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2021 Forest River Cherokee

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Limited comparison data

There is not enough comparable history to draw a useful model-year comparison.

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How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

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Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.

What owners reported most

All reported categories

Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

Limited mileage data: 6 of 49 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Tires. Review the 21 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Structure. Review the 10 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Suspension. Review the 6 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

1 crash reports3 fire reports0 injury reports

Unknown Or Other complaints

8 reports
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Mileage unknown · Jul 4, 2025
SuspensionUnknown Or OtherWheels

When I bought this camper I paid extra for an extensive warranty including the tires. On a recent trip I blew a tire on the trailer and contacted the warranty company. Was instructed to take the trailer and tire to an authorized service center. Upon doing so the service center notified me that the axles were bent because they we…

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When I bought this camper I paid extra for an extensive warranty including the tires. On a recent trip I blew a tire on the trailer and contacted the warranty company. Was instructed to take the trailer and tire to an authorized service center. Upon doing so the service center notified me that the axles were bent because they were insufficient for the size of the trailer. The gentleman I spoke with said that regardless of what the tags read on the camper the axles were not sufficient for the load rating listed on the tag inside the camper. Thus they put excessive strain on the tires and one blew while I was traveling on the highway. He told me another one was ready to blow out. I reached out to the RV dealership where I bought the trailer and they referred me to the trailer manufacturer who denied any responsibility and claimed that the axles were sufficient for that trailer. This is a recurring issue with these travel trailers as I have friends who have the same models and one has already had to replace his axles because they bent and a tire blew out and damaged the side of his camper and the other one changed his tires and springs to help offset the weight issue. I even reached out to the axle manufacturer who supplied these components to the RV company and all they provided was this measurements I needed to order new axles. All I wanted from the RV manufacturer was even a pittance of an offer to help me with this issue but all they did was claim that all the parts were good and they weren't responsible. I have ordered new heavier duty axles and larger tires to accommodate the weight. As I stated the RV repair center that is working on my trailer said the axles were insufficient and the tires were actually too small for a trailer that size. Apparently the only way an RV company will do the right thing is if they are threatened with a lawsuit. Forest River has already been implicated in a lawsuit for other issues. So they are aware that they have issues!

NHTSA ODI #11671234

Mileage unknown · May 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 a…

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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.

NHTSA ODI #11524432

Mileage unknown · Jun 25, 2022
SuspensionUnknown Or Other

No current incidents that I'm aware of. Landing gear on the 5th wheel isn't designed for this heavy trailer. There is a potential for someone to be seriously hurt, or killed if they have to resort to using bottle Jack's to lift trailer. Also the suspension is very weak, and i believe could break, and cause a major accident..…

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No current incidents that I'm aware of. Landing gear on the 5th wheel isn't designed for this heavy trailer. There is a potential for someone to be seriously hurt, or killed if they have to resort to using bottle Jack's to lift trailer. Also the suspension is very weak, and i believe could break, and cause a major accident...

NHTSA ODI #11470948

Mileage unknown · Jul 20, 2021
SuspensionUnknown Or Other

On my 2021 Forest River Cherokee Wolf Pup 16TS, I observed on the passenger side frame where the wheel is that at some point the axle/leaf spring components came in contact (perhaps many times) with the frame of the trailer. This had made a noticeable dent in the frame. The trailer was not heavily loaded and within GVAWR, GVWR, …

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On my 2021 Forest River Cherokee Wolf Pup 16TS, I observed on the passenger side frame where the wheel is that at some point the axle/leaf spring components came in contact (perhaps many times) with the frame of the trailer. This had made a noticeable dent in the frame. The trailer was not heavily loaded and within GVAWR, GVWR, & CCC limits. From my observations, had I not already changed out the brake assembly's after discovering a failed component inside them, it is clear that the axle collision would have severed the electric brake cables resulting in the trailer brakes being unable to respond and/or failing altogether. My personal assessment of this is that the combination of the 3500lb rated axle as well as the capacity of the leaf springs on these trailers is not sufficient enough to account for allowed cargo weight, plus standard road conditions to avoid having the axle come in contact with the frame above it.

NHTSA ODI #11425650

Mileage unknown · Jul 6, 2021
Unknown Or Other

I purchased a 2021 315Pack12 last Aug 2020 - Vin Number [XXX]. During some routine maintenance on 6/26/2021, I noticed that the factory had mounted a propane hose so that it was being pressed hard against a support bar on the underbody of the trailer. It was being held against the support bar by a propane splitter that was …

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I purchased a 2021 315Pack12 last Aug 2020 - Vin Number [XXX]. During some routine maintenance on 6/26/2021, I noticed that the factory had mounted a propane hose so that it was being pressed hard against a support bar on the underbody of the trailer. It was being held against the support bar by a propane splitter that was mounted to the underbody frame. The pointy part of the support bar was digging into the hose. (see pictures). Had this issue not been discovered it could have led to a serious propane leak and in worse case could have resulted in the trailer burning to the ground and/or possible personal injury. This is a very dangerous installation and I would suggest that all 315s (Forest River Toy haulers) be inspected for this issue. At this point I have corrected the issue myself by installing a ¾” spacer between the frame and the splitter (see pictures). However, the propane hose was compromised (see pictures). I have asked Forest River to have a dealer near me replace this hose ASAP. Forest River has not responded to my e-mails to date. ****The installation location is on the underbody right frame, approximately 21” in front of the right side forward tire. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA ODI #11423652

