2020 Forest River SALEM: complaints, problems and recalls
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
12 owner complaints analyzed
7 distinct recall campaigns
3,500 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2020 model year. Data snapshot: . 3 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Tires is the most frequently named component, appearing in 5 of 12 complaints (41.7%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical and battery issues | 2 | 16.7% |
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 |
|---|---|
| Tires | 5 |
| Electrical System | 2 |
| Electrical System:Propulsion System:Dc/Dc Converter | 1 |
| Equipment:Recreational Vehicle/Trailer:Lpg Systems | 1 |
| Equipment:Recreational Vehicle/Trailer:Materials:Insulation | 1 |
| Latches/Locks/Linkages:Doors:Latch | 1 |
| Structure:Body | 1 |
| Unknown Or Other | 1 |
Tires: 5; Electrical System: 2; Electrical System:Propulsion System:Dc/Dc Converter: 1; Equipment:Recreational Vehicle/Trailer:Lpg Systems: 1; Equipment:Recreational Vehicle/Trailer:Materials:Insulation: 1; Latches/Locks/Linkages:Doors:Latch: 1; Structure:Body: 1; Unknown Or Other: 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 | 3 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 0 |
| 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: 3; 25,000 to 49,999: 0; 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 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (3). 9 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 |
|---|---|
| 2020 | 3 |
| 2021 | 3 |
| 2022 | 3 |
| 2023 | 1 |
| 2025 | 2 |
2020: 3; 2021: 3; 2022: 3; 2023: 1; 2025: 2
Pattern summary
Tires leads the component reports. Electrical and battery issues appears in 2 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 11343354 · 2020-08-04 (August 4, 2020)
WHILE PULLING OUR NEW 5TH WHEEL SALEM HEMISPHERE CAMPER WE BOUGHT APRIL 2020 ON INTERSTATE NEAR ST.LOUIS AT 65 MPH REAR DRIVERS SIDE TIRE BLOW OUT DAMAGING THE CAMPER HAD ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE PUT SPARE TIRE ON UNIT TO GET HOME TRYING TO GET CAMPER FIXED BY FACTORY WHO INSTALLED TIRES ON THE UNIT.*DT*JB
Owner-reported narrative. 3,500 miles reported. Look up ODI 11343354 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11349351 · 2020-08-15 (August 15, 2020)
CASTLE ROCK TIRES ST 226 225/75/15.TIRESSHOW SIGNS OF FAILURE, WE PURCHASED A TRAVEL TRAILER IN MAY OF 2020. I HAVE TOWED IT LESS THAN 2K MILES AND HAVE 4 OF 5 TIRES SHOWING SIDEWALL BULGE. 1 TIRE IS THE SPARE WHICH HAS NEVER BEEN ON THE AXLE. I PLAN TO REPLACE THESE TIRES WITH A GOOD QUALITY TIRE IN THE UP COMING DAYS. I WILL KEEP THESE TIRES FOR A FEW WEEKS TO ALLOW TIME TO DETERMINE IF THEY NEED TO BE SENT SOMEWHERE TO BE INSPECTED. THANK YOU IN ADVANCE, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U…
Owner-reported narrative. 2,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11349351 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11384361 · 2020-12-21 (December 21, 2020)
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 FOREST RIVER SALEM EQUIPPED WITH LIONSHEAD TIRES, TIRE LINE: CASTLE ROCK ST, TIRE SIZE: 205/75/R14, DOT NUMBER: JUJTYMT1219. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY, HE HEARD AN EXPLOSION AND BECAME AWARE THAT THE PASSENGER'S SIDE REAR TIRE ON THE TRAILER WAS DEFLATED. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER AND CHANGED THE TIRE. THE FOLLOWING DAY THE DRIVER'S SIDE REAR TIRE ON THE TRAVEL TRAILER EXPLODED. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE TIRE WITH THE SPARE TIRE. ADDITIONALLY, THE RIM ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE WAS ALSO DA…
Owner-reported narrative. 3,854 miles reported. Look up ODI 11384361 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11397521 · 2021-02-23 (February 23, 2021)
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 2020 FOREST RIVER SALEM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT INSIDE OF THE RV THERE WAS INSULATION FROM THE METAL OUTSIDE OF THE RV TO THE WALLS, CAUSING THE METAL TO SWEAT, WHICH CAUSED MOLD TO DEVELOP INSIDE OF THE RV. ADDITIONALLY, THERE WAS AN ABNORMALLY STRONG PROPANE ODOR INSIDE THE RV. THE CONTACT CALLED THE LOCAL DEALER OREGON WEST RV SERVICE (490 ART-LOTT LN, CRESWELL, OR 97426) AND REPORTED THE FAILURE HOWEVER, THE RV WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNO…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11397521 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11422495 · 2021-06-27 (June 27, 2021)
Driving down the road and tire exploded. Cruise was set on 70 miles an hour and no debris was hit. Camper was empty, 14,000lbs. We were 80 miles from the dealership who preformed a full inspection of camper and tires.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11422495 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11434242 · 2021-09-24 (September 24, 2021)
The contact owns a 2020 Forest River Salem trailer equipped with LionsHead Tires, Tire Line: Castle Rock, Tire Size: 235/80/R16, DOT Number: Jumr2mt4818. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the passenger’s side front and passenger’s side rear tire experienced blowouts and caused severe damaged to the trailer trims, plastic inner wheel well liner, and the wheel wells. The tires were replaced. The contact also stated that the blowouts happened on two separate dates, with the first date being September 13, 2021. The contact was able to replac…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11434242 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11446508 · 2022-01-06 (January 6, 2022)
Roof/wall seals prematurely failed. Travel trailer is a 2020. only 1 1/2 years old. Bought it brand new. Water damage can cause mold, creating health issues and structure issues. Currently at a repair facility being inspected for total damage and estimate on cost. Had it's last outing August 2020, no damage or signs of problem then, noticed bad seals and water damage 5 Jan 2022.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11446508 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11470401 · 2022-06-22 (June 22, 2022)
The contact owns a 2020 Forest River Salem fifth wheel. The contact stated that the RV was not able to start up. Additionally, the converter caught fire while the contact's husband was inside the RV. The contact's husband put out the fire with a fire extinguisher. No injuries were sustained and no medical attention was received. The RV was towed to the dealer; however, the RV was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11470401 at NHTSA ↗
Recall history
7 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.
