have filed 4 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016 Forest River Berkshire, describing incidents dated March 1, 2016 to October 15, 2020.

Most-cited components

Exterior Lighting 1 complaint
Steering 1 complaint
Structure 1 complaint
Visibility/Wiper 1 complaint
Wheels 1 complaint

Together, the 4 complaints on file report 2 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).

Newest complaints

ODI #11364743 · Filed October 16, 2020
WIFE WENT TO GET FOOD AND I STAYED IN MOTORHOME, I TRIED TO OPEN DOOR TO TAKE DOG FOR WALK BUT DOOR WOULD NOT OPEN. GOOGLED IT AND SAW MANY OTHERS HAD SAME PROBLEM, I AM DISABLED BUT WAS SOMEHOW ABLE TO CRAWL OUT WINDOW AFTER BEING TRAPPED INSIDE FOR OVER AN HOUR.NOW STUCK IN THE MIDDLE OF NOWHERE.
ODI #11192925 · Filed April 1, 2019
THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WHEELWELL LINER'S TWO SELF TAPPING SCREWS STRIPPED FROM BEING ATTACHED TO AN ALUMINUM FRAME. THE LINER ALSO HAD AN ALUMINUM TUBE ATTACHED TO THE LINER BUT WAS IN NO WAY SECURED TO THE VEHICLE'S FRAME EXCEPT FOR THE TWO SCREWS AND FOAM SELANT. THIS FAULTY SECURING OF THE…
ODI #10918946 · Filed October 25, 2016
AFTER PURCHASING OUR FOREST RIVER BERKSHIRE XL ON AUGUST 1, 2016, I WAS FOLLOWING MY WIFE DURING THE DAY TIME, SHE NOTICED THE HEADLIGHTS DID NOT LOOK CORRECT. THIS WAS ACKNOWLEDGED BY DEALER. THEIR SERVICE PERSONNEL WORKED ON CORRECTING THE HEADLIGHTS FOR 5 HOURS ON AUGUST 2, 2016. THE FOLLOWING…

Read all 4 complaints

NHTSA defect investigations

NHTSA's investigations file lists the 2016 Forest River Berkshire in 1 investigation. A listed model year means only that an investigation names it; it says nothing about any particular vehicle. An open investigation is not a finding that a safety defect exists, and NHTSA can close one without a recall.

Preliminary Evaluation PE20-021: Trimark 060-1650 Door Latch Failures
Closed December 13, 2024

Open and recently closed NHTSA defect investigations

Power Steering Fluid Leak or Electrical Arcing

NHTSA #18V179000 · Steering — Hydraulic Power Assist — Hose, Piping, and Connections · NHTSA notice

Reported March 19, 2018 · Forest River, Inc.

Potentially affected: 416 vehicles

Forest River campaign 51-0665 · Owners notified April 13, 2018 · Vehicles built May 29, 2015 – July 29, 2016 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Forest River Berkshire, 2012-2017 Forest River Charleston, 2013-2015 Coachmen Cross Country and Pathfinder, and 2014-2015 Glaval Synergy motorhomes built on Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation (FCCC) chassis. The power steering hose on the affected vehicles may be routed incorrectly, and, as a result, the hose may rub against the power stud on the starter motor, possibly causing electrical arcing and a power steering fluid leak.

Safety consequence

Electrical arcing in the presence of leaking power steering fluid can increase the risk of a fire.

Manufacturer remedy

Forest River will notify owners, and Freightliner dealers will reroute the power steering hose to provide proper clearance, free of charge. The recall began on April 13, 2018. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712, Forest River customer service at 1-574-295-2117, Coachmen customer service at 1-574-825-8212, or Glaval customer service at 1-574-343-5167. Forest River's number for this recall is 51-0665.

Notes

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.

Incorrect Circuit Breaker may Cause Excessive Heat

NHTSA #17V799000 · Electrical System — Wiring — Fuses and Circuit Breakers · NHTSA notice

Reported December 13, 2017 · Forest River, Inc.

Potentially affected: 108 vehicles

Repair completion: 48.15% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Forest River campaign 40-0594 · Owners notified January 11, 2018 · Vehicles built September 28, 2015 – December 1, 2017 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Berkshire XLT motorhomes. Incorrect circuit breakers were used that may not contact the electrical sub-panel correctly.

Safety consequence

If the breakers do not contact the sub-panel properly, the electrical resistance can cause excessive heat, increasing the risk of a fire.

Manufacturer remedy

Forest River will notify owners, and dealers will replace the incorrect circuit breaker, free of charge. The recall began on January 11, 2018. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-574-522-1368. Forest River's number for this recall is 40-0594.

Notes

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.

Fire Extinguisher May Be Clogged or Inoperable

NHTSA #17V756000 · Equipment · NHTSA notice

Reported November 22, 2017 · Forest River, Inc.

