Owners have filed 10 complaints
about the 2005 Forest River Flagstaff with NHTSA between 2005 and 2008.
The largest single group is the electrical system.
Across this model's run it ranks 2 of 4 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 43
Against the median year of the Forest River Flagstaff. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
20% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 100
100% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2005 compares with every other Forest River Flagstaff
Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 2005 Forest River Flagstaff
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Electrical System
220.0%
1 crashes, 1 fires · median 19,200 mi
Equipment & Accessories
110.0%
Tires
110.0%
Fuel & Propulsion
110.0%
Median failure at 13,000 miles
Lights
110.0%
Median failure at 25,000 miles
Body & Structure
110.0%
Median failure at 25,000 miles
Brakes
110.0%
Median failure at 25,000 miles
Transmission & Drivetrain
110.0%
Median failure at 25,000 miles
Engine & Cooling
110.0%
Median failure at 25,000 miles
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Aug 2005peak 6Jul 2008
Recalls on the 2005 Forest River Flagstaff
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 2010327465 units in Canada
Accessories
On certain motorhomes, fifth wheel and travel trailers, the plug-in remote control receiver used to operate the Dimplex electric fireplace or electric stove may overheat. This could result in a vehicle fire causing property damage and/or personal injury. Correction: Owners are advised to contact Dimplex at 1-888-346-7539 for information regarding unit replacement. In the meantime, the remote control receiver should be unplugged from the electrical outlet to prevent the risk of fire.
Recall 2008230140,265 units in Canada
Other
On certain motorhomes, conventional travel trailers and fifth wheel travel trailers equipped with a Dometic Corporation refrigerator, a fatigue crack can develop in the boiler tube. This could allow the release of pressurized coolant solution into an area where an ignition source is present, which could result in a fire. Correction: Dealers will replace the refrigerator's boiler tube assembly.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 13,400 milesChester, VACrashFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
DT: 2005 FOREST RIVER FLAG STAFF 831BHSS. THE WIRING CAUGHT ON FIRE, CAUSING THE ELECTRICAL BRAKES TO LOCK. THE TRAILER AND THE VEHICLE 2004 GMC, YUKON FLIPPED OVER. THE BRAKE WIRES WERE EXPOSED BECAUSE THERE WAS NO PROTECTIVE COVERING ON THEM. CONSUMER WAS DRIVING AT 60 MPH WHEN THIS OCCURRED. THERE WERE NO OTHER VEHICLES DAMAGED. THERE WAS A REPORT TO THE POLICE AND WITNESS TO THIS INCIDENT. INSURANCE AGENCY SAID THAT IT WAS DUE TO FAULTY WIRING. *AK THE ELECRICAL WIRING FOR THE BRAKE SYSTEM RUBBED ON THE METAL CROSSBAR, CUT THROUGH THE WIRING AND SHORTING OUT THE BRAKING SYSTEM WHICH THEN LOCKED UP. AS A RESULT THE TRAILER SWAYED OUT OF CONTROL.
NHTSA complaint #10132132 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Lynchburg, VA
EQUIPMENT:RECREATIONAL VEHICLE/TRAILER
THIS IS A FACTORY RECALL ON REFRIGERATOR BY DOMETIC NOT FOREST RIVER I CALL THE RECALL LINE AND THE RECORDING TELLS YOU THE ARE BUSY AND CALL BACK AND PUSH # 9 , I DO AND ALL IT DOES IS HANG YOU UP. MY REFRI. IS ON THE RECALL LIST AND ACCORDING TO THEIR MAILER IT IS DANGEROUS AND NOT TO USE IT. I WANT TO TALK TO THEM TO GET IT REPAIRED BUT HOW WHEN THEY HAVE THE PHONE RIGGED TO HANG YOU UP . PLEASE HELP. THANK YOU.
