2017 Coachmen FREEDOM EXPRESS: complaints, problems and recalls
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
3 owner complaints analyzed
2 distinct recall campaigns
45,000 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2017 model year. Data snapshot: . 1 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Structure is the most frequently named component, appearing in 2 of 3 complaints (66.7%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical and battery issues | 1 | 33.3% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Structure | 2 |
| Electrical System | 1 |
| Structure:Frame And Members:Underbody Shields | 1 |
Structure: 2; Electrical System: 1; Structure:Frame And Members:Underbody Shields: 1
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 0 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 1 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 0 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 0 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 0 |
| 150,000 and above | 0 |
Under 25,000: 0; 25,000 to 49,999: 1; 50,000 to 74,999: 0; 75,000 to 99,999: 0; 100,000 to 149,999: 0; 150,000 and above: 0
25,000 to 49,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (1). 2 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 2018 | 2 |
| 2025 | 1 |
2018: 2; 2025: 1
Pattern summary
Structure leads the component reports. Electrical and battery issues appears in 1 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Examples from the source records
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 11074756 · 2018-04-10 (April 10, 2018)
2017 COACHMEN FREEDOM EXPRESS 276RKDS. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO IMPROPER MOUNTING OF PROPANE BOTTLES. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE WIRES THAT REST ON THE LEAF SPRINGS MAKING CHAFFING AND SHORTING INEVITABLE. THE UNDERBELLY WAS NOT HEATED AS STATED BY THE MANUFACTURER EXTERIOR ELECTRICAL WIRES HAVE NO CONDUIT. THERE ARE OPENINGS UNDERNEATH THE SLIDE OUT THAT COULD POTENTIALLY ALLOW INTRUSION OF INSECT, RODENTS AND DEBRIS AS WELL AS, RELEASING HEAT. THE INTERIOR ELECTRICAL OUTLETS AND LIGHT FIXTURES ARE INSTALLED INTO THE DOORSKIN PANELING…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11074756 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11141933 · 2018-10-22 (October 22, 2018)
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 COACHMEN FREEDOM EXPRESS. WHILE CHECKING THE AIR PRESSURE IN THE TIRES, THE CONTACT NOTICED CRACKS UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE FRAME. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO CAMPERS INN RV OF RALEIGH (LOCATED AT 1501 OUTLET CENTER DR, SELMA, NC 27576, [phone removed]), BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,000.
Owner-reported narrative. 45,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11141933 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11678195 · 2025-08-04 (August 4, 2025)
Frame failure occurred bilaterally where the tongue of the travel trailer was attached to the undercarriage. Cracks were vertical and almost completely through the structural supports. This caused the I beam to buckle. Fortunately, the breaks were discovered just prior to fully separating. We had a trailer repair place examine and provide an estimate for repairs, which was $20,000. Our insurance company sent out an inspector who said that there was rust and the damage had been existing for awhile. Our claim was denied. There were no warning sys…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11678195 at NHTSA ↗
Recall history
2 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.
16V550000 · Equipment:Recreational Vehicle/Trailer | Tires
Reported: 2016-07-22 (July 22, 2016)
Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain model year 2017 Coachmen Freedom Express recreational vehicles, models FET28SE, FET282BHDS, FET282BHDSLE, FET281RLDS, FET281RLDSLE, FET29SE, FET292BHDS and FET292BHDSLE, manufactured May 16, 2016, to July 19, 2016. These vehicles may have insufficient space between the slideroom driveshaft and the driver's side tires, causing the tires to rub.
Consequence: If the driveshaft rubs against the tires, tire failure may result, possibly causing a loss of control and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Forest River will notify owners, and dealers will repair the vehicle, free of charge. The recall began on August 25, 2016. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-574-825-8205. Forest River's number for this recall is 220-07192016-0229.
NHTSA campaign record ↗17V756000 · Equipment
Reported: 2017-11-22 (November 22, 2017)
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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