Trailer, Not Applicable, built in United States. Owner complaints on file from Aug 4, 2020 to Jan 28, 2025.
Owner complaints about this model year, by the year they were filed with NHTSA.
Owner complaints by component. Hover or focus a bar for the crash, fire, injury or death count.
Check a specific vehicle by VIN on NHTSA's site: a campaign may cover only part of a model year's production.
| Campaign | Filed | Subject | Component | Vehicles | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25V-682 | Oct 10, 2025 | Distribution panel wire may be connected to the battery without over current protection | Electrical system | 20,305 | Repair or modification |
| 21V-621 | Aug 9, 2021 | Fresh water tank may not be properly secured to the vehicle's frame | Equipment | 336 | Repair or modification |
| 20V-727 | Nov 23, 2020 | Saddle valve securing bolt may be overtightened, possibly damaging the o-ring seal and causing a continuous gas leak | Equipment | 4,203 | Repair or modification |
| 20V-563 | Sep 18, 2020 | Break-away safety switch may not be wired to constant power, which can cause the trailer brakes to not activate in the event of a trailer… | Electrical system | 4,397 | Not stated |
| 20V-482 | Aug 14, 2020 | Fresh water tank may not be properly secured to the vehicle's frame | Equipment | 643 | Repair or modification |
| 20V-049 | Jan 29, 2020 | Emergency break-away switch may fail | Brakes | 218 | Part replacement |
| 19V-754 | Oct 23, 2019 | Trailer cooktops were installed with a rubber liquid propane (LP) gas line instead of a copper one | Equipment | 41 | Part replacement |
The full text of every complaint filed with NHTSA about this model year, newest first. Complaints are filed by owners and are not verified by NHTSA; NHTSA removes personal details before publishing.
12 complaints on file, page 1 of 1.
Our Forest River Salem Hemisphere Travel Trailer posed a severe safety risk to my family due to improper construction. Specifically, an electrical outlet installed under the sink and near the water heater was not GFCI-compliant or waterproofed, violating NEC Table 310.15(B)(16) and NEC 551 standards, which are mandatory for RVs. While camping, we noticed a burning smell and then smoke coming from under the sink. Thankfully, I was awake and acted quickly to get my family out, cut the power, and extinguish the smoldering outlet—flames appeared just in time. Had I not been awake, this could have resulted in a catastrophic fire, endangering our lives. This complaint highlights a serious safety hazard involving Forest River's failure to install GFCI-compliant outlets near water sources in their Salem Hemisphere Travel Trailer, violating NEC 551. The improperly installed, non-waterproofed outlet under the sink caused smoke, smoldering, and nearly a fire while the complainant’s family was camping. This near-tragic incident underscores the fire risks and life-threatening consequences of such negligence, especially in confined RV spaces. Electrical fires are a leading cause of residential fire fatalities, and RVs are particularly vulnerable due to their construction and limited escape routes. The lack of GFCI protection in wet areas not only breaches safety standards but also exposes Forest River to liability, as similar lawsuits have been identified. The emotional toll on the family, including fear and loss of trust in the product, further emphasizes the seriousness of the issue. The company should urgently investigate, ensure code compliance, and recall affected units to protect customers and restore confidence. Proactive measures like improved quality control and transparent communication are essential to prevent future incidents and mitigate legal and reputational risks.
NHTSA complaint 11639140Our Forest River Salem Hemisphere Travel Trailer posed a severe safety risk to my family due to improper construction. Specifically, an electrical outlet installed under the sink and near the water heater was not GFCI-compliant or waterproofed, violating NEC Table 310.15(B)(16) and NEC 551 standards, which are mandatory for RVs. While camping, we noticed a burning smell and then smoke coming from under the sink. Thankfully, I was awake and acted quickly to get my family out, cut the power, and extinguish the smoldering outlet—flames appeared just in time. Had I not been awake, this could have resulted in a catastrophic fire, endangering our lives. This complaint highlights a serious safety hazard involving Forest River's failure to install GFCI-compliant outlets near water sources in their Salem Hemisphere Travel Trailer, violating NEC 551. The improperly installed, non-waterproofed outlet under the sink caused smoke, smoldering, and nearly a fire while the complainant’s family was camping. This near-tragic incident underscores the fire risks and life-threatening consequences of such negligence, especially in confined RV spaces. Electrical fires are a leading cause of residential fire fatalities, and RVs are particularly vulnerable due to their construction and limited escape routes. The lack of GFCI protection in wet areas not only breaches safety standards but also exposes Forest River to liability, as similar lawsuits have been identified. The emotional toll on the family, including fear and loss of trust in the product, further emphasizes the seriousness of the issue. The company should urgently investigate, ensure code compliance, and recall affected units to protect customers and restore confidence. Proactive measures like improved quality control and transparent communication are essential to prevent future incidents and mitigate legal and reputational risks. I have reached out to Forest River multiple times and they refuse to respond to my inquiries.
