VehicleVerdict

2013 Forest River Cherokee problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 2 complaints on file for the 2013 Forest River Cherokee — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 3 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

2

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

NCAP overall

How does 2013 compare to other Cherokee years?

See all Cherokee years to avoid →

What are the most common 2013 Forest River Cherokee problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Suspension150%
Tires & Wheels150%

Does the 2013 Forest River Cherokee have recalls?

3 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.

15V650000OtherOctober 13, 2015 · 19 units

Defect

Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Cherokee recreational trailers, model T19V, manufactured February 18, 2013, to August 14, 2013. In the affected vehicles, the Federal placard displays incorrect vehicle information. The original placard indicates that the tires on the vehicle are ST225/75R15D and the axle indicates a 5,200 lbs. capacity. However, the vehicle was built with a 3,500 lbs. axle and ST205/75R15C tires, which results in a decrease in the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of 49 CFR Part 567, "Certification."

Consequence

By relying on the incorrect Tire, Rim, GVWR and Cargo Carrying Capacity information indicated on the Federal Placards, an owner may unknowingly overload the vehicle, possibly resulting in tire or axle failure, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Forest River will notify owners and provide a corrected, free of charge. The recall began on October 26, 2015. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-800-453-6064. Forest River's number for this campaign is 17A-10082015-0094.

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.

The contact owns a 2013 Forest River Cherokee. The contact stated that the trailer’s single axle was rated for 3,500 pounds while the dry weight of the trailer was listed at 3,069 pounds, not including the accessories on the trailer. The contact stated that the axle was not rated properly for the…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · April 15, 2013

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FOREST RIVER CHEROKEE GREY WOLF TRAVEL TRAILER. THE VEHICLE WAS EQUIPPED WITH VAIL SPORT ST LH99 TIRES, SIZE 205/75/D14 (NA). THE CONTACT STATED THAT ALL FOUR TIRES WERE CRACKED AND THE TREAD WAS SEPARATING. THE TIRES WERE NOT REPLACED. NEITHER THE VIN NOR THE DOT NUMBER…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · June 4, 2014

2013 Forest River Cherokee — common questions

Is the 2013 Forest River Cherokee reliable?

The record is thin — 2 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 3 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 2013 Forest River Cherokee have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2013 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.

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.