2013 Forest River CHEROKEE: complaints, problems and recalls

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FOREST RIVER CHEROKEE GREY WOLF TRAVEL TRAILER. THE VEHICLE WAS EQUIPPED WITH VAIL SPORT ST LH99 TIRES, SIZE 205/75/D14 (NA). THE CONTACT STATED THAT ALL FOUR TIRES WERE CRACKED AND THE TREAD WAS SEPARATING. THE TIRES WERE NOT REPLACED. NEITHER THE VIN NOR THE DOT NUMBER WAS AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE TIRE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,500. THE VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10605334 at NHTSA ↗

The contact owns a 2013 Forest River Cherokee. The contact stated that the trailer’s single axle was rated for 3,500 pounds while the dry weight of the trailer was listed at 3,069 pounds, not including the accessories on the trailer. The contact stated that the axle was not rated properly for the camper. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. There was no failure milage available.

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11425510 at NHTSA ↗

Reported: 2013-05-17 (May 17, 2013)

Forest River is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Forest River models Blue Ridge, Cardinal, Cherokee, Columbus, EVO, Georgetown, Flagstaff, Forester, Lexington, Puma, Rockwood, Sabre, Salem, Sandpiper, Sandstorm, Sierra, Stealth, Sunseeker, Wildcat, Wildwood, Work and Play and XLR; Coachmen models Brookstone, Catalina, Chaparral, Concord, Encounter, Freedom Express, Freelander, Leprechaun, Mirada, Pursuit, and Sportcoach; Prime Time models Avenger, Crusader, Lacrosse, Saniber, and Tracer; Palomino model Maverick Truck Camper; Cargo Mate model Eliminator and Shasta models Revere, Phoenix recreational vehicles manufactured from February 13, 2013, through April 18, 2013. Due to a design change in the power awning motor assembly, the motor assembly screws may unknowingly shear.

Consequence: If the motor assembly screws shear, it is possible that the awning can unfurl unexpectedly, either while the vehicle is at rest or while in transit, increasing the risk of personal injury or a vehicle crash.

Remedy: Forest River will notify owners and Dometic staff will replace the affected motors with motors of a different design. The safety recall began on July 29, 2013. Owners may contact Forest River at 1-574-389-4600 or Dometic at 1-888-447-0003 for more information. Owners are being instructed not to drive their vehicle until repairs can be performed.

Reported: 2015-10-13 (October 13, 2015)

Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Cherokee recreational trailers, model T19V, manufactured February 18, 2013, to August 14, 2013. In the affected vehicles, the Federal placard displays incorrect vehicle information. The original placard indicates that the tires on the vehicle are ST225/75R15D and the axle indicates a 5,200 lbs. capacity. However, the vehicle was built with a 3,500 lbs. axle and ST205/75R15C tires, which results in a decrease in the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of 49 CFR Part 567, "Certification."

Consequence: By relying on the incorrect Tire, Rim, GVWR and Cargo Carrying Capacity information indicated on the Federal Placards, an owner may unknowingly overload the vehicle, possibly resulting in tire or axle failure, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Forest River will notify owners and provide a corrected, free of charge. The recall began on October 26, 2015. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-800-453-6064. Forest River's number for this campaign is 17A-10082015-0094.

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.