Owners have filed 13 complaints
about the 2018 Forest River Wildwood with NHTSA between 2017 and 2023.
The largest single group is the tires.
Across this model's run it ranks 5 of 6 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 — 49
Against the median year of the Forest River Wildwood. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 0
0% 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 2018 compares with every other Forest River Wildwood
Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 2018 Forest River Wildwood
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Tires
538.5%
Median failure at 2,900 miles
Body & Structure
323.1%
Other & Unspecified
215.4%
Wheels
17.7%
Median failure at 4,500 miles
Brakes
17.7%
Electrical System
17.7%
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.
Jun 2017peak 2Jul 2023
Recalls on the 2018 Forest River Wildwood
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 2018438762 units in Canada
Electrical
On certain travel trailers, the trailer break-away safety switch may not be properly wired. When the battery disconnect is switched off, the electrical power to the switch could be lost. In the unlikely event that the trailer separates from the tow vehicle, the trailer brakes may not apply, increasing the risk of a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will install a new wiring harness which supplies constant power to the break-away safety switch.
Recall 201834719 units in Canada
Accessories
On certain travel trailers, when the outside shower faucet cover is open, it will cover the water heater exhaust panel, which could lead to an increased risk of injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will install a new outside shower.
Recall 201761061,287 units in Canada
Accessories
On certain motorhomes equipped with Kidde fire extinguishers with black plastic handles and valves, the fire extinguishers may become clogged or require excessive force to activate. Also, the nozzle may detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury, and fail to discharge. In case of fire, failure of the extinguisher to function could result in injury and/or property damage. Correction: Owners will be provided with instructions on how to inspect the fire extinguisher to see if it is recalled. Replacement fire extinguishers will be supplied by Kidde directly. Note: For more information about recalled fire extinguishers, please visit <a href="https://inmarmarketaction.com/kidde/Kidde284CA/">www.kidde.com</a>.
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Warrior, AL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I was towing our 2018 Forest River Wildwood 370BL down I 10 coming into Tucson AZ on our way back to Alabama from California when we were approx 20 miles away from our overnight stop in Tucson. I notice that the camper was moving up and down with the bumps and dips and even made contact with the top of my bed on the passenger side causing damage. After attempts to find a mobile RV repair facility that would look at it failed, I called the Lippert, the company listed on the fifth wheel pin box. After removing the exterior panels at their direction It was obvious that there was major damage to the welds themselves on the frame. Speaking to Lippert reps, they agreed over the phone that this was a failure in the frame. The flex caused by these breaks also caused major structural damage to the exterior walls, slides, floor, interior walls, seals, gutters, and roof. As of now my AC condensation is now dripping down through the walls because of a separation of the exterior wall near the roof line and gutter. This could have been a life altering event to my family and those around us on I 10 if this would have completely failed.
NHTSA complaint #11532069 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Warrior, AL
STRUCTURE
I was towing our 2018 Forest River Wildwood 370BL down I 10 coming into Tucson AZ on our way back to Alabama from California when we were approx 20 miles away from our overnight stop in Tucson. I notice that the camper was moving up and down with the bumps and dips and even made contact with the top of my bed on the passenger side causing damage. After attempts to find a mobile RV repair facility that would look at it failed, I called the Lippert, the company listed on the fifth wheel pin box. After removing the exterior panels at their direction It was obvious that there was major damage to the welds themselves on the frame. Speaking to Lippert reps, they agreed over the phone that this was a failure in the frame. The flex caused by these breaks also caused major structural damage to the exterior walls, slides, floor, interior walls, seals, gutters, and roof. As of now my AC condensation is now dripping down through the walls because of a separation of the exterior wall near the roof line and gutter. This could have been a life altering event to my family and those around us on I 10 if this would have completely failed.
NHTSA complaint #11532069 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ellijay, GA
TIRES
ST225/75R15 4 of 4 tires experienced blow-outs. Tires pressures were normal and monitored by a tire pressure monitoring system. Tread depth was very near full tread depth. All tires blew within 1000 miles of each other. Trailer was bought used. Mileage on tires at failure is believed to be about 2000.0 miles. Photos of 3 of the tires is provided.
NHTSA complaint #11475542 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Birdsboro, PA
TIRES:TREAD/BELT
ST205/75/R14 last year our spare blew out while attached to the bumper, the spare tire had never been used. Yesterday, while driving on the turnpike at 75 mph the driver side front tire on our tandem axl blew out. We were able to make it to a safe spot to change the tire with our replacement spare. The blow out tire was extremely hot compared to the other tires on the trailer.
NHTSA complaint #11471183 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Carthage, NC
TIRES
We have 4 original Castle Rock tires blown out. 1 while on the highway, 3 exploded in the middle of the night after being parked in a campground for 3 weeks. These tires have less than 500 original miles on them. The tires are Castle Rock, Radial ST 226 75R15. We have replaced all with exception of the spare. We will keep it for your inspection along with 1 of the ones that blew.
