2003 Forest River Salem recalls and problems

The 2003 Forest River Salem has 3 safety recalls and 8 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Forest River dealer.

Recalls
3
Complaints
8
Crashes / fires
0 / 1
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2003 Forest River Salem vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2003 Forest River Salem recalls

Recall 17V-756: Equipment

Reported Nov 22, 2017 · 365,885 vehicles affected · Forest River, Inc.

Problem: Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2003-2018 Forest River Berkshire, Charleston, Rockport, Cedar Creek, Cherokee, Riverstone, Salem, Sandpiper, Sierra, Vengeance, Wildcat, Wildwood, XLR Boost, Cargo Mate, Continental Cargo, motorhomes, recreational trailers, toyhaulers, cargo trailers and restroom trailers and 2009-2018 Coachmen Mirada, Pursuit, Concord, Leprechaun, Freelander, Orion and Prism motorhomes, 2009-2017 Coachmen Apex and Catalina recreational trailers, and 2013-2017 Shasta Oasis and Revere recreational trailers, equipped with Kidde Plastic-Handle or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers. These extinguishers may become clogged, preventing the extinguisher from discharging as expected or excessive force may be needed to activate the extinguisher. Additionally, in certain models, the nozzle may detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury and also render the product inoperable. For a full list of the affected fire extinguisher models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17E062-5427.pdf

Risk: In the event of a fire, if the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury.

Fix: Forest River will notify owners, instructing them to contact Kidde for a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began on December 27, 2017. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-800-348-7440, or Kidde customer service toll free at 1-855-262-3540, or online at www.kidde.com and click on "Product Safety Recall" for more information. Forest River's number for this recall is 51-0544.

Recall 08V-346: Equipment

Reported Jul 7, 2008 · 107,417 vehicles affected · FOREST RIVER, INC.

Problem: Forest river is recalling certain my 2003-2006 motor homes, fifth wheel and travel trailers equipped with a two-door refrigerator manufactured by the dometic corporation. The refrigerator may have a defect in the boiler tube. Pressurized coolant solution could be released into an area where an ignition source (Gas flame) is present.

Risk: If this solution is exposed to an ignition source under certain specific circumstances, it can result in a vehicle fire.

Fix: Forest river is working with dometic to repair these refrigerators (Please see 08e032). Dometic will repair these refrigerators by installing a secondary burn housing, a thermal fuse, and a melt fuse free of charge. Dometic has retained stericycle inc. To manage this campaign. Stericycle will assist the owner in locating dealerships or service centers and will provide assistance with scheduling of appointments. Owners may contact dometic/stericycle at 1-888-446-5157 or forest river at 1-574-389-4600.

Recall 07V-085: Equipment

Reported Mar 5, 2007 · 128,000 vehicles affected · FOREST RIVER, INC.

Problem: Certain recreational vehicles equipped with a two-door refrigerator, manufactured by the dometic corporation, may have a defect in the boiler tube. Pressurized coolant solution could be released into an area where an ignition source (Gas flame) is present.

Risk: Release of coolant under certain conditions could ignite and result in a fire.

Fix: Forest river will be working with dometic in order to repair these refrigerators (Please see 06e076). Dometic will repair these refrigerators by installing a secondary burn housing, a thermal fuse, and a melt fuse free of charge. Dometic has retained stericycle inc. To manage this campaign. Stericycle will assist you in locating dealerships or service centers and will provide assistance with scheduling of appointments. Owners may contact dometic/stericycle at 1-888-446-5157 or forest river at 1-574-389-4600,

2003 Forest River Salem problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Equipment3
Structure2
Suspension2
Electrical System1
Tires1

Most reported parts

  • Equipment › Recreational Vehicle/Trailer — 3
  • Structure › Frame and Members — 1
  • Suspension › Rear › Springs › Leaf Spring Assembly — 1
  • Suspension › Rear › Axle › Spindle — 1
  • Structure › Body — 1
  • Electrical System › Wiring — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 7,500 miles (median of owner reports).

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 2003 Forest River Salem complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Equipment · reported Jun 24, 2008
The contact owns a 2003 forest river salem travel trailer. The vehicle has a dometic refrigerator, model rm2652. The refrigerator was repaired in june of 2005 because it would not cool. The contact received a safety recall notice for NHTSA campaign id number 06e076000 (Equipment: recreational vehicle) in december of 2007. Dometic stated that he could not be reimbursed for the labor charges because the refrigerator was repaired before august of 2005. Updated 07/29/08 a fatigue crack in the bolier tube caused loss of refrigerant. The manufacturer paid for the the cooling unit, but not the labor.…
Equipment · reported Jun 2, 2008
The contact owns a 2003 forest river. The vehicle has a dometic refrigerator, model rm2652. He spoke with a representative from dometic (Asia, 21841034) in january of 2008, and was informed that they would call him back once they reached massachusetts and would be covered. The contact called dometic in may of 2008 and was informed that the refrigerator was not covered because it was already cracked. Updated 06/25/08. The service center came to look at the refrigerator and stated there was leaking at the bottom of the refrigerator. There was yellow residue and a strong smell of ammonia. Updated…
Tires · reported Mar 19, 2008
I purchased a forest river 38' sand piper sport f37sp toy hauler fifth wheel new in 2003. The trailer was equiped with tandom axels. We experianced numerous tire blow outs. Each time the tire would blow it would blow up with pieces of rubber flying every where causing excessive damage to the rv and causing the trailer to become difficult to control until stopped and off the roadway. This was brought to the attention of forest river and also carlisle tire company. In 2005 we were contacted by a local rv dealer to bring our trailer in to have the axels replaced with a heaver axel and larger g…
Electrical System · reported Feb 6, 2008
The contact owns a 2003 forest river salem. The contact smelled smoke in his fifth wheel trailer. He detected smoke and immediately went outside to disconnect the wires. The fire department was not called and the dealer was not notified. No other vehicle information was applicable.
Structure · at 300 miles · reported Sep 20, 2007
The contact owns a 2003 forest river cherokee fifth wheel (Na). While the vehicle was parked, the grey water tank fell off. The tank, which could weigh up to 400 pounds, was secured with only four screws. The contact spoke with the dealer and they advised him to call the manufacturer. The manufacturer was unable to provide any assistance. The VIN, engine size, number of cylinders, powertrain, and fuel information were inapplicable. The current and failure mileages were 300.

Other Forest River Salem years

Compare all Forest River Salem years · All Forest River models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2003 Forest River Salem have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2003 Forest River Salem: 17V-756 (equipment), 08V-346 (equipment), 07V-085 (equipment). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2003 Forest River Salem?

Owners report equipment problems most often (3 reports), followed by structure (2). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 7,500 miles.

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.