CarRecallWatchThe 2018 Forest River Salem has 9 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.
Owners have filed 6 complaints with NHTSA, including 1 fire.
The most-reported problem area is Electrical System (2 reports).
2018 Forest River Salem recalls
Wiring Could Bypass Breaker, Raising Fire Risk
Certain recreational trailers may have a distribution panel wire connected to the battery without overcurrent protection.
Trailer brakes may fail to engage if trailer separates
Certain Forest River travel trailers may have a breakaway safety switch that is not wired to constant power.
Trailer Brakes May Fail to Engage if Trailer Detaches
The breakaway safety switch on these recreational trailers may not be wired to a constant power source.
Outdoor shower cover can block water heater exhaust, raising injury risk
The outside auxiliary shower faucet cover on certain Forest River Salem and Wildwood recreational trailers may cover the water heater exhaust panel when it is opened.
Incorrect tire pressure label can lead to underinflated tires
The tire pressure information on the federal certification label may list 54 PSI, but the correct recommended tire pressure is 65 PSI.
Wrong tire size on label may cause handling crash risk
The federal certification placard on these recreational trailers lists the wrong tire size.
Fire extinguisher may fail to discharge in a fire
Some fire extinguishers installed in certain recreational vehicles, cargo trailers and restroom trailers may have clogged internals, so they may not discharge as expected or may need excessive force to activate.
Wrong trailer weight on label may cause unsafe loading
Some 2018 recreational trailers have a Federal certification placard that may list an incorrect weight for the trailer.
Wrong tire and weight data on label may cause crash risk
Certain 2017-2018 recreational trailers may have a Federal Placard that inaccurately lists the tire and rim combinations installed on the trailer.
Most common 2018 Forest River Salem problems
Problem areas named in the 6 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| Problem area | Reports |
|---|---|
| Electrical System | 2 |
| Structure | 2 |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 1 |
| Wheels | 1 |
| Tires | 1 |
What owners report
TRAVELING ON FLORIDA TURNPIKE, 9:00 A.M., PORT SAINT LUCIE AREA. A LOUD BANG AND THE BLOWN TIRE. PASSENGER SIDE FRONT TIRE. WE MADE IT SAFELY TO THE BREAKDOWN LANE WHERE WE AWAITED FHP FOR ASSISTANCE. AFTER SPARE TIRE WAS PUT ON WE TOOK THE NEXT EXIT AND BOUGHT A NEW SPARE BEFORE CONTINUING OUR TRIP TO KEY WEST. AFTER A TWO WEEK STAY WE STARTED OUR RETURN HOME. ONCE AGAIN ON FLORIDA TURNPIKE IN MIAMI, 11:00 A.M., 02/25 WE BLEW ANOTHER TIRE, PASSENGER SIDE, REAR TIRE. RESULT OF THAT FAILED TIRE CAUSED SEVERE DAMAGE TO RV. RETURNED HOME AND HAD FOUR NEW TIRES INSTALLED. CALLAGY TIRE (PALM BAY FL) TECHNICIAN NOTED THAT THE TWO TIRES ON DRIVERS SIDE WERE DETERIORATED AND FAILURE WAS IMMINENT.
TRAVELING FROM NEWTON TO PANAMA CITY FL, 5 MILES ACROSS STATE LINE RIGHT REAR TIRE BLEW APART. SPLIT FROM ONE BEAD TO THE OTHER. TREAD LAYER CAKE OFF AND DAMAGED TRAVEL TRAILER. TIRES WERE ST225/75R15 CASTLEROCK 8PLY TRAILER TIRES. CAME ON TRAILER FROM FACTORY. DOT DATE CODE 4516. JUST OVER 3YRS OLD. I HAVE BEEN IN TIRE BUSINESS FOR OVER 20YRS SO I TAKE KNOW THE IMPORTANCE OF TIRE MAINTENANCE. THIS IS CLEARLY A TIRE DEFECT AND TIRE MANUFACTURER SHOULD BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE. I FOUND SEVERAL COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS TIRE AND OTHERS MADE BY THE SAME MANUFACTURER ONLINE. SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE BEFORE SOMEONE GETS HURT OR WORSE. MAX SPEEDS THAT MORNING OF TRAVEL WERE 50-55MPH DUE TO SUCH A WINDY M
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*JB
I RECEIVED A NEW FOREST RIVER RV, TRAVEL TRAILER WITH RUSTED GAS LINE PIPING AND FRAME
WE WERE SITTING IN OUR TRAVEL TRAILER WHEN I SMELLED SOMETHING BURNING, LIKE AN ELECTRICAL BURN. I WENT AROUND OUR TRAVEL TRAILER AND LOOKED UNDER THE SINK AND SAW THE WATER HEATER SMOKING. I IMMEDIATELY TURNED OFF THE ELECTRICITY. IT TURNS OUT, THE AC JUNCTION BOX THAT ATTACHED TO THE WATER HEATER HAD CAUGHT FIRE DUE TO THE WIRE NUT NOT BEING PROPERLY SECURED TO THE WIRE. TRAVEL TRAILER WAS STATIONARY.
2018 Forest River Salem questions
Does the 2018 Forest River Salem have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 9 safety recalls for the 2018 Forest River Salem: Wiring Could Bypass Breaker, Raising Fire Risk; Trailer brakes may fail to engage if trailer separates; Trailer Brakes May Fail to Engage if Trailer Detaches; Outdoor shower cover can block water heater exhaust, raising injury risk; Incorrect tire pressure label can lead to underinflated tires. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Forest River Salem?
Based on 6 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Electrical System (2), Structure (2), Fuel/Propulsion System (1).
How do I check if a recall on my 2018 Forest River Salem 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.