NHTSA vehicle safety data

2017 Forest River Salem Recalls & Complaints

The 2017 Forest River Salem has 9 NHTSA recall campaigns and 5 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 2017 Forest River Salem. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

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2017 Forest River Salem owner complaints

Owners have filed 5 complaints with NHTSA about the 2017 Forest River Salem, describing incidents dated August 1, 2017 to August 15, 2023.

Most-cited components

Structure 3 complaints
Equipment 1 complaint
Tires 1 complaint

Newest complaints

ODI #11590320 · Filed May 23, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Forest River Salem Cruise Lite RV. The contact stated due to water buildup in the roof, the ceiling was leaking during rainy weather. The contact stated that the leak had caused mold to build up on the front side of the camper. The contact stated that the roof slider had…
ODI #11330192 · Filed June 22, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 FOREST RIVER SALEM LITE RV, EQUIPPED WITH FOUR CASTLE ROCK ST BRAND TIRES N/A. TIRE LINE: UNKNOWN - DOT NUMBER: JUMR2MT, SIZE: 23580/R16. THE HE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING, THE LEFT REAR TIRE BLEW AND A COUPLE OF MILES LATER THE RIGHT REAR TIRE ALSO BLEW OUT. THE…
ODI #11277106 · Filed October 30, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 FOREST RIVER SALEM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT A LEAK EMERGED FROM UNDERNEATH THE DRIVER'S SIDE SLIDE OUT PORTION OF THE TRAILER. THE LEAK CAUSED MOLD TO FORM. THE DEALER AN MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT…

Read all 5 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.

Incorrect Federal Placards Issue/FMVSS 110, 567

NHTSA #17V282000 · Tires · NHTSA notice

Reported April 26, 2017 · Forest River, Inc.

Potentially affected: 71 vehicles

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

Forest River campaign 51-04242017-0393 · Owners notified May 17, 2017 · Vehicles built December 22, 2016 – January 31, 2017 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Salem, Wildwood, XLR, Sanibel, Wildcat, Vengeance, Chaparral Lite and Columbus recreational trailers. The Federal Placard may inaccurately list the tire and rim combinations that are installed on the trailers. Additionally, the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) and the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) information may be incorrect. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims," and 49 CFR part 567, "Certification."

Safety consequence

The incorrect information may cause the operator to install an incorrect replacement rim or tire, overinflate the tire, or overload the vehicle, all scenarios that may increase the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

Forest River will notify owners and will provide a corrected Federal Placard, free of charge. The recall began on May 17, 2017. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-800-348-7440. Forest River's number for this recall is 51-04242017-0393.

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 GAWR on Federal Placard/Part 567

NHTSA #17V218000 · Equipment — Other — Labels · NHTSA notice

Reported March 31, 2017 · Forest River, Inc.

Potentially affected: 6 vehicles

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

Forest River campaign 27-03292017-0362 · Owners notified April 18, 2017 · Vehicles built September 28, 2016 – March 27, 2017 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2017 Salem and Wildwood recreational vehicles. The Federal Placard on these vehicles incorrectly lists the Gross Axle Weight Rating capacity (GAWR) being 5,080 lbs, when the axles actually have a capacity of 4,400 lbs. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of 49 CFR Part 567, "Certification."

Safety consequence

The incorrect GAWR may result in the vehicle being overloaded, causing a loss of control and increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

Forest River will notify owners, and dealers will provide a new Federal Placard with the correct GAWR, free of charge. The recall began on April 18, 2017. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-574-534-4058. Forest River's number for this recall is 27-03292017-0362.

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.

Propane Leak from Improperly Installed Vent

NHTSA #17V118000 · Equipment — Recreational Vehicle/Trailer — LPG Systems · NHTSA notice

Reported February 24, 2017 · Forest River, Inc.

Potentially affected: 17 vehicles

Repair completion: 52.94% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Forest River campaign 72-02162017-0329 · Owners notified April 7, 2017 · Vehicles built February 6, 2017 – February 10, 2017 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2017 Wildwood recreational trailers, model WDT197BH and Salem recreational trailers, model SMT197BH. The lower sidewall vent for the refrigerator was improperly installed, allowing propane gas to enter the vehicle.

Safety consequence

A propane leak into the interior of the vehicle in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire or explosion.

Manufacturer remedy

Forest River will notify owners, and dealers will install a new vent into the vehicle floor, free of charge. The recall began on April 7, 2017. Owners may contact Forest River Customer Service at 1-260-593-4001. Forest River's number for the recall is 72-02162017-0329.

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 Axle Information on Placard/Part 567

NHTSA #16V787000 · Equipment — Other — Labels · NHTSA notice

Reported October 28, 2016 · Forest River, Inc.

Potentially affected: 92 vehicles

Repair completion: 77.17% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Forest River campaign 6-10252016-0262 · Owners notified November 22, 2016 · Vehicles built October 13, 2016 – October 21, 2016 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain model year 2017 Salem recreational trailers, model SMT186RB, manufactured October 13, 2016 through October 21, 2016 and model year 2017 Wildwood recreational trailers, model WDT186RB, manufactured October 7, 2016, through October 21, 2016. The Federal Placard Label and the VIN incorrectly states that the vehicle has two axles, while the vehicle is only equipped with one axle. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of 49 CFR Part 567, "Certification."

Safety consequence

If the owner follows the information on the Federal Placard Label, the operator may overload the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

Forest River will notify owners and will provide a corrected Certificate of Origin, Federal Placard and VIN plate for each trailer, free of charge. The recall began on November 22, 2016. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-574-534-1251. Forest River's number for this recall is 6-10252016-0262.

