Owners have filed 12 complaints
about the 2021 Forest River Flagstaff with NHTSA between 2021 and 2024.
The largest single group is the electrical system.
Across this model's run it ranks 3 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 — 52
Against the median year of the Forest River Flagstaff. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
58.3% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 76
44% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2021 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 2021 Forest River Flagstaff
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Equipment & Accessories
216.7%
Median failure at 69,000 miles
Suspension
216.7%
Median failure at 3,250 miles
Body & Structure
216.7%
0 crashes, 1 fires · median 69,000 mi
Brakes
216.7%
1 crashes, 1 fires · median 70,000 mi
Electrical System
216.7%
1 crashes, 1 fires · median 70,000 mi
Other & Unspecified
18.3%
Median failure at 500 miles
Transmission & Drivetrain
18.3%
Median failure at 500 miles
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
333.3%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
111.1%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
555.6%
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.
Feb 2021peak 3Aug 2024
Recalls on the 2021 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 20221819,716 units in Canada
Accessories
Issue: On certain RV trailers and motorhomes, the quick disconnect fittings for the propane (LP) gas system may be defective. As a result, the fittings could crack and leak propane. Safety Risk: A propane gas leak could create the risk of a fire or explosion. Corrective Actions: Forest River will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your RV trailer or motorhome to a dealership to replace the quick disconnect fittings on the propane system and perform a leak test.
Recall 202120161 units in Canada
Structure
Issue: Certain fifth wheel RV trailers may have been built with a pin box rated for 4536 kg (10,000 lb.), when they should have one that is rated for 7257 kg (16,000 lb.). As a result, the pin box could be overloaded and fail. Safety Risk: A pin box that fails could cause a trailer to detach from the tow vehicle and increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: Forest River will notify owners by mail and instruct you to send them a picture of the pin box on your trailer. Forest River will review the photograph and advise you if the pin box requires replacement. You will be given the option of using a mobile repair service or taking the trailer to a dealer to replace it.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Portland, ORFire
STRUCTURE:BODY
On the morning May 22nd, just 45 minutes after we left our home in Portland, our trailer burst into flames on 1-84 off exit 44 near Cascade Locks. It was inexplicable as to why this happened. It was a brand new trailer with less than 2k miles on it and purchased in December 2020. As you can see from the pictures, it was a total loss. We are filing this report to help protect others. We are a part of the forest river group and quality seems to be a concern. Demand for these vehicles have skyrocketed and many feel that QA has been downgraded in order to get these trailers to market.
NHTSA complaint #11423833 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Portland, ORFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
On the morning May 22nd, just 45 minutes after we left our home in Portland, our trailer burst into flames on 1-84 off exit 44 near Cascade Locks. It was inexplicable as to why this happened. It was a brand new trailer with less than 2k miles on it and purchased in December 2020. As you can see from the pictures, it was a total loss. We are filing this report to help protect others. We are a part of the forest river group and quality seems to be a concern. Demand for these vehicles have skyrocketed and many feel that QA has been downgraded in order to get these trailers to market.
NHTSA complaint #11423833 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Portland, ORFire
SERVICE BRAKES
On the morning May 22nd, just 45 minutes after we left our home in Portland, our trailer burst into flames on 1-84 off exit 44 near Cascade Locks. It was inexplicable as to why this happened. It was a brand new trailer with less than 2k miles on it and purchased in December 2020. As you can see from the pictures, it was a total loss. We are filing this report to help protect others. We are a part of the forest river group and quality seems to be a concern. Demand for these vehicles have skyrocketed and many feel that QA has been downgraded in order to get these trailers to market.
NHTSA complaint #11423833 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 70,000 milesSpruce Pine, NCCrash1 injured
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2021 FOREST RIVER FLAGSTAFF MICROLIGHT. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MPH, THE BRAKES FAILED TO ENGAGE CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO CRASH INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A SORE NECK, HIP, AND BACK THAT DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT STATED NO WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED BEFORE THE CRASH. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO BRAD WRECKERS SERVICE AND THEN TAKEN TO A & L RV SALES (4503 BRISTOL HWY, JOHNSON CITY, TN 37601) WHERE A FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT INSISTED THAT THERE WAS AN ELECTRICAL ISSUE AND AN ISSUE WITH THE BRAKES SO THEY INSTALLED BLUETOOTH BRAKE CONTROLLERS TO HELP WITH BRAKES, BUT THE FAILURE STILL OCCURRED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 70,000.*DT*JB
NHTSA complaint #11397513 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 70,000 milesSpruce Pine, NCCrash1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2021 FOREST RIVER FLAGSTAFF MICROLIGHT. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MPH, THE BRAKES FAILED TO ENGAGE CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO CRASH INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A SORE NECK, HIP, AND BACK THAT DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT STATED NO WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED BEFORE THE CRASH. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO BRAD WRECKERS SERVICE AND THEN TAKEN TO A & L RV SALES (4503 BRISTOL HWY, JOHNSON CITY, TN 37601) WHERE A FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT INSISTED THAT THERE WAS AN ELECTRICAL ISSUE AND AN ISSUE WITH THE BRAKES SO THEY INSTALLED BLUETOOTH BRAKE CONTROLLERS TO HELP WITH BRAKES, BUT THE FAILURE STILL OCCURRED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 70,000.*DT*JB
NHTSA complaint #11397513 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 6,000 milesFrostburg, MD
SUSPENSION
The contact owns a 2021 Forest River Flagstaff RV. The contact stated that the front driver’s side tire was significantly worn and damaged after driving approximately 200-500 miles. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that a bearing retainer nut had detached and caused the tire damage. The dealer made an unknown adjustment; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was being diagnosed. The RV was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 6,000.