19V754000 · Equipment
Reported: 2019-10-23 (October 23, 2019)
Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2020 EVO, Salem and Wildwood travel trailers. The trailer cooktops were installed with a rubber liquid propane (LP) gas line instead of a copper one.
Consequence: The rubber hose may melt, allowing gas to enter the vehicle, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Forest River has notified owners, and dealers will replace the rubber LP gas line with a copper gas line, free of charge. The recall began November 7, 2019. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-909-873-3777. Forest River's number for this recall is 67A-1107.
NHTSA campaign record ↗20V049000 · Service Brakes, Electric
Reported: 2020-01-29 (January 29, 2020)
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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗20V482000 · Equipment
Reported: 2020-08-14 (August 14, 2020)
Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Salem and Wildwood motorhomes. The fresh water tank may not be properly secured to the vehicle's frame.
Consequence: A fresh water tank that detaches from the frame could increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Forest River will notify owners, and dealers will properly secure the holding tank, free of charge. This recall began September 23, 2020. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-503-831-5410. Forest River's number for this recall is 22-1219.
NHTSA campaign record ↗20V563000 · Electrical System: Integrated Trailer Brake Control | Trailer Hitches
Reported: 2020-09-18 (September 18, 2020)
Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Wildwood, Salem, and 2020 Sonoma travel trailers. The break-away safety switch may not be wired to constant power, which can cause the trailer brakes to not activate in the event of a trailer separation from the tow vehicle.
Consequence: If the brakes of the trailer do not engage, it can result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Forest River will notify owners, and dealers will rewire the breakaway switch, free of charge. The recall began October 13, 2020. Owners may contact Forest customer service at 1-909-873-3777. Forest River's number for this recall is 67A-1230.
NHTSA campaign record ↗20V727000 · Equipment:Appliance:Oven/Stove/Cooktop | Equipment:Recreational Vehicle/Trailer:Lpg Systems
Reported: 2020-11-23 (November 23, 2020)
Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2019 Coachmen Chaparral and Shasta, 2019-2020 Coachmen Concord and Orion, 2020-2021 Coachmen Cross Trek and Forest River Berkshire, 2019-2021 Coachmen Freelander, Leprechaun and Prism, 2020 Coachmen Mirada, Pursuit and Sportscoach, Dynamax Force, DX3, Dynaquest XL and Isata and Forest River Wildwood and 2008 and 2020 Forest River Salem vehicles equipped with Dometic 3 burner cooking stoves. The saddle valve securing bolt may be overtightened, possibly damaging the o-ring seal and causing a continuous gas leak.
Consequence: A gas leak can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Forest River will notify owners, and dealers will install a remedy kit of gaskets, washers, thread locker bolts, and two round orange labels, free of charge. The recall began January 11, 2021. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-574-825-4995, or Dometic customer service at 1-574-293-0681. Forest River's number for this recall is 51-1259.
NHTSA campaign record ↗21V621000 · Equipment:Recreational Vehicle/Trailer
Reported: 2021-08-09 (August 9, 2021)
Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Salem, Wildwood and 2020-2021 Stealth EVO travel trailers. The fresh water tank may not be properly secured to the vehicle's frame.
Consequence: A fresh water tank that detaches from the frame could increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will properly secure the holding tank, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 23, 2021. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-503-831-5410. Forest River's number for this recall is 22-1400.
NHTSA campaign record ↗25V682000 · Electrical System:Wiring
Reported: 2025-10-10 (October 10, 2025)
Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Forest River Aurora, Coachmen Catalina, 2026 Coachmen Viking, Coachmen Clipper, 2016-2026 Wildwood, and Salem recreational trailers. The distribution panel wire may be connected to the battery without over current protection.
Consequence: Unprotected wiring can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will relocate the distribution panel wire to the correct side of the breaker, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 18, 2025. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-574-825-4995. Forest River's number for this recall is 205-1987.
NHTSA campaign record ↗