2021 Forest River Cardinal recalls and problems
The 2021 Forest River Cardinal has 6 safety recalls and 1 owner complaint filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Forest River dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2021 Forest River Cardinal vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2021 Forest River Cardinal recalls
Recall 24V-272: Equipment
Problem: Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Forest River Cardinal, Wildcat, 2018-2019 Cedar Creek, 2021 Columbus, 2023 Continental Cargo, 2021-2024 Dynamax DX3, Dynamax Dynaquest XL, Dynamax Isata, Forest River IBEX, 2022-2024 Dynamax Europa, Forest River NOBO, 2022-2023 Forest River Sandstorm, Shockwave, Stealth, and 2021-2023 Dynamax Force trailers. The LED backlight circuit board in the cooktop range may fail, causing the board to overheat.
Risk: A circuit board that overheats increases the risk of a fire.
Fix: Dealers will disconnect and cut the circuit powering the LED backlights and terminate the wiring, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed by May 14, 2024. Owners may contact Suburban customer service at 1-574-247-9235 option 5; Cardinal & Wildcat customer service at 1-574-296-7700; Cedar Creek customer service at 1-260-593-4000; Columbus customer service at 1-574-821-1487; Continental Cargo customer service at 1-254-420-0171; Dynamax customer service at 1-574-264-6664; Ibex & Nobo customer service at 1-574-6421612; and Sandstorm & Shockwave customer service at 1-909-873-3777. Forest River's number for this recall is 51-1760.
Recall 22V-004: Tires
Problem: Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Prime Time Sanibel, Crusader, Forest River Cardinal, and Continental Cargo fifth wheel trailers, equipped with certain Sailun tires, size ST235/80R16/G. Due to a manufacturing issue, the tires may experience a belt separation.
Risk: Belt separation could lead to loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the tire DOT codes, and replace the tires as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 1, 2022. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-574-825-4995. Forest River's number for this recall is 51-1449.
Recall 21V-988: Equipment
Problem: Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Cardinal fifth wheel recreational vehicles. The generator compartment may not be sealed properly, allowing carbon monoxide to enter the vehicle.
Risk: Carbon monoxide inside the vehicle can increase the risk of injury or death.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the generator compartment for proper sealant and apply sealant if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 5, 2022. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-574-296-7700. Forest River's number for this recall is 15-1444.
Recall 21V-145: Equipment, Tires
Problem: Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2021 Cardinal and Wildcat Fifth Wheels trailers. The spare tire carrier may be installed incorrectly, allowing it to detach from the vehicle.
Risk: A detached spare tire carrier can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
Fix: Forest River will notify owners, and dealers will secure the spare tire carrier, free of charge. The recall began March 24, 2021. Owners may contact Forest River Customer Service at 1-574-296-7700. Forest River's number for this recall is 15-1304.
Recall 21V-141: Equipment
Problem: Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2021 Cardinal CAF345RLX, CAF366DVLE, CAF390FBX and 2021 Wildcat WCF336RLS, WCF368MB vehicles. The furnace flue may become misaligned due to insufficient furnace hold screws that allow movement during travel.
Risk: A misaligned furnace flue can allow furnace exhaust to leak into the living space, increasing the risk of injury or death.
Fix: Forest River will notify owners, and dealers will secure the furnace and align the flue, free of charge. The recall began March 24, 2021. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-574-296-7700. Forest River's number for this recall is 15-1302.
Recall 20V-655: Equipment
Problem: Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2021 Cardinal fifth wheel trailers. The fresh air intake sleeve for the furnace is too short and does not have proper connection of the furnace to the exterior, allowing furnace exhaust to enter the trailer.
Risk: If exhaust enters the trailer, it can cause carbon monoxide poisoning, which can increase the risk of injury or death.
Fix: Forest River will notify owners, and dealers will install the correct intake sleeve to allow for proper connection on the furnace, free of charge. The recall began November 6, 2020. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-574-296-7700. Forest River's number for this recall is 15-1245.
2021 Forest River Cardinal problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Unknown or Other | 1 | |
| Structure | 1 |
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2021 Forest River Cardinal complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Other Forest River Cardinal years
Compare all Forest River Cardinal years · All Forest River models
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2021 Forest River Cardinal have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 6 recalls for the 2021 Forest River Cardinal: 24V-272 (equipment), 22V-004 (tires), 21V-988 (equipment), 21V-145 (equipment, tires), 21V-141 (equipment) and more. Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2021 Forest River Cardinal?
Owners report unknown or other problems most often (1 reports), followed by structure (1).
Are Forest River recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Forest River dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.