Owners have filed 14 complaints
about the 2020 Forest River Salem with NHTSA between 2020 and 2025.
The largest single group is the tires.
Across this model's run it ranks 1 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 — 42
Against the median year of the Forest River Salem. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
21.4% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — not reported
Too few complaints recorded a mileage to measure this.
How 2020 compares with every other Forest River Salem
Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 2020 Forest River Salem
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Tires
535.7%
Median failure at 3,677 miles
Electrical System
321.4%
0 crashes, 3 fires
Equipment & Accessories
214.3%
Other & Unspecified
17.1%
Median failure at 2,000 miles
Doors, Latches & Locks
17.1%
Wheels
17.1%
Median failure at 3,854 miles
Body & Structure
17.1%
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 2020peak 2Jan 2025
Recalls on the 2020 Forest River Salem
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 20255453,889 units in Canada
Electrical
Issue: On certain RV trailers, the 12 V wiring for the distribution panel may not have been installed properly. As a result, the wiring may not have proper circuit protection. If this happens, the wiring could overheat and melt before the circuit breaker trips. Safety Risk: Wiring that overheats and melts could create the risk of a fire. Corrective Actions: To reduce the safety risk, Forest River advises you not to plug in the RV trailer until the recall repairs have been completed. Forest River will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your RV trailer to a dealership to correct the wiring.
Recall 202149868 units in Canada
Other
Issue: On certain travel trailers, the fresh water tank may not be secured properly. As a result, the tank could fall from the frame and detach from the trailer. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 2020-378. Safety Risk: A water tank that falls on the road could create a road hazard for others and increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: Forest River will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your trailer to a dealer to properly secure the fresh water tank.
Recall 2020563247 units in Canada
Accessories
Issue: On certain motorhomes equipped with a Dometic propane gas stove, there could be an odour of propane gas after a short period of use. If a user attempts to tighten the bolt for the stove's valve in order to stop the smell, they could over-tighten the bolt and cause damage to a seal. This can result in a constant gas leak. Safety Risk: A propane gas leak could create the risk of a fire or explosion. Corrective Action: Forest River will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your motorhome to a dealer to replace the defective hardware and perform a leak test. If you smell propane gas inside your motorhome, you should evacuate and turn off the gas supply immediately.
Recall 2020378220 units in Canada
Structure
Issue: On certain travel trailers, the fresh water tank may not be secured properly. As a result, the tank could fall from the frame and detach from the trailer. Safety Risk: A water tank that falls on the road could create a road hazard for others and increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: Forest River will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your trailer to a dealer to properly secure the fresh water tank.
Recall 202003039 units in Canada
Brakes
Issue: On certain travel trailers, the emergency trailer breakaway switch may not work properly when the pin is pulled. If the trailer separates from a tow vehicle, the trailer brakes would not self-apply. Safety Risk: If the trailer breakaway switch does not work properly, there could be an increased risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: Forest River will notify owners by mail and instruct them to take their travel trailer to a dealer to replace the breakaway switch.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Hudson, ILFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Our Forest River Salem Hemisphere Travel Trailer posed a severe safety risk to my family due to improper construction. Specifically, an electrical outlet installed under the sink and near the water heater was not GFCI-compliant or waterproofed, violating NEC Table 310.15(B)(16) and NEC 551 standards, which are mandatory for RVs. While camping, we noticed a burning smell and then smoke coming from under the sink. Thankfully, I was awake and acted quickly to get my family out, cut the power, and extinguish the smoldering outlet—flames appeared just in time. Had I not been awake, this could have resulted in a catastrophic fire, endangering our lives. This complaint highlights a serious safety hazard involving Forest River's failure to install GFCI-compliant outlets near water sources in their Salem Hemisphere Travel Trailer, violating NEC 551. The improperly installed, non-waterproofed outlet under the sink caused smoke, smoldering, and nearly a fire while the complainant’s family was camping. This near-tragic incident underscores the fire risks and life-threatening consequences of such negligence, especially in confined RV spaces. Electrical fires are a leading cause of residential fire fatalities, and RVs are particularly vulnerable due to their construction and limited escape routes. The lack of GFCI protection in wet areas not only breaches safety standards but also exposes Forest River to liability, as similar lawsuits have been identified. The emotional toll on the family, including fear and loss of trust in the product, further emphasizes the seriousness of the issue. The company should urgently investigate, ensure code compliance, and recall affected units to protect customers and restore confidence. Proactive measures like improved quality control and transparent communication are essential to prevent future incidents and mitigate legal and reputational risks. I have reached out to Forest River multiple times and they refuse to respond to my inquiries.
