Forest River Cherokee Complaints

77 consumer complaints on file.

#11613030September 6, 2024
TIRES
Castle Rock ST225/75r15 Was traveling with a 2021 Forest River RV and had a rapid loss of tire pressure and complete tread separation. Tires were at the proper pressure and driving below the speed rating of 70 mph. Incident occurred about an hour into trip, but less than 15 minutes after a stop and check of tires. Even a flat or picking up something in the road should not cause a full scale tread separation. These are just poorly made tires. No symptoms of problems, just a cheap tire.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11610356August 23, 2024
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
We were driving down the road in downtown Greenville, SC, and the left side window fell out of the camper. The man behind us waved us down and told us the window had fallen out and was hanging on the side of the camper. When we pulled into a parking lot, the window fell and smashed onto the ground, breaking into small pieces. After speaking with Lippert and Forest River, this is a known problem, and there is a recall for the window on the 2018-2020 models, but according to Lippert, they "fixed the problem" by changing the adhesive on the fascia of the window. The invoice repair is still pending because the wrong window was ordered. I am told the window will cost $600 plus shipping and labor costs. I also understand I am going to have to pay almost $1000 to have the window fixed, but this is still an issue that needs to be addressed so it does not happen to someone else. I spoke with Forest River and Lippert and neither are taking responsibility for the issue. The gentleman at Lippert said he could not help me because the recall was only for 2018-2020 and is no longer an issue. We have owned the travel trailer since May 2022. It has been used 10-12 times. Since purchasing it, we have replaced the track on the slide, water pump, heater, and refrigerator, rechalked the trim work, and the showers and sinks leak. I share the last part for you to understand the window is not the only issue in the quality of product that Forest River is putting out.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11603456July 19, 2024
STRUCTURE:BODY
Noticed interior night stand and paneling buckled. Upon inspection, found multiple welds on frame and hitch area that had separated due to poorly performed welds. Contacted both Forest River and Lippert. Neither were interested in this safety concern. The failures of these welds will result in this RV detaching from tow vehicle if not identified soon enough. Mine was very close to this!
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11602309July 15, 2024
TIRES
Shortly after buying the camper used in April of 2024 on the way home I had a tire blow out going about 60-65 miles. Date code of tire is 1520. The tire tread looked good and confirmed correct amount of tire psi before leaving the dealership with salesman. While camper was parked, resting on 2x6 boards, not sitting directly on the ground. Where the tire was touching the board the tread completely split open. Date code also 1520.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11595162June 18, 2024
STRUCTURE:BODY
There is a bracket that welds to the frame and supports the crank for the ice house and the entire weight of the RV. there are some very questionable welds on the brackets that looks like they were blown through the metal so now that bracket is bent and unlevel and digging into the side of the fish house causing the diamond plate in the wheel house to come off and expose the insulation.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11580694April 2, 2024
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Forest River Gray Wolf 2022, this is the third time that I have seen the same model Waaree solar controller fail on this model RV and start over charging customers batteries. This vehicle came in with its lead acid batteries over charged to 20.9 volts, identical to last time. Not sure if its widespread, but it seems to be problematic enough that I can see one fail three times in under a year.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11561100December 20, 2023
EQUIPMENT
The contact owns a 2022 Forest River Cherokee. The contact stated that while extending the awning, the canvas separated from the RV. The contact stated that the failure caused the awning to fully extend abruptly and almost strike him. The contact stated that the awning could no longer be closed. The RV was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and the contact was informed that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V556000 (Equipment); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the dealer sent a diagnostic report to the manufacturer but had not received a response from the manufacturer. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100. Parts distribution disconnect.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11550756October 19, 2023
TIRES
