2020 Forest River Cardinal problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just one complaint on file for the 2020 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 2020 compare to other Cardinal years?

Cardinal NHTSA complaints by model year, 2020 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Cardinal years to avoid →

What are the most common 2020 Forest River Cardinal problems?

Component	Complaints	Share	vs prior year
Body & Structure	1	100%	— flat

Does the 2020 Forest River Cardinal have recalls?

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

21V988000Electrical SystemDecember 17, 2021 · 111 units

Defect

Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Cardinal fifth wheel recreational vehicles. The generator compartment may not be sealed properly, allowing carbon monoxide to enter the vehicle.

Consequence

Carbon monoxide inside the vehicle can increase the risk of injury or death.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect the generator compartment for proper sealant and apply sealant if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 5, 2022. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-574-296-7700. Forest River's number for this recall is 15-1444.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 FOREST RIVER CARDINAL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE LEFT AND RIGHT ANCHOR LEGS ATTACHED TO THE FRONT END OF THE RV INDEPENDENTLY LOWERED WHILE DRIVING AT HIGH RATES OF SPEEDS WITHOUT WARNING. THE MANUFACTURER HAD BEEN NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · June 22, 2020

2020 Forest River Cardinal — common questions

Is the 2020 Forest River Cardinal reliable?

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

Does the 2020 Forest River Cardinal have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2020 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 2020 compare to other Cardinal years?

What are the most common 2020 Forest River Cardinal problems?

Does the 2020 Forest River Cardinal have recalls?

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

2020 Forest River Cardinal — common questions

Is the 2020 Forest River Cardinal reliable?

Does the 2020 Forest River Cardinal have recalls?

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