VehicleVerdict

1998 Forest River Cardinal problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 2 complaints on file for the 1998 Forest River Cardinal — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

2

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1998 compare to other Cardinal years?

Cardinal NHTSA complaints by model year, 1998 highlighted17 complaints1997: 0 complaints1998: 2 complaints1999: 3 complaints2000: 2 complaints2001: 2 complaints2002: 1 complaints2003: 1 complaints2004: 3 complaints2005: 6 complaints2006: 7 complaints2008: 2 complaints2009: 5 complaints2010: 3 complaints2012: 1 complaints2013: 2 complaints2014: 1 complaints2015: 17 complaints2016: 4 complaints2017: 11 complaints2018: 0 complaints2019: 2 complaints2020: 1 complaints2021: 2 complaints2022: 0 complaints2023: 3 complaints2024: 0 complaints
Cardinal NHTSA complaints by model year, 1998 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Cardinal years to avoid →

What are the most common 1998 Forest River Cardinal problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System150%
Body & Structure150%

Does the 1998 Forest River Cardinal have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

07V085000OtherMarch 5, 2007 · 128,000 units

Defect

CERTAIN RECREATIONAL VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A TWO-DOOR REFRIGERATOR, MANUFACTURED BY THE DOMETIC CORPORATION, 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.

Consequence

RELEASE OF COOLANT UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS COULD IGNITE AND RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy

FOREST RIVER WILL BE WORKING WITH DOMETIC IN ORDER TO REPAIR THESE REFRIGERATORS (PLEASE SEE 06E076). 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 YOU 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,

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“PIN BOX BROKE LOOSE FROM VEHICLE. UPON ARRIVING FROM A VACATION THE CONTACT UNLOADED THE 5TH WHEEL TRAILER AND FOUND AN 1 INCH TO 11/2 INCH GAP IN THE RIGHT TOP CORNER, BIG ENOUGH TO STICK HAND RIGHT OUTSIDE. ON THE LEFT HAND SIDE DISCOVERED THAT AT THE BOTTOM OF THE SLIDE OUT THE FIBERGLAS WAS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · April 5, 2006

“The thermostat control wire running from my furnace to the AC melted inside the wall. Harper camper land in great bend Ks told the HVAC guys that came out to fix it that they have seen this issue on a lot of campers where it melted the ends of the wires. ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · December 7, 2022

1998 Forest River Cardinal — common questions

Is the 1998 Forest River Cardinal reliable?

The record is thin — 2 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 1998 Forest River Cardinal have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1998 Forest River Cardinal. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Related

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

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.