CarRecallWatchThe 2017 Forest River Cardinal has 3 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.
Owners have filed 7 complaints with NHTSA.
The most-reported problem area is Tires (3 reports).
2017 Forest River Cardinal recalls
Window Vent Adhesive May Fail and Detach
Certain recreational vehicles equipped with Hehr 6400 Series windows may have an adhesive that bonds the vented portion of the window to the frame that can fail.
Trailer Placard Overstates Axle Capacity, Risking Overload and Crash
The Federal Placard on these Cardinal recreational trailers overstates the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) by 840 pounds per axle, and the Cargo Carrying Capacity (CCC) label is incorrect as a result.
Wrong tire pressure label can lead to blowouts
Some Cardinal recreational vehicles from the 2016 and 2017 model years may have a Federal Placard listing the wrong tire and rim combination.
Most common 2017 Forest River Cardinal problems
Problem areas named in the 7 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| Problem area | Reports |
|---|---|
| Tires | 3 |
| Unknown Or Other | 2 |
| Wheels | 2 |
| Structure | 2 |
| Suspension | 1 |
| Equipment | 1 |
What owners report
The contact owns a 2017 Forest River Cardinal. The contact stated that while her husband was hauling the fifth wheel at approximately 60-65 MPH, the two front emergency exit windows detached. While driving at undisclosed speeds, the rear window detached from the RV. The contact stated that the sleeping quarter window was loose. The contact's husband used tape to secure the window. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V523000 (Equipment, Structure). The RV was taken to an independent mechanic who replaced the windows. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed there was no recall coverage on the RV for the fail
The slide out system cause the frame to separate from the wall of the travel trailer. This allowed water to get into the wall which rotted the support. When traveling, the slide out would separate on its own. Fortunately, I was made aware by a friend and was able to take the RV to the dealership for inspection and repair. I have a another friend that has a Forest River Wildwood that had the same issue which was also corrected before an accident occurred. From what I was told, the wall and screws for the system are were the issue and larger ones were put in place.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 FOREST RIVER CARDINAL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SINCE OWNING THE TRAILER, HE HAS HAD TO REPLACE ALL FOUR TIRES A TOTAL OF 11 TIMES DUE TO TIRE BLOWOUTS. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL SOUND COMING FROM THE TRAILER. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER AND UPON INSPECTION OF THE TRAILER HE NOTICED A BLOWOUT OF THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE. UPON REPLACING THE TIRE, THE CONTACT DISCOVERED SIGNIFICANT UNDERCARRIAGE DAMAGE BECAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SHACKLES INSTALLED ON THE TRAILER HAD UNDERPERFORMED AND HAD LINKED THE DEFECTIVE SHACKLES TO THE RECURRING TIRE FAILURES. THE CONTACT REACHED OUT TO THE MANUFACTURER HOWEVER, NO ASSISTANCE WA
WE HAVE A 2017 FOREST RIVER CARDINAL. WE HAVE ONLY TAKEN OUR TRAILER OUT FIVE TIMES FOR APPROXIMATELY 3900 MILES. THE LAST TRIP TO ARIZONA ON INTERSTATE 40 TOWARD FLAGSTAFF. THE TEMPERATURE WAS AROUND 80 DEGREES WITH LIGHT RAIN. THE PSI WAS 80 LBS IN THIS TIRE WHEN IT BLEW OUT ON JULY 12TH, 2019. THE SECOND TIRE BLOW OUT ON INTERSTATE 40 NEAR YUCCA REST STOP AROUND 20 MILES FROM NEEDLES, CALIFORNIA. PSI WAS 80 LBS WHEN THIS SECOND TIRE BLEW OUT. THE TEMPERATURE WAS AROUND 102 DEGREES. THIS HAPPEN IN JULY 17TH, 2019 THE THIRD TIRE TO BLOW OUT HAPPEN ALSO ON INTERSTATE 40 ABOUT, 40 MILES TO BARSTOW, CALIFORNIA. PSI WAS 80 LBS WHEN THIS THIRD TIRE BLEW OUT. THE TEMPERATURE WAS AROUND
PURCHASED NEW 5TH WHEEL TRAILER IN DECEMBER OF 2017 WITH GOODYEAR MARATHON ST235/80R16, LOAD RANGE E TIRES INSTALLED. WHILE DRIVING AT 55 MPH ON A SOMEWHAT CURVY AND HILLY STATE HIGHWAY WITH 4800 MILES ON RV, THE LEFT REAR TIRE TREAD CAME COMPLETELY OFF THE TIRE DAMAGING THE RV IN THE PROCESS. I PULLED TO SHOULDER AND FAILED TIRE HAD A SIGNIFICANT LEAK, BUT DID NOT BLOW OUT SO I REPLACED IT WITH THE SPARE. I HAVE TPMS INSTALLED ON ALL 4 WHEELS WHICH REPORTS TIRE PRESSURE AND TEMPERATURE. ALL 4 TIRES WERE NOMINAL JUST PRIOR TO FAILURE. ALL TIRES HAVE BEEN MAINTAINED AT THE REQUIRED COLD PRESSURE OF 80 PSI PRIOR TO EVERY TRIP. THE RV IS STORED INDOORS WITHOUT ANY SUN EXPOSURE.
2017 Forest River Cardinal questions
Does the 2017 Forest River Cardinal have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls for the 2017 Forest River Cardinal: Window Vent Adhesive May Fail and Detach; Trailer Placard Overstates Axle Capacity, Risking Overload and Crash; Wrong tire pressure label can lead to blowouts. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.
What are the most common problems with the 2017 Forest River Cardinal?
Based on 7 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Tires (3), Unknown Or Other (2), Wheels (2).
How do I check if a recall on my 2017 Forest River Cardinal has been fixed?
Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.