NHTSA complaint 11639134Had two Castle rock tires blow out on the highway one after the other tread, de-laminated in the center will attach photos
NHTSA complaint 11533348The contact owns a 2020 Forest River Salem. The contact stated that the door on the travel trailer was unable to be opened from inside or outside. The contact stated that she had to remove the lock and use a screwdriver to unlock the door. The RV was not diagnosed by a dealer nor an independent mechanic. The door lock manufacturer RV Locks and More was made aware of the failure. The RV manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The VIN was not available.
NHTSA complaint 11470900The contact owns a 2020 Forest River Salem fifth wheel. The contact stated that the RV was not able to start up. Additionally, the converter caught fire while the contact's husband was inside the RV. The contact's husband put out the fire with a fire extinguisher. No injuries were sustained and no medical attention was received. The RV was towed to the dealer; however, the RV was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure.
NHTSA complaint 11470401Roof/wall seals prematurely failed. Travel trailer is a 2020. only 1 1/2 years old. Bought it brand new. Water damage can cause mold, creating health issues and structure issues. Currently at a repair facility being inspected for total damage and estimate on cost. Had it's last outing August 2020, no damage or signs of problem then, noticed bad seals and water damage 5 Jan 2022.
NHTSA complaint 11446508The contact owns a 2020 Forest River Salem trailer equipped with LionsHead Tires, Tire Line: Castle Rock, Tire Size: 235/80/R16, DOT Number: Jumr2mt4818. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the passenger’s side front and passenger’s side rear tire experienced blowouts and caused severe damaged to the trailer trims, plastic inner wheel well liner, and the wheel wells. The tires were replaced. The contact also stated that the blowouts happened on two separate dates, with the first date being September 13, 2021. The contact was able to replace the tires. The failure mileages were not available.
NHTSA complaint 11434242Driving down the road and tire exploded. Cruise was set on 70 miles an hour and no debris was hit. Camper was empty, 14,000lbs. We were 80 miles from the dealership who preformed a full inspection of camper and tires.
NHTSA complaint 11422495TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 2020 FOREST RIVER SALEM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT INSIDE OF THE RV THERE WAS INSULATION FROM THE METAL OUTSIDE OF THE RV TO THE WALLS, CAUSING THE METAL TO SWEAT, WHICH CAUSED MOLD TO DEVELOP INSIDE OF THE RV. ADDITIONALLY, THERE WAS AN ABNORMALLY STRONG PROPANE ODOR INSIDE THE RV. THE CONTACT CALLED THE LOCAL DEALER OREGON WEST RV SERVICE (490 ART-LOTT LN, CRESWELL, OR 97426) AND REPORTED THE FAILURE HOWEVER, THE RV WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
NHTSA complaint 11397521TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 FOREST RIVER SALEM EQUIPPED WITH LIONSHEAD TIRES, TIRE LINE: CASTLE ROCK ST, TIRE SIZE: 205/75/R14, DOT NUMBER: JUJTYMT1219. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY, HE HEARD AN EXPLOSION AND BECAME AWARE THAT THE PASSENGER'S SIDE REAR TIRE ON THE TRAILER WAS DEFLATED. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER AND CHANGED THE TIRE. THE FOLLOWING DAY THE DRIVER'S SIDE REAR TIRE ON THE TRAVEL TRAILER EXPLODED. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE TIRE WITH THE SPARE TIRE. ADDITIONALLY, THE RIM ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE WAS ALSO DAMAGED. THE CONTACT PURCHASED THREE MORE TIRES AND A RIM FOR THE RV. THE CONTACT CALLED PALM BEACH RV (5757 N MILITARY TRL, WEST PALM BEACH, FL 33407, (561) 689-5788) AND THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT WOULD BE CONTACTED ABOUT A POSSIBLE REIMBURSEMENT. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,854.
NHTSA complaint 11384361CASTLE ROCK TIRES ST 226 225/75/15.TIRESSHOW SIGNS OF FAILURE, WE PURCHASED A TRAVEL TRAILER IN MAY OF 2020. I HAVE TOWED IT LESS THAN 2K MILES AND HAVE 4 OF 5 TIRES SHOWING SIDEWALL BULGE. 1 TIRE IS THE SPARE WHICH HAS NEVER BEEN ON THE AXLE. I PLAN TO REPLACE THESE TIRES WITH A GOOD QUALITY TIRE IN THE UP COMING DAYS. I WILL KEEP THESE TIRES FOR A FEW WEEKS TO ALLOW TIME TO DETERMINE IF THEY NEED TO BE SENT SOMEWHERE TO BE INSPECTED. THANK YOU IN ADVANCE, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
NHTSA complaint 11349351WHILE PULLING OUR NEW 5TH WHEEL SALEM HEMISPHERE CAMPER WE BOUGHT APRIL 2020 ON INTERSTATE NEAR ST.LOUIS AT 65 MPH REAR DRIVERS SIDE TIRE BLOW OUT DAMAGING THE CAMPER HAD ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE PUT SPARE TIRE ON UNIT TO GET HOME TRYING TO GET CAMPER FIXED BY FACTORY WHO INSTALLED TIRES ON THE UNIT.*DT*JB
NHTSA complaint 11343354Technical service bulletins and other notices the manufacturer sent to dealers. A bulletin is not a recall.