2012 Forest River Vlite 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. Transmission / drivetrain
What's wrong, in plain English: The parts that send engine power to the wheels. Failure can mean a sudden loss of power or the car rolling away. When an affected trailer hits a large bump or pot hole, the trailer tire may contact the bottom of the floor.
What could happen: As a result, the tire may become damaged and possibly blow out which may cause a loss of control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Forest River will notify owners, and dealers will add a lift kit between the frame and the axle mounting brackets, free of charge. Owners may contact Forest River at 1-574-825-7178.
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 2012 VLITE.
- Book a repair at any authorized Forest River dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 13V554000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-574-825-7178.
- 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:AXLE:NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY
Summary: Forest River is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Rockwood, Windjammer, Vlite and Flagstaff travel trailers manufactured February 3, 2012, through February 4, 2013. When an affected trailer hits a large bump or pot hole, the trailer tire may contact the bottom of the floor.
Consequence: As a result, the tire may become damaged and possibly blow out which may cause a loss of control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Forest River will notify owners, and dealers will add a lift kit between the frame and the axle mounting brackets, free of charge. Owners may contact Forest River at 1-574-825-7178.
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
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Wheels / tires (4), Suspension (3), Body / structure (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)
10/13/2015 · Suspension
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FOREST RIVER VLITE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER MORE THAN SIX TMES, BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DETERMINED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FLOORING WAS BUCKLING ON THE DRIVER SIDE, WHICH MADE IT DIFFICULT TO OPEN THE FLOOR ENTRY DOOR. THE DEALER REPLACED THE FLOORING WITH FLOORING THAT WAS…
09/15/2014 · Suspension
TRAIL EXPRESS TIRE ST 225/75R15 LR C DOT# 1KMM16A 2311 HAD A SUDDEN SIDEWALL AT TREAD SEPARATION CAUSING A BLOWOUT. MINOR DAMAGE TO VEHICLE. TIRE PRESSURE WAS CHECKED AND VERIFIED AT 50PSI AND NO VISIBLE CRACKS OR DEFORMITIES AT BEGINNING OF TRIP 25 MILES BEFORE.
09/15/2014 · Suspension
TRAIL EXPRESS TIRE ST 225/75R15 LR C DOT# 1KMM16A 2311 EXPERIENCED TREAD SEPARATION AND LOSS OF AIR RESULTING IN MODERATE VEHICLE DAMAGE. THIS TIRE FAILURE HAPPENED APPROXIMATELY 35 MILES AFTER A PREVIOUS TIRE FAILURE OF SAME BRAND AND DOT#. *TR