NHTSA vehicle safety data

2016 Forest River Salem Recalls & Complaints

The 2016 Forest River Salem has 8 NHTSA recall campaigns and 9 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 Salem. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

2016 Forest River Salem owner complaints

Owners have filed 9 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016 Forest River Salem, describing incidents dated May 11, 2016 to August 4, 2020.

Most-cited components

  • 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).

Newest complaints

  • ODI #11344279 · Filed

    THE UNIT HAS CASTLE-ROCK 225/75/15 ORIGINAL TIRES INSTALLED ON UNIT. AUGUST OF 2019 WAS RETURNING HOME FROM A TRIP IN PANAMA CITY BEACH FLA, HAD A BLOWOUT IN DOTHAN ALA. DID NOT THINK OF A DEFECTIVE TIRE AT THE TIME AND JUST CONSIDERED IT BAD LUCK.I REPLACE THE BLOWN TIRE WITH THE NEW SPARE THAT…

  • ODI #11230779 · Filed

    IN FEBRUARY 2016 WE PURCHASED A 2016 SALEM FOREST CAMPER. WE ONLY PULL IT LESS THAN 6 TIMES A YEAR (LESS THAN 161 MILES EACH WAY). WE WERE HAVING FLAT TIRES (BLOW OUTS) ON MOST TRIPS CAUSING DAMAGE UNDERNEATH AND DAMAGE ON BOTH SIDES. PRIOR TO THE BLOW OUT THE CAMPER PULLS TO ONE SIDE MAKING IT…

  • ODI #11105430 · Filed

    THE KIDDE FIRE EXTINGUISHER PROVIDED BY THE MANUFACTURER WAS THE SUBJECT OF A RECALL DUE TO POTENTIAL FAILURE TO OPERATE. THE RECALL ID REFERENCED BY THE MANUFACTURER IS 17V756. IT APPEARS THAT KIDDE HAS REPORTED THE RECALL CORRECTIVE ACTIONS COMPLETE. THEY ARE NOT. I REPORTED MY VEHICLE (A TRAVEL…

Read all 9 complaints

Missing Over Current Protection May Cause Fire

NHTSA #25V682000 · Electrical System — Wiring · NHTSA notice

Reported October 10, 2025 · Forest River, Inc.

Potentially affected: 20,305 vehicles

Repair completion: 21.97% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Forest River campaign 51-1987 · Owners notified November 18, 2025 · Vehicles built March 10, 2015 – June 5, 2025 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Forest River Aurora, Coachmen Catalina, 2026 Coachmen Viking, Coachmen Clipper, 2016-2026 Wildwood, and Salem recreational trailers. The distribution panel wire may be connected to the battery without over current protection.

Safety consequence

Unprotected wiring can increase the risk of a fire.

Manufacturer remedy

Dealers will relocate the distribution panel wire to the correct side of the breaker, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 18, 2025. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-574-825-4995. Forest River's number for this recall is 205-1987.

Break-Away Safety Switch may be Improperly Wired

NHTSA #18V550000 · Electrical System — 12V/24V/48V Battery · NHTSA notice

Reported August 21, 2018 · Forest River, Inc.

Potentially affected: 5,847 vehicles

Repair completion: 17.74% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Forest River campaign 22/30-0824 · Owners notified September 25, 2018 · Vehicles built August 21, 2013 – August 13, 2018 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2014-2019 Forest River Salem, Wildcat Maxx, Wildwood, Vibe, and Rainier recreational trailers. The break-away safety switch may not have been wired to a constant power source, and, as a result, the switch may be inadvertently disconnected from the trailer house battery causing the brakes to not engage if the trailer detaches from the tow vehicle.

Safety consequence

If the trailer brakes cannot engage if the trailer detaches from tow vehicle, there would be an increased risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

Forest River will notify owners, and dealers will install a new wiring harness to reroute the wiring, free of charge. The recall began September 25, 2018. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-503-831-5410. Forest River's number for this recall is 22/30-0824.

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.

Outside Shower Cover Covers Water Heater Exhaust

NHTSA #18V436000 · Equipment — Recreational Vehicle/Trailer · NHTSA notice

Reported June 27, 2018 · Forest River, Inc.

Potentially affected: 326 vehicles

Repair completion: 18.71% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Forest River campaign 44-0762 · Owners notified July 24, 2018 · Vehicles built October 22, 2015 – June 19, 2018 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Forest River Wildwood, and 2016-2019 Forest River Salem recreational trailers. The outside auxiliary shower faucet cover may cover the water heater exhaust panel when opened.

Safety consequence

The covered water heater exhaust panel could increase the risk of injury.

