27 of the
143 complaints filed about the Forest River Salem
are about the body and structure —
19% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2015.
I am filing a safety complaint regarding a 2022 Forest River Salem Cruise Lite travel trailer, purchased July 21, 2022. At the time of sale, the unit had an open federal safety recall (NHTSA Recall 22V-243) involving a fire/explosion hazard. The recall was not remedied prior to sale. The vehicle was presented for service multiple times, and the recall was not identified or addressed until May 2025. At that time, the manufacturer directed that the recall repair be completed; however, the issue has not been resolved. The manufacturer’s owner portal continues to show the recall as open, despite NHTSA’s system not showing an unrepaired recall for this VIN. The vehicle has been out of service for an extended period and is currently unusable. Request: Investigation into failure to remedy a safety recall within a reasonable time, potential reporting discrepancies regarding recall status, and the sale of a vehicle with an open safety recall.
NHTSA complaint #11727803 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2024 Forest River Salem Towable. The contact stated that after purchasing the trailer, the contact noticed signs of water leaks and damaged gaskets on the window seals. The contact also stated that the slide-out panels were not operating properly. The contact had taken the RV back to the dealer where it was purchased. The contact was not sure if the dealer had replaced any of the window seals or gaskets. The slide-out panel was still not operating properly. The RV was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200.
NHTSA complaint #11685888 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The tempered glass covering the interior electric fireplace exploded randomly, sending shards of glass throughout the trailer. There was no warning, and we were simply sitting in the trailer enjoying the day. The fireplace was not turned on, and there was no power to the trailer. Battery was turned off, and the temperature inside the trailer was 70 degrees. There were no weak spots, dings, chips, or any other flaw in the glass.
NHTSA complaint #11654733 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The latch on the gate on the rear patio failed to remain secure, and the gate swung open multiple times driving down the freeway. We had to pull over and secure the latch manually.
NHTSA complaint #11654464 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2017 Forest River Salem Cruise Lite RV. The contact stated due to water buildup in the roof, the ceiling was leaking during rainy weather. The contact stated that the leak had caused mold to build up on the front side of the camper. The contact stated that the roof slider had previously been repaired with tape due to water leaking and mildew. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was not available.
NHTSA complaint #11590320 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2023 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at 35–65 MPH and towing a 2023 Forest River Salem Cruise Lite, the roof on the RV caved in. There was mold detected on the inner walls. The RV was swaying from left to right. The contact stated that the foundation had separated. The active air dam warning light was illuminated. The RV was towed to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that there was structural damage and that the ceiling panels needed to be replaced. The RV was repaired, and the dealer recommended sending the RV to the manufacturer. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA complaint #11588632 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2023 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at 35–65 MPH and towing a 2023 Forest River Salem Cruise Lite, the roof on the RV caved in. There was mold detected on the inner walls. The RV was swaying from left to right. The contact stated that the foundation had separated. The active air dam warning light was illuminated. The RV was towed to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that there was structural damage and that the ceiling panels needed to be replaced. The RV was repaired, and the dealer recommended sending the RV to the manufacturer. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA complaint #11588632 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Front window just cracked like a flaw in the manufacture process nothing struck it. Axles are really close together like one maybe put on backwards. I have photos but won’t let me upload
NHTSA complaint #11539170 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I have a 2022 Salem FSX170SS. While traveling on our first trip with this vehicle, the fresh water tank fell out of the trailer and dragged on the pavement. I was fortunately traveling through a construction area at low speed and damage was limited to the loss of the tank and underbelly. This same model had a safety recall in 2021 for the very same problem. The remedial action was for the dealer to verify and if necessary correct any installation defects e.g. poorly fitting tank. A cursory examination of the unit quickly revealed that the design is minimal and has near-zero redundancy in the event of a minor installation issue. The weakness presents a clear danger to human injury and death. The fact that I had this problem in 2022 would seem to make it clear that the company's response to this issue is woefully inadequate. I have reported this incident to Transport Canada and there is an open file. An inspector has been to my home to assess the trailer. Because I am not a US resident, I was unable to submit the form (it requires a US address). I therefore used the address of a friend. My actual address is 654 Glen Cedar Cr., Innisfil Ontario Canada L9S2J5.
NHTSA complaint #11482876 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
The contact owns a 2021 Forest River Salem. The contact stated while stationary, the bolts attaching the front live-in slide to the body fractured, resulting in the slide detaching from the body. The trailer was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 1,000. The consumer provided photos of the trailer.
