Model year record

2004 Forest River Wildcat recalls & problems

The 2004 Forest River Wildcat has 2 safety recalls and 10 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is structure (4 complaints).

Recalls2safety recalls

Complaints10filed by owners

Crashes · fires0 · 0reported in complaints

Injuries · deaths0 · 0reported in complaints

Safety recalls

EquipmentNov 22, 2017

Equipment

Recall 17V756000365,885 vehicles

Problem: Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2003-2018 Forest River Berkshire, Charleston, Rockport, Cedar Creek, Cherokee, Riverstone, Salem, Sandpiper, Sierra, Vengeance, Wildcat, Wildwood, XLR Boost, Cargo Mate, Continental Cargo, motorhomes, recreational trailers, toyhaulers, cargo trailers and restroom trailers and 2009-2018 Coachmen Mirada, Pursuit, Concord, Leprechaun, Freelander, Orion and Prism motorhomes, 2009-2017 Coachmen Apex and Catalina recreational trailers, and 2013-2017 Shasta Oasis and Revere recreational trailers, equipped with Kidde Plastic-Handle or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers. These extinguishers may become clogged, preventing the extinguisher from discharging as expected or excessive force may be needed to activate the extinguisher. Additionally, in certain models, the nozzle may detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury and also render the product inoperable. For a full list of the affected fire extinguisher models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17E062-5427.pdf
Risk: In the event of a fire, if the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury.
Fix: Forest River will notify owners, instructing them to contact Kidde for a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began on December 27, 2017. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-800-348-7440, or Kidde customer service toll free at 1-855-262-3540, or online at www.kidde.com and click on "Product Safety Recall" for more information. Forest River's number for this recall is 51-0544.

EquipmentJul 7, 2008

Recreational vehicle/trailer

Recall 08V346000107,417 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: FOREST RIVER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MY 2003-2006 MOTOR HOMES, FIFTH WHEEL AND TRAVEL TRAILERS EQUIPPED WITH A TWO-DOOR REFRIGERATOR MANUFACTURED BY THE DOMETIC CORPORATION. THE REFRIGERATOR MAY HAVE A DEFECT IN THE BOILER TUBE. PRESSURIZED COOLANT SOLUTION COULD BE RELEASED INTO AN AREA WHERE AN IGNITION SOURCE (GAS FLAME) IS PRESENT.
Risk: IF THIS SOLUTION IS EXPOSED TO AN IGNITION SOURCE UNDER CERTAIN SPECIFIC CIRCUMSTANCES, IT CAN RESULT IN A VEHICLE FIRE.
Fix: FOREST RIVER IS WORKING WITH DOMETIC TO REPAIR THESE REFRIGERATORS (PLEASE SEE 08E032). DOMETIC WILL REPAIR THESE REFRIGERATORS BY INSTALLING A SECONDARY BURN HOUSING, A THERMAL FUSE, AND A MELT FUSE FREE OF CHARGE. DOMETIC HAS RETAINED STERICYCLE INC. TO MANAGE THIS CAMPAIGN. STERICYCLE WILL ASSIST THE OWNER IN LOCATING DEALERSHIPS OR SERVICE CENTERS AND WILL PROVIDE ASSISTANCE WITH SCHEDULING OF APPOINTMENTS. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOMETIC/STERICYCLE AT 1-888-446-5157 OR FOREST RIVER AT 1-574-389-4600.

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

What owners report

Problem area	Complaints	Typical mileage*
StructureFrame and members; Body	4	—
Tires	3	—
Suspension	3	—
EquipmentOther › Labels; Recreational vehicle/trailer	2	—
Power trainAxle assembly	1	—
Wheels	1	—

