RoadVitals

2016 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.
9
Latest Aug 10, 2020
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.
8
Latest Oct 10, 2025
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 9 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2016 Forest River Salem, most frequently naming the other / unspecified, body & structure and electrical categories. 8 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 / unspecified550.0%
  • Body & structure220.0%
  • Electrical220.0%
  • Suspension110.0%

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

8 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

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

Oct 10, 2025
20,305 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: Unprotected wiring can increase the risk of a fire.
The 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.
Forest River, Inc.Manufacturer number 51-1987View on NHTSA.gov

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY

Aug 21, 2018
5,847 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: If the trailer brakes cannot engage if the trailer detaches from tow vehicle, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
The 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.
Forest River, Inc.Manufacturer number 22/30-0824View on NHTSA.gov

EQUIPMENT:RECREATIONAL VEHICLE/TRAILER

Jun 27, 2018
326 units potentially affected
The defect: Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Forest River Wildwood, and 2016-2019 Forest River Salem recreational trailers. The outside auxiliary shower faucet cover may cover the water heater exhaust panel when opened.
The risk: The covered water heater exhaust panel could increase the risk of injury.
The remedy: Forest River has notified owners, and dealers will install a replacement outside shower, free of charge. The recall began on July 24, 2018. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-574-534-3167. Forest River's number for this recall is 44-0762.
Forest River, Inc.Manufacturer number 44-0762View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

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

Other / unspecified
Filed Aug 10, 2020

THE UNIT HAS CASTLE-ROCK 225/75/15 ORIGINAL TIRES INSTALLED ON UNIT. AUGUST OF 2019 WAS RETURNING HOME FROM A TRIP IN PANAMA CITY BEACH FLA, HAD A BLOWOUT IN DOTHAN ALA. DID NOT THINK OF A DEFECTIVE TIRE AT THE TIME AND JUST CONSIDERED IT BAD LUCK.I REPLACE THE BLOWN TIRE WITH THE NEW SPARE THAT CAME WITH THE UNIT AND HAD NEVER TOUCHED THE GROUND.SAME MAKE AND MODEL AND DROVE APPROXIMATELY 100 MILES HOME.HAD THE ORIGINAL SPARE MOUNTED ON THE ALLOY WHEEL TO MATCH ALL OTHER WHEELS AND NEW SPARE MOUNTED ON THE SPARE WHEEL. DID NOT USE AGAIN UNTIL AUGUST 4,2020. LEFT FOR TRIP AND DROVE APPROXIMATELY ON HWY 231 IN SEALE ALA JUST ANOTHER 100 MILES AND HAD ANOTHER BLOW THAT SEVERELY DAMAGED THE RV SKIRTING, UNDER CARRIAGE,ELECTRICAL WIRING AND WHEEL WELLS ON BOTH SIDES OF THE RV.I STARTED RESEARCH AND FOUND THE CASTLE ROCK TIRES ARE THE ROOT CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. I HAD ALL TIRES REPLACE BEFORE HEADING BACK HOME AND THE TIRE DEALER INFORMED ME ALL ORIGINAL TIRE ON THE RV WERE ALL SEPARATING AND I WOULD NOT HAVE MADE IT HOME WITHOUT ANOTHER BLOW OUT . LINKS BELOW OF CASTLE ROCK TIRE SEPARATION. HTTPS://WWW.NCCONSUMER.ORG/NEWS-ARTICLES/POTENTIAL-TIRE-DAMAGE-PROMPTS-RV-RECALL-FROM-FOREST-RIVER.HTML,HTTPS://WWW.FORESTRIVERFORUMS.COM/FORUMS/F30/CASTLEROCK-TIRE-FAILURE-WARRANTY-115943.HTML,HTTPS://WWW.IRV2.COM/FORUMS/F50/SO-CALLED-CHINA-BOMB-TIRES-368480-2.HTML. I DO HAVE TEH TIRES AND CAN SEND PICTURES OF DAMAGE IF NEEDED.

NHTSA ID
11344279
Incident
Aug 4, 2020
Other / unspecifiedSuspension
Filed Jul 10, 2019

IN FEBRUARY 2016 WE PURCHASED A 2016 SALEM FOREST CAMPER. WE ONLY PULL IT LESS THAN 6 TIMES A YEAR (LESS THAN 161 MILES EACH WAY). WE WERE HAVING FLAT TIRES (BLOW OUTS) ON MOST TRIPS CAUSING DAMAGE UNDERNEATH AND DAMAGE ON BOTH SIDES. PRIOR TO THE BLOW OUT THE CAMPER PULLS TO ONE SIDE MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO CONTROL, YOU HEAR A POP AND THEN LESS THAN A MINUTE YOU HAVE A TIRE THAT HAS PEELED ITSELF LIKE AN ONION. IT APPEARS THAT THE CAMPER COMES DOWN ONTO THE TIRES. THIS HAS HAPPENED EVERY YEAR WE HAVE PULLED IT. THE LAST TIME WAS MAY 24, 2019.*DT *DT *DT CONSUMER STATED TIRES WERE PURCHASED LAST YEAR. MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. CAMPER IS CURRENTLY AT GANDER OUTDOORS OF ROANOKE,VA. *JB *DT *DT VEHICLE IS BEING REPAIRED.*JB COINSUMER STATED REPLACEMENT TIRES FAIL AS WELL. LIBBERT VERBALLY SAID THE SPRINGS WERE ALMOST FLAT AND THE BOLTS ARE ABOVE THE TIRES CAUSING THEM TO PEEL LIKE AN ONION. LIPPERT OF COURSE DIDN'T PUT ANYTHING IN WRITING PUT AUTHORIZED "IN GOOD FAITH" 2 NEW AXLE KITS WHICH INCLUDE THE SPRINGS. THEY ARE NOT COVERING INSULATION. SUBMITTED TO FOREST RIVER REGARDING THE BOLT. THERE WERE OBVIOUSLY SEVERAL ISSUES MAKING MY CAMPER UNSAFE TO PULL. *JB