NHTSA complaint #10233423 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 13,000 milesEurika Spriings, AR
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 (NA) FOREST RIVER LEXINGTON GTS. THE PROPANE LINE IS RUBBING AGAINST A BULGE IN THE REAR SUSPENSION. AS A RESULT, ONE OF THE FITTINGS FAILED AND PROPANE IS LEAKING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT HAS NOT TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER OR A MECHANIC AND IT HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE VIN LISTS THE VEHICLE AS A 2005 CHEVROLET G3500 EXPRESS CUTAWAY/RV. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 13,000.
NHTSA complaint #10211065 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 25,000 milesWinauma, FL
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FOREST RIVER FLAGSTAFF SUNSEEKER. THE CONTACT COMPLAINED ABOUT TIRES AND BRAKE SYSTEM FAILURES. WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 40-50 MPH, SHE FELT A VIBRATION WHICH ORIGINATED FROM THE DRIVESHAFT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO THEN SENT IT TO THE COMPANY, WHO DETERMINED THAT THE FAILURE WAS THE CRANK SHAFT SENSOR. THE DEALER REFUSED TO PERFORM THE REPAIR BECAUSE THE SENSOR WAS ALTERED BY THE MANUFACTURER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS. THE FAILURE FIRST OCCURRED FIVE DAYS AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 25,820 , AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 25,000. *AK THE CONSUMER STATED THE DEALER WILL NOT COVER UNDER WARRANTY DUE TO THE FACT FRAME HAS BEEN ALTERED. THE CONSUMER PROVIDED MULTIPLE PICTURES OF THE DEFECTS. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE CRUISE CONTROL LIGHT WILL NOT DISPLAY ON DASH. THE DEALER ALSO STATED THAT THE HIGH BEAMS LIGHTS AND LIGHT SWITCH ARE NOT WORKING PROPERLY. THE DEALER STATED REAR RIGHT SIDE TRIM IS TOO SHORT AND FRESH WATER FILL LEAKS. THE CONSUMER IS STATING WOULD LIKE DEALER TO PERFORM THE REPAIRS UNDER WARRANTY. UPDATED 07/06/07
NHTSA complaint #10189362 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FOREST RIVER FLAGSTAFF SUNSEEKER. THE CONTACT COMPLAINED ABOUT TIRES AND BRAKE SYSTEM FAILURES. WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 40-50 MPH, SHE FELT A VIBRATION WHICH ORIGINATED FROM THE DRIVESHAFT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO THEN SENT IT TO THE COMPANY, WHO DETERMINED THAT THE FAILURE WAS THE CRANK SHAFT SENSOR. THE DEALER REFUSED TO PERFORM THE REPAIR BECAUSE THE SENSOR WAS ALTERED BY THE MANUFACTURER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS. THE FAILURE FIRST OCCURRED FIVE DAYS AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 25,820 , AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 25,000. *AK THE CONSUMER STATED THE DEALER WILL NOT COVER UNDER WARRANTY DUE TO THE FACT FRAME HAS BEEN ALTERED. THE CONSUMER PROVIDED MULTIPLE PICTURES OF THE DEFECTS. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE CRUISE CONTROL LIGHT WILL NOT DISPLAY ON DASH. THE DEALER ALSO STATED THAT THE HIGH BEAMS LIGHTS AND LIGHT SWITCH ARE NOT WORKING PROPERLY. THE DEALER STATED REAR RIGHT SIDE TRIM IS TOO SHORT AND FRESH WATER FILL LEAKS. THE CONSUMER IS STATING WOULD LIKE DEALER TO PERFORM THE REPAIRS UNDER WARRANTY. UPDATED 07/06/07
