VehicleVerdict

2021 Forest River Cherokee problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 56 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 28.0 times the median Cherokee year — the 2021 model ranks #1 of 30 Cherokee years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

The trouble concentrates in one system: tires & wheels issues account for 43% of all reports (24 of 56), far ahead of body & structure at 10.

56

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

0

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

3

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2021 compare to other Cherokee years?

Cherokee NHTSA complaints by model year, 2021 highlighted56 complaints1997: 0 complaints1998: 0 complaints1999: 1 complaints2000: 3 complaints2001: 0 complaints2002: 0 complaints2003: 1 complaints2004: 2 complaints2005: 2 complaints2006: 6 complaints2007: 0 complaints2008: 1 complaints2009: 1 complaints2010: 2 complaints2011: 0 complaints2012: 2 complaints2013: 2 complaints2014: 8 complaints2015: 6 complaints2016: 3 complaints2017: 16 complaints2018: 18 complaints2019: 11 complaints2020: 19 complaints2021: 56 complaints2022: 30 complaints2023: 3 complaints2024: 1 complaints2025: 0 complaints2026: 0 complaints
Cherokee NHTSA complaints by model year, 2021 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Cherokee years to avoid →

What are the most common 2021 Forest River Cherokee problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Tires & Wheels2443%
Body & Structure1018%
Other814%
Suspension611%
Electrical System35%
Brakes24%
Latches & Locks12%
Trailer Hitch12%
Transmission12%

Does the 2021 Forest River Cherokee have recalls?

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

22V243000OtherApril 13, 2022 · 99,190 units

Defect

Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Coachmen Adrenaline, Apex, Catalina, Freedom Express, Spirit, East to West Alta, Della Terra, Silver Lake, Forest River Cedar Creek, Cherokee, Columbus, Flagstaff, Impression, Ozark, Rockwood, Sabre, Salem, Sandstorm, Shockwave, Stealth, Stealth Evo, Vengeance, Vibe, Wildwood, XLR Toyhauler, Palomino Puma, Prime Time Avenger, Crusader, Lacrosse, Sanibel, Shasta Oasis, 2022 Coachmen Cross Trail, Prism, Forest River Aurora, Rainier, Wildcat, Work and Play, Prime Time Tracer, 2021-2023 Coachmen Leprechaun, and 2022-2023 Coachmen Freelander fifth wheel and travel trailer recreational vehicles. The quick disconnect fittings in the LP gas system may be cracked, causing a gas leak.

Consequence

A gas leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the quick disconnect and perform a LP system check, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 20, 2022. Owners may contact the applicable customer service number for their vehicle model. Please see the recall report for the list of phone numbers.

21V877000OtherNovember 12, 2021 · 31 units

Defect

Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Cherokee ACKT29TEBL travel trailers. The tire size and Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) on the Federal Placard are incorrect, which could result in the vehicle being overloaded. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims" and 49 CFR Part 567, "Certification."

Consequence

An overloaded vehicle can lead to a loss of control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Forest River will mail owners a new Federal Placard, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 29, 2021. Owners may contact Forest River Customer Service at 1-260-499-2100. Forest Rivers number for this recall is 17A-1439.

20V654000Electrical SystemOctober 26, 2020 · 9,261 units

Defect

Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Cherokee recreational trailers. The shore cord inlet wiring insulation may not have been sufficiently stripped back, causing a poor connection with the set screw.

Consequence

A poor electrical connection can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy

Forest River will notify owners, and dealers will remove the inlet, and rewire or replace the inlet completely if necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 23, 2020. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-260-499-2100. Forest River's number for this recall is 17D-1201.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2021 FOREST RIVER CHEROKEE EQUIPPED WITH TIRE BRAND: CASTLEROCK TIRES, TIRE LINE: ST226, TIRE SIZE: 225/75/R15, DOT # JULT1NT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE BLEW OUT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS TRAVELLING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AT 65 MPH. THE CONTACT TRIED TO SLOW…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · November 6, 2020 · fire

“Noticed interior night stand and paneling buckled. Upon inspection, found multiple welds on frame and hitch area that had separated due to poorly performed welds. Contacted both Forest River and Lippert. Neither were interested in this safety concern. The failures of these welds will result in this…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · July 6, 2024

“The Kingpin ripped away from the pinbox on our 5th wheel. We were told by some that it appears to be inferior material and/or poor weld. Our truck almost flipped down the hill where our rv landed. Others could have been injured or killed had the RV gone a different direction. I have contacted the…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · May 24, 2021 · crash

“No current incidents that I'm aware of. Landing gear on the 5th wheel isn't designed for this heavy trailer. There is a potential for someone to be seriously hurt, or killed if they have to resort to using bottle Jack's to lift trailer. Also the suspension is very weak, and i believe could break,…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · June 25, 2022

“The electric fireplace in our RV caught on fire. A visible flame was seen behind the fireplace glass near the thermostat display on the right side of the fireplace. Visible smoke and burning smell observed from the upper right vents above the control panel buttons. The fireplace unit itself had an…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · October 15, 2022 · fire

2021 Forest River Cherokee — common questions

Is the 2021 Forest River Cherokee reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 56 complaints put the 2021 model at #1 of 30 Cherokee years. It is one of the Cherokee years to avoid.

What are the most common 2021 Cherokee problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are tires & wheels (24 complaints), body & structure (10 complaints), other (8 complaints).

Does the 2021 Forest River Cherokee have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2021 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.