NHTSA complaint #11639134 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hudson, ILFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Our Forest River Salem Hemisphere Travel Trailer posed a severe safety risk to my family due to improper construction. Specifically, an electrical outlet installed under the sink and near the water heater was not GFCI-compliant or waterproofed, violating NEC Table 310.15(B)(16) and NEC 551 standards, which are mandatory for RVs. While camping, we noticed a burning smell and then smoke coming from under the sink. Thankfully, I was awake and acted quickly to get my family out, cut the power, and extinguish the smoldering outlet—flames appeared just in time. Had I not been awake, this could have resulted in a catastrophic fire, endangering our lives. This complaint highlights a serious safety hazard involving Forest River's failure to install GFCI-compliant outlets near water sources in their Salem Hemisphere Travel Trailer, violating NEC 551. The improperly installed, non-waterproofed outlet under the sink caused smoke, smoldering, and nearly a fire while the complainant’s family was camping. This near-tragic incident underscores the fire risks and life-threatening consequences of such negligence, especially in confined RV spaces. Electrical fires are a leading cause of residential fire fatalities, and RVs are particularly vulnerable due to their construction and limited escape routes. The lack of GFCI protection in wet areas not only breaches safety standards but also exposes Forest River to liability, as similar lawsuits have been identified. The emotional toll on the family, including fear and loss of trust in the product, further emphasizes the seriousness of the issue. The company should urgently investigate, ensure code compliance, and recall affected units to protect customers and restore confidence. Proactive measures like improved quality control and transparent communication are essential to prevent future incidents and mitigate legal and reputational risks.
NHTSA complaint #11639140 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2020 Forest River Salem fifth wheel. The contact stated that the RV was not able to start up. Additionally, the converter caught fire while the contact's husband was inside the RV. The contact's husband put out the fire with a fire extinguisher. No injuries were sustained and no medical attention was received. The RV was towed to the dealer; however, the RV was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure.
NHTSA complaint #11470401 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Hudson, ILFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Our Forest River Salem Hemisphere Travel Trailer posed a severe safety risk to my family due to improper construction. Specifically, an electrical outlet installed under the sink and near the water heater was not GFCI-compliant or waterproofed, violating NEC Table 310.15(B)(16) and NEC 551 standards, which are mandatory for RVs. While camping, we noticed a burning smell and then smoke coming from under the sink. Thankfully, I was awake and acted quickly to get my family out, cut the power, and extinguish the smoldering outlet—flames appeared just in time. Had I not been awake, this could have resulted in a catastrophic fire, endangering our lives. This complaint highlights a serious safety hazard involving Forest River's failure to install GFCI-compliant outlets near water sources in their Salem Hemisphere Travel Trailer, violating NEC 551. The improperly installed, non-waterproofed outlet under the sink caused smoke, smoldering, and nearly a fire while the complainant’s family was camping. This near-tragic incident underscores the fire risks and life-threatening consequences of such negligence, especially in confined RV spaces. Electrical fires are a leading cause of residential fire fatalities, and RVs are particularly vulnerable due to their construction and limited escape routes. The lack of GFCI protection in wet areas not only breaches safety standards but also exposes Forest River to liability, as similar lawsuits have been identified. The emotional toll on the family, including fear and loss of trust in the product, further emphasizes the seriousness of the issue. The company should urgently investigate, ensure code compliance, and recall affected units to protect customers and restore confidence. Proactive measures like improved quality control and transparent communication are essential to prevent future incidents and mitigate legal and reputational risks. I have reached out to Forest River multiple times and they refuse to respond to my inquiries.
