2008 Forest River Salem recalls and problems

The 2008 Forest River Salem has 3 safety recalls and 3 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Forest River dealer.

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

Recalls may cover only some 2008 Forest River Salem vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2008 Forest River Salem recalls

Recall 20V-727: Equipment

Reported Nov 23, 2020 · 4,203 vehicles affected · Forest River, Inc.

Problem: Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2019 Coachmen Chaparral and Shasta, 2019-2020 Coachmen Concord and Orion, 2020-2021 Coachmen Cross Trek and Forest River Berkshire, 2019-2021 Coachmen Freelander, Leprechaun and Prism, 2020 Coachmen Mirada, Pursuit and Sportscoach, Dynamax Force, DX3, Dynaquest XL and Isata and Forest River Wildwood and 2008 and 2020 Forest River Salem vehicles equipped with Dometic 3 burner cooking stoves. The saddle valve securing bolt may be overtightened, possibly damaging the o-ring seal and causing a continuous gas leak.

Risk: A gas leak can increase the risk of a fire.

Fix: Forest River will notify owners, and dealers will install a remedy kit of gaskets, washers, thread locker bolts, and two round orange labels, free of charge. The recall began January 11, 2021. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-574-825-4995, or Dometic customer service at 1-574-293-0681. Forest River's number for this recall is 51-1259.

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 07V-487: Equipment

Reported Oct 16, 2007 · 263 vehicles affected · FOREST RIVER, INC.

Problem: Certain travel trailers fail to comply with the requirements of part 567, "certification." the label located on the lower roadside front of the unit contains an improper listing of the tire and rim.

Risk: There may be confusion as to the proper replacement tire if it is necessary.

Fix: Dealers will mail the corrected federal compliance tag and tire load information to the dealers or retail customers. They can be placed over the incorrect label after cleaning the surface with alcohol. Customers will have the option for dealers to install the label free of charge. The recall began on october 1, 2007. Owners may contact forest river at 574-534-3167.

2008 Forest River Salem problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Suspension2
Tires1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 10,000 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 2008 Forest River Salem complaints

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

Suspension · reported Aug 2, 2011
The contact owns a 2008 forest river salem trailer. The contact stated that both front and rear axles were severely damaged. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who advised that the four leaf springs were poorly designed and dangerous. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware problem. The failure and current mileage was unknown.
Tires · at 510 miles · reported Apr 18, 2011
Purchased a 2008 flagstaff trailer model 31fkbbs in june 2009. Have had three tire blow outs one each in october 2009, july 2010, and feb 2011 and a wheel bearing failure possibly caused by last blow out in feb 2011. Unable to tow trailer in excess of 45 MPH because of tire problem. After last tire blowout tire dealer pointed out data on trailer states tires should be st225/75r15 load rande d vs. St205r/7515 tires that came on trailer. Over $3000 in tires and repair cost. Dealer claims that forrest river supplied incorrect tires. Have one of the blown out tires and receipts for the repairs to…
Suspension · at 10,000 miles · reported Oct 26, 2009
We have a 2008 forest river surveyor model 301 30 FT travel trailer equipped with lippert axles. We were on vacation and we heard a loud bang like a tire blowing out. I pulled over got out and inspected the trailer and my tow vehicle and found nothing wrong. Within 600 miles my rt rear tire went bald on the outside and I took it to a tire dealer in kallispell montana and they put my spare tire on. We then drove home. I inspected the trailer and found the left front tire bald and one other tire going bald. I had the tires replaced and took the trailer to my dealer and pointed out to them that…

Other Forest River Salem years

Compare all Forest River Salem years · All Forest River models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2008 Forest River Salem have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2008 Forest River Salem: 20V-727 (equipment), 17V-756 (equipment), 07V-487 (equipment). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2008 Forest River Salem?

Owners report suspension problems most often (2 reports), followed by tires (1). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 10,000 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.