2012 Coachmen Encounter problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 2012 Coachmen Encounter — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 3 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

NHTSA complaints

Recalls

Investigations

Crash-involved

Fires reported

Injuries

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2012 compare to other Encounter years?

Encounter NHTSA complaints by model year, 2012 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Encounter years to avoid →

Does the 2012 Coachmen Encounter have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

15V798000OtherNovember 25, 2015 · 9,687 units

Defect

Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2014 FR3, 2009 Forest River Encore, Sportscoach Elite, and Aurora, 2008-2009 Cruise Master, 2012-2015 Aviator, 2007-2014 Georgetown, 2007-2009 Legend, 2008-2012 Ridgeview, 2008-2014 Cross Country, 2010-2014 Coachmen Encounter, 2009-2014 Pathfinder, Solera, Mirada, Prism, and Pursuit motorhomes. The affected vehicles are equipped with certain Lippert-brand Coachstep Double and Triple Electric Steps. These steps use a bolt to attach the fan gear assembly to the steps. This bolt may fracture allowing the fan gear to disengage from the steps. As a result, the steps may not remain in the expected position and may be unstable.

Consequence

Unstable entry and exit steps increase the risk of injury.

Remedy

Forest River will notify owners and dealers will install a retainer bracket to reinforce the operating mechanism, free of charge. Forest River issued an interim notification to owners on January 7, 2016. The recall began on March 3, 2016. Owners may contact Forest River customer service number at 1-574-389-4600. Forest River's number for this recall is 51-11102015-0109. Or owners can contact Lippert Components at 1-574-537-8900.

15V576000Trailer HitchSeptember 16, 2015 · 3,804 units

Defect

Forest River, Inc., (Forest River) is recalling certain 2011-2016 Coachmen Pursuit, Mirada, and Encounter motorhomes manufactured from March 1, 2011, through September 11, 2015. In the affected vehicles, the trailer hitch attaching bolts and nuts may not have been properly tightened, allowing the hitch to detach during use.

Consequence

If the trailer hitch partially or fully detaches from the motorhome while it is towing a vehicle, a loss of vehicle control could occur, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Forest River will notify owners, and dealers will install a new fastener kit, free of charge. The recall began on October 9, 2015. Owners West of the Mississippi River may contact Forest River customer service at 1-574-825-8317. Owners East of the Mississippi River may contact Forest River customer service at 1-574-825-8305. Forest River's campaign number for this recall is 310-09112015-0086.

12V087000TransmissionMarch 5, 2012 · 1,449 units

Defect

COACHMEN RV IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011-2012 MIRADA AND ENCOUNTER RECREATIONAL VEHICLES BUILT ON A FORD F-53 CHASSIS, MANUFACTURED FROM FEBRUARY 1, 2010, THROUGH FEBRUARY 17, 2012. THE GEAR SHIFTERÂS CABLE MAY BREAK AT THE ATTACHMENT TO THE TRANSMISSION CONTROL SELECTOR ARM ASSEMBLY MOUNTED ON THE STEERING COLUMN. IF THE CABLE BREAKS, THE TRANSMISSION GEAR INDICATOR IN THE GEAR DISPLAY IN THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WILL REMAIN IN THE FIRST GEAR POSITION REGARDLESS OF THE GEAR SELECTED.

Consequence

AN INCORRECT GEAR INDICATION IN THE INSTRUMENT PANEL MAY PREVENT THE DRIVER FROM KNOWING IF THEY ARE IN PARK OR REVERSE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

COACHMEN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION SELECTOR ARM ASSEMBLY AND THE GEAR SHIFTERÂS CABLE ASSEMBLY, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 2, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT COACHMEN RV AT 1-800-453-6064.

2012 Coachmen Encounter — common questions

Is the 2012 Coachmen Encounter reliable?

The record is thin — 0 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 3 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 2012 Coachmen Encounter have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2012 Coachmen Encounter. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.

How does 2012 compare to other Encounter years?

Does the 2012 Coachmen Encounter have recalls?

2012 Coachmen Encounter — common questions

Is the 2012 Coachmen Encounter reliable?

Does the 2012 Coachmen Encounter have recalls?

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