2020 Forest River Salem
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Forest River › Salem › 2020
These records cover every 2020 Forest River Salem. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
7 recalls name the 2020 Forest River Salem. Newest first.
Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Forest River Aurora, Coachmen Catalina, 2026 Coachmen Viking, Coachmen Clipper, 2016-2026 Wildwood, and Salem recreational trailers. The distribution panel wire may be connected to the battery without over current protection.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Unprotected wiring can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy
Dealers will relocate the distribution panel wire to the correct side of the breaker, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 18, 2025. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-574-825-4995. Forest River's number for this recall is 205-1987.
Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Salem, Wildwood and 2020-2021 Stealth EVO travel trailers. The fresh water tank may not be properly secured to the vehicle's frame.
Risk and remedy
Risk
A fresh water tank that detaches from the frame could increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will properly secure the holding tank, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 23, 2021. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-503-831-5410. Forest River's number for this recall is 22-1400.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
A gas leak can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy
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.
Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Wildwood, Salem, and 2020 Sonoma travel trailers. The 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 separation from the tow vehicle.
Risk and remedy
Risk
If the brakes of the trailer do not engage, it can result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Forest River will notify owners, and dealers will rewire the breakaway switch, free of charge. The recall began October 13, 2020. Owners may contact Forest customer service at 1-909-873-3777. Forest River's number for this recall is 67A-1230.
Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Salem and Wildwood motorhomes. The fresh water tank may not be properly secured to the vehicle's frame.
Risk and remedy
Risk
A fresh water tank that detaches from the frame could increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Forest River will notify owners, and dealers will properly secure the holding tank, free of charge. This recall began September 23, 2020. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-503-831-5410. Forest River's number for this recall is 22-1219.
Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2020 Freedom Express, Salem, Stealth EVO, Vibe, Wildcat Maxx, and Wildwood recreational trailers. The emergency break-away switch may fail.
Risk and remedy
Risk
In the event of trailer separation from the tow vehicle, a failed break-away switch will not apply the trailer's brakes, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Forest River will notify owners, and dealers will replace the break-away switch, free of charge. The recall began February 19, 2020. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-503-831-5410 or 1-574-825-8205. Forest River's number for this recall is 51-1129.
Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2020 EVO, Salem and Wildwood travel trailers. The trailer cooktops were installed with a rubber liquid propane (LP) gas line instead of a copper one.
Risk and remedy
Risk
The rubber hose may melt, allowing gas to enter the vehicle, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy
Forest River has notified owners, and dealers will replace the rubber LP gas line with a copper gas line, free of charge. The recall began November 7, 2019. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-909-873-3777. Forest River's number for this recall is 67A-1107.
Owner complaints
12 complaints3 involved a fire
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Electrical system
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…
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.
- Electrical system
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…
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. I have reached out to Forest River multiple times and they refuse to respond to my inquiries.
- Tires
Had two Castle rock tires blow out on the highway one after the other tread, de-laminated in the center will attach photos
- Latches/locks/linkages › Doors › Latch
The 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…
The 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.
- Electrical system › Propulsion system › Dc/dc converter
The 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…
The 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.
- Structure › Body
Roof/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.
- Tires
The 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…
The 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.
- Tires
Driving 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.
- Equipment › Recreational vehicle/trailer › Lpg systems · Equipment › Recreational vehicle/trailer › Materials › Insulation
TL* 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…
TL* 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.
- Tires · Wheels › Rim
TL* 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…
TL* 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.
- Unknown or other
Castle 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…
Castle 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
- Tires
While 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
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 11007638Reference document in the event a dealer needs to inspect an "in wall slide mechanism".
- 10202762Generic instructions for Xantrex - Freedom X Inverter Configuration "Adjusting Feature Settings in Configuration Model".
- 10190120Rear wall backer locations for installation of rear ladders at dealerships.
- 10187520Adding Trim to Cover Screw Holes.
- 10178433This is a document that describes how to take the required photos to assess the slideroom mechanism for adjustment and function.
- 10167302The 42DL model has a potential of the side wall bowing when the sliderooms are in the deployed position. Add decorative gussets per notice.
Every Forest River Salem model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.