NHTSA complaint #11608303 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 69,000 milesMinden, NV
STRUCTURE
The contact owns a 2021 Forest River Flagstaff Lite Weight Trailer towed by a 2015 GMC 2500. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH and towing the trailer, two full 7.5 propane tanks detached from the trailer and both were being dragged behind the RV. The contact was notified by another driver that the tanks were being dragged behind the RV. The contact pulled over safely and placed both propane tanks into the trailer. The contact stated that the backing plates on the tanks were missing. Additionally, the tanks were not installed correctly. The contact diagnosed the failure and repaired the trailer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 69,000.
NHTSA complaint #11476291 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 69,000 milesMinden, NV
EQUIPMENT:RECREATIONAL VEHICLE/TRAILER
The contact owns a 2021 Forest River Flagstaff Lite Weight Trailer towed by a 2015 GMC 2500. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH and towing the trailer, two full 7.5 propane tanks detached from the trailer and both were being dragged behind the RV. The contact was notified by another driver that the tanks were being dragged behind the RV. The contact pulled over safely and placed both propane tanks into the trailer. The contact stated that the backing plates on the tanks were missing. Additionally, the tanks were not installed correctly. The contact diagnosed the failure and repaired the trailer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 69,000.
NHTSA complaint #11476291 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2021 Forest River Flagstaff Lite Weight Trailer towed by a 2015 GMC 2500. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH and towing the trailer, two full 7.5 propane tanks detached from the trailer and both were being dragged behind the RV. The contact was notified by another driver that the tanks were being dragged behind the RV. The contact pulled over safely and placed both propane tanks into the trailer. The contact stated that the backing plates on the tanks were missing. Additionally, the tanks were not installed correctly. The contact diagnosed the failure and repaired the trailer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 69,000.
NHTSA complaint #11476291 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Portland, ORFire
STRUCTURE:BODY
On the morning May 22nd, just 45 minutes after we left our home in Portland, our trailer burst into flames on 1-84 off exit 44 near Cascade Locks. It was inexplicable as to why this happened. It was a brand new trailer with less than 2k miles on it and purchased in December 2020. As you can see from the pictures, it was a total loss. We are filing this report to help protect others. We are a part of the forest river group and quality seems to be a concern. Demand for these vehicles have skyrocketed and many feel that QA has been downgraded in order to get these trailers to market.
NHTSA complaint #11423833 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Portland, ORFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
On the morning May 22nd, just 45 minutes after we left our home in Portland, our trailer burst into flames on 1-84 off exit 44 near Cascade Locks. It was inexplicable as to why this happened. It was a brand new trailer with less than 2k miles on it and purchased in December 2020. As you can see from the pictures, it was a total loss. We are filing this report to help protect others. We are a part of the forest river group and quality seems to be a concern. Demand for these vehicles have skyrocketed and many feel that QA has been downgraded in order to get these trailers to market.
NHTSA complaint #11423833 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Portland, ORFire
SERVICE BRAKES
On the morning May 22nd, just 45 minutes after we left our home in Portland, our trailer burst into flames on 1-84 off exit 44 near Cascade Locks. It was inexplicable as to why this happened. It was a brand new trailer with less than 2k miles on it and purchased in December 2020. As you can see from the pictures, it was a total loss. We are filing this report to help protect others. We are a part of the forest river group and quality seems to be a concern. Demand for these vehicles have skyrocketed and many feel that QA has been downgraded in order to get these trailers to market.
