RoadVitals

2003 Forest River Salem

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.
8
Latest Jun 24, 2008
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.
1

Overview

Our database contains 8 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2003 Forest River Salem, most frequently naming the other / unspecified, body & structure and suspension categories. 3 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 1 manufacturer communication is on file.

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 / unspecified333.3%
  • Body & structure222.2%
  • Suspension222.2%
  • Electrical111.1%
  • Tires & wheels111.1%

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
08V346000

EQUIPMENT:RECREATIONAL VEHICLE/TRAILER

Jul 7, 2008
107,417 units potentially affected
The defect: FOREST RIVER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MY 2003-2006 MOTOR HOMES, FIFTH WHEEL AND TRAVEL TRAILERS EQUIPPED WITH A TWO-DOOR REFRIGERATOR MANUFACTURED BY THE DOMETIC CORPORATION. THE REFRIGERATOR MAY HAVE A DEFECT IN THE BOILER TUBE. PRESSURIZED COOLANT SOLUTION COULD BE RELEASED INTO AN AREA WHERE AN IGNITION SOURCE (GAS FLAME) IS PRESENT.
The risk: IF THIS SOLUTION IS EXPOSED TO AN IGNITION SOURCE UNDER CERTAIN SPECIFIC CIRCUMSTANCES, IT CAN RESULT IN A VEHICLE FIRE.
The remedy: FOREST RIVER IS WORKING WITH DOMETIC TO REPAIR THESE REFRIGERATORS (PLEASE SEE 08E032). DOMETIC WILL REPAIR THESE REFRIGERATORS BY INSTALLING A SECONDARY BURN HOUSING, A THERMAL FUSE, AND A MELT FUSE FREE OF CHARGE. DOMETIC HAS RETAINED STERICYCLE INC. TO MANAGE THIS CAMPAIGN. STERICYCLE WILL ASSIST THE OWNER IN LOCATING DEALERSHIPS OR SERVICE CENTERS AND WILL PROVIDE ASSISTANCE WITH SCHEDULING OF APPOINTMENTS. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOMETIC/STERICYCLE AT 1-888-446-5157 OR FOREST RIVER AT 1-574-389-4600.
FOREST RIVER, INC.View on NHTSA.gov
07V085000

EQUIPMENT:RECREATIONAL VEHICLE/TRAILER

Mar 5, 2007
128,000 units potentially affected
The defect: CERTAIN RECREATIONAL VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A TWO-DOOR REFRIGERATOR, MANUFACTURED BY THE DOMETIC CORPORATION, MAY HAVE A DEFECT IN THE BOILER TUBE. PRESSURIZED COOLANT SOLUTION COULD BE RELEASED INTO AN AREA WHERE AN IGNITION SOURCE (GAS FLAME) IS PRESENT.
The risk: RELEASE OF COOLANT UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS COULD IGNITE AND RESULT IN A FIRE.
The remedy: FOREST RIVER WILL BE WORKING WITH DOMETIC IN ORDER TO REPAIR THESE REFRIGERATORS (PLEASE SEE 06E076). DOMETIC WILL REPAIR THESE REFRIGERATORS BY INSTALLING A SECONDARY BURN HOUSING, A THERMAL FUSE, AND A MELT FUSE FREE OF CHARGE. DOMETIC HAS RETAINED STERICYCLE INC. TO MANAGE THIS CAMPAIGN. STERICYCLE WILL ASSIST YOU IN LOCATING DEALERSHIPS OR SERVICE CENTERS AND WILL PROVIDE ASSISTANCE WITH SCHEDULING OF APPOINTMENTS. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOMETIC/STERICYCLE AT 1-888-446-5157 OR FOREST RIVER AT 1-574-389-4600,
FOREST RIVER, INC.View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

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

Other / unspecified
Filed Jun 24, 2008

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FOREST RIVER SALEM TRAVEL TRAILER. THE VEHICLE HAS A DOMETIC REFRIGERATOR, MODEL RM2652. THE REFRIGERATOR WAS REPAIRED IN JUNE OF 2005 BECAUSE IT WOULD NOT COOL. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A SAFETY RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 06E076000 (EQUIPMENT: RECREATIONAL VEHICLE) IN DECEMBER OF 2007. DOMETIC STATED THAT HE COULD NOT BE REIMBURSED FOR THE LABOR CHARGES BECAUSE THE REFRIGERATOR WAS REPAIRED BEFORE AUGUST OF 2005. UPDATED 07/29/08 *BF A FATIGUE CRACK IN THE BOLIER TUBE CAUSED LOSS OF REFRIGERANT. THE MANUFACTURER PAID FOR THE THE COOLING UNIT, BUT NOT THE LABOR. UPDATED 07/29/08

