2004 Forest River Forester problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