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/Rim Information on Label/FMVSS 110

NHTSA #16V673000 · Tires · NHTSA notice

Reported September 16, 2016 · Forest River, Inc.

Potentially affected: 178 vehicles

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

Forest River campaign 27-09082016-0243 · Owners notified October 10, 2016 · Vehicles built August 9, 2016 – September 6, 2016 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain model year 2017 Salem and Wildwood recreational trailers manufactured August 9, 2016, to September 6, 2016. The Federal Placard on the affected vehicles incorrectly lists the tire and rim combination. The placard states ST225/75R15 Load Range C tires with an inflation pressure of 50PSI and a rim size of 15X6.0JJ, however, the trailer is equipped with ST225/75R15 Load Range D tires that have an inflation pressure of 65PSI, installed on 15X6.0JJ rims. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."

Safety consequence

The incorrect tire information on the Federal Label may result in the operator under-inflating the tires. An underinflated tire may cause sudden tire failure, or poor handling, increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

Forest River will notify owners, and dealers will install a corrected Federal Placard, free of charge. The recall began on October 27, 2016. Salem owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-574-534-1251. Wildwood owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-574-533-2165. Forest River's number for this recall is 27-09082016-0243.

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 2017 Forest River Salem. NHTSA rates some vehicles by body style — pickups by cab, vans by roof height — so check nhtsa.gov/ratings.

5 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2017 Forest River Salem.

Structure

ODI #11590320

Incident: August 15, 2023 · Filed: May 23, 2024

The contact owns a 2017 Forest River Salem Cruise Lite RV. The contact stated due to water buildup in the roof, the ceiling was leaking during rainy weather. The contact stated that the leak had caused mold to build up on the front side of the camper. The contact stated that the roof slider had previously been repaired with tape due to water leaking and mildew. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was not available.

Tires

ODI #11330192

Incident: June 20, 2020 · Filed: June 22, 2020

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 FOREST RIVER SALEM LITE RV, EQUIPPED WITH FOUR CASTLE ROCK ST BRAND TIRES N/A. TIRE LINE: UNKNOWN - DOT NUMBER: JUMR2MT, SIZE: 23580/R16. THE HE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING, THE LEFT REAR TIRE BLEW AND A COUPLE OF MILES LATER THE RIGHT REAR TIRE ALSO BLEW OUT. THE CONTACT PULLED TO A SAFE PLACE AND CALLED A ROAD SAFETY COMPANY. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE FAILED TIRES WERE DUE TREAD SEPARATION. HE ALSO STATED THAT TWO FRONT TIRES WERE SWOLLEN AND WOULD BLOW OUT ANY TIME. THE CONTACT CALLED THE AYNOR TIRE MART DEALER, LOCATED AT 605 M STREET, AYNOR, SC 29511, (843-358-6837), PURCHASED AND REPLACED ALL FOUR TIRES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE TIRE LINE WAS NOT PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,000 FOR THE RV AND THE TIRES.

Structure

ODI #11277106

Incident: October 27, 2019 · Filed: October 30, 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 FOREST RIVER SALEM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT A LEAK EMERGED FROM UNDERNEATH THE DRIVER'S SIDE SLIDE OUT PORTION OF THE TRAILER. THE LEAK CAUSED MOLD TO FORM. THE DEALER AN MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,000.

Equipment

ODI #11083773

Incident: April 7, 2018 · Filed: April 7, 2018

I REPLACED A LEAKING PROPANE TANK HOSE A FEW MONTHS AFTER PURCHASING OUR TRAVEL TRAILER IN MARCH 2017. WHILE PREPARING THE TRAILER FOR A TRIP NEXT WEEKEND, I FOUND THAT THE 2ND TANK HOSE IS LEAKING PROPANE IN THE SAME WAY AS THE FIRST. I AM CONCERNED THAT THIS IS AN ISSUE WITH MORE THAN JUST MY TRAILER AND THAT THESE DEFECTIVE HOSES MAY BE ON MORE TRAILERS FROM FOREST RIVER OR OTHER MANUFACTURERS. THE HOSE IS A MODEL #GHA7 BY DEKING CORPORATION CO., LTD. LOT #610937, US WORKING MAX PRESSURE OF 350 P.S.I. THE HOSE LEAKS PROPANE AT THE HOSE CONNECTION TO THE FITTING THAT CONNECTS TO THE PROPANE TANK. MOVING THE HOSE WHILE CHANGING TANKS OR EVEN TAKING THE TANK COVER OFF RELEASES GAS AT THIS CONNECTION. ON MY SYSTEM WITH 2 TANKS AND A COMMON SWITCHABLE REGULATOR, THE TANK WITH THE DEFECTIVE HOSE CAN BE SHUT OFF AND THE OTHER TANK WILL STILL PRESSURIZE THE DEFECTIVE HOSE AND LEAK. *TT *CN *TR

Structure

ODI #11020948

Incident: August 1, 2017 · Filed: August 31, 2017

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 NISSAN TITAN HAULING A 2017 FOREST RIVER SALEM CRUISE LITE TRAVEL TRAILER. WHILE DRIVING LESS THAN 40 MPH, THE AWNING ON THE RV PREMATURELY FRACTURED. THE TWO BOTTOM POLES FRACTURED ONTO THE ROADWAY AND THE CONTACT HAD TO PULL THE VEHICLE OVER TO MAKE AN ADJUSTMENT BECAUSE OF THE FAILURE. A DEALER WAS NOTIFIED (BLUE DOG RV, 714 W SELTIZE WAY, POST FALLS, ID 83854) AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE AWNING WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE BY THE DEALER, BUT THEY DID NOT FILE A CLAIM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 300.

Other Forest River Salem model years

Check your 2017 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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