NHTSA vehicle safety data
2021 Forest River Salem Recalls & Complaints
The 2021 Forest River Salem has 10 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 2021 Forest River Salem. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
2021 Forest River Salem owner complaints
Owners have filed 4 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 Forest River Salem, describing incidents dated July 1, 2020 to June 22, 2024.
Most-cited components
- Equipment 1 complaint
- Structure 1 complaint
- Suspension 1 complaint
- Unknown or Other 1 complaint
Of the 4 complaints on file, 1 reports a fire (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Newest complaints
ODI #11626647 · Filed
* On the way back home from the dealer in PA for a water-tank recall service, the right leaf spring on the trailer broke on the highway and caused the trailer on fire. The less than 3-years old trailer was totaled. Police and I took photos of the damaged trailer and spring. I also kept the broken…
ODI #11428729 · Filed
The contact owns a 2021 Forest River Salem. The contact stated that the strap hooks in the trailer were screwed to the floor but not the frame; therefore, no items of substantial weight were able be strapped in the trailer which would be used for hauling large items. The contact also stated that the…
ODI #11428076 · Filed
While driving this 2021 Travel Trailer down the road the underbelly blew out of the bottom of the trailer. This is causing air now to push up underneath the travel trailer possibly causing further damage to the walls and flooring of the trailer.
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.
Fresh Water Tank May Dislodge
NHTSA #22V729000 · Equipment — Recreational Vehicle/Trailer — Plumbing — Potable Water — Storage Tank · NHTSA notice
Reported September 30, 2022 · Forest River, Inc.
Potentially affected: 5,168 vehicles
Repair completion: 41.29% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)
Forest River campaign 72-1559 · Owners notified November 2, 2022
Defect description
Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Salem, Wildwood, and Ozark travel trailers. The fresh water tank may dislodge from the vehicle and fall to the ground when full or overfilled.
Safety consequence
A tank falling to the ground while in transit can become a road hazard and increase the risk of a crash.
Manufacturer remedy
Dealers will inspect the fresh water tank for straps. and install straps as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 2, 2022. Owners may contact at Forest River Customer Service at 1-574-534-3167. Forest River's number for this recall is 72-1559.
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.nhtsa.gov.
Awning Rail Not Attached to Sidewall
NHTSA #22V562000 · Structure — Body · NHTSA notice
Reported August 2, 2022 · Forest River, Inc.
Potentially affected: 609 vehicles
Repair completion: 42.36% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)
Forest River campaign 69-1538 · Owners notified September 8, 2022
Defect description
Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Salem and Wildwood fifth wheel travel trailers. The awning rail may not be attached to a backer in the sidewall, which can allow the awning to detach while the vehicle is in motion.
Safety consequence
An awning that detaches increases the risk of a crash.
Manufacturer remedy
Dealers will inspect for backers and reattach the awning if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 8, 2022. Owners may contact Forest River Customer Service at 1-574-534-3167. Forest River's number for this recall is 69-1538.
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.nhtsa.gov.
Cracked LP Gas Quick Disconnect Fitting
NHTSA #22V243000 · Equipment — Recreational Vehicle/Trailer — LPG Systems — Lines and Fittings · NHTSA notice
Reported April 13, 2022 · Forest River, Inc.
Potentially affected: 99,190 vehicles
Repair completion: 56.57% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)
Forest River campaign 51-1501 · Owners notified May 20, 2022
Defect description
Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Coachmen Adrenaline, Apex, Catalina, Freedom Express, Spirit, East to West Alta, Della Terra, Silver Lake, Forest River Cedar Creek, Cherokee, Columbus, Flagstaff, Impression, Ozark, Rockwood, Sabre, Salem, Sandstorm, Shockwave, Stealth, Stealth Evo, Vengeance, Vibe, Wildwood, XLR Toyhauler, Palomino Puma, Prime Time Avenger, Crusader, Lacrosse, Sanibel, Shasta Oasis, 2022 Coachmen Cross Trail, Prism, Forest River Aurora, Rainier, Wildcat, Work and Play, Prime Time Tracer, 2021-2023 Coachmen Leprechaun, and 2022-2023 Coachmen Freelander fifth wheel and travel trailer recreational vehicles. The quick disconnect fittings in the LP gas system may be cracked, causing a gas leak.