NHTSA complaint #10189362 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 25,000 milesWinauma, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FOREST RIVER FLAGSTAFF SUNSEEKER. THE CONTACT COMPLAINED ABOUT TIRES AND BRAKE SYSTEM FAILURES. WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 40-50 MPH, SHE FELT A VIBRATION WHICH ORIGINATED FROM THE DRIVESHAFT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO THEN SENT IT TO THE COMPANY, WHO DETERMINED THAT THE FAILURE WAS THE CRANK SHAFT SENSOR. THE DEALER REFUSED TO PERFORM THE REPAIR BECAUSE THE SENSOR WAS ALTERED BY THE MANUFACTURER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS. THE FAILURE FIRST OCCURRED FIVE DAYS AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 25,820 , AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 25,000. *AK THE CONSUMER STATED THE DEALER WILL NOT COVER UNDER WARRANTY DUE TO THE FACT FRAME HAS BEEN ALTERED. THE CONSUMER PROVIDED MULTIPLE PICTURES OF THE DEFECTS. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE CRUISE CONTROL LIGHT WILL NOT DISPLAY ON DASH. THE DEALER ALSO STATED THAT THE HIGH BEAMS LIGHTS AND LIGHT SWITCH ARE NOT WORKING PROPERLY. THE DEALER STATED REAR RIGHT SIDE TRIM IS TOO SHORT AND FRESH WATER FILL LEAKS. THE CONSUMER IS STATING WOULD LIKE DEALER TO PERFORM THE REPAIRS UNDER WARRANTY. UPDATED 07/06/07
NHTSA complaint #10189362 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 25,000 milesWinauma, FL
STRUCTURE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FOREST RIVER FLAGSTAFF SUNSEEKER. THE CONTACT COMPLAINED ABOUT TIRES AND BRAKE SYSTEM FAILURES. WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 40-50 MPH, SHE FELT A VIBRATION WHICH ORIGINATED FROM THE DRIVESHAFT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO THEN SENT IT TO THE COMPANY, WHO DETERMINED THAT THE FAILURE WAS THE CRANK SHAFT SENSOR. THE DEALER REFUSED TO PERFORM THE REPAIR BECAUSE THE SENSOR WAS ALTERED BY THE MANUFACTURER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS. THE FAILURE FIRST OCCURRED FIVE DAYS AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 25,820 , AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 25,000. *AK THE CONSUMER STATED THE DEALER WILL NOT COVER UNDER WARRANTY DUE TO THE FACT FRAME HAS BEEN ALTERED. THE CONSUMER PROVIDED MULTIPLE PICTURES OF THE DEFECTS. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE CRUISE CONTROL LIGHT WILL NOT DISPLAY ON DASH. THE DEALER ALSO STATED THAT THE HIGH BEAMS LIGHTS AND LIGHT SWITCH ARE NOT WORKING PROPERLY. THE DEALER STATED REAR RIGHT SIDE TRIM IS TOO SHORT AND FRESH WATER FILL LEAKS. THE CONSUMER IS STATING WOULD LIKE DEALER TO PERFORM THE REPAIRS UNDER WARRANTY. UPDATED 07/06/07
NHTSA complaint #10189362 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 25,000 milesWinauma, FL
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FOREST RIVER FLAGSTAFF SUNSEEKER. THE CONTACT COMPLAINED ABOUT TIRES AND BRAKE SYSTEM FAILURES. WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 40-50 MPH, SHE FELT A VIBRATION WHICH ORIGINATED FROM THE DRIVESHAFT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO THEN SENT IT TO THE COMPANY, WHO DETERMINED THAT THE FAILURE WAS THE CRANK SHAFT SENSOR. THE DEALER REFUSED TO PERFORM THE REPAIR BECAUSE THE SENSOR WAS ALTERED BY THE MANUFACTURER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS. THE FAILURE FIRST OCCURRED FIVE DAYS AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 25,820 , AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 25,000. *AK THE CONSUMER STATED THE DEALER WILL NOT COVER UNDER WARRANTY DUE TO THE FACT FRAME HAS BEEN ALTERED. THE CONSUMER PROVIDED MULTIPLE PICTURES OF THE DEFECTS. