VehicleVerdict

2019 Forest River Cardinal problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 2 complaints on file for the 2019 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 2019 compare to other Cardinal years?

Cardinal NHTSA complaints by model year, 2019 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, 2019 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Cardinal years to avoid →

What are the most common 2019 Forest River Cardinal problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Other150%
Body & Structure150%

Does the 2019 Forest River Cardinal have recalls?

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

21V523000OtherJuly 9, 2021 · 825 units

Defect

Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Coachmen Cross Country, 2015 Coachmen Encore, 2016-2020 Coachmen Mirada, 2018-2021 Coachmen Sportscoach, 2019-2021 Forest River Berkshire, 2011-2016 Forest River Blue Ridge, 2014-2019 Forest River Cardinal, 2014-2020 Forest River Cedar Creek, 2014-2021 Forest River Georgetown, 2019 Forest River Legacy, and 2017-2018 Forest River Riverstone recreational vehicles equipped with Hehr 6400 Series windows. The adhesive that bonds the vented portion of the window may fail.

Consequence

Adhesive failure may cause the vent portion of the window to detach, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect the windows, and replace the vent if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 2, 2021. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-574-825-8600. Forest River's number for this recall is 51-1380.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“Rv fiberglass is cracking and delaminating because of frame is given to much think they call it frame flexing the fifthwheel hitch Has a lot of frame flexing in it now where before had very little I feel like something is come unwelded and is loose with the hitch contacted Forest River about it…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · December 14, 2023

“Rv fiberglass is cracking and delaminating because of frame is given to much think they call it frame flexing the fifthwheel hitch Has a lot of frame flexing in it now where before had very little I feel like something is come unwelded and is loose with the hitch contacted Forest River about it…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · December 14, 2023

2019 Forest River Cardinal — common questions

Is the 2019 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 2019 Forest River Cardinal have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2019 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.