2014 Forest River WILDCAT: complaints, problems and recalls

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 FOREST RIVER WILDCAT MAXX EQUIPPED WITH GRAND RIDE POWER TOURING TIRES, SIZE: ST/235/80/R16. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, ONE OF THE TIRES DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE TIRE WAS REPLACED WITH A SPARE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE AND TIRE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 500. THE VIN, DOT NUMBER, AND TIRE LOCATION WERE UNAVAILABLE.

Owner-reported narrative. 500 miles reported. Look up ODI 10887414 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: 2014-02-27 (February 27, 2014)

Forest River, Inc. is recalling certain model year 2014 Wildcat recreational vehicles manufactured October 25, 2013, through January 24, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the Federal Certification Tag incorrectly states that the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) is 15,500 pounds instead of the correct GVWR of 12,330 pounds. As such, the vehicle does not conform to Part 567, "Certification."

Consequence: As a result, the trailer may be loaded beyond the specified weight rating which may cause a tire or suspension failure leading to poor vehicle handling and an increased risk of a crash.

Remedy: Forest River will notify owners, and dealers will install a new certification label with the correct information. The recall began on April 9, 2014. Customers may contact Forest River Wildcat Customer Service and Warranty Department at 1-574-206-7600.

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.

Reported: 2018-08-21 (August 21, 2018)

Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2014-2019 Forest River Salem, Wildcat Maxx, Wildwood, Vibe, and Rainier recreational trailers. The break-away safety switch may not have been wired to a constant power source, and, as a result, the switch may be inadvertently disconnected from the trailer house battery causing the brakes to not engage if the trailer detaches from the tow vehicle.

Consequence: If the trailer brakes cannot engage if the trailer detaches from tow vehicle, there would be an increased risk of a crash.

Remedy: Forest River will notify owners, and dealers will install a new wiring harness to reroute the wiring, free of charge. The recall began September 25, 2018. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-503-831-5410. Forest River's number for this recall is 22/30-0824.