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE CRUISE CONTROL LIGHT WILL NOT DISPLAY ON DASH. THE DEALER ALSO STATED THAT THE HIGH BEAMS LIGHTS AND LIGHT SWITCH ARE NOT WORKING PROPERLY. THE DEALER STATED REAR RIGHT SIDE TRIM IS TOO SHORT AND FRESH WATER FILL LEAKS. THE CONSUMER IS STATING WOULD LIKE DEALER TO PERFORM THE REPAIRS UNDER WARRANTY. UPDATED 07/06/07
NHTSA complaint #10189362 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 25,000 milesWinauma, FL
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CRANKCASE (PCV)
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FOREST RIVER FLAGSTAFF SUNSEEKER. THE CONTACT COMPLAINED ABOUT TIRES AND BRAKE SYSTEM FAILURES. WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 40-50 MPH, SHE FELT A VIBRATION WHICH ORIGINATED FROM THE DRIVESHAFT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO THEN SENT IT TO THE COMPANY, WHO DETERMINED THAT THE FAILURE WAS THE CRANK SHAFT SENSOR. THE DEALER REFUSED TO PERFORM THE REPAIR BECAUSE THE SENSOR WAS ALTERED BY THE MANUFACTURER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS. THE FAILURE FIRST OCCURRED FIVE DAYS AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 25,820 , AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 25,000. *AK THE CONSUMER STATED THE DEALER WILL NOT COVER UNDER WARRANTY DUE TO THE FACT FRAME HAS BEEN ALTERED. THE CONSUMER PROVIDED MULTIPLE PICTURES OF THE DEFECTS. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE CRUISE CONTROL LIGHT WILL NOT DISPLAY ON DASH. THE DEALER ALSO STATED THAT THE HIGH BEAMS LIGHTS AND LIGHT SWITCH ARE NOT WORKING PROPERLY. THE DEALER STATED REAR RIGHT SIDE TRIM IS TOO SHORT AND FRESH WATER FILL LEAKS. THE CONSUMER IS STATING WOULD LIKE DEALER TO PERFORM THE REPAIRS UNDER WARRANTY. UPDATED 07/06/07
NHTSA complaint #10189362 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Albuquerque, NM
TIRES:TREAD/BELT
THE INCIDENT WAS A TREAD SEPARATION ON A FIFTH WHEEL CAMPING TRAILER. I HAD BEEN TRAVELING ON A HIGHWAY AND THE FELT A BUMP. I STOPPED TO INVESTIGATE AND FOUND THAT THE TREAD SEPARATED ON ONE OF 4 TIRES ON THE TRAILER. THE TIRES HAD ABOUT 8000 MILES ON THEM. SOME DAMAGE WAS DONE TO THE UNDERSIDE OF THE TRAILER. I PUT ON THE SPARE AND PROCEEDED HOME. KENDA, THE TIRE MANUFACTURER IS NOT LISTED ON YOUR SITE.
NHTSA complaint #10161292 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 13,400 milesChester, VACrashFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
DT: 2005 FOREST RIVER FLAG STAFF 831BHSS. THE WIRING CAUGHT ON FIRE, CAUSING THE ELECTRICAL BRAKES TO LOCK. THE TRAILER AND THE VEHICLE 2004 GMC, YUKON FLIPPED OVER. THE BRAKE WIRES WERE EXPOSED BECAUSE THERE WAS NO PROTECTIVE COVERING ON THEM. CONSUMER WAS DRIVING AT 60 MPH WHEN THIS OCCURRED. THERE WERE NO OTHER VEHICLES DAMAGED. THERE WAS A REPORT TO THE POLICE AND WITNESS TO THIS INCIDENT. INSURANCE AGENCY SAID THAT IT WAS DUE TO FAULTY WIRING. *AK THE ELECRICAL WIRING FOR THE BRAKE SYSTEM RUBBED ON THE METAL CROSSBAR, CUT THROUGH THE WIRING AND SHORTING OUT THE BRAKING SYSTEM WHICH THEN LOCKED UP. AS A RESULT THE TRAILER SWAYED OUT OF CONTROL.
NHTSA complaint #10132132 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.