NHTSA complaint #11639134 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hudson, ILFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Our Forest River Salem Hemisphere Travel Trailer posed a severe safety risk to my family due to improper construction. Specifically, an electrical outlet installed under the sink and near the water heater was not GFCI-compliant or waterproofed, violating NEC Table 310.15(B)(16) and NEC 551 standards, which are mandatory for RVs. While camping, we noticed a burning smell and then smoke coming from under the sink. Thankfully, I was awake and acted quickly to get my family out, cut the power, and extinguish the smoldering outlet—flames appeared just in time. Had I not been awake, this could have resulted in a catastrophic fire, endangering our lives. This complaint highlights a serious safety hazard involving Forest River's failure to install GFCI-compliant outlets near water sources in their Salem Hemisphere Travel Trailer, violating NEC 551. The improperly installed, non-waterproofed outlet under the sink caused smoke, smoldering, and nearly a fire while the complainant’s family was camping. This near-tragic incident underscores the fire risks and life-threatening consequences of such negligence, especially in confined RV spaces. Electrical fires are a leading cause of residential fire fatalities, and RVs are particularly vulnerable due to their construction and limited escape routes. The lack of GFCI protection in wet areas not only breaches safety standards but also exposes Forest River to liability, as similar lawsuits have been identified. The emotional toll on the family, including fear and loss of trust in the product, further emphasizes the seriousness of the issue. The company should urgently investigate, ensure code compliance, and recall affected units to protect customers and restore confidence. Proactive measures like improved quality control and transparent communication are essential to prevent future incidents and mitigate legal and reputational risks.
NHTSA complaint #11639140 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Eustis, FL
TIRES
Had two Castle rock tires blow out on the highway one after the other tread, de-laminated in the center will attach photos
NHTSA complaint #11533348 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Deer Park, TX
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
The contact owns a 2020 Forest River Salem. The contact stated that the door on the travel trailer was unable to be opened from inside or outside. The contact stated that she had to remove the lock and use a screwdriver to unlock the door. The RV was not diagnosed by a dealer nor an independent mechanic. The door lock manufacturer RV Locks and More was made aware of the failure. The RV manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The VIN was not available.
NHTSA complaint #11470900 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2020 Forest River Salem fifth wheel. The contact stated that the RV was not able to start up. Additionally, the converter caught fire while the contact's husband was inside the RV. The contact's husband put out the fire with a fire extinguisher. No injuries were sustained and no medical attention was received. The RV was towed to the dealer; however, the RV was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure.
NHTSA complaint #11470401 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Numine, PA
STRUCTURE:BODY
Roof/wall seals prematurely failed. Travel trailer is a 2020. only 1 1/2 years old. Bought it brand new. Water damage can cause mold, creating health issues and structure issues. Currently at a repair facility being inspected for total damage and estimate on cost. Had it's last outing August 2020, no damage or signs of problem then, noticed bad seals and water damage 5 Jan 2022.
NHTSA complaint #11446508 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Camden, SC
TIRES
The contact owns a 2020 Forest River Salem trailer equipped with LionsHead Tires, Tire Line: Castle Rock, Tire Size: 235/80/R16, DOT Number: Jumr2mt4818. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the passenger’s side front and passenger’s side rear tire experienced blowouts and caused severe damaged to the trailer trims, plastic inner wheel well liner, and the wheel wells. The tires were replaced. The contact also stated that the blowouts happened on two separate dates, with the first date being September 13, 2021. The contact was able to replace the tires. The failure mileages were not available.
NHTSA complaint #11434242 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Nixa, MO
TIRES
Driving down the road and tire exploded. Cruise was set on 70 miles an hour and no debris was hit. Camper was empty, 14,000lbs. We were 80 miles from the dealership who preformed a full inspection of camper and tires.