Safety consequence
A gas leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Manufacturer remedy
Dealers will replace the quick disconnect and perform a LP system check, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 20, 2022. Owners may contact the applicable customer service number for their vehicle model. Please see the recall report for the list of phone numbers.
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.nhtsa.gov.
Incorrect GVWR On Federal Placard
NHTSA #21V745000 · Equipment — Other — Labels · NHTSA notice
Reported September 24, 2021 · Forest River, Inc.
Potentially affected: 61 vehicles
Repair completion: 100% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)
Forest River campaign 69-1423 · Owners notified October 8, 2021
Defect description
Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Salem and Wildwood fifth wheel trailers. The Federal Placard lists a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) that exceeds the load carrying capacity of the pin box, which could result in an overloaded pin box.
Safety consequence
An overloaded pin box can fail, increasing the risk of a crash.
Manufacturer remedy
Forest River will mail owners a new Federal Placard, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 8, 2021. Owners may contact Forest River Customer Service at 1-574-534-3167. Forest River's number for this recall is 69-1423.
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.nhtsa.gov.
Fresh Water Tank May Detach
NHTSA #21V621000 · Equipment — Recreational Vehicle/Trailer · NHTSA notice
Reported August 9, 2021 · Forest River, Inc.
Potentially affected: 336 vehicles
Repair completion: 32.14% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)
Forest River campaign 22-1400 · Owners notified August 23, 2021
Defect description
Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Salem, Wildwood and 2020-2021 Stealth EVO travel trailers. The fresh water tank may not be properly secured to the vehicle's frame.
Safety consequence
A fresh water tank that detaches from the frame could increase the risk of a crash.
Manufacturer remedy
Dealers will properly secure the holding tank, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 23, 2021. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-503-831-5410. Forest River's number for this recall is 22-1400.
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.nhtsa.gov.
Clearance Lamps Not Reflective Enough/FMVSS 108
NHTSA #21V443000 · Exterior Lighting · NHTSA notice
Reported June 11, 2021 · Forest River, Inc.
Potentially affected: 289 vehicles
Repair completion: 100% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)
Forest River campaign 51-1359 · Owners notified June 11, 2021
Defect description
Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2021 Salem Fifth Wheel, Salem Travel Trailer, Wildwood Fifth Wheel, and Wildwood Travel Trailer vehicles. The red and amber clearance lamps do not reflect enough light. As such these vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Assoc. Equipment."
Safety consequence
Less reflective clearance lamps can affect how other drivers judge the length of the trailer, increasing the risk of a crash.
Manufacturer remedy
Dealers will add reflex stickers to both the amber and red clearance lamps, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 11, 2021. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-574-534-3167. Forest River's number for this recall is 51-1359.
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.nhtsa.gov.
Cooktop Flame May Become Inverted
NHTSA #20V589000 · Equipment — Recreational Vehicle/Trailer — LPG Systems — Furnace · NHTSA notice
Reported September 25, 2020 · Forest River, Inc.
Potentially affected: 551 vehicles
Repair completion: 67.51% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)
Forest River campaign 72-1232 · Owners notified October 15, 2020
Defect description
Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2021 Salem and Wildwood recreational trailers. The flame on the cooktop may become inverted, due to the cooktop not being isolated from the furnace return air.
Safety consequence
An inverted flame can increase the risk of a fire.
Manufacturer remedy
Forest River will notify owners, and dealers will add sealant to the gaps in the paneling that are allowing the return air from the furnace to cause the inverted flame, free of charge. The recall began October 15, 2020. Owners may contact Forest River Customer Service at 1-574-534-3167. Forest River's number for this recall is 72-1232.
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.
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.
Fresh Water Tank May Detach
NHTSA #20V482000 · Equipment · NHTSA notice
Reported August 14, 2020 · Forest River, Inc.
Potentially affected: 643 vehicles
Repair completion: 49.61% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)
Forest River campaign 22-1219 · Owners notified September 23, 2020
Defect description
Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Salem and Wildwood motorhomes. The fresh water tank may not be properly secured to the vehicle's frame.
Safety consequence
A fresh water tank that detaches from the frame could increase the risk of a crash.
Manufacturer remedy
Forest River will notify owners, and dealers will properly secure the holding tank, free of charge. This recall began September 23, 2020. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-503-831-5410. Forest River's number for this recall is 22-1219.
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 2021 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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