Potentially affected: 365,885 vehicles

Repair completion: 8.47% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Forest River campaign 51-0544 · Owners notified December 27, 2017 · Vehicles built February 1, 2002 – October 17, 2017 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2003-2018 Forest River Berkshire, Charleston, Rockport, Cedar Creek, Cherokee, Riverstone, Salem, Sandpiper, Sierra, Vengeance, Wildcat, Wildwood, XLR Boost, Cargo Mate, Continental Cargo, motorhomes, recreational trailers, toyhaulers, cargo trailers and restroom trailers and 2009-2018 Coachmen Mirada, Pursuit, Concord, Leprechaun, Freelander, Orion and Prism motorhomes, 2009-2017 Coachmen Apex and Catalina recreational trailers, and 2013-2017 Shasta Oasis and Revere recreational trailers, equipped with Kidde Plastic-Handle or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers. These extinguishers may become clogged, preventing the extinguisher from discharging as expected or excessive force may be needed to activate the extinguisher. Additionally, in certain models, the nozzle may detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury and also render the product inoperable. For a full list of the affected fire extinguisher models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17E062-5427.pdf

Safety consequence

In the event of a fire, if the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury.

Manufacturer remedy

Forest River will notify owners, instructing them to contact Kidde for a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began on December 27, 2017. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-800-348-7440, or Kidde customer service toll free at 1-855-262-3540, or online at www.kidde.com and click on "Product Safety Recall" for more information. Forest River's number for this recall is 51-0544.

Notes

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.

Headlights may Shut Off While Driving

NHTSA #17V623000 · Exterior Lighting — Headlights — High/Low Beam Dimmer Switch · NHTSA notice

Reported October 6, 2017 · Forest River, Inc.

Potentially affected: 276 vehicles

Repair completion: 40.94% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Forest River campaign 40-0241 · Owners notified October 31, 2017 · Vehicles built October 29, 2013 – March 2, 2017 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2014-2017 Berkshire XL and XLT buses. The headlights may shut off while switching from low beam to high beam settings, reducing visibility for the operator and other vehicles.

Safety consequence

If the headlights shut off while driving, decreasing or causing a full loss of visibility, there would be an increased risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

Forest River will notify owners, and dealers will install a supplemental wiring harness that will stop the headlights from shutting off unexpectedly, free of charge. The recall began on October 31, 2017. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-574-295-2117. Forest River's number for this recall is 40-0241.

Notes

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.

Battery Cable may Rub Against Frame Rail

NHTSA #17V500000 · Electrical System — 12V/24V/48V Battery — Cables · NHTSA notice

Reported August 10, 2017 · Forest River, Inc.

Potentially affected: 47 vehicles

Forest River campaign 40-08032017-0491 · Owners notified September 29, 2017 · Vehicles built September 21, 2015 – September 30, 2016 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Berkshire vehicles built on Freightliner Custom Chassis XCR chassis. A battery cable mounting bracket may not have been installed correctly, as a result, the improperly routed and clipped battery cable can contact the frame rail, possibly chafing and short circuiting.

Safety consequence

A battery cable short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.

Manufacturer remedy

Foreest River will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and revise the battery cable mounting bracket and cable routing, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on September 29, 2017. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-800-34-7440 or DTNA customer service at 1-800-745-8000. Forest River's number for this recall is 40-08032017-0491.

Notes

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.

Front Sway Bar May Detach

NHTSA #16V285000 · Steering · NHTSA notice

Reported May 11, 2016 · Forest River, Inc.

Potentially affected: 62 vehicles

Forest River campaign 40-05032016-0183 · Owners notified June 30, 2016 · Vehicles built May 29, 2015 – April 26, 2016 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Berkshire manufactured May 29, 2015, to April 26, 2016, and 2016 Coachmen Cross Country recreational vehicles manufactured April 30, 2015, to December 14, 2015 and built on Daimler Trucks chassis. The front sway bar mounting brackets may not fit properly on the axle causing the mounting bolts to bend or loosen.

Safety consequence

If the sway bar bolts loosen, the sway bar may detach from the axle, affecting the handling and increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

Forest River will notify owners, and Daimler Trucks dealers will modify the mounting of the sway bar, free of charge. The recall began on June 30, 2016. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. Forest River's number for this recall is 40-05032016-0183.

Notes

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.

Water Heater May Scald Operator

NHTSA #15V771000 · Equipment — Recreational Vehicle/Trailer — LPG Systems — Water Heater · NHTSA notice

Reported November 19, 2015 · Forest River, Inc.

Potentially affected: 489 vehicles

Repair completion: 14.93% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Forest River campaign 51-11092015-0107 · Owners notified December 17, 2015 · Vehicles built April 30, 2015 – September 28, 2015 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain model year 2012-2016 Berkshire, Charleston, Legacy, Dynamax, XLR, Continental Cargo, Work & Play, Shockwave, and Coachmen Brookstone recreational vehicles and toy haulers, equipped with Atwood on demand water heaters, models OD45, OD50, and OD50CW, manufactured January 2, 2012, to August 13, 2015. The affected water heaters have a water and gas valve that may cause the water heater to overheat the water in the hot water supply tap.