This is a summary of 2 passenger side tire failures: First tire failure: On August 29, 2023 I packed up my Forest River Cherokee Black Label travel trailer in Perry, FL and relocated it to Tallahassee, FL. On the way to Tallahassee on Highway 27 maybe a mile east of Capps, Fl noticed some tire debris behind me in side mirrors. My girlfriend was following me, called and alerted me something appeared to be wrong and tire and other debris was coming off the bottom right side of the coach. I was unable to pull over immediately due to traffic safety concerns and lack of side lane for parking. I was able to park at Hwy 19 to I-10 exit at Capps, where assessed the situation. The tire and rim was totally destroyed along with parts of the wheel well and skirt. I was able to install the spare wheel and continue to Tallahassee. Prior to moving the coach, I verified air pressure in all tires based on the side wall ratings using tire gauge and portable air compressor. My speed was between 45mph and 55mph. Second tire failure: This happened at Camping World repair shop around September 28, 2023. Tire failure was on the same side as the previous one, right side of coach. I was told the tire spontaneously exploded without any signs of tire failure prior. As far as I know, there were no changes in air pressure or modifications to the wheel. The wheel had been removed and inspected prior during axle maintenance. I was told immediately after the the incident, they reduced air pressures on the remaining wheels for safety concerns. Tires had no more than 2,000 miles and regularly checked inflation, travelling and parked. I bought the coach new in 2022 and never noticed any tire rot, bulging or other or damage. I’m not confident remaining tires or replacements using Castle Rock products are safe and I am having all 4 tires replaced with brand new steel belted "G" rated tires fro reputable MFG. These incidents have cost me thousands of dollars in repairs. I contacted L
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11537626August 10, 2023
TIRES
When doing a walk around I found a very large bubble on the sidewall facing under the trailer. If it contacted the leaf springs, it was only 1" away, it would have blown. The tire is a Castle Rock ST235/80R/E. I have a TPMS system that I monitor all the time all the tires were within compliance when I found the problem, 85 psi to 90 psi. There was no damage we installed the spare and took our time heading home, less than a two-hour trip. I went to a tire shop and had all five tires replaced. While replacing the tires the mechanics found another bubble on the side wall facing inside on another tire same make and size. I had all the tires inspected by the tire road service company. The only warning I had was the visual inspection, looking under the trailer. If one of these tires exploded there could have been a major crash since they are on a Firth Wheel Toy Hauler and a possibility of someone getting severely hurt or killed. There are numerous complaints on social media. I don't understand how our government can allow this manufacturer to continue making these defective tires.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11529914July 1, 2023
TIRES
Castle Rock ST Tire size ST 225/75R15 blew out on the way home from a camping trip. The tires are like new. No warning at all the tread just peeled away like a tin can on the highway causing lots of damage to my camper. I put the spare on and a week later I took it to the dealer so they could do an estimate on it for repairs the other tire blew out on the highway causing more damage to my camper.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11528001June 20, 2023
TIRES:TREAD/BELT, TIRES:SIDEWALL
Castle Rock ST 226 Tire P 205 / 75 R14 ST226 had catastrophic failure while properly inflated, far below rated load, and below rated speed. The Towing company that inspected the tire and Discount Tire that replaced the tire both stated that the tire failed due to a defect. Additionally, the immediate destruction of the tire caused significant damage to the vehicle wheel well and caused the travel trailer to veer off the road along a busy Interstate freeway.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11525428June 5, 2023
TIRES
Trailer tire installed by manufacturer was defective. Tire was on the trailer when bought new. Tire had less than 1000 miles and 2 years use. Tire suffered a rupture/blowout while parked in driveway. Trailer had been sitting stationary for two weeks. Proper tire pressure was checked and maintained prior to and after each tow. Castle Rock ST Radial ST226 ST205/75R15 DOT JUJT 1MT Manufactured 4020
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11524683May 31, 2023
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
The contact owns a 2021 Forest River Cherokee. The contact stated while attempting to enter the camper, it was difficult to open the front and rear doors. After a visual examination, the contact discovered that the doors were splitting at the base. The dealer was notified of the failure and advised the contact to submit a claim to the manufacturer. The vehicle has not been repaired. The manufacturer was notified and advised the contact that the doors were out of warranty, requiring the contact to purchase out-of-pocket to replace the doors. The failure mileage was unknown.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11524432May 30, 2023
