2013 Forest River Cardinal problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 2 complaints on file for the 2013 Forest River Cardinal — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 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 2013 compare to other Cardinal years?

Cardinal NHTSA complaints by model year, 2013 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Cardinal years to avoid →

What are the most common 2013 Forest River Cardinal problems?

Component	Complaints	Share	vs prior year
Electrical System	1	50%	— flat
Body & Structure	1	50%	▼ down

Does the 2013 Forest River Cardinal have recalls?

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

14V449000OtherJuly 23, 2014 · 1,041 units

Defect

Forest River Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Georgetown, Sunseeker, Forester, Cross Country, Pathfinder, Cardinal, Blue Ridge, Cedar Creek, and Brookstone recreational vehicles manufactured March 11, 2013, through April 26, 2013 and equipped with certain Frigidaire Convection Microwave models CFMV152CLB and CFMV154CLS. The microwave may start on it's own and begin heating when unattended.

Consequence

If the microwave starts on its own and there are contents inside, a fire could result.

Remedy

Forest River will notify owners, and dealers will repair the membrane/keypad component, free of charge. The recall began in February 2015. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-800-353-7383.

13V203000OtherMay 17, 2013 · 9,526 units

Defect

Forest River is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Forest River models Blue Ridge, Cardinal, Cherokee, Columbus, EVO, Georgetown, Flagstaff, Forester, Lexington, Puma, Rockwood, Sabre, Salem, Sandpiper, Sandstorm, Sierra, Stealth, Sunseeker, Wildcat, Wildwood, Work and Play and XLR; Coachmen models Brookstone, Catalina, Chaparral, Concord, Encounter, Freedom Express, Freelander, Leprechaun, Mirada, Pursuit, and Sportcoach; Prime Time models Avenger, Crusader, Lacrosse, Saniber, and Tracer; Palomino model Maverick Truck Camper; Cargo Mate model Eliminator and Shasta models Revere, Phoenix recreational vehicles manufactured from February 13, 2013, through April 18, 2013. Due to a design change in the power awning motor assembly, the motor assembly screws may unknowingly shear.

Consequence

If the motor assembly screws shear, it is possible that the awning can unfurl unexpectedly, either while the vehicle is at rest or while in transit, increasing the risk of personal injury or a vehicle crash.

Remedy

Forest River will notify owners and Dometic staff will replace the affected motors with motors of a different design. The safety recall began on July 29, 2013. Owners may contact Forest River at 1-574-389-4600 or Dometic at 1-888-447-0003 for more information. Owners are being instructed not to drive their vehicle until repairs can be performed.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“PRIOR TO LEAVING FOR A TRIP I PLUGGED OUR CARDINAL 3550RL IN TO AN AC OUTLET TO RUN THE FRIDGE. THE MORNING OF OUR DEPARTURE I FOUND THAT THE 2 REAR SLIDE ROOMS HAD DEPLOYED OVERNIGHT ON THEIR OWN AND WOULD NOT RETRACT. THE SLIDE ROOM PUMP HAD RUN ALL NIGHT AND BURNED THE PUMP OUT SO BADLY THAT WE…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · July 22, 2015

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FOREST RIVER CARDINAL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SEALS ON THE TOP AND SIDE OF THE CAMPER DETACHED DUE TO WATER. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT WATER WAS ENTERING THE CAMPER AND DAMAGED THE INTERIOR. THE CAMPER WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SEALS…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · December 23, 2016

2013 Forest River Cardinal — common questions

Is the 2013 Forest River Cardinal reliable?

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

Does the 2013 Forest River Cardinal have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2013 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 2013 compare to other Cardinal years?

What are the most common 2013 Forest River Cardinal problems?

Does the 2013 Forest River Cardinal have recalls?

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

2013 Forest River Cardinal — common questions

Is the 2013 Forest River Cardinal reliable?

Does the 2013 Forest River Cardinal have recalls?

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