2004 Forest River Wildcat recalls and problems

The 2004 Forest River Wildcat has 2 safety recalls and 10 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Forest River dealer.

Recalls
2
Complaints
10
Crashes / fires
0 / 0
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2004 Forest River Wildcat vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2004 Forest River Wildcat 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.

2004 Forest River Wildcat problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Structure4
Tires3
Suspension3
Equipment2
Power Train1
Wheels1

Most reported parts

  • Equipment › Other › Labels — 1
  • Power Train › Axle Assembly — 1
  • Equipment › Recreational Vehicle/Trailer — 1
  • Structure › Frame and Members — 1
  • Structure › Body — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 6,000 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 2004 Forest River Wildcat complaints

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

Suspension · reported Jul 28, 2014
This 2004 forest river wildcat 26fbs travel trailer suffered from a failure of the trailer frame, specifically with the hanger brackets that serve as the attachment point for torsion axles to the trailer itself. The damage initially went unnoticed, but upon arrival at home I noticed that the rear-most tires of the trailer were not making contact with the ground on an incline.closer inspection of the trailer revealed that the rear most hanger brackets had broken on the trailer (Not the axles themselves) and the axle had spun into a locked position, still attached by the front two retaining…
Tires · at 1,500 miles · reported Jul 25, 2013
I purchased four new goodyear marathon trailer tires (225/75/15 load range d) for my fifth wheel camper june 2012. Two of the four tires blew apart in the first 1500 miles. There is something very wrong with these tires. They should not be blowing apart with almost no use and without any impact damage from road hazards. I have read multiple complaints online with these same tires. This is very dangerous and it needs to be addressed soon. These tire failures have damaged my camper but, I'm just glad it did not cause a crash, injury, or death.
Structure · reported Apr 16, 2010
I own a 2004 fifth wheel trailer. I have noticed the web of the frame cracking over the shackle mounts for some time and have been keeping a close eye on it. I have just noticed now that the frame is broken up near the hitch and can no longer be towed with out repair. I have not, in my opinion, abused this trailer or used it outside it's intended use. I and others, are fortunate that I noticed the broken frame before it caused an accident.
Suspension · reported Dec 18, 2008
I AM an owner of a 2004 wildcat, 28? Fifth wheel. During a trip I noticed one of the tires was worn to the cord on the inside edge, while still having tread on the outside. If this had not been noticed, I?m sure that within the next 100 miles I would have been changing a tire on the side of the road with rubber from the tire everywhere. The tire was changed and trip continued. Upon return, I discussed the issue with the service manager at the rv dealer and he referred me to a specialist shop that had the equipment to check the suspension. It was found that the ?toe in? On both axles were out…
Equipment · reported Dec 5, 2008
The contact owns a 2004 forest river forester. The contact received a recall notice regarding the dometic refrigerator. He was not satisfied with the remedy to repair the failure because it consisted of placing a heat shield over the failed equipment in case a fire occurs. He felt that the entire refrigerator unit should be replaced because the boiler tubes failed. The vehicle is in the process of being repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The VIN, NHTSA campaign id updated 01/08/09.

Other Forest River Wildcat years

Compare all Forest River Wildcat years · All Forest River models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2004 Forest River Wildcat have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2004 Forest River Wildcat: 17V-756 (equipment), 08V-346 (equipment). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2004 Forest River Wildcat?

Owners report structure problems most often (4 reports), followed by tires (3). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 6,000 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.