NHTSA vehicle safety data

2018 Forest River Salem Recalls & Complaints

The 2018 Forest River Salem has 9 NHTSA recall campaigns and 6 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 2018 Forest River Salem. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

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2018 Forest River Salem owner complaints

Owners have filed 6 complaints with NHTSA about the 2018 Forest River Salem, describing incidents dated October 3, 2017 to February 13, 2021.

Most-cited components

Electrical System 2 complaints
Structure 2 complaints
Fuel/Propulsion System 1 complaint
Tires 1 complaint
Wheels 1 complaint

Of the 6 complaints on file, 1 reports a fire (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).

Newest complaints

ODI #11399574 · Filed March 7, 2021
TRAVELING ON FLORIDA TURNPIKE, 9:00 A.M., PORT SAINT LUCIE AREA. A LOUD BANG AND THE BLOWN TIRE. PASSENGER SIDE FRONT TIRE. WE MADE IT SAFELY TO THE BREAKDOWN LANE WHERE WE AWAITED FHP FOR ASSISTANCE. AFTER SPARE TIRE WAS PUT ON WE TOOK THE NEXT EXIT AND BOUGHT A NEW SPARE BEFORE CONTINUING OUR TRIP…
ODI #11308054 · Filed February 9, 2020
TRAVELING FROM NEWTON TO PANAMA CITY FL, 5 MILES ACROSS STATE LINE RIGHT REAR TIRE BLEW APART. SPLIT FROM ONE BEAD TO THE OTHER. TREAD LAYER CAKE OFF AND DAMAGED TRAVEL TRAILER. TIRES WERE ST225/75R15 CASTLEROCK 8PLY TRAILER TIRES. CAME ON TRAILER FROM FACTORY. DOT DATE CODE 4516. JUST OVER 3YRS…
ODI #11186540 · Filed March 13, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 FOREST RIVER SALEM TRAVEL TRAILER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRAVEL TRAILER HAD NOT BEEN HAULED BY A VEHICLE YET BECAUSE ONE OF THE STABILIZERS ASSOCIATED WITH THE TWO FUEL TANKS FRACTURED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THIS WAS A KNOWN FAILURE. THE…

Read all 6 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.

Breakaway Switch Wired Incorrectly

NHTSA #20V563000 · Trailer Hitches · NHTSA notice

Reported September 18, 2020 · Forest River, Inc.

Potentially affected: 4,397 vehicles

Repair completion: 27.13% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Forest River campaign 67A-1230 · Owners notified October 13, 2020

Defect description

Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Wildwood, Salem, and 2020 Sonoma travel trailers. The break-away safety switch may not be wired to constant power, which can cause the trailer brakes to not activate in the event of a trailer separation from the tow vehicle.

Safety consequence

If the brakes of the trailer do not engage, it can result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

Forest River will notify owners, and dealers will rewire the breakaway switch, free of charge. The recall began October 13, 2020. Owners may contact Forest customer service at 1-909-873-3777. Forest River's number for this recall is 67A-1230.

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.

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.

Incorrect Tire Pressure Label/FMVSS 110/Part 567

NHTSA #18V232000 · Equipment — Other — Labels · NHTSA notice

Reported April 12, 2018 · Forest River, Inc.

Potentially affected: 24 vehicles

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

Forest River campaign 22-0693 · Owners notified April 13, 2018 · Vehicles built September 20, 2017 – March 15, 2018 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2018 Forest River Salem recreational trailers, model SMT282QBXL-OR. The Federal Placards on these vehicles may incorrectly state the tire pressure as 54 PSI, however, the correct tire pressure is 65 PSI. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims." These vehicles also fail to comply with the requirements of 49 CFR Part 567, "Certification."

Safety consequence

Incorrect tire pressure information can cause the operator to under inflate the tires, increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

Forest River has notified owners and provided a tire placard with the correct tire pressure information, free of charge. The recall began April 13, 2018. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-503-831-5413. Forest River's number for this recall is 22-0693.

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 Info on Label/FMVSS 110, Part 567

NHTSA #17V790000 · Equipment — Other — Labels · NHTSA notice

Reported December 8, 2017 · Forest River, Inc.

Potentially affected: 133 vehicles

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

Forest River campaign 05-0595 · Owners notified December 18, 2017 · Vehicles built August 31, 2017 – December 4, 2017 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2018 Salem and Wildwood recreational trailers. The Federal Placard on these vehicles incorrectly states that the trailers are equipped with ST215/75R15 Load Range D tires, however, the installed tires are size ST205/75R15 Load Range D. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims," and these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of 49 CFR Part 567, "Certification."

Safety consequence

If the incorrect label causes the operator to install tires of the wrong size, vehicle handling may be affected, increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

Forest River will notify owners and provide corrected Federal Placards, free of charge. The recall began on December 18, 2017. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-574-848-1335. Forest River's number for this recall is 05-0595.

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 Weight on Federal Placard/Part 567

NHTSA #17V484000 · Equipment — Other — Labels · NHTSA notice

Reported August 2, 2017 · Forest River, Inc.

Potentially affected: 30 vehicles

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

Forest River campaign 63-07312017-0485 · Owners notified August 4, 2017 · Vehicles built July 26, 2017 – July 28, 2017 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2018 Salem and Wildwood recreational trailers. The Federal Placards on these vehicles may state an incorrect weight of the trailer. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of 49 CFR Part 567, "Certification."

Safety consequence

An incorrect weight on the label may affect how the operator loads the vehicle, impacting the handling and increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

Forest River will notify owners, and dealers will install a corrected Federal Placard with correct weight and cargo carrying capacity, free of charge. The recall began August 4, 2017. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-574-534-4058. Forest River's number for this recall is 63-07312017-0485.

