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NHTSA vehicle safety data

2013 Palomino Columbus Recalls & Complaints

The 2013 Palomino Columbus has 2 NHTSA recall campaigns and 16 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Palomino dealer.

NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2013 Palomino Columbus. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

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2013 Palomino Columbus owner complaints

Owners have filed 16 complaints with NHTSA about the 2013 Palomino Columbus, describing incidents dated June 10, 2013 to November 26, 2016.

Most-cited components

  • Service Brakes 14 complaints
  • Suspension 3 complaints
  • Structure 1 complaint

Of the 16 complaints on file, 1 reports a fire (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).

Newest complaints

  • ODI #10936422 · Filed

    THE 5TH WHEEL TRAILER WE PURCHASED CAME WITH SUPPLIED 6000 PND LIPPERT AXLES. THE AXLES ARE TOO SMALL FOR THE WEIGHT CARRIED ON THIS TRAILER. 7000 OR 8000 POUND AXLES SHOULD BE STANDARD. IN 2013 THIS IS WHAT THEY USED. IN SUBSEQUENT YEARS, THEY USED HEAVIER AXLES. WE ARE EDUCATED TO THIS AND ARE…

  • ODI #10864568 · Filed

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FOREST RIVER COLUMBUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FLOOR IN THE KITCHEN OF THE RV HAD BECOME VERY SOFT. THE RECREATIONAL VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80.

  • ODI #10706113 · Filed

    THE TRAVEL TRAILER IS UNABLE TO STOP DUE TO FAULTY SEALS LEAKING AND GETTING GREASE ON THE BRAKE HARDWARE. I AM AWARE OF THE PROBLEM WITH THESE SEALS DUE TO OTHER TRAILERS IDENTIFIED WITH THIS PROBLEM. I HAVE CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURE OF THE AXEL ASSEMBLY LCI (LIPPERT) AND WAS TOLD THAT SINCE MY…

Read all 16 complaints

NHTSA defect investigations

NHTSA's investigations file lists the 2013 Palomino Columbus 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.

Open and recently closed NHTSA defect investigations

Aluminum Ladder Hinge may Separate

NHTSA #16V828000 · Equipment · NHTSA notice

Reported November 15, 2016 · Forest River, Inc.

Potentially affected: 1,104 vehicles

Repair completion: 32.52% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign 51-11102016-0271 · Owners notified January 3, 2017 · Vehicles built October 4, 2012 – December 4, 2015 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain model year 2015-2017 FR3 motorhomes manufactured September 24, 2014, to May 12, 2016; 2015-2017 Prime Time Spartan toyhaulers manufactured June 10, 2014, to May 31, 2016; 2013-2016 Palomino Columbus toyhaulers manufactured October 4, 2012, to December 4, 2015; and 2015-2016 XLR Thunderbolt and Nitro toyhaulers manufactured May 23, 2014, to November 23, 2016. These vehicles were equipped with certain aluminum, black, ladders manufactured by Christianson Industries. The affected ladders have retractable hinges, each with a welded 'top hat' that can separate from the hinge.

Safety consequence

If the hinges separate from the ladder while in use, the ladder may fall from the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury.

Manufacturer remedy

Forest River will notify owners, and dealers will install a remedy kit to correct the issue, free of charge. The recall began on January 3, 2017. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-574-206-7600. Forest River's number for this recall is 51-11102016-0271.

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.

Unexpected Unfurling of the Awning

NHTSA #13V203000 · Equipment · NHTSA notice

Reported May 17, 2013 · Forest River, Inc.

Potentially affected: 9,526 vehicles

Owners notified July 29, 2013 · Vehicles built February 13, 2013 – April 18, 2013 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Defect description

Forest River is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Forest River models Blue Ridge, Cardinal, Cherokee, Columbus, EVO, Georgetown, Flagstaff, Forester, Lexington, Puma, Rockwood, Sabre, Salem, Sandpiper, Sandstorm, Sierra, Stealth, Sunseeker, Wildcat, Wildwood, Work and Play and XLR; Coachmen models Brookstone, Catalina, Chaparral, Concord, Encounter, Freedom Express, Freelander, Leprechaun, Mirada, Pursuit, and Sportcoach; Prime Time models Avenger, Crusader, Lacrosse, Saniber, and Tracer; Palomino model Maverick Truck Camper; Cargo Mate model Eliminator and Shasta models Revere, Phoenix recreational vehicles manufactured from February 13, 2013, through April 18, 2013. Due to a design change in the power awning motor assembly, the motor assembly screws may unknowingly shear.

Safety consequence

If the motor assembly screws shear, it is possible that the awning can unfurl unexpectedly, either while the vehicle is at rest or while in transit, increasing the risk of personal injury or a vehicle crash.

Manufacturer remedy

Forest River will notify owners and Dometic staff will replace the affected motors with motors of a different design. The safety recall began on July 29, 2013. Owners may contact Forest River at 1-574-389-4600 or Dometic at 1-888-447-0003 for more information. Owners are being instructed not to drive their vehicle until repairs can be performed.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Other Palomino Columbus model years

Check your 2013 Palomino Columbus VIN

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

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