Forest River Salem problems by model year
Updated from NHTSA data · How we count
NHTSA has 49 owner complaints and 61 recalls on file for the Forest River Salem (2005–2027). The 2020 Salem has the most serious complaints, most often about wheels & tires.
- Complaints
- 49
- Recalls
- 61
- Model years
- 23
- Worst year
- 2020
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 Salem years to buy
Ranked by our severity-weighted complaint score (crashes, fires and injuries count extra — how it works).
- 2020 Forest River Salem — 12 complaints, 3 fires; top problem: Wheels & Tires
- 2022 Forest River Salem — 13 complaints; top problem: Body & Structure
Fewest serious complaints among years at least 3 years old: 2015 (0 complaints).
Every Forest River Salem model year
| Year | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Injuries | Recalls | Top problem |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 Salem | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | — |
| 2026 Salem | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6 | — |
| 2025 Salem | 4 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 8 | Body & Structure |
| 2024 Salem | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 10 | Electrical System |
| 2023 Salem | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | Body & Structure |
| 2022 Salem | 13 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 7 | Body & Structure |
| 2021 Salem | 4 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 10 | Body & Structure |
| 2020 Salem | 12 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 7 | Wheels & Tires |
| 2019 Salem | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 11 | Wheels & Tires |
| 2018 Salem | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 9 | Wheels & Tires |
| 2017 Salem | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 9 | Wheels & Tires |
| 2016 Salem | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 8 | Wheels & Tires |
| 2015 Salem | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | — |
| 2014 Salem | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | — |
| 2013 Salem | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | — |
| 2012 Salem | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | — |
| 2011 Salem | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | — |
| 2010 Salem | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | — |
| 2009 Salem | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | — |
| 2008 Salem | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | — |
| 2007 Salem | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | — |
| 2006 Salem | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | — |
| 2005 Salem | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | — |
Most common Forest River Salem problem areas (all years)
- Wheels & Tires16 complaints
- Body & Structure12 complaints
- Electrical System10 complaints
- Suspension4 complaints
- Visibility & Wipers1 complaints
Complaint trend
Forest River Salem recalls
Risk: A griddle stowed while the gas is still in use can increase the risk of a fire.
Risk: Referencing the incorrect GVWR may lead to unintentionally overloading the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk: The incorrect wiring may not make adequate contact, increasing the amperage and risk of a fire.
Risk: A tire can be overinflated after referencing the incorrect information, increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk: A griddle stowed while the gas is still in use can increase the risk of a fire.
Risk: Unprotected wiring can increase the risk of a fire.
Risk: A door that remains locked can prevent or delay occupants from evacuating during an emergency, increasing the risk of injury.
Risk: An open gate can striking other road users and increases the risk of injury.
Risk: Steps that detach while in use increase the risk of injury.
Risk: Tire failure can cause a loss of control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk: Tire failure can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk: An incorrect rim size on the label may result in the wrong wheels being installed, increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk: Hitch failure increases the risk of a crash or injury.
Risk: In the event of an emergency, passengers may not be able to exit the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury.
Risk: A damaged tire can fail and cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk: Incorrect tire size information could result in the wrong tires being installed on the trailer, increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk: A missing emergency exit window could prevent or delay the occupants from exiting in the event of an emergency, increasing the risk of injury.
Risk: Missing thread sealant can cause a propane gas leak, increasing the risk of a fire.
Risk: A loss of brake function can increase the risk of a crash.
Risk: Melted wiring can cause an electrical short, increasing the risk of a fire.
Risk: A tank falling to the ground while in transit can become a road hazard and increase the risk of a crash.
Risk: An awning that detaches 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.
Other Forest River models
- Forest River Cherokee122 complaints
- Forest River Rockwood64 complaints
- Forest River Wildwood44 complaints
- Forest River Georgetown44 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