Forest River Cherokee problems by model year
Updated from NHTSA data · How we count
NHTSA has 122 owner complaints and 33 recalls on file for the Forest River Cherokee (2005–2026). The 2021 Cherokee has the most serious complaints, most often about wheels & tires.
- Complaints
- 122
- Recalls
- 33
- Model years
- 22
- Worst year
- 2021
Complaints by model year
Newer model years have had less time on the road, so they naturally have fewer complaints. Compare a year against its neighbors rather than against brand-new models.
Worst Forest River Cherokee years to buy
Ranked by our severity-weighted complaint score (crashes, fires and injuries count extra — how it works).
- 2021 Forest River Cherokee — 49 complaints, 1 crash, 3 fires; top problem: Wheels & Tires
- 2022 Forest River Cherokee — 23 complaints, 1 fire; top problem: Body & Structure
- 2020 Forest River Cherokee — 13 complaints, 1 fire; top problem: Wheels & Tires
Fewest serious complaints among years at least 3 years old: 2011 (0 complaints).
Every Forest River Cherokee model year
| Year | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Injuries | Recalls | Top problem |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Cherokee | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | Body & Structure |
| 2025 Cherokee | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | Body & Structure |
| 2024 Cherokee | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | — |
| 2023 Cherokee | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | Wheels & Tires |
| 2022 Cherokee | 23 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 6 | Body & Structure |
| 2021 Cherokee | 49 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 3 | Wheels & Tires |
| 2020 Cherokee | 13 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 7 | Wheels & Tires |
| 2019 Cherokee | 9 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6 | Wheels & Tires |
| 2018 Cherokee | 8 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 8 | Wheels & Tires |
| 2017 Cherokee | 6 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 6 | Suspension |
| 2016 Cherokee | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | Wheels & Tires |
| 2015 Cherokee | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | Body & Structure |
| 2014 Cherokee | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | Wheels & Tires |
| 2013 Cherokee | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | Suspension |
| 2012 Cherokee | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | Suspension |
| 2011 Cherokee | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | — |
| 2010 Cherokee | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | — |
| 2009 Cherokee | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | — |
| 2008 Cherokee | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | — |
| 2007 Cherokee | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | — |
| 2006 Cherokee | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | Electrical System |
| 2005 Cherokee | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | — |
Most common Forest River Cherokee problem areas (all years)
- Wheels & Tires47 complaints
- Body & Structure29 complaints
- Suspension17 complaints
- Electrical System10 complaints
- Brakes5 complaints
- Transmission & Drivetrain1 complaints
Complaint trend
Forest River Cherokee recalls
Risk: Without over-current protection, a short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
Risk: A missing emergency exit can prevent or delay occupants from exiting in an emergency, increasing the risk of injury.
Risk: Steps that detach while in use increase the risk of injury.
Risk: The presence of a screw in the microwave compartment can cause electrical arcing, increasing the risk of a fire.
Risk: Hitch failure increases the risk of a crash or injury.
Risk: A trailer that contacts the road during transit increases the risk of a crash or injury.
Risk: A trailer that detaches from a vehicle increases the risk of a crash.
Risk: An awning that drops or extends beyond normal operation can increase the risk of injury.
Risk: An awning that drops or extends beyond normal operation can increase the risk of injury.
Risk: A gas leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Risk: Loose wires may contact each other and cause an electrical short, increasing the risk of a fire.
Risk: The vehicle operator may install incorrect replacement tires that do not fix properly on the rim, increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk: An overloaded vehicle can lead to a loss of control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk: A poor electrical connection can increase the risk of a fire.
Risk: If the spare tire carrier and spare tire detach from the vehicle while in motion, it can become a road hazard and increase the risk of a crash.
Risk: A trailer that detaches from the tow vehicle can increase the risk of a crash.
Risk: The incorrectly connected wire may not have overcurrent protection, allowing the wire to melt, increasing the risk of fire.
Risk: Damaged distribution panel wiring can increase the risk of electrical shock or fire.
Risk: An operator may rely on the incorrect Placard information and overload the trailer causing a loss of control and increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk: Due to the incorrect Federal Placard, an operator may overload the vehicle, which may decrease vehicle stability and increase the risk of crash.
Risk: The incorrect information may cause an operator to install a tire that is insufficient for the vehicle, increasing the risk of crash.
Risk: If the awning arm detaches, it can increase the risk of injury or a crash.
Risk: A propane leak increases the risk of a fire.
Risk: If the marker lights are in the wrong location or if the reflectors are missing, it can reduce the visibility of the vehicle to other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk: If both wires were connected to same lug, the smaller wire may overheat and fail due to trying to handle a higher load, thereby increasing the risk of an electrical fire.
Other Forest River models
- Forest River Rockwood64 complaints
- Forest River Salem49 complaints
- Forest River Georgetown44 complaints
- Forest River Wildwood44 complaints
- Forest River R-Pod41 complaints
- Forest River Flagstaff28 complaints
- Forest River Puma25 complaints
- Forest River Cedar Creek24 complaints
- Forest River XLR Toyhauler22 complaints
- Forest River Vengeance19 complaints
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. Methodology