NHTSA complaint #11468150 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rock Hill, SC
STRUCTURE:BODY
Shortly after purchasing our RV, we noticed one of the trailer exterior doors would not stay closed. We inspected the rig and saw what looked like a small rubber seam separation. Called ins and filed a claim but they said keep moving and keep an eye on it as it was a small separation. The trailer was back on the road about 30 miles when my Husband noticed it sagging and almost resting on our truck bed. We pulled over to see if we were imagining such an issue and found that the rig had literally separated from the frame. The bottom almost out of the master, the master closet crumbled the steps up to the room became dislodged. It became completely un-towable & could have resulted in a horrible outcome had my Husband not looked back to see where the trailer was sitting in comparison to our truck. This was deemed totaled by our insurance company & NOT covered due to no collision or natural disaster!
NHTSA complaint #11461137 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 3,000 milesHollywood, SC
TIRES:BEAD
The contact owns a 2018 Forest River Wildwood RV equipped with Castlerock ST Tires, Tire Line: Radial ST 226, Tire Size: 225/75/R15, DOT Number: JULT-1MT2617. The contact stated while driving approximately 63 MPH, the rear driver's side tire deflated and became completely flat. The contact was able to pull over safely and replace the flat tire with the spare tire himself. The contact stated that the tire was original equipment. The approximate tire and vehicle failure mileage was 3,000. Additional information, right tire spontaneously blew out while parked in my driveway. Unlike the reported tire which was torn to shreds when the blowout occurred on the highway. VIN is invalid.
NHTSA complaint #11460182 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 2,800 milesStatesville, NC
TIRES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 FOREST RIVER WILDWOOD RV EQUIPPED WITH LIONHEAD TIRES, TIRE LINE: CASTLE ROCK, TIRE SIZE: 235/80/R17, DOT NUMBER: JUMR. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE PASSENGER'S SIDE REAR TIRE EXPERIENCED A BLOWOUT. THE CONTACT PULLED THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROADWAY AND REPLACED THE TIRE WITH THE SPARE TIRE. THE TIRE WAS ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 2,800.
NHTSA complaint #11396970 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dixon, IL
STRUCTURE:BODY
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 FOREST RIVER WILDWOOD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RV'S FRONT END STARTED TO SLIP WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE CAMPER WAS CRACKING FROM THE OUTSIDE INTO THE INSIDE OF THE BEDROOM AND SEPARATING. ADDITIONALLY, THE WELDS FRACTURED AROUND THE PROPANE TANK. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR REPAIRS. THE CONTACT FORWARDED AN EMAIL TO THE MANUFACTURER. THE CAMPER USUALLY STORED JEFF BRIGHT RV SERVICES & SALES (2109 INDUSTRIAL PARK RD, ROCK FALLS, IL 61071). THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER FOR THE REPAIR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RV WAS UNDER AN EXTENDED WARRANTY. THE RV WAS NOT REPAIRED.*DT*DT*DT*DT*DT CONSUMER STATED CRACKS ARE WORSENING.*JB THE CONSUMER STATED FOREST RIVER OFFERED 2021 HERTIAGE GLEN 370BL LTZ CUSTOM BUILT AND THE CONSUMER ACCEPTED THE OFFER. *TR *JB*JB
NHTSA complaint #11365570 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 4,500 milesStatin Island, NY
WHEELS
CASTLE ROCK TIRE FAILED 235/80-16. BLOWOUT.
NHTSA complaint #11342475 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lancaster, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
THE FRAME IS CRACKING, TEARING WHERE REAR EXCELS ATTACH .I NOTICED THIS CONDITION ON A WALK THRU BEFORE GOING ON A TRIP.
NHTSA complaint #11318820 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
South Bend, IN
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
SO THIS IS SOME OF THE STUFF THAT NEEDED TO BE COMPLETED: REPLACE 7 WAY LEFT TURN SIGNAL REPLACE BRAKES (THERE WAS A SHORT AND THEY LOCKED UP AND STARTED SMOKING) TAIL LIGHT LENSE WAS NOT SECURE AND FELL OFF AS WE DROVE DOWN THE ROAD, ANOTHER CAR TOLD US IT CAME OFF HOT AND COLD FAUCETS WERE REVERSED IN THE SHOWER BROKEN TRIM OUTSIDE SPEAKER NOT WORKING PLUG FOR LIGHTS WAS FAULTY
NHTSA complaint #10994079 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
South Bend, IN
SERVICE BRAKES
SO THIS IS SOME OF THE STUFF THAT NEEDED TO BE COMPLETED: REPLACE 7 WAY LEFT TURN SIGNAL REPLACE BRAKES (THERE WAS A SHORT AND THEY LOCKED UP AND STARTED SMOKING) TAIL LIGHT LENSE WAS NOT SECURE AND FELL OFF AS WE DROVE DOWN THE ROAD, ANOTHER CAR TOLD US IT CAME OFF HOT AND COLD FAUCETS WERE REVERSED IN THE SHOWER BROKEN TRIM OUTSIDE SPEAKER NOT WORKING PLUG FOR LIGHTS WAS FAULTY
NHTSA complaint #10994079 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.