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My coach was purchased brand new, straight off the lot, 11/14/2020. On Mon, May 22, 2023, I came home to my black tank hanging out of the bottom of my camper. Upon inspection, the black tank had none of the straps underneath it and was not being held in place by the bracket because the bracket had been welded in backwards. Its amazing that this has not fallen completely out while it was traveling down the road. I have been shuffled between the manufacturer, the dealer, my warranty people. I have sent several pictures and I need to know someone else I can speak with. Even if I was to get a new tank, that bracket will have to be cut off, turned around, and then welded back in place. This is not a “my camper is too old and my warranty has expired” problem. This is a “It was made in your factory by someone that didn’t pay attention to what they were doing” manufacturer problem. This could have caused a serious accident and could be a liability if it could even be moved to the dealer for them to look at it. At this time, it is not operational because it is a liability. This has been escalated to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Federal Trade Commission.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11518029April 20, 2023
TIRES:TREAD/BELT
There was a sudden thread separation while trailer was being towed on a highway in Florida at about 65 MPH. The thread that came off the tire damaged the underbody of the travel trailer as seen in the pictures. These ST 225/75R15 trailer tires were installed by the manufacturer and were fabricated in WK12 2021. I am positive the tire was at 80 PSI as it was checked before the trip from Florida to North Carolina on 4/14/2023. I contacted the manufacturer Forest River and because the trailer is past the 1 year warranty, they recommended to talk to the tire manufacturer Lionshead, for which you receive a voicemail and asks you to fill out a warranty information. I will fill out the information and see what happens, but this incident could have caused a huge accident. If you google, "castle rock thread separation" - you will find multiple complaints in multiple forums about this issue. I hope it gets corrected and accidents prevented. Thank you, JP Ledermann
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11515227April 3, 2023
EQUIPMENT
The contact owns a 2023 Forest River Cedar Creek. The contact stated that while the oven was in use, the glass exploded, and shards of glass struck her on the legs. The RV had not yet been taken to an independent mechanic or a local dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 800. The VIN was not available.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11505158February 2, 2023
SUSPENSION
The Frame which connect the Main Beams of Frame to the Axle had the welds brake and frame twist not allowing the suspension to connect to the frame. Talked with manufacturer and in their words "You are not the only one dealing with this issue on this model"
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11497952December 18, 2022
UNKNOWN OR OTHER, STRUCTURE, EQUIPMENT:RECREATIONAL VEHICLE/TRAILER
One of the frameless windows detached and flew off the vehicle while driving on the interstate. The window is held by adhesive bond on a hinged upper and fixed lower attachment bar. Upon inspection, the adhesive bond holding the window to the lower bar failed completely, causing the window to flap freely on the hinged upper bar. At highway speeds, this rapidly caused the window to hinge upwards and shatter into multiple pieces against the side of the vehicle, and large pieces of glass fell from the RV potentially putting others in danger. This exact component (Hehr/Lippert 3000 series frameless windows) has been recalled for previous year models for the same adhesive bond failure. Clear Vision window -JPH
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11497887December 17, 2022
STRUCTURE:BODY, SUSPENSION
Broken welds on Frame, Axle supports, and body support brackets broken & weld failure
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11495500November 30, 2022
TIRES
Three tires blew up within a few hours of each other while traveling on I81/I75, the tires are available for inspection at my personal residence. With a complete blow out each time finding a safe place to pull off the interstate was challenging, slowing traffic and speeding vehicles. The tires were replaced while on the side of a busy interstate risking one's life in the process. The tires have been inspected by 2 different tire stores of whom stated the tires are poorly made and "garbage". The insurance company has been notified with a claim number issues however, the RV can not be inspected until December 15th (first available date). Tires are continuously monitored with a Tire Pressure Monitoring System with readings of 79-82 psi. There were absolutely no warnings or symptoms of an impending failure of the tires. These tires are going to kill someone and should not be allowed to be sold in the U.S. let alone installed on new RV's.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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