2020 Forest River VIBE: complaints, problems and recalls
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
3 owner complaints analyzed
2 distinct recall campaigns
500 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2020 model year. Data snapshot: . 1 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Wheels 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Braking behavior | 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 |
|---|---|
| Wheels | 2 |
| Service Brakes | 1 |
| Suspension | 1 |
| Tires | 1 |
Wheels: 2; Service Brakes: 1; Suspension: 1; Tires: 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 | 1 |
| 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: 1; 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 (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 |
|---|---|
| 2020 | 1 |
| 2022 | 1 |
| 2023 | 1 |
2020: 1; 2022: 1; 2023: 1
Pattern summary
Wheels leads the component reports. Braking behavior 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 11309726 · 2020-02-17 (February 17, 2020)
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.
Owner-reported narrative. 500 miles reported. Look up ODI 11309726 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11476254 · 2022-07-28 (July 28, 2022)
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 was wore off on inside of tire. Front axle tires OK. Initially had no problems or warnings with trailer. Replaced tires. Dealer didn't notice tire problem, could have been safety issue if blown wh…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11476254 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11536659 · 2023-08-05 (August 5, 2023)
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.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11536659 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.
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 ↗20V269000 · Equipment:Recreational Vehicle/Trailer
Reported: 2020-05-13 (May 13, 2020)
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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