NHTSA ID
11230779
Incident
May 24, 2019
Filed Jul 3, 2018

THE KIDDE FIRE EXTINGUISHER PROVIDED BY THE MANUFACTURER WAS THE SUBJECT OF A RECALL DUE TO POTENTIAL FAILURE TO OPERATE. THE RECALL ID REFERENCED BY THE MANUFACTURER IS 17V756. IT APPEARS THAT KIDDE HAS REPORTED THE RECALL CORRECTIVE ACTIONS COMPLETE. THEY ARE NOT. I REPORTED MY VEHICLE (A TRAVEL TRAILER) TO KIDDE IN MARCH 2018 AND HAVE YET TO RECEIVE A REPLACEMENT FOR THE RECALLED EXTINGUISHER. ON 2 JULY 2108 I WAS TOLD THAT THEY ARE NOT ABLE TO PROVIDE REPLACEMENT EXTINGUISHERS TO CUSTOMERS IN ALASKA, HAWAII, OR PUERTO RICO DUE TO SHIPPING RESTRICTIONS. THE PRODUCT WAS SOLD IN A LOCALE THAT IS PART OF THE UNITED STATES BUT KIDDE IS UNWILLING TO PROVIDE SERVICE TO THE LOCALE WHERE THEIR PRODUCT WAS SOLD.

NHTSA ID
11105430
Incident
Jul 2, 2018
Mileage
750 mi
Other / unspecified
Filed Apr 21, 2018

THE LIQUID PROPANE (LP) LINE DOES NOT HAVE ENOUGH CLEARANCE CAUSING EXCESSIVE FRICTION ON METAL BAR RESULTING IN CREATING A HOLE IN THE GAS LINE. WHICH CAUSES A PROPANE LEAK AND POSSIBLY RESULTING INTO AN UNWANTED FIRE. CAMPER WAS IN A PARKED POSITION WHEN NOTICED. *TT *TR

NHTSA ID
11089216
Incident
Apr 14, 2018
Mileage
1,000 mi
Other / unspecified
Filed Mar 21, 2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 FOREST RIVER SALEM CRUISE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V756000 (EQUIPMENT). THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE REPAIR. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO HAVE THE RECALL REPAIR COMPLETED DUE TO THE MANUFACTURER NOT COMMUNICATING WITH THE CONTACT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND COULD NOT CONFIRM WHEN THE PARTS WERE TO BECOME AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

NHTSA ID
11080405
Incident
Feb 8, 2018
Body & structure
Filed Jun 28, 2017

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 FOREST RIVER SALEM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR OUTDOOR KITCHEN DOOR FLAP LATCHING MECHANISM FAILED TO REMAIN SECURE. AS A RESULT, THE DOOR FLAP FELL DOWN AND STRUCK THE CONTACT'S WIFE IN THE HEAD. SHE WAS NOT INJURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE TOY HAULER LIQUIDATION DEALER, IN ROCKLIN, CA WHERE THE LATCH WAS REPLACED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,500.

NHTSA ID
11002033
Incident
May 11, 2016
Mileage
3,500 mi
Electrical
Filed May 16, 2017
Fire reported

ELECTRICAL DEVICE CAUGHT FIRE AND CAUSED SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE TO THE RV. HEAVY SMOKE AND DAMAGE TO ELECTRICAL WIRING

NHTSA ID
10986098
Incident
May 12, 2017
Mileage
500 mi
ElectricalOther / unspecified
Filed Jul 6, 2016

BRAND NEW TRAVEL TRAILER WAS SOLD BY CAMPING WORLD WITH BIAS PLY AND RADIAL TIRES MIXED ON THE AXLES, WATER TANK WAS LEFT UNBOLTED FROM FRAME AND ELECTRICAL UNDER THE TRAILER WAS FIXED WITH WIRE NUTS. THIS IS ALL A SERIOUS SAFETY DEFECTS, THAT COULD LEAD TO MAJOR PROBLEMS ON THE HIGHWAYS, PULLING THE TRAILER HOME IT HAD MAJOR SWAY PROBLEMS. I DONT KNOW IF THE FOREST RIVER FACTORY BUILT IT THIS WAY OR CAMPING WORLD DID IT.

NHTSA ID
10883123
Incident
Jun 9, 2016
Mileage
10 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
2016Viewing980
2015850
2014140
2013220
2012310
2011230
2010120
2009010
2008330
2007020
2006020
2005020
2004330
2003830
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.