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.

try.vin has no NCAP crash-test rating on file for the 2018 Forest River Salem. NHTSA rates some vehicles by body style — pickups by cab, vans by roof height — so check nhtsa.gov/ratings.

6 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2018 Forest River Salem.

Tires

ODI #11399574

Incident: February 13, 2021 · Filed: March 7, 2021

TRAVELING ON FLORIDA TURNPIKE, 9:00 A.M., PORT SAINT LUCIE AREA. A LOUD BANG AND THE BLOWN TIRE. PASSENGER SIDE FRONT TIRE. WE MADE IT SAFELY TO THE BREAKDOWN LANE WHERE WE AWAITED FHP FOR ASSISTANCE. AFTER SPARE TIRE WAS PUT ON WE TOOK THE NEXT EXIT AND BOUGHT A NEW SPARE BEFORE CONTINUING OUR TRIP TO KEY WEST. AFTER A TWO WEEK STAY WE STARTED OUR RETURN HOME. ONCE AGAIN ON FLORIDA TURNPIKE IN MIAMI, 11:00 A.M., 02/25 WE BLEW ANOTHER TIRE, PASSENGER SIDE, REAR TIRE. RESULT OF THAT FAILED TIRE CAUSED SEVERE DAMAGE TO RV. RETURNED HOME AND HAD FOUR NEW TIRES INSTALLED. CALLAGY TIRE (PALM BAY FL) TECHNICIAN NOTED THAT THE TWO TIRES ON DRIVERS SIDE WERE DETERIORATED AND FAILURE WAS IMMINENT. PLEASE NOTE: RV IS STORED UNDER A TENT ON BOARDS. TIRE PRESSURE WAS CHECKED BEFORE OUR TRIP AND ONE AGAIN WHEN WE PICKED UP THE NEW SPARE AT BAYSHORE TIRE SERVICE. BOTH BLOWOUTS WERE ON FL TURNPIKE, 65 MPH, DRY ROADS. *DT*DT Consumer stated trailer did not even have 2000 miles and had 2 blow outs within 15 miles of each other.

Wheels

ODI #11308054

Incident: February 7, 2020 · Filed: February 9, 2020

TRAVELING FROM NEWTON TO PANAMA CITY FL, 5 MILES ACROSS STATE LINE RIGHT REAR TIRE BLEW APART. SPLIT FROM ONE BEAD TO THE OTHER. TREAD LAYER CAKE OFF AND DAMAGED TRAVEL TRAILER. TIRES WERE ST225/75R15 CASTLEROCK 8PLY TRAILER TIRES. CAME ON TRAILER FROM FACTORY. DOT DATE CODE 4516. JUST OVER 3YRS OLD. I HAVE BEEN IN TIRE BUSINESS FOR OVER 20YRS SO I TAKE KNOW THE IMPORTANCE OF TIRE MAINTENANCE. THIS IS CLEARLY A TIRE DEFECT AND TIRE MANUFACTURER SHOULD BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE. I FOUND SEVERAL COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS TIRE AND OTHERS MADE BY THE SAME MANUFACTURER ONLINE. SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE BEFORE SOMEONE GETS HURT OR WORSE. MAX SPEEDS THAT MORNING OF TRAVEL WERE 50-55MPH DUE TO SUCH A WINDY MORNING.

Structure; Fuel/Propulsion System

ODI #11186540

Incident: November 23, 2018 · Filed: March 13, 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 FOREST RIVER SALEM TRAVEL TRAILER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRAVEL TRAILER HAD NOT BEEN HAULED BY A VEHICLE YET BECAUSE ONE OF THE STABILIZERS ASSOCIATED WITH THE TWO FUEL TANKS FRACTURED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THIS WAS A KNOWN FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS WAITING ON A RESPONSE FROM THE MANUFACTURER. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THERE WAS NO MILEAGE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. *DT*JB *DT*JB

Structure

ODI #11182734

Incident: November 28, 2018 · Filed: February 27, 2019

I RECEIVED A NEW FOREST RIVER RV, TRAVEL TRAILER WITH RUSTED GAS LINE PIPING AND FRAME

Electrical System

ODI #11104860

Fire

Incident: June 8, 2018 · Filed: June 30, 2018

WE WERE SITTING IN OUR TRAVEL TRAILER WHEN I SMELLED SOMETHING BURNING, LIKE AN ELECTRICAL BURN. I WENT AROUND OUR TRAVEL TRAILER AND LOOKED UNDER THE SINK AND SAW THE WATER HEATER SMOKING. I IMMEDIATELY TURNED OFF THE ELECTRICITY. IT TURNS OUT, THE AC JUNCTION BOX THAT ATTACHED TO THE WATER HEATER HAD CAUGHT FIRE DUE TO THE WIRE NUT NOT BEING PROPERLY SECURED TO THE WIRE. TRAVEL TRAILER WAS STATIONARY.

Electrical System

ODI #11039987

Incident: October 3, 2017 · Filed: October 26, 2017

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 FOREST RIVER SALEM HEMISPHERE. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO USE THE FAN, LIGHTS, AND SLIDE, THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILED. THE CONTACT CALLED AN UNKNOWN DEALER AND WAS ADVISED THAT THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WOULD NOT BE AVAILABLE FOR 6-8 WEEKS. THE CONTACT NOTIFIED THE MANUFACTURER OF THE FAILURE VIA EMAIL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND VIN WERE NOT AVAILABLE.

Other Forest River Salem model years

Check your 2018 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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