2011 Forest River R-Pod recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-18. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
1 safety recall, most serious first
1. Lights
What's wrong, in plain English: Headlights, tail lights or turn signals may not work, making the car hard to see. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE VEHICLES DO NOT HAVE THE REQUIRED CLEARANCE LIGHTS.
What could happen: This could render the vehicle less visible to other motorist during hours of darkness, possibly resulting in a crash causing property damage and/or personal injury.
The fix: Forest Rivers petition for relief from remedy based on its belief that the noncompliance was inconsequential to motor vehicle safety was denied by NHTSA on May 16, 2012. Accordingly, Forest River will conduct a safety recall campaign. The safety recall began in May 2012. Owners nay contact Forest River at 1-574-64…
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2011 R-POD.
- Book a repair at any authorized Forest River dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 11V010000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-574-642-3119.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Summary: FOREST RIVER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009-2011 R-POD TRAVEL TRAILERS MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 27, 2008, THROUGH NOVEMBER 20, 2010, FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE VEHICLES DO NOT HAVE THE REQUIRED CLEARANCE LIGHTS.
Consequence: This could render the vehicle less visible to other motorist during hours of darkness, possibly resulting in a crash causing property damage and/or personal injury.
Remedy: Forest Rivers petition for relief from remedy based on its belief that the noncompliance was inconsequential to motor vehicle safety was denied by NHTSA on May 16, 2012. Accordingly, Forest River will conduct a safety recall campaign. The safety recall began in May 2012. Owners nay contact Forest River at 1-574-642-3119.
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.
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Compact car fire extinguisher
- 2011 Forest River R-Pod owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Electrical system (2), Brakes (1), Hydraulic (1).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (3)
08/23/2016 · Electrical system
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 (NA) FOREST RIVER R-POD. WHILE THE RV WAS PLUGGED INTO THE CAMPSITE POWER SUPPLY, AN ELECTRICAL ARCHING NOISE WAS PRESENT AND THE FIRE ALARM ACTIVATED DUE TO SMOKE INSIDE THE CAMPER. THE PANELS UNDER THE KITCHEN SINK WERE REMOVED TO ACCESS THE ELECTRICAL PANEL, WHICH HAD SMOLDERING SPARKS AND SMOKE. THE FIRE EXTINGUISHER WAS USED…
06/23/2016 · Electrical system · fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 (NA) FOREST RIVER R-POD 178. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS IN THE CAMPER TRAILER, HE SAW A FLASH AND THE SMOKE ALARM SOUNDED. SMOKE EMITTED FROM THE MOLEX CONNECTOR BEHIND THE CABINETRY IN THE KITCHEN. THE ELECTRICAL POWER WAS SHUT OFF TO DEFUSE THE FIRE. THE CONTACT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE WITHOUT INJURY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR…
11/23/2011 · Brakes
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FOREST RIVER R-POD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHENEVER HE APPLIED THE BRAKES, THE REAR PASSENGER WHEEL SEIZED AND THE TRAILER JERKED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER, WHO WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAIL…