CarRecallWatchThe 2012 Forest River XLR has 2 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.
Owners have filed 4 complaints with NHTSA.
The most-reported problem area is Structure (2 reports).
2012 Forest River XLR recalls
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.
Water Heater May Overheat, Causing Scalding Steam
The on-demand LPG water heater in certain 2012-2016 recreational vehicles and toy haulers may overheat the water at the hot water supply tap.
Most common 2012 Forest River XLR problems
Problem areas named in the 4 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| Problem area | Reports |
|---|---|
| Structure | 2 |
| Tires | 1 |
| Wheels | 1 |
| Suspension | 1 |
| Unknown Or Other | 1 |
What owners report
The lippert i-beam frame used on these campers fails because lack of strength in the wheel well area. The i-beam frame will develop cracks that will eventually lead heavy swaying to the point that the tires will begin to rub on the trailer itself. In my particular case I saw smoke coming out of the wheel well while driving on a windy highway. I went to several RV dealers who al said my trailer was unsafe to travel in and was not repairable. I eventually found a frame shop that was able to repair the frame and a cost of $4,300 and I also had to purchase 4 new tires. My insurance company refused the claim because they stated this was a manufacturers defect that is a know issue and as a result
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FOREST RIVER THUNDERBOLT 35X12 (NA). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE DEVELOPED A THREE INCH CRACK IN THE EYE BEAM, WHICH SUPPORTS AND MOUNTS THE SUSPENSION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT IT WAS A STRESS FRACTURE, NOT CAUSED BY ANY TYPE OF WELDING OR HEAT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. UPDATED 09/18/15*LJ
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FOREST RIVER XLR BEING HAULED BY A 2013 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 2500 HD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TIRES ON THE TRAILER WERE RUBBING THE INSIDE OF THE WHEEL WELLS, CAUSING THE TIRES TO PREMATURELY BE WORN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO REPLACED THE REAR AXLES, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER AND THEY CHANGED THE TIRE POUNDS FROM 3,500 TO 4,500 POUNDS AND THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE WEIGHT DISTRIBUTION WAS NOT ABLE TO SUPPORT THE 6 INCH I BEAM AND IT CAUSED SEVERAL CRACKS IN THE FRAME ON THE TRAILER. THE MANUFACTURER REFUSED TO REMEDY THE FAILURE AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO THE COMPANY THAT MADE THE FRAMING. THE C
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FOREST RIVER XLR EQUIPPED WITH A LIPPERT CHASSIS. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT A FAILURE WAS PREVIOUSLY EXPERIENCED WITH THE TIRES ON THE VEHICLE. THE MECHANIC REQUIRED A CHANGE OF AXLE SIZE FROM 3,500 TO 4,000. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHASSIS BECAME FRACTURED AFTER THE REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000. ..UPDATED 09/29/30 *BF UPDATED 10/23/2017*CN
2012 Forest River XLR questions
Does the 2012 Forest River XLR have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls for the 2012 Forest River XLR: Fire extinguisher may fail to discharge in a fire; Water Heater May Overheat, Causing Scalding Steam. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Forest River XLR?
Based on 4 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Structure (2), Tires (1), Wheels (1).
How do I check if a recall on my 2012 Forest River XLR 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.