2008 Forest River Cherokee problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just one complaint on file for the 2008 Forest River Cherokee — 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 2008 compare to other Cherokee years?

Cherokee NHTSA complaints by model year, 2008 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Cherokee years to avoid →

What are the most common 2008 Forest River Cherokee problems?

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

Does the 2008 Forest River Cherokee have recalls?

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

17V756000OtherNovember 22, 2017 · 365,885 units

Defect

Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2003-2018 Forest River Berkshire, Charleston, Rockport, Cedar Creek, Cherokee, Riverstone, Salem, Sandpiper, Sierra, Vengeance, Wildcat, Wildwood, XLR Boost, Cargo Mate, Continental Cargo, motorhomes, recreational trailers, toyhaulers, cargo trailers and restroom trailers and 2009-2018 Coachmen Mirada, Pursuit, Concord, Leprechaun, Freelander, Orion and Prism motorhomes, 2009-2017 Coachmen Apex and Catalina recreational trailers, and 2013-2017 Shasta Oasis and Revere recreational trailers, equipped with Kidde Plastic-Handle or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers. These extinguishers may become clogged, preventing the extinguisher from discharging as expected or excessive force may be needed to activate the extinguisher. Additionally, in certain models, the nozzle may detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury and also render the product inoperable. For a full list of the affected fire extinguisher models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17E062-5427.pdf

Consequence

In the event of a fire, if the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy

Forest River will notify owners, instructing them to contact Kidde for a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began on December 27, 2017. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-800-348-7440, or Kidde customer service toll free at 1-855-262-3540, or online at www.kidde.com and click on "Product Safety Recall" for more information. Forest River's number for this recall is 51-0544.

17V237000OtherApril 7, 2017 · 579 units

Defect

Forest River Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2007-2011 Cherokee recreational trailers. The Federal Placards on these vehicles incorrectly state a Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) of 3,970 lbs., when the actual capacity is 3,500 lbs. The Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) is also incorrect. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of 49 CFR Part 567, "Certification."

Consequence

The incorrect information may result in a user unintentionally overloading the vehicle, increasing the risk of the crash.

Remedy

Forest River will notify owners, and dealers will replace the Federal Placard with corrected one, free of charge. The recall began on May 31, 2017. Owners may contact Forest River at 1-260-593-4001 extension 17119. Forest River's number for this recall is 17-04042017-0367.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“MY PIN BOX FRAME ON MY 2008, FOREST RIVER, CHEROKEE WOLF PACK, MODEL # WP 295, THAT IS MANUFACTURED BY LIPPERT IS EXPERIENCING METAL SEPARATION/TEAR IN THE FRAME THAT IS ALMOST ENTIRELY ENCOMPASSES THE FRAME WORK AND WELDS THAT ARE CRACKED CAUSING A UNSAFE CONDITION WHERE THE TRUCK AND TRAILER…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · October 15, 2011

2008 Forest River Cherokee — common questions

Is the 2008 Forest River Cherokee reliable?

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

Does the 2008 Forest River Cherokee have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2008 Forest River Cherokee. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Forest River Cherokee years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Cherokee years to avoid are 2021, 2022. The cleanest record among Cherokee years belongs to 2026.

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 2008 compare to other Cherokee years?

What are the most common 2008 Forest River Cherokee problems?

Does the 2008 Forest River Cherokee have recalls?

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

2008 Forest River Cherokee — common questions

Is the 2008 Forest River Cherokee reliable?

Does the 2008 Forest River Cherokee have recalls?

Which Forest River Cherokee years should you avoid?

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