NHTSA complaint #11422495 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sweet Home, OR
EQUIPMENT:RECREATIONAL VEHICLE/TRAILER:LPG SYSTEMS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 2020 FOREST RIVER SALEM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT INSIDE OF THE RV THERE WAS INSULATION FROM THE METAL OUTSIDE OF THE RV TO THE WALLS, CAUSING THE METAL TO SWEAT, WHICH CAUSED MOLD TO DEVELOP INSIDE OF THE RV. ADDITIONALLY, THERE WAS AN ABNORMALLY STRONG PROPANE ODOR INSIDE THE RV. THE CONTACT CALLED THE LOCAL DEALER OREGON WEST RV SERVICE (490 ART-LOTT LN, CRESWELL, OR 97426) AND REPORTED THE FAILURE HOWEVER, THE RV WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
NHTSA complaint #11397521 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 2020 FOREST RIVER SALEM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT INSIDE OF THE RV THERE WAS INSULATION FROM THE METAL OUTSIDE OF THE RV TO THE WALLS, CAUSING THE METAL TO SWEAT, WHICH CAUSED MOLD TO DEVELOP INSIDE OF THE RV. ADDITIONALLY, THERE WAS AN ABNORMALLY STRONG PROPANE ODOR INSIDE THE RV. THE CONTACT CALLED THE LOCAL DEALER OREGON WEST RV SERVICE (490 ART-LOTT LN, CRESWELL, OR 97426) AND REPORTED THE FAILURE HOWEVER, THE RV WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
NHTSA complaint #11397521 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 3,854 milesFort Lauderdale, FL
TIRES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 FOREST RIVER SALEM EQUIPPED WITH LIONSHEAD TIRES, TIRE LINE: CASTLE ROCK ST, TIRE SIZE: 205/75/R14, DOT NUMBER: JUJTYMT1219. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY, HE HEARD AN EXPLOSION AND BECAME AWARE THAT THE PASSENGER'S SIDE REAR TIRE ON THE TRAILER WAS DEFLATED. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER AND CHANGED THE TIRE. THE FOLLOWING DAY THE DRIVER'S SIDE REAR TIRE ON THE TRAVEL TRAILER EXPLODED. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE TIRE WITH THE SPARE TIRE. ADDITIONALLY, THE RIM ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE WAS ALSO DAMAGED. THE CONTACT PURCHASED THREE MORE TIRES AND A RIM FOR THE RV. THE CONTACT CALLED PALM BEACH RV (5757 N MILITARY TRL, WEST PALM BEACH, FL 33407, (561) 689-5788) AND THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT WOULD BE CONTACTED ABOUT A POSSIBLE REIMBURSEMENT. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,854.
NHTSA complaint #11384361 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 3,854 milesFort Lauderdale, FL
WHEELS:RIM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 FOREST RIVER SALEM EQUIPPED WITH LIONSHEAD TIRES, TIRE LINE: CASTLE ROCK ST, TIRE SIZE: 205/75/R14, DOT NUMBER: JUJTYMT1219. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY, HE HEARD AN EXPLOSION AND BECAME AWARE THAT THE PASSENGER'S SIDE REAR TIRE ON THE TRAILER WAS DEFLATED. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER AND CHANGED THE TIRE. THE FOLLOWING DAY THE DRIVER'S SIDE REAR TIRE ON THE TRAVEL TRAILER EXPLODED. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE TIRE WITH THE SPARE TIRE. ADDITIONALLY, THE RIM ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE WAS ALSO DAMAGED. THE CONTACT PURCHASED THREE MORE TIRES AND A RIM FOR THE RV. THE CONTACT CALLED PALM BEACH RV (5757 N MILITARY TRL, WEST PALM BEACH, FL 33407, (561) 689-5788) AND THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT WOULD BE CONTACTED ABOUT A POSSIBLE REIMBURSEMENT. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,854.
NHTSA complaint #11384361 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 2,000 milesMurfreesboro, TN
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
CASTLE ROCK TIRES ST 226 225/75/15.TIRESSHOW SIGNS OF FAILURE, WE PURCHASED A TRAVEL TRAILER IN MAY OF 2020. I HAVE TOWED IT LESS THAN 2K MILES AND HAVE 4 OF 5 TIRES SHOWING SIDEWALL BULGE. 1 TIRE IS THE SPARE WHICH HAS NEVER BEEN ON THE AXLE. I PLAN TO REPLACE THESE TIRES WITH A GOOD QUALITY TIRE IN THE UP COMING DAYS. I WILL KEEP THESE TIRES FOR A FEW WEEKS TO ALLOW TIME TO DETERMINE IF THEY NEED TO BE SENT SOMEWHERE TO BE INSPECTED. THANK YOU IN ADVANCE, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #11349351 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 3,500 milesBloomington, IN
TIRES
WHILE PULLING OUR NEW 5TH WHEEL SALEM HEMISPHERE CAMPER WE BOUGHT APRIL 2020 ON INTERSTATE NEAR ST.LOUIS AT 65 MPH REAR DRIVERS SIDE TIRE BLOW OUT DAMAGING THE CAMPER HAD ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE PUT SPARE TIRE ON UNIT TO GET HOME TRYING TO GET CAMPER FIXED BY FACTORY WHO INSTALLED TIRES ON THE UNIT.*DT
NHTSA complaint #11343354 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.