2015 Forest River Salem recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-18. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
5 safety recalls, most serious first
1. Electrical system
What's wrong, in plain English: Wiring, modules, batteries. Short circuits can cause stalls or fires. 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.
What could happen: If the trailer brakes cannot engage if the trailer detaches from tow vehicle, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
The fix: 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.
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 2015 SALEM.
- Book a repair at any authorized Forest River dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 18V550000 (manufacturer code 22/30-0824).
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-503-831-5410.
- 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: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY
Summary: 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.
Consequence: If the trailer brakes cannot engage if the trailer detaches from tow vehicle, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
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.
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 2015 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. Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain model year 2015 Salem Ice Cabin trailers manufactured October 10, 2014, to October 28, 2014, and certain model year 2015 Wildwood Ice Cabin trailers manufactured October 10, 2014, to October 22, 2014. Due to insufficient thickness, the Lippert Components-brand draw bar of the affected trailers may break.
What could happen: If the draw bar breaks, the front of the trailer may fall or the trailer may detach from the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Forest River has notified the dealers who have the affected trailers quarantined on their lots. Lippert Components personnel will reinforce the draw tube, free of charge. The recall began on November 17, 2014. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-800-353-7383. Forest River's number for this recall…
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 2015 SALEM.
- Book a repair at any authorized Forest River dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 14V712000 (manufacturer code 06-11032014).
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-353-7383.
- 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
Summary: Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain model year 2015 Salem Ice Cabin trailers manufactured October 10, 2014, to October 28, 2014, and certain model year 2015 Wildwood Ice Cabin trailers manufactured October 10, 2014, to October 22, 2014. Due to insufficient thickness, the Lippert Components-brand draw bar of the affected trailers may break.
Consequence: If the draw bar breaks, the front of the trailer may fall or the trailer may detach from the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Forest River has notified the dealers who have the affected trailers quarantined on their lots. Lippert Components personnel will reinforce the draw tube, free of charge. The recall began on November 17, 2014. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-800-353-7383. Forest River's number for this recall is 06-11032014.
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.
4. Equipment
What's wrong, in plain English: A part or accessory supplied with the vehicle. Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Salem and Wildwood T174BH recreational vehicles manufactured September 18, 2013, to August 29, 2014. The affected vehicles may have an incorrect Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) on the certification and tire information labels. As such, the vehicles do not conform to Part 567, "Certification."
What could happen: If the trailer is loaded to the specifications listed on the label, tire failure may result, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Forest River will notify owners, and will provide corrected labels to the owners, free of charge. The recall began on November 11, 2014. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-800-353-7383. Forest River's number for this recall is 2014-PLT6.
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 2015 SALEM.
- Book a repair at any authorized Forest River dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 14V625000 (manufacturer code 2014-PLT6).
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-353-7383.
- 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: Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Salem and Wildwood T174BH recreational vehicles manufactured September 18, 2013, to August 29, 2014. The affected vehicles may have an incorrect Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) on the certification and tire information labels. As such, the vehicles do not conform to Part 567, "Certification."
Consequence: If the trailer is loaded to the specifications listed on the label, tire failure may result, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Forest River will notify owners, and will provide corrected labels to the owners, free of charge. The recall began on November 11, 2014. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-800-353-7383. Forest River's number for this recall is 2014-PLT6.
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.
5. Suspension
What's wrong, in plain English: Parts can break and cause loss of control. Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain model year 2015 Salem 8X16FK, 8X18RB, 8X20RD, 8X20RC, 8X20SV, 8X21RV, 8X22RDV, and 8X22RHV, and 2015 Wildwood 8X16FK, 8X18RB, 8X20RD, 8X20RC, 8X20SV, 8X21RV, 8X22RDV, and 8X22RHV ice house fishing cabin trailers manufactured September 22, 2014, to October 23, 2014. The affected trailers may have been built with frame spring hangers that may be brittle and suscep…
What could happen: A spring hanger that fractures may result in a loss of control of the trailer, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Forest River has notified the dealers that have the affected trailers quarantined. Dealers will install a spring hanger reinforcement kit, free of charge. The recall began in late October 2014. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-800-353-7383. Forest River's number for this recall is 6-102914.
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 2015 SALEM.
- Book a repair at any authorized Forest River dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 14V689000 (manufacturer code 6-102914).
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-353-7383.