NHTSA ID
10232155
Incident
Jun 13, 2008
Other / unspecified
Filed Jun 2, 2008

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FOREST RIVER. THE VEHICLE HAS A DOMETIC REFRIGERATOR, MODEL RM2652. HE SPOKE WITH A REPRESENTATIVE FROM DOMETIC (ASIA, 21841034) IN JANUARY OF 2008, AND WAS INFORMED THAT THEY WOULD CALL HIM BACK ONCE THEY REACHED MASSACHUSETTS AND WOULD BE COVERED. THE CONTACT CALLED DOMETIC IN MAY OF 2008 AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE REFRIGERATOR WAS NOT COVERED BECAUSE IT WAS ALREADY CRACKED. UPDATED 06/25/08. *CN THE SERVICE CENTER CAME TO LOOK AT THE REFRIGERATOR AND STATED THERE WAS LEAKING AT THE BOTTOM OF THE REFRIGERATOR. THERE WAS YELLOW RESIDUE AND A STRONG SMELL OF AMMONIA. UPDATED 06/25/08. *JB

NHTSA ID
10229616
Incident
Jan 11, 2008
Other / unspecifiedTires & wheels
Filed Mar 19, 2008

I PURCHASED A FOREST RIVER 38' SAND PIPER SPORT F37SP TOY HAULER FIFTH WHEEL NEW IN 2003. THE TRAILER WAS EQUIPED WITH TANDOM AXELS. WE EXPERIANCED NUMEROUS TIRE BLOW OUTS. EACH TIME THE TIRE WOULD BLOW IT WOULD BLOW UP WITH PIECES OF RUBBER FLYING EVERY WHERE CAUSING EXCESSIVE DAMAGE TO THE RV AND CAUSING THE TRAILER TO BECOME DIFFICULT TO CONTROL UNTIL STOPPED AND OFF THE ROADWAY. THIS WAS BROUGHT TO THE ATTENTION OF FOREST RIVER AND ALSO CARLISLE TIRE COMPANY. IN 2005 WE WERE CONTACTED BY A LOCAL RV DEALER TO BRING OUR TRAILER IN TO HAVE THE AXELS REPLACED WITH A HEAVER AXEL AND LARGER G RATED TIRES. THE EXPENSE WAS BEING PAID FOR BY FOREST RIVER. THE DEALER TOLD ME THAT THEY WERE SENDING OUT LETTERS TO ABOUT 13 OTHER OWNERS IN THE UTAH AND WYOMING AREA TO HAVE THIER TRAILERS BROUGHT IN FOR THE TRADE OUT AS WELL. I ALSO KNOW OF PEOPLE WHO OWN THE SAME TRAILER IN THE LAS VEGAS AREA WHO HAVE EXPERIANCED THE SAME PROBLEMS. THIS ACTION SEEMED TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM FOR ABOUT A YEAR. SINCE THAT TIME WE HAVE CONTINUED TO HAVE SEVERAL MORE BLOW OUTS. EACH AND EVERY TIME CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE RV AND CAUSING A SAFETY PROBLEM TO OUR SELVES AND OTHER VEH'S TRAVELING NEAR TO US. FOREST RIVER HAS CHANGED THE DESIGN ON THESE TRAILERS AND NOW IS SELLING THEM PROVIDED WITH A TRIPLE AXEL TO SUPPORT THE WEIGHT OF THE TRAILER. I BELIEVE THIS HAS CORRECTED THE PROBLEM, HOWEVER, WE AND MANY OTHERS OR STUCK WITH THE TANDOM AXEL TRAILERS THAT WERE PRODUCED BEFORE THE PROBLEM WAS CORRECTED. I BELIEVE THERE SHOULD BE SOMETHING THAT FOREST RIVER CAN DO TO FIX THIS PROBLEM FOR US AND MAKE THIS TRAILER SAFE TO OPERATE AND USE. AS OF THIS DATED WE HAVE REPLACED APROX 12 TIRES. *TR

NHTSA ID
10221749
Incident
Jul 21, 2007
Electrical
Filed Feb 6, 2008
Fire reported

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FOREST RIVER SALEM. THE CONTACT SMELLED SMOKE IN HIS FIFTH WHEEL TRAILER. HE DETECTED SMOKE AND IMMEDIATELY WENT OUTSIDE TO DISCONNECT THE WIRES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS NOT CALLED AND THE DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. NO OTHER VEHICLE INFORMATION WAS APPLICABLE.

NHTSA ID
10217290
Incident
Nov 9, 2006
Body & structure
Filed Sep 20, 2007

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FOREST RIVER CHEROKEE FIFTH WHEEL (NA). WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE GREY WATER TANK FELL OFF. THE TANK, WHICH COULD WEIGH UP TO 400 POUNDS, WAS SECURED WITH ONLY FOUR SCREWS. THE CONTACT SPOKE WITH THE DEALER AND THEY ADVISED HIM TO CALL THE MANUFACTURER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS UNABLE TO PROVIDE ANY ASSISTANCE. THE VIN, ENGINE SIZE, NUMBER OF CYLINDERS, POWERTRAIN, AND FUEL INFORMATION WERE INAPPLICABLE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 300.

