2008 Forest River Salem recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-18. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
3 safety recalls, most serious first
1. Equipment
What's wrong, in plain English: A part or accessory supplied with the vehicle. Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2019 Coachmen Chaparral and Shasta, 2019-2020 Coachmen Concord and Orion, 2020-2021 Coachmen Cross Trek and Forest River Berkshire, 2019-2021 Coachmen Freelander, Leprechaun and Prism, 2020 Coachmen Mirada, Pursuit and Sportscoach, Dynamax Force, DX3, Dynaquest XL and Isata and Forest River Wildwood and 2008 and 2020 Forest River Salem vehicles equipped with Dom…
What could happen: A gas leak can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: Forest River will notify owners, and dealers will install a remedy kit of gaskets, washers, thread locker bolts, and two round orange labels, free of charge. The recall began January 11, 2021. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-574-825-4995, or Dometic customer service at 1-574-293-0681. Forest R…
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 2008 SALEM.
- Book a repair at any authorized Forest River dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 20V727000 (manufacturer code 51-1259).
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-574-825-4995.
- 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: EQUIPMENT:RECREATIONAL VEHICLE/TRAILER:LPG SYSTEMS
Summary: Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2019 Coachmen Chaparral and Shasta, 2019-2020 Coachmen Concord and Orion, 2020-2021 Coachmen Cross Trek and Forest River Berkshire, 2019-2021 Coachmen Freelander, Leprechaun and Prism, 2020 Coachmen Mirada, Pursuit and Sportscoach, Dynamax Force, DX3, Dynaquest XL and Isata and Forest River Wildwood and 2008 and 2020 Forest River Salem vehicles equipped with Dometic 3 burner cooking stoves. The saddle valve securing bolt may be overtightened, possibly damaging the o-ring seal and causing a continuous gas leak.
Consequence: A gas leak can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Forest River will notify owners, and dealers will install a remedy kit of gaskets, washers, thread locker bolts, and two round orange labels, free of charge. The recall began January 11, 2021. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-574-825-4995, or Dometic customer service at 1-574-293-0681. Forest River's number for this recall is 51-1259.
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.
2. Equipment
What's wrong, in plain English: A part or accessory supplied with the vehicle. 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 mo…
What could happen: In the event of a fire, if the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: 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 clic…
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 2008 SALEM.
- Book a repair at any authorized Forest River dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 17V756000 (manufacturer code 51-0544).
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-348-7440.
- 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: EQUIPMENT
Summary: 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
Consequence: In the event of a fire, if the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury.
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.
3. Equipment
What's wrong, in plain English: A part or accessory supplied with the vehicle. CERTAIN TRAVEL TRAILERS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF PART 567, "CERTIFICATION." THE LABEL LOCATED ON THE LOWER ROADSIDE FRONT OF THE UNIT CONTAINS AN IMPROPER LISTING OF THE TIRE AND RIM.
What could happen: THERE MAY BE CONFUSION AS TO THE PROPER REPLACEMENT TIRE IF IT IS NECESSARY.
The fix: DEALERS WILL MAIL THE CORRECTED FEDERAL COMPLIANCE TAG AND TIRE LOAD INFORMATION TO THE DEALERS OR RETAIL CUSTOMERS. THEY CAN BE PLACED OVER THE INCORRECT LABEL AFTER CLEANING THE SURFACE WITH ALCOHOL. CUSTOMERS WILL HAVE THE OPTION FOR DEALERS TO INSTALL THE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 1, 2007…
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 2008 SALEM.
- Book a repair at any authorized Forest River dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 07V487000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- 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: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
Summary: CERTAIN TRAVEL TRAILERS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF PART 567, "CERTIFICATION." THE LABEL LOCATED ON THE LOWER ROADSIDE FRONT OF THE UNIT CONTAINS AN IMPROPER LISTING OF THE TIRE AND RIM.
Consequence: THERE MAY BE CONFUSION AS TO THE PROPER REPLACEMENT TIRE IF IT IS NECESSARY.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL MAIL THE CORRECTED FEDERAL COMPLIANCE TAG AND TIRE LOAD INFORMATION TO THE DEALERS OR RETAIL CUSTOMERS. THEY CAN BE PLACED OVER THE INCORRECT LABEL AFTER CLEANING THE SURFACE WITH ALCOHOL. CUSTOMERS WILL HAVE THE OPTION FOR DEALERS TO INSTALL THE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 1, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FOREST RIVER AT 574-534-3167.
Notes: CUSTOMERS 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 HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Compact car fire extinguisher
- 2008 Forest River Salem owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Suspension (2), Wheels / tires (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)
08/02/2011 · Suspension
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FOREST RIVER SALEM TRAILER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT BOTH FRONT AND REAR AXLES WERE SEVERELY DAMAGED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO ADVISED THAT THE FOUR LEAF SPRINGS WERE POORLY DESIGNED AND DANGEROUS. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE PROBLEM. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS UNK…
04/18/2011 · Wheels / tires
PURCHASED A 2008 FLAGSTAFF TRAILER MODEL 31FKBBS IN JUNE 2009. HAVE HAD THREE TIRE BLOW OUTS ONE EACH IN OCTOBER 2009, JULY 2010, AND FEB 2011 AND A WHEEL BEARING FAILURE POSSIBLY CAUSED BY LAST BLOW OUT IN FEB 2011. UNABLE TO TOW TRAILER IN EXCESS OF 45 MPH BECAUSE OF TIRE PROBLEM. AFTER LAST TIRE BLOWOUT TIRE DEALER POINTED OUT DATA ON TRAILER STATES TI…
10/26/2009 · Suspension
WE HAVE A 2008 FOREST RIVER SURVEYOR MODEL 301 30 FT TRAVEL TRAILER EQUIPPED WITH LIPPERT AXLES. WE WERE ON VACATION AND WE HEARD A LOUD BANG LIKE A TIRE BLOWING OUT. I PULLED OVER GOT OUT AND INSPECTED THE TRAILER AND MY TOW VEHICLE AND FOUND NOTHING WRONG. WITHIN 600 MILES MY RT REAR TIRE WENT BALD ON THE OUTSIDE AND I TOOK IT TO A TIRE DEALER IN KALLIS…