Mileage unknown · Jun 29, 2021
StructureUnknown Or Other

Our travel trailer door on a 2021 forrest river fell off while driving and is stuck open. They have been trying to fix it for since April 17th but are now ghosting me after telling me it was a known issue with the new door system they are using. 2ndly there is metal shards and shavings under my sink in the fridge area and n…

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Our travel trailer door on a 2021 forrest river fell off while driving and is stuck open. They have been trying to fix it for since April 17th but are now ghosting me after telling me it was a known issue with the new door system they are using. 2ndly there is metal shards and shavings under my sink in the fridge area and no one seems to know why there is busted metal all over some electrical components. Also the outdoor shower door and the side compartment door are falling off and will not stay closed during operation.

NHTSA ODI #11422760

Mileage unknown · Jun 2, 2021
Unknown Or OtherCrash

The Kingpin ripped away from the pinbox on our 5th wheel. We were told by some that it appears to be inferior material and/or poor weld. Our truck almost flipped down the hill where our rv landed. Others could have been injured or killed had the RV gone a different direction. I have contacted the RV manufacturer and currentl…

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The Kingpin ripped away from the pinbox on our 5th wheel. We were told by some that it appears to be inferior material and/or poor weld. Our truck almost flipped down the hill where our rv landed. Others could have been injured or killed had the RV gone a different direction. I have contacted the RV manufacturer and currently awaiting a response. No warnings. Police and tow drivers said they have never seen this in over 50 years of service. Photos available.

NHTSA ODI #11419386

Mileage unknown · Jul 10, 2020
Unknown Or Other

THE BRACKETS TO THE AWNING ON OUR 2021 CHEROKEE ALPHA WOLF TRAILER IS SCREWED IN TO THE WALL ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE TRAILER USING 1-INCH SCREWS. IT CAME OUT AND BENT THE BRACKET ATTACHED TO THE SIDE WALL OF THE TRAILER AFTER THE FIRST RAIN. HAVE ONLY OWNED IT 30 DAYS!! DEALER WILL NOT FIX IT, SAYS AWNING SHOULD NOT BE OPEN DURIN…

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THE BRACKETS TO THE AWNING ON OUR 2021 CHEROKEE ALPHA WOLF TRAILER IS SCREWED IN TO THE WALL ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE TRAILER USING 1-INCH SCREWS. IT CAME OUT AND BENT THE BRACKET ATTACHED TO THE SIDE WALL OF THE TRAILER AFTER THE FIRST RAIN. HAVE ONLY OWNED IT 30 DAYS!! DEALER WILL NOT FIX IT, SAYS AWNING SHOULD NOT BE OPEN DURING A RAIN, EVEN THOUGH WE HAVE NEVER HAD ISSUES WITH ANY OTHER CAMPER AWNING WE HAVE EVER OWNED. OTHER TRAILERS IN THE CAMPGROUND HAD NO ISSUES WITH THEIR AWNING.

NHTSA ODI #11338609

Official recalls

3

22V243000 · Equipment:recreational Vehicle/trailer:lpg Systems:lines And Fittings

Apr 13, 2022

Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Coachmen Adrenaline, Apex, Catalina, Freedom Express, Spirit, East to West Alta, Della Terra, Silver Lake, Forest River Cedar Creek, Cherokee, Columbus, Flagstaff, Impression, Ozark, Rockwood, Sabre, Salem, Sandstorm, Shockwave, Stealth, Stealth Evo, Vengeance, Vibe, Wildwood, XLR Toyhauler, Palomino Puma, Prime Time Avenger, Crusader, Lacrosse, Sanibel, Shasta Oasis, 2022 Coachmen Cross Trail, Prism, Forest River Aurora, Rainier, Wildcat, Work and Play, Prime Time Tracer, 2021-2023 Coachmen Leprechaun, and 2022-2023 Coachmen Freelander fifth wheel and travel trailer recreational vehicles. The quick disconnect fittings in the LP gas system may be cracked, causing a gas leak.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A gas leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the quick disconnect and perform a LP system check, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 20, 2022. Owners may contact the applicable customer service number for their vehicle model. Please see the recall report for the list of phone numbers.

21V877000 · Equipment:other:labels

Nov 12, 2021

Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Cherokee ACKT29TEBL travel trailers. The tire size and Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) on the Federal Placard are incorrect, which could result in the vehicle being overloaded. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims" and 49 CFR Part 567, "Certification."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An overloaded vehicle can lead to a loss of control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Forest River will mail owners a new Federal Placard, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 29, 2021. Owners may contact Forest River Customer Service at 1-260-499-2100. Forest Rivers number for this recall is 17A-1439.

20V654000 · Electrical System

Oct 26, 2020

Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Cherokee recreational trailers. The shore cord inlet wiring insulation may not have been sufficiently stripped back, causing a poor connection with the set screw.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A poor electrical connection can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Forest River will notify owners, and dealers will remove the inlet, and rewire or replace the inlet completely if necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 23, 2020. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-260-499-2100. Forest River's number for this recall is 17D-1201.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.