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2013 Coachmen Freedom Express

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
6
Latest Apr 20, 2019
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
3
Latest Nov 22, 2017
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
0

Overview

Our database contains 6 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2013 Coachmen Freedom Express, most frequently naming the other / unspecified, body & structure and brakes categories. 3 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Other / unspecified342.9%
  • Body & structure114.3%
  • Brakes114.3%
  • Suspension114.3%
  • Tires & wheels114.3%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

3 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
17V756000

EQUIPMENT

Nov 22, 2017
365,885 units potentially affected
The defect: 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
The risk: In the event of a fire, if the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury.
The 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.
Forest River, Inc.Manufacturer number 51-0544View on NHTSA.gov
17V611000

STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS; SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY

Oct 2, 2017
594 units potentially affected
The defect: Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2013-2014 Coachmen Freedom Express recreational trailers. The frames on these vehicles may not have had reinforcement stiffeners welded onto the exterior I-Beam in the axle area, allowing the axles to be misaligned.
The risk: Misaligned axles can affect vehicle handling, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Forest River will notify owners, and the frame manufacturer will inspect the trailer for frame reinforcements, installing them as necessary and secure the axle mountings, free of charge. The recall began on October 24, 2017. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-574-825-8205, or Lippert Components customer service at 1-574-537-8900. Forest River's number for this recall is 220-0529.
Forest River, Inc.Manufacturer number 220-0529View on NHTSA.gov
13V203000

EQUIPMENT

May 17, 2013
9,526 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: 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.
The 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.
Forest River, Inc.View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

Other / unspecifiedSuspension
Filed Apr 20, 2019

WHEEL FELL OFF WHILE TRAVELING THROUGH DURHAM,NC ON APRIL 5TH,2019.IT WAS DETERMINED BY APPRAISER FROM AMICA INSURANCE CO. THAT THE FRAMES WERE SPLIT JUST ABOVE THE SUPPORT SHACKELS HOLDING THE SUSPENSION.THERE WAS NO INTERACTION WITH PROPERTY OR OTHER VEHICLES. NO POLICE INVOLVMENT OTHER THAN TRAFIC SAFETY BY THE DURHAM CITY POLICE. *DT*JB

NHTSA ID
11202656
Incident
Apr 5, 2019
Mileage
13,000 mi
Other / unspecified
Filed Sep 10, 2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 COACHMAN FREEDOM EXPRESS EQUIPPED WITH A KIDDE FIRE EXTINGUISHER, MODEL NUMBER: FA110G. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V756000 (EQUIPMENT). THE KIDDE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AT 1-855-262-3540 APPROXIMATELY NINE MONTHS AGO AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT A REPLACEMENT FIRE EXTINGUISHER WOULD BE SENT TO THE CONTACT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE HAD NOT RECEIVED THE REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT. THE CONTACT FELT THAT A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME HAD PASSED FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.

NHTSA ID
11128453
Incident
Jan 1, 2018
Other / unspecified
Filed Jun 5, 2017

TIRE BLEW OUT WHILE TRAVEL TRAILER WAS BEING PULLED ON THE HIGHWAY. TIRES HAD BEEN MAINTAINED AND CHECKED PRIOR TO TRIP. 65 MPH TRAVEL SPEED WAS NOT EXCEEDED. TRAILER WAS NOT OVER LOADED.

NHTSA ID
10993263
Incident
May 23, 2017
Mileage
5,000 mi
Tires & wheels
Filed Apr 25, 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 (NA) COACHMEN FREEDOM EXPRESS RV EQUIPPED WITH TRAIL EXPRESS POWER TOWING TIRES ST (NA), SIZE 225/75R15D (NA). WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE TIRE BLEW OUT AND THE THREAD SEPARATED. ONE MONTH LATER, THE FAILURE RECURRED ON THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE TIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A TIRE SHOP AND BOTH TIRES WERE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE VEHICLE AND TIRE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,000.

NHTSA ID
10861216
Incident
Mar 15, 2016
Mileage
3,000 mi
Body & structure
Filed Feb 18, 2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 COACHMEN FREEDOM EXPRESS. THE BED INSIDE THE TRAILER CAME DOWN AND CRUSHED THE CONTACT'S MOTORCYCLE WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ONCE. THE TRAILER WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT PROVIDED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THERE WAS NO MILEAGE AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ID
10684058
Incident
Dec 16, 2014
Brakes
Filed Mar 4, 2014

GREASE DETECTED ON BRAKE LININGS: FURTHER DETAILS IN ODI FILES. UPDATED 03/07/14*LJ UPDATED 03/18/2014 *JS UPDATED 06/10/14*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN REPAIRED 3 TIMES. UPDATED 06/16/2014 *JS

NHTSA ID
10567375
Incident
Sep 21, 2013

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Coachmen Freedom Express by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2024010—
2023000—
2022030—
2021210—
2020100—
2019310—
2018210—
2017320—
2016220—
2015310—
2014430—
2013Viewing630—
2012110—
2011520—
2010010—
2009010—

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.