NHTSA complaint #11423833 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 500 milesMokelumne Hill, CA
POWER TRAIN
I TOOK POSSESSION OF MY BRAND NEW E-PRO COACH ON MARCH 12, 2021 AND ON MARCH 31,2021 THE AXLE DETACHED FROM THE FRAME AND CAUSE EXTENSIVE DAMAGE. LUCKILY I WAS TRAVEL AT APPROXIMATELY 5 MILES PER HOUR. I COULD HAVE BEEN SEVERELY INJURED AS WELL AS ANY PASSENGERS, OTHER TRAVELERS, BYSTANDERS ETC. IF THIS OCCURRED AT A HIGHER RATE OF SPEED OR IN ANY OTHER AREA. THE BOLTS THAT SHOULD OF ATTACHED THE COACH TO THE FRAME WHERE KNOW WHERE TO BE FOUND IN THE MILE AND A HALF I WALKED SEARCHING FOR THEM ON THE ROADWAY WHICH WAS RECENTLY TRAVELED. I PURCHASED THE COACH FROM WESTERN SKIES RV IN RENO, NV. I'VE BEEN IN CONTACT WITH THEM ABOUT THIS MATTER. PLEASE ADVISE ME ON THE NEXT STEPS I SHOULD TAKE TO RESOLVE THIS VEHICLE MATTER. THANK YOU
NHTSA complaint #11406078 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 500 milesMokelumne Hill, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I TOOK POSSESSION OF MY BRAND NEW E-PRO COACH ON MARCH 12, 2021 AND ON MARCH 31,2021 THE AXLE DETACHED FROM THE FRAME AND CAUSE EXTENSIVE DAMAGE. LUCKILY I WAS TRAVEL AT APPROXIMATELY 5 MILES PER HOUR. I COULD HAVE BEEN SEVERELY INJURED AS WELL AS ANY PASSENGERS, OTHER TRAVELERS, BYSTANDERS ETC. IF THIS OCCURRED AT A HIGHER RATE OF SPEED OR IN ANY OTHER AREA. THE BOLTS THAT SHOULD OF ATTACHED THE COACH TO THE FRAME WHERE KNOW WHERE TO BE FOUND IN THE MILE AND A HALF I WALKED SEARCHING FOR THEM ON THE ROADWAY WHICH WAS RECENTLY TRAVELED. I PURCHASED THE COACH FROM WESTERN SKIES RV IN RENO, NV. I'VE BEEN IN CONTACT WITH THEM ABOUT THIS MATTER. PLEASE ADVISE ME ON THE NEXT STEPS I SHOULD TAKE TO RESOLVE THIS VEHICLE MATTER. THANK YOU
NHTSA complaint #11406078 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 500 milesMokelumne Hill, CA
SUSPENSION
I TOOK POSSESSION OF MY BRAND NEW E-PRO COACH ON MARCH 12, 2021 AND ON MARCH 31,2021 THE AXLE DETACHED FROM THE FRAME AND CAUSE EXTENSIVE DAMAGE. LUCKILY I WAS TRAVEL AT APPROXIMATELY 5 MILES PER HOUR. I COULD HAVE BEEN SEVERELY INJURED AS WELL AS ANY PASSENGERS, OTHER TRAVELERS, BYSTANDERS ETC. IF THIS OCCURRED AT A HIGHER RATE OF SPEED OR IN ANY OTHER AREA. THE BOLTS THAT SHOULD OF ATTACHED THE COACH TO THE FRAME WHERE KNOW WHERE TO BE FOUND IN THE MILE AND A HALF I WALKED SEARCHING FOR THEM ON THE ROADWAY WHICH WAS RECENTLY TRAVELED. I PURCHASED THE COACH FROM WESTERN SKIES RV IN RENO, NV. I'VE BEEN IN CONTACT WITH THEM ABOUT THIS MATTER. PLEASE ADVISE ME ON THE NEXT STEPS I SHOULD TAKE TO RESOLVE THIS VEHICLE MATTER. THANK YOU
NHTSA complaint #11406078 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 70,000 milesSpruce Pine, NCCrash1 injured
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2021 FOREST RIVER FLAGSTAFF MICROLIGHT. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MPH, THE BRAKES FAILED TO ENGAGE CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO CRASH INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A SORE NECK, HIP, AND BACK THAT DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT STATED NO WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED BEFORE THE CRASH. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO BRAD WRECKERS SERVICE AND THEN TAKEN TO A & L RV SALES (4503 BRISTOL HWY, JOHNSON CITY, TN 37601) WHERE A FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT INSISTED THAT THERE WAS AN ELECTRICAL ISSUE AND AN ISSUE WITH THE BRAKES SO THEY INSTALLED BLUETOOTH BRAKE CONTROLLERS TO HELP WITH BRAKES, BUT THE FAILURE STILL OCCURRED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 70,000.*DT*JB
NHTSA complaint #11397513 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 70,000 milesSpruce Pine, NCCrash1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2021 FOREST RIVER FLAGSTAFF MICROLIGHT. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MPH, THE BRAKES FAILED TO ENGAGE CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO CRASH INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A SORE NECK, HIP, AND BACK THAT DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT STATED NO WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED BEFORE THE CRASH. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO BRAD WRECKERS SERVICE AND THEN TAKEN TO A & L RV SALES (4503 BRISTOL HWY, JOHNSON CITY, TN 37601) WHERE A FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT INSISTED THAT THERE WAS AN ELECTRICAL ISSUE AND AN ISSUE WITH THE BRAKES SO THEY INSTALLED BLUETOOTH BRAKE CONTROLLERS TO HELP WITH BRAKES, BUT THE FAILURE STILL OCCURRED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 70,000.*DT*JB
NHTSA complaint #11397513 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.