2020 Forest River Vibe problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Wheels (2) · Tires (1)
Safety recalls (2)
Equipment:recreational Vehicle/Trailer 2020-05-13 · campaign 20V269000 · 22 vehicles
Defect: Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Vibe trailers, models VBT16RB-OR and VBT17DB-OR. The roof vent for the refrigerator may be missing.
Risk: Insufficient ventilation may cause the refrigerator to overheat, increasing the risk of a fire or result in a carbon monoxide buildup, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: Forest River will notify owners, and dealers will install a vent on the roof for the refrigerator, free of charge. The recall began on June 1, 2020. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at (503) 831-5413. Forest River's number for this recall is 22-1166.
Service Brakes, Electric 2020-01-29 · campaign 20V049000 · 218 vehicles
Defect: Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2020 Freedom Express, Salem, Stealth EVO, Vibe, Wildcat Maxx, and Wildwood recreational trailers. The emergency break-away switch may fail.
Risk: In the event of trailer separation from the tow vehicle, a failed break-away switch will not apply the trailer's brakes, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Forest River will notify owners, and dealers will replace the break-away switch, free of charge. The recall began February 19, 2020. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-503-831-5410 or 1-574-825-8205. Forest River's number for this recall is 51-1129.
Service bulletins (3)
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 2022-09-30 · 59-1555 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
generic side wall prints.
Structure 2021-10-18 · 591431 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
rear wall print showing backer locations to add a ladder.
Equipment:recreational Vehicle/Trailer:lpg Systems:furnace 2020-02-19 · 591130 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
the furnace was installed without the duct plate, whereas the particular application requires the duct plate to be installed for proper air circulation within the recreational vehicle. the furnace may not perform as intended, resulting in nuisance furnace cycling.
What owners report
2023-08-05 · Tires“castle rock st225/75r15 dot code jult 1mt date code 3019 tire on spare tire rack mounted on rear bumper of travel trailer exploded in the area of where the tread and sidewall meet. this tire had never been put into use. lions head tire and wheel has been informed via their online form email to the contact specified.…”
2022-07-28 · Wheels“purchased trailer new 02/2020, after recent trip had trailer in to repack wheel bearings and check brakes. dealer notified me of burnt wheel bearing and states brakes bad. also needs to replace hubs? when i brought trailer home noticed right rear axle tire had cords showing on outside of tire and inside tread was separating, left rear axle tire…”
2020-02-17 · Wheels · 500 mi“not enough clearance between the tires and the bottom of the camper causing the tires to impact the bottom of the camper while towing. this has the potential to damage the tires and cause deflation and a possible crash.…”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.