NHTSA complaint #11419245 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 FOREST RIVER SALEM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT A LEAK EMERGED FROM UNDERNEATH THE DRIVER'S SIDE SLIDE OUT PORTION OF THE TRAILER. THE LEAK CAUSED MOLD TO FORM. THE DEALER AN MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,000.
NHTSA complaint #11277106 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
2015 FOREST RIVER SALEM HEMISPHERE 5TH WHEEL. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO GAP ON PASSENGER SIDE OF CAMPER IN FRONT OF BATTERY BOX CAUSED BY FAILING WELDS. *LD
NHTSA complaint #11245712 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 FOREST RIVER SALEM TRAVEL TRAILER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRAVEL TRAILER HAD NOT BEEN HAULED BY A VEHICLE YET BECAUSE ONE OF THE STABILIZERS ASSOCIATED WITH THE TWO FUEL TANKS FRACTURED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THIS WAS A KNOWN FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS WAITING ON A RESPONSE FROM THE MANUFACTURER. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THERE WAS NO MILEAGE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. *DT*JB *DT
NHTSA complaint #11186540 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
JUNE 8, 2017, WE WERE TRAVELING SOUTHBOUND ON I-15 IN CENTRAL UTAH. WE WERE TRAVELING AT OR NEAR 60 MILES PER HOUR, WHEN THE VINYL ROOF SEPARATED FROM THE TOP FRONT OF OUR TRAILER. WE IMMEDIATELY STOPPED AT THE 1ST OFF RAMP WE COULD SAFELY GET TOO, AND SECURED IT WITH ROPES TO PREVENT ANY HAZARD TO THE PUBLIC. AT THE TIME OF THIS ROOF FAILURE WE HAD LESS THAN 900 MILES OF ACTUAL HIGHWAY USE. IF WE WOULD HAVE CONTINUED ON WITHOUT SEEING THE PROBLEM THE ROOF COULD HAVE BLOWN COMPLETELY OFF, POSSIBLY BLINDING OTHER MOTORISTS, RESULTING IN POSSIBLE DEATH OR INJURY TO THE PUBLIC. THE MANUFACTURER (FOREST RIVER TRAILERS) HAS COMPLETELY DENIED ANY AND ALL RESPONSIBILITY FOR THESE FAILURE. SINCE OUR INCIDENT, WE HAVE SEEN MANY OTHER FOREST RIVER TRAILERS THAT THIS HAS HAPPENED TO. THIS FAULTY PRODUCT HAS THE POTENTIAL OF CAUSING INJURY OR DEATH TO THE TRAVELING PUBLIC. I BELIEVE THAT THE ROOT CAUSE OF THE VINYL ROOF BECOMING DELAMINATED IS DUE TO THE CHEAP PRESSBOARD SUB-ROOF. THE PRESSBOARD HAS A VERY UNEVEN SURFACE, ALLOWING ONLY PORTIONS OF THE STICKY VINYL FABRIC TO ADHERE. THE REASON I AM BRINGING THIS TO YOUR ATTENTION IS TO HOPEFULLY PREVENT ANYONE ON THE PUBLIC HIGHWAYS FROM LOSS OF LIFE DO TO SUCH A POTENTIAL SAFETY HAZARD.
NHTSA complaint #11140755 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 NISSAN TITAN HAULING A 2017 FOREST RIVER SALEM CRUISE LITE TRAVEL TRAILER. WHILE DRIVING LESS THAN 40 MPH, THE AWNING ON THE RV PREMATURELY FRACTURED. THE TWO BOTTOM POLES FRACTURED ONTO THE ROADWAY AND THE CONTACT HAD TO PULL THE VEHICLE OVER TO MAKE AN ADJUSTMENT BECAUSE OF THE FAILURE. A DEALER WAS NOTIFIED (BLUE DOG RV, 714 W SELTIZE WAY, POST FALLS, ID 83854) AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE AWNING WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE BY THE DEALER, BUT THEY DID NOT FILE A CLAIM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 300.
NHTSA complaint #11020948 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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 complaint #11002033 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 FOREST VILLA SALEM VILLA (NA). WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE AWNING DETACHED FROM THE TRAILER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. UPDATED 09/08/16*LJ
NHTSA complaint #10884959 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FOREST RIVER SALEM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE IN PARK, THE METAL FRAME ON THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE HAD DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE AND ENCOUNTERED THE TIRE. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED FOR THEIR SAFETY DUE TO THE METAL FRAME DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE, WHICH MIGHT CAUSE THE TIRE TO BLOW OUT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10873430 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.