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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

What owners actually said

49 reports
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 · May 11, 2021
Suspension

TRAILER WAS BUILT WITH THE DRY WEIGHT OF 3,527 POUNDS. FACTORY INSTALLED AN AXLE AND SUSPENSION THAT IS RATED AT 3,500 POUNDS. I'M CONCERNED THAT THIS WILL BE UNSAFE TO OPERATE ON THE ROADWAY AS THE COMPONENTS WEAR. CURRENTLY THE LEAF SPRINGS ARE ALMOST COMPLETELY FLAT WITHOUT ANY EXTRA LOAD IN THE TRAILER.

NHTSA ODI #11416131

100 miles · Apr 18, 2021
Service Brakes

WHILE TAKING OUR FIRST TRIP TO THE COAST OF NC FROM RALEIGH, I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD, AND GOT A MESSAGE ON MY DASH SAYING TO CHECK TRAILER CONNECTIONS. WE PULLED OVER AND CHECKED, AND THE CONNECTOR WAS SEATED, AND EVERYTHING SEEM TO BE WORKING. WHEN WE GOT TO THE CAMPGROUND, I HAPPENED TO BE LOOKING UNDER THE CAMPER, AND FOU…

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WHILE TAKING OUR FIRST TRIP TO THE COAST OF NC FROM RALEIGH, I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD, AND GOT A MESSAGE ON MY DASH SAYING TO CHECK TRAILER CONNECTIONS. WE PULLED OVER AND CHECKED, AND THE CONNECTOR WAS SEATED, AND EVERYTHING SEEM TO BE WORKING. WHEN WE GOT TO THE CAMPGROUND, I HAPPENED TO BE LOOKING UNDER THE CAMPER, AND FOUND THE WIRES THAT FEED THE ELECTRIC BRAKES WERE CUT. THEY WERE PINCHED BETWEEN THE U-BOLTS ON THE AXLE AND THE FRAME. I HAD A MOBILE RV TECH REPAIR IT SO I COULD SAFELY DRIVE IT HOME. IF IT HAPPENED ON A TRIP TO THE MOUNTAINS, IT COULD HAVE BEEN A REAL PROBLEM. I FOUND FROM FORUMS AND ON FACEBOOK, WE ARE NOT THE ONLY ONES HAVING THE PROBLEM, AND ONE PERSON FOUND HIS WIRES IN THE SAME PLACE TO HAVE THE SAME OUTCOME (HE SAID " MINE WAS ON THE CHOPPING BLOCK ALSO) AND HE WAS GOING TO FIX THE PROBLEM.

NHTSA ODI #11412752

Mileage unknown · Mar 8, 2021
Structure

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2021 FOREST RIVER CHEROKEE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SAFETY CHAINS WERE WELDED INCORRECTLY ON THE HOOKUP AREA OF RV. THE CONTACT SPOKE TO THE LOCAL DEALER AC NELSEN RV WORLD - OMAHA (11818 L ST, OMAHA, NE 68137, (402) 333-1122) AND WAS INFORMED TO TOW THE RV IN TO THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRE…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2021 FOREST RIVER CHEROKEE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SAFETY CHAINS WERE WELDED INCORRECTLY ON THE HOOKUP AREA OF RV. THE CONTACT SPOKE TO THE LOCAL DEALER AC NELSEN RV WORLD - OMAHA (11818 L ST, OMAHA, NE 68137, (402) 333-1122) AND WAS INFORMED TO TOW THE RV IN TO THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS AWAITING A RESPONSE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.*DT CONSUMER STATED SAFETY CHAINS FELL OFF IN FRONT OF THE CAMPER.*JB*DT*JB*DT

NHTSA ODI #11399751

870 miles · Nov 13, 2020
TiresFire

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2021 FOREST RIVER CHEROKEE EQUIPPED WITH TIRE BRAND: CASTLEROCK TIRES, TIRE LINE: ST226, TIRE SIZE: 225/75/R15, DOT # JULT1NT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE BLEW OUT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS TRAVELLING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AT 65 MPH. THE CONTACT TRIED TO SLOW DOWN BY APPLYING THE BRAKES AND …

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2021 FOREST RIVER CHEROKEE EQUIPPED WITH TIRE BRAND: CASTLEROCK TIRES, TIRE LINE: ST226, TIRE SIZE: 225/75/R15, DOT # JULT1NT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE BLEW OUT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS TRAVELLING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AT 65 MPH. THE CONTACT TRIED TO SLOW DOWN BY APPLYING THE BRAKES AND THE TRAILER STARTED TO SWERVE.THE CONTACT SAW WHITE SMOKE IN HIS REAR VIEW MIRROR BUT WAS FINALLY ABLE TO PULL THE TRAILER OFF THE ROAD , EASE UP ON THE BRAKES AND CAME TO A GRADUAL STOP. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO CHANGE THE TIRE AND TOOK IT TO A TIRE STORE. THEY NOTICED THE OTHER TIRES WERE ALL WEARING DOWN THE CENTER TREAD AND WOULD EVENTUALLY BLOW OUT AS WELL. THE CONTACT HAD THE ONE TIRE REPLACED AT THE TIRE SHOP. THE TRAILER DEALER CAMPING WORLD OF POTEAU 34203 US-59, POTEAU, OK 74953 (877) 886-6503 GAVE THE CONTACT THE TIRE WARRANTY AGREEMENT TO GET THE TIRE EXPENSE REIMBURSED. THE OTHER THREE TIRES WERE NOT COVERED FOR REPLACEMENT. THE RV MANUFACTURER JUST PROVIDED A QUESTIONER FOR THE CONTACT AND PROMISED A CALLBACK. THE OTHER THREE TIRES HAD NOT BEEN REPLACED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE ON THE RV VEHICLE WAS 870. THE TIRE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,000.

NHTSA ODI #11374518

200 miles · Jul 22, 2020
Wheels

THE ALUMINUM WHEELS BEING USED ON THE FOREST RIVER CHEROKEE BUILT TRAVEL TRAILERS ARE DEFECTIVE. THE WHEELS HAVE PIN HOLES WHICH ALLOW AIR TO ESCAPE AND CAN CAUSE AN OUT OF CONTROL CONDITION AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. AIR SLOWLY LEAKS OUT OF THE TIRES WHILE YOU ARE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. THE WHEELS HAVE A CASTING OF DOT-T MADE IN …

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THE ALUMINUM WHEELS BEING USED ON THE FOREST RIVER CHEROKEE BUILT TRAVEL TRAILERS ARE DEFECTIVE. THE WHEELS HAVE PIN HOLES WHICH ALLOW AIR TO ESCAPE AND CAN CAUSE AN OUT OF CONTROL CONDITION AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. AIR SLOWLY LEAKS OUT OF THE TIRES WHILE YOU ARE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. THE WHEELS HAVE A CASTING OF DOT-T MADE IN CHINA BY SR WHEELS.

NHTSA ODI #11340895

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.