Manufacturer remedy

Forest River has notified owners, and dealers will install a replacement outside shower, free of charge. The recall began on July 24, 2018. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-574-534-3167. Forest River's number for this recall is 44-0762.

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.

Carbon Monoxide Detector not Installed

NHTSA #15V831000 · Equipment — Recreational Vehicle/Trailer · NHTSA notice

Reported December 10, 2015 · Forest River, Inc.

Potentially affected: 721 vehicles

Repair completion: 43.27% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Forest River campaign 51-12072015-0119 · Owners notified January 27, 2016 · Vehicles built September 17, 2015 – December 1, 2015 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain model year 2016 Evo, Salem, Sandstorm, Shockwave, Stealth, and Wildwood recreational trailers. The affected vehicles were mistakenly not equipped with a carbon monoxide detector to warn occupants of elevated levels of carbon monoxide.

Safety consequence

If occupants are not warned elevated carbon monoxide levels, they are at an increased risk of injury.

Manufacturer remedy

Forest River will notify owners, and dealers will remove the existing Liquid Propane (L.P.) Detector and install a combination L.P./carbon monoxide detector, free of charge. The recall began on January 27, 2016. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-909-873-3777, extension 53. Forest River's number for this recall is 51-12072015-0119.

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 Tire and Rim Placard

NHTSA #15V645000 · Equipment — Other — Labels · NHTSA notice

Reported October 13, 2015 · Forest River, Inc.

Potentially affected: 78 vehicles

Repair completion: 100% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Forest River campaign 19-10082015-0093 · Owners notified October 26, 2015 · Vehicles built June 2, 2015 – October 6, 2015 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain model year 2016 Salem recreational trailers manufactured June 2, 2015, to October 6, 2015 and 2015 Wildwood recreational trailers manufactured June 3, 2015, to October 1, 2015. In the affected vehicles, the tire and wheel placard incorrectly states the wheel rim and tire size. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of 49 CFR Part 567, "Certification."

Safety consequence

If the incorrect tire and rim is installed, there may be instability of the vehicle when towing, increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

Forest River will notify owners and will provide a corrected tire placard, free of charge. The recall began on October 26, 2015. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-800-453-6064. Forest River's recall number is 19-10082015-0093.

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.

Wheel Studs may Break

NHTSA #15V359000 · Suspension — Rear — Axle — Non-Powered Axle Assembly · NHTSA notice

Reported June 9, 2015 · Forest River, Inc.

Potentially affected: 1,497 vehicles

Repair completion: 19.71% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Forest River campaign 51-05142015-0037 · Owners notified June 25, 2015 · Vehicles built February 18, 2015 – April 7, 2015 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain model year 2016 Evo, Salem, Sandstorm, Shockwave, Stealth, Wildwood, Cherokee Grey Wolf, Wildcat Maxx, Vibe, R-Pod, and Surveyor trailers. In the affected trailers, the studs that are used to attach the wheels to the axle hubs may break.

Safety consequence

If the wheel studs break, the wheel could detach from the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

Forest River will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace any affected wheel hub, free of charge. The recall began on June 25, 2015. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-909-873-3777. Forest River's number for this recall is 51-05142015-0037.

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.

Wheel Studs may Break

NHTSA #15V231000 · Suspension — Rear — Axle — Non-Powered Axle Assembly · NHTSA notice

Reported April 20, 2015 · Forest River, Inc.

Potentially affected: 691 vehicles

Repair completion: 34.59% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Forest River campaign 51-03312015-0025 · Owners notified June 16, 2015 · Vehicles built March 3, 2015 – March 31, 2015 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain model year 2016 Amera-Lite ATTX and WATTX, Forest River Cherokee, Cherokee Grey Wolf, Cherokee Wolf Pup, Salem, Salem Laminated, Salem Limited Edition, Vengeance, Wildwood, Wildwood Laminated, and Wildwood Limited Edition, Cargo Mate Blazer, E Series, E Series Wedge, Eliminator, and Qualifier, Continental Cargo Auto Master, Elite Series, Tailwind and Value Hauler, Coachmen Catalina and Freedom Express, Palomino Puma and US Cargo Patriot X, Phantom, Trail & Sport and Trail Master trailers manufactured March 1, 2015, to March 31, 2015. In the affected trailers, the studs that are used to attach the wheels to the axle hubs may break.

Safety consequence

If the wheel studs break, the wheel could detach from the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

Forest River will notify owners, and dealers will replace any affected wheel hub, free of charge. The recall began on June 16, 2015. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-800-453-6064. Forest River's number for this recall is 51-03312015-0025.

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.

Other Forest River Salem model years

Check your 2016 Forest River Salem VIN

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

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