NHTSA ID
10203598
Incident
Sep 15, 2007
Mileage
300 mi
Suspension
Filed Jul 22, 2007

PROBLEMS WITH ACCELERATED TIRE WEAR ON A 5TH WHEEL TRAVEL TRAILER. I HAVE A CEDAR CREEK 5TH WHEEL MODEL YEAR 2003, MANUFACTURED 11.02, MODEL # 30RLBS. THE TRAILER HAS 5200# AXLES MANUFACTURED BY AL-KOBER AND THEY ARE CAUSING EXTREME TIRE WEAR ON THE INSIDE EDGES OF THE TIRES. HAVE SPOKEN TO AL-KO AND THEY DENY ANY PROBLEMS BUT IT HAS BEEN DETAILED ON QUITE A FEW WEB SITES THAT THEY HAD A MANUFACTURING PROBLEM FOR A PERIOD OF TIME AND THAT THE VISUAL ASPECT OF THE PROBLEM IS RAPID WEAR ON THE INSIDE EDGES OF TIRES CAUSING BLOW OUTS AND DAMAGE AND SAFETY ISSUES DUE TO THESE DEFECTS. I HAVE SPOKEN TO CEDAR CREEK, STEVE HICKS, AND HE AGREES THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM AND HAS SENT ME REPLACEMENT AXLES NO CHARGE BUT I THINK THAT AL-KOBER SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED AND FORCED TO REPLACE THE DAMAGED COMPONENTS AND REPLACE THE TIRED DAMAGED BY THIS DEFECT AND POSSIBLY CAUSING MAJOR SAFETY ISSUES. I STILL HAVE THE OLD AXLES AND THE TIRES ARE STILL ON THE TRAILER AS I ONLY MAKE 1 MAJOR TRIP EACH YEAR, PUTTING LESS THAN 3,000 MILES EACH YEAR ON UNIT. *TR

NHTSA ID
10197143
Incident
May 15, 2007
Suspension
Filed May 18, 2006

DROVE OVER TWO OR THREE ROUGH BRIDGES. LEAF SPRINGS ON LEFT SIDE OF TRAILER FLATTENED & LOST THEIR SUPPORT, CAUSING THE TIRES TO RUB ON UNDERSIDE OF TRAILER WITH A BREAKING ACTION TO THAT SIDE, CAUSING TRAVEL TRAILER TO GO OUT OF CONTROL. TRAILER WAS DECLARED A TOTAL LOSS BY INSURANCE COMPANY DUE TO BENT FRAME AFTER LOSS OF CONTROL. NO ONE WAS INJURED NOTHING WAS HIT NOTHING HIT TRAILER. I FEEL THERE SHOULD BE A STOP ON THE UNDERSIDE OF EVERY TRAVEL TRAILER ON THE ROAD, TO STOP THE AXLE BEFORE THE TIRE CAN BREAK ON THE UNDERSIDE OF ANY TRAILER. THIS IS NOT ONLY A DANGER TO PEOPLE TOWING TRAILERS BUT TO EVERYONE DRIVING ON THE ROADWAYS. *NM

NHTSA ID
10157832
Incident
Apr 21, 2006
Mileage
7,500 mi
Body & structure
Filed Mar 7, 2006

DT*: THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FOREST RIVER SALEM TRAVEL TRAILER. WHEN THE TRAILER WAS TOWED THE LEFT TIRES RUBBED AGAINST THE FRAME SUPPORTS. ALTHOUGH THE DEALERSHIP AND MANUFACTURER WERE ALERTED NO REPAIRS HAVE BEEN MADE.*AK UPDATED 3/28/2006 - THE MANUFACTURER HAS AGREE TO REPAIR THE UNIT AND REPLACE THE TIRE AT NO COST TO THE CONSUMER. *NM

NHTSA ID
10152106
Incident
Mar 7, 2006
Mileage
15,000 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

511213

EQUIPMENT

This is a document that describes how to take the required photos to assess the slideroom mechanism for adjustment and function.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Forest River Salem by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2027010—
2026060—
2025480—
20244100—
2023250—
20221270—
20214100—
20201270—
20195110—
2018690—
2017590—
2016980—
2015850—
2014140—
2013220—
2012310—
2011230—
2010120—
2009010—
2008330—
2007020—
2006020—
2005020—
2004330—
2003Viewing830—
2002110—
2001210—
2000010—
1999010—
1998010—
1997010—

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.