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Suspension
THIS 2004 FOREST RIVER WILDCAT 26FBS TRAVEL TRAILER SUFFERED FROM A FAILURE OF THE TRAILER FRAME, SPECIFICALLY WITH THE HANGER BRACKETS THAT SERVE AS THE ATTACHMENT POINT FOR TORSION AXLES TO THE TRAILER ITSELF. THE DAMAGE INITIALLY WENT UNNOTICED, BUT UPON ARRIVAL AT HOME I NOTICED THAT THE REAR-MOST TIRES OF THE TRAILER WERE NOT MAKING CONTACT WITH THE GROUND ON AN INCLINE.CLOSER INSPECTION OF THE TRAILER REVEALED THAT THE REAR MOST HANGER BRACKETS HAD BROKEN ON THE TRAILER (NOT THE AXLES THEMSELVES) AND THE AXLE HAD SPUN INTO A LOCKED POSITION, STILL ATTACHED BY THE FRONT TWO RETAINING BOLTS. THERE ARE A TOTAL OF FOUR ATTACHMENT BOLTS PER AXLE, THE RESULT WAS THAT THE AXLE ONLY REMAINED…
Jun 9, 2014
Tires
I PURCHASED FOUR NEW GOODYEAR MARATHON TRAILER TIRES (225/75/15 LOAD RANGE D) FOR MY FIFTH WHEEL CAMPER JUNE 2012. TWO OF THE FOUR TIRES BLEW APART IN THE FIRST 1500 MILES. THERE IS SOMETHING VERY WRONG WITH THESE TIRES. THEY SHOULD NOT BE BLOWING APART WITH ALMOST NO USE AND WITHOUT ANY IMPACT DAMAGE FROM ROAD HAZARDS. I HAVE READ MULTIPLE COMPLAINTS ONLINE WITH THESE SAME TIRES. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS AND IT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED SOON. THESE TIRE FAILURES HAVE DAMAGED MY CAMPER BUT, I'M JUST GLAD IT DID NOT CAUSE A CRASH, INJURY, OR DEATH. *TR
Jul 6, 2013 · 1,500 miles
Structure › Frame and members
I OWN A 2004 FIFTH WHEEL TRAILER. I HAVE NOTICED THE WEB OF THE FRAME CRACKING OVER THE SHACKLE MOUNTS FOR SOME TIME AND HAVE BEEN KEEPING A CLOSE EYE ON IT. I HAVE JUST NOTICED NOW THAT THE FRAME IS BROKEN UP NEAR THE HITCH AND CAN NO LONGER BE TOWED WITH OUT REPAIR. I HAVE NOT, IN MY OPINION, ABUSED THIS TRAILER OR USED IT OUTSIDE IT'S INTENDED USE. I AND OTHERS, ARE FORTUNATE THAT I NOTICED THE BROKEN FRAME BEFORE IT CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. *TR
Apr 7, 2010
Suspension
I AM AN OWNER OF A 2004 WILDCAT, 28? FIFTH WHEEL. DURING A TRIP I NOTICED ONE OF THE TIRES WAS WORN TO THE CORD ON THE INSIDE EDGE, WHILE STILL HAVING TREAD ON THE OUTSIDE. IF THIS HAD NOT BEEN NOTICED, I?M SURE THAT WITHIN THE NEXT 100 MILES I WOULD HAVE BEEN CHANGING A TIRE ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WITH RUBBER FROM THE TIRE EVERYWHERE. THE TIRE WAS CHANGED AND TRIP CONTINUED. UPON RETURN, I DISCUSSED THE ISSUE WITH THE SERVICE MANAGER AT THE RV DEALER AND HE REFERRED ME TO A SPECIALIST SHOP THAT HAD THE EQUIPMENT TO CHECK THE SUSPENSION. IT WAS FOUND THAT THE ?TOE IN? ON BOTH AXLES WERE OUT BY 1/2 INCH AND THE PROBLEMS WERE OUTSIDE THE SPRING HANGERS (SPINDLE TO AXLE ALIGNMENT). PRIOR TO…
Oct 16, 2008
Equipment › Recreational vehicle/trailer
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FOREST RIVER FORESTER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE REGARDING THE DOMETIC REFRIGERATOR. HE WAS NOT SATISFIED WITH THE REMEDY TO REPAIR THE FAILURE BECAUSE IT CONSISTED OF PLACING A HEAT SHIELD OVER THE FAILED EQUIPMENT IN CASE A FIRE OCCURS. HE FELT THAT THE ENTIRE REFRIGERATOR UNIT SHOULD BE REPLACED BECAUSE THE BOILER TUBES FAILED. THE VEHICLE IS IN THE PROCESS OF BEING REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VIN, NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID UPDATED 01/08/09. *JB
Dec 3, 2008
Power train › Axle assembly
FRONT AND REAR AXLES ON 2004 WILDCAT TRAILER HAVE AN ISSUE WITH RUST. *NJ
Sep 1, 2008
Structure
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FOREST RIVER TRAVEL TRAILER. WHILE ACCELERATING AT 35 MPH, THE TRAILER FISHTAILED. BOTH AXLES SEPARATED FROM THE TRAILER. THE WELDING SHOP STATED THAT THERE WERE SUPPOSED TO BE FOUR BOLTS HOLDING THEM TOGETHER, BUT THREE HAD SHEARED AND THE STEEL USED WAS NOT THE APPROPRIATE THICKNESS TO SUPPORT A VEHICLE OF ITS CAPACITY. THERE WERE ONLY TWO WELDS ON THE TRAILER. THE WELDING SHOP HAS ATTEMPTED TO CONTACT THE MANUFACTURER ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, BUT HAS NOT BEEN SUCCESSFUL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE. UPDATED 09/24/08. *LJ UPDATED 10/01/08. *JB
Jul 27, 2008
Structure
TL*- THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 FOREST RIVER WILDCAT, 27 RL SE, 5TH WHEEL TRAILER. THE RV WAS PURCHASED IN DECEMBER 2006 AND SINCE THEN HE OBSERVED THAT THE ACTUAL WEIGHT WAS MORE THAN THE WEIGHT LISTED ON THE STICKER. THE PICK UP TRUCK WAS UNABLE TO TOW THE RV. THE CAB SCALES WERE ACCURATE, AND ALSO INDICATED THAT THE STICKER WEIGHT WAS INCORRECT. FOREST RIVER, THE MANUFACTURER AGREED TO MAIL HIM A CHECK AND REPURCHASE THE VEHICLE, HOWEVER, THE DEALER A WANTED TO SELL HIM ANOTHER RV WHICH WEIGHED LESS. AND BELIEVED THAT THE COST SHOULD BE SHARED EQUALLY BETWEEN THE CONTACT, THE MANUFACTURER, AND THE DEALER. THE CONTACT CURRENTLY DID WANT TO PULL THE TRAILER BECAUSE IT WEIGHT TOO MUCH AND WAS…
Dec 22, 2006

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.