- 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: SUSPENSION:REAR:SPRINGS:LEAF SPRING ASSEMBLY:HANGER/BRACKET
Summary: Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain model year 2015 Salem 8X16FK, 8X18RB, 8X20RD, 8X20RC, 8X20SV, 8X21RV, 8X22RDV, and 8X22RHV, and 2015 Wildwood 8X16FK, 8X18RB, 8X20RD, 8X20RC, 8X20SV, 8X21RV, 8X22RDV, and 8X22RHV ice house fishing cabin trailers manufactured September 22, 2014, to October 23, 2014. The affected trailers may have been built with frame spring hangers that may be brittle and susceptible to fracturing.
Consequence: A spring hanger that fractures may result in a loss of control of the trailer, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Forest River has notified the dealers that have the affected trailers quarantined. Dealers will install a spring hanger reinforcement kit, free of charge. The recall began in late October 2014. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-800-353-7383. Forest River's number for this recall is 6-102914.
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
- Portable jump starter
- 2015 Forest River Salem owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Body / structure (5), Suspension (3), Unknown Or Other (2), Electrical system (2), Brakes (2).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (8)
10/16/2018 · Body / structure
JUNE 8, 2017, WE WERE TRAVELING SOUTHBOUND ON I-15 IN CENTRAL UTAH. WE WERE TRAVELING AT OR NEAR 60 MILES PER HOUR, WHEN THE VINYL ROOF SEPARATED FROM THE TOP FRONT OF OUR TRAILER. WE IMMEDIATELY STOPPED AT THE 1ST OFF RAMP WE COULD SAFELY GET TOO, AND SECURED IT WITH ROPES TO PREVENT ANY HAZARD TO THE PUBLIC. AT THE TIME OF THIS ROOF FAILURE WE HAD LES…
11/07/2016 · Suspension
I BOUGHT AN RV 2015 FOR MAJOR RV IN HESPERIA CALIFORNIA FOREST RIVER SALEM TWO WEEKS AFTER I BOUGHT IT THE PAIN STARTED PULLING OFF THE FRONT THEN TRAILER BRAKES KEPT SHORTING IN AND OUT AND THEN QUIT WORKING ALTOGETHER TOOK IT BACK TO MAJOR RV TOLD HIM ABOUT THE PAINT AND TRAILER BRAKES THEY TOLD ME THEY PUT A SWITCH IN THAT FROM WHEREVER MADE THE SWITCH P…
10/26/2016 · Brakes
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 FOREST RIVER HEMISPHERE (NA). WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE BRAKES FAILED TO RESPOND WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE RECURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000.
07/15/2016 · Body / structure
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 FOREST VILLA SALEM VILLA (NA). WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE AWNING DETACHED FROM THE TRAILER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. UPDATED 09/08/16*LJ *JS
07/14/2016 · Suspension
THE SUSPENSION AND AXLES DO NOT ADEQUATELY SUPPORT THE CHASSIS AT THE ADVERTISED CURB WEIGHT OF THE TRAILER, CAUSING THE AXLES TO WARP AND ALL 4 OF THE TIRES TO FAIL. THE ATTACH POINTS TO THE CHASSIS ALSO DISLODGED AND REQUIRE REPLACEMENT.
01/21/2016 · Suspension
**ADVISED BY PUBLIC.AFFAIRS@DOT.GOV TO FORWARD TO YOU FOR ACTION** EXTENSIVE MOLD DAMAGE - COMPROMISED STRUCTURAL/SUSPENSION INTEGRITY DUE TO WATER LEAKAGE FINE/RECALL LEVIED AGAINST MANUFACTURER FOREST RIVER (JULY 2015) FOR FAILURE TO COMPLY REPORTING SAFETY ISSUES. WE OWN A FOREST RIVER SALEM CRUISE LITE, BOUGHT NEW AUG 2015, FAULTY CONSTRUCTION/LEA…
10/27/2015 · Electrical system
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 FOREST RIVER SALEM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR CONDITIONING UNIT ONLY EMITTED WARM AIR, THE CHASSIS TWISTED, THE ELECTRIC JACKS DID NOT FUNCTION, AND SEALS WERE FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE AIR CONDITIONER UNIT WAS REPLACED ON FIVE SEPARATE OCCASIONS. THE CHASSIS WAS WELDED BACK INTO POSITION. IN…
08/03/2015 · Body / structure
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 FOREST RIVER SALEM FIFTH WHEEL TRAILER. WHILE DRIVING AT 60 MPH, THE RUBBERIZED ROOF SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE TRAILER WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR INSPECTION. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE ROOF WAS IMPROPERLY INSTALLED AND IMPROPERLY GLUED TO THE VEHICLE SURFACE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTUR…