2011 Forest River Salem problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Suspension (1) · Structure:frame And Members:underbody Shields (1)
Safety recalls (3)
Equipment 2017-11-22 · campaign 17V756000 · 365,885 vehicles
Defect: 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 2013-20
Risk: In the event of a fire, if the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury.
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 click on "Product Safety Recall" for more information. Forest River's number for this recall is 51-0544.
Suspension:front:springs:leaf Spring Assembly 2011-01-14 · campaign 11V017000 · 115 vehicles
Defect: FOREST RIVER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010-2011 SALEM TRAVEL TRAILERS MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 25, 2009, THROUGH JANUARY 13, 2011. THE BOTTOM LEAF ON THE LEAF SPRINGS MAY ROTATE OUT OF POSITION AND MAKE CONTACT WITH THE TIRE.
Risk: THIS WILL CAUSE THE TIRE TO BLOW OUT WITHOUT WARNING AND A LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE RESULTING IN PROPERTY DAMAGE AND/OR PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH.
Fix: DEALERS WILL PLACE TWO SQUARE BEND "U" BOLTS WITH WASHERS AND NUTS AND RETAINING PLATE THAT WILL BE CENTERED ON THE SPRING CENTER BOLT TO RESTRAIN THE LOWER SPRING LEAF. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 3, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FOREST RIVER AT 574-389-4600.
Equipment:recreational Vehicle/Trailer:lpg Systems:water Heater 2010-06-24 · campaign 10V281000 · 1,488 vehicles
Defect: FOREST RIVER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 SALEM AND WILDWOOD TRAVEL AND FIFTH WHEEL TRAILERS MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 2009 THROUGH JUNE 11, 2010. THE TEMPERATURE CONTROL MECHANISM OF THE WATER HEATER MAY HAVE BEEN DAMAGED DURING INSTALLATION IN THE UNIT. AS A RESULT, THE BURNER MAY FLAME UP OUT OF CONTROL WHEN LIT.
Risk: THE EXCESS FLAME OUTSIDE OF THE BURNER CHAMBER CAN RESULT IN A FIRE IN THE RV TRAILER.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPAIR OR REPLACE THE WATER HEATER FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 15, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FOREST RIVER AT 574-534-6913.
Service bulletins (1)
Technical service bulletins are repair instructions manufacturers send dealers for known issues. Unlike recalls, the fix is not automatically free — but naming the bulletin at the service desk can save diagnosis time and support goodwill repairs.
Equipment 2020-08-05 · 511213 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
this is a document that describes how to take the required photos to assess the slideroom mechanism for adjustment and function.
What owners report
2012-02-08 · Structure:frame And Members:underbody Shields · 5,000 mi“the main frame of the trailer has failed doe to a gross error of the mechanical design in making the front crossmember too thin to support the weight of the trailer. additionally, the requirement to use a load leveler by the dealer as recommended by the manufacturer increases this load to the point that the calculated safety margin of the crossmem…”
2011-11-14 · Suspension · 1,000 mi · 🔥 fire“tl* the contact owns a 2011 forrest river salem. the contact stated while driving 65 mph, another driver alerted her that the rear of the vehicle was on fire. the vehicle was maneuvered to the shoulder. the contact extinguished the fire, which was located on the rear axle. the vehicle was towed to an independent repair shop and the contact was info…”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.