Safety consequence

The overheating of the water may result in the release of steam, possibly causing the operator is to scald themselves and increasing the risk of injury.

Manufacturer remedy

Forest River will notify owners of a field remedy as provided by Atwood to the Dealerships and O.E.M. A. Inspection and installation instructions for the remedy, to be used and applied only by qualified service center personnel. B. Installation of a water flow adjustment STOP KEY that prevents the adjustment of the water flow down below .5gal/min. C. The addition of a star or lock washer to secure the adjustment screw that prevents unintended adjustment or and adjustment drift from vibration as you travel down the road. D. Securement of the remedy with the application of a warning and tamper proof label applied over the stop key and adjustment screw. The recall began on December 17, 2015. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-800-348-7440, or Atwood customer service at 1-574-264-2131. Forest River's number for this recall is 51-11092015-0107.

Notes

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.

try.vin has no NCAP crash-test rating on file for the 2016 Forest River Berkshire. NHTSA rates some vehicles by body style — pickups by cab, vans by roof height — so check nhtsa.gov/ratings.

4 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2016 Forest River Berkshire.

Structure

ODI #11364743

2 injuries

Incident: October 15, 2020 · Filed: October 16, 2020

WIFE WENT TO GET FOOD AND I STAYED IN MOTORHOME, I TRIED TO OPEN DOOR TO TAKE DOG FOR WALK BUT DOOR WOULD NOT OPEN. GOOGLED IT AND SAW MANY OTHERS HAD SAME PROBLEM, I AM DISABLED BUT WAS SOMEHOW ABLE TO CRAWL OUT WINDOW AFTER BEING TRAPPED INSIDE FOR OVER AN HOUR.NOW STUCK IN THE MIDDLE OF NOWHERE.

Steering; Wheels

ODI #11192925

Incident: December 26, 2018 · Filed: April 1, 2019

THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WHEELWELL LINER'S TWO SELF TAPPING SCREWS STRIPPED FROM BEING ATTACHED TO AN ALUMINUM FRAME. THE LINER ALSO HAD AN ALUMINUM TUBE ATTACHED TO THE LINER BUT WAS IN NO WAY SECURED TO THE VEHICLE'S FRAME EXCEPT FOR THE TWO SCREWS AND FOAM SELANT. THIS FAULTY SECURING OF THE LINER ALLOWED NORMAL WIND FROM DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY TO STRIP THE TWO SCREWS FROM THE ALUMINUM FRAME AND SEALANT CAUSING THE LINER TO FLAP UNCONTROLLABLY UNDER THE FRAME AND IN THE WHEELWELL AREA.

Exterior Lighting

ODI #10918946

Incident: August 1, 2016 · Filed: October 25, 2016

AFTER PURCHASING OUR FOREST RIVER BERKSHIRE XL ON AUGUST 1, 2016, I WAS FOLLOWING MY WIFE DURING THE DAY TIME, SHE NOTICED THE HEADLIGHTS DID NOT LOOK CORRECT. THIS WAS ACKNOWLEDGED BY DEALER. THEIR SERVICE PERSONNEL WORKED ON CORRECTING THE HEADLIGHTS FOR 5 HOURS ON AUGUST 2, 2016. THE FOLLOWING NIGHT I COULD NOT SEE THE ROAD AND HAD TO CLOSELY FOLLOWED MY WIFE WHO WAS DRIVING OUR CAR TO THE RV PARK. I DID NOT DRIVE AT NIGHT UNTIL AFTER I TOOK THE UNIT TO THE FACTORY IN ELKHART, INDIANA ON AUGUST 24TH. THE NIGHT AFTER I LEFT ELKHART ON AUGUST 26TH I TESTED THE HEADLIGHTS FROM HIGH BEAMS TO LOW BEAM AND THEY WOULD TURN OFF COMPLETELY FOR ABOUT 10 SECONDS. AGAIN I HAD TO NOT DRIVE AT NIGHT UNTIL I RETURNED TO FACTORY AGAIN ON SEPTEMBER 11TH. THEY TOLD ME THEY WERE WORKING ON A RECALL FOR THIS HEADLIGHT DESIGN. I'M TRYING TO HELP THEM ACHIEVE THIS BY REPORTING THIS HAZARDOUS DESIGN. WHEN YOU ARE DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY AT 65 MPH A LOT CAN HAPPEN IN 10 SECONDS. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE WITH THIS HEADLIGHT THAT SHOULD BE RESOLVED. *TR

Visibility/Wiper

ODI #10907538

Incident: March 1, 2016 · Filed: September 19, 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 FOREST RIVER BERKSHIRE. WHILE DRIVING WITH THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS ACTIVATED, THE LIGHTS WOULD NOT ILLUMINATE BRIGHT ENOUGH TO SEE THE ROAD. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 4,500.

Other Forest River Berkshire model years

Check your 2016 Forest River Berkshire VIN

Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your Forest River Berkshire at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.

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