2006 Forest River Cardinal problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 7 complaints on file for the 2006 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.

NHTSA complaints

Recalls

Investigations

Crash-involved

Fires reported

Injuries

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2006 compare to other Cardinal years?

Cardinal NHTSA complaints by model year, 2006 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Cardinal years to avoid →

What are the most common 2006 Forest River Cardinal problems?

Component	Complaints	Share	vs prior year
Tires & Wheels	6	86%	▲ up
Lighting	1	14%	new

Does the 2006 Forest River Cardinal have recalls?

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

08V346000OtherJuly 7, 2008 · 107,417 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

IF THIS SOLUTION IS EXPOSED TO AN IGNITION SOURCE UNDER CERTAIN SPECIFIC CIRCUMSTANCES, IT CAN RESULT IN A VEHICLE FIRE.

Remedy

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“BLOWN TIRE ON RV FOR NO REASON OTHER THAN ST TIRES NOT FIT BY KARRIER TO PROFIED A SAFE TIRE UNDER LOAD CONDITIONS AND CURRENT SPEED LIMITS. FORREST RIVER SHOULD STEP UP TO THE PLATE AND RECALL TIRES. MY TIRES ARE BY KARRIER LOAD STAR CARILES WAS ALL THAT WAS LISTED. *TR”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · February 8, 2009

“THE OVERHEAD DC LIGHT WAS NOT WORKING AND THE BULB WAS NOT BURNED OUT. I TOOK THE LIGHT FIXTURE DOWN AND FOUND A LARGE SCORCHED AREA ON THE SOFT CEILING. THE PHINALIC (SPELLED WRONG) SPACER IN THE LIGHT FIXTURE HAD CRUMBLED AND THIS WAS THE CAUSE FOR THE BULB NOT WORKING BUT THIS FAILURE DID NOT…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · November 16, 2008

2006 Forest River Cardinal — common questions

Is the 2006 Forest River Cardinal reliable?

The record is thin — 7 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 2006 Forest River Cardinal have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2006 Forest River Cardinal. 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 2006 compare to other Cardinal years?

What are the most common 2006 Forest River Cardinal problems?

Does the 2006 Forest River Cardinal have recalls?

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

2006 Forest River Cardinal — common questions

Is the 2006 Forest River Cardinal reliable?

Does the 2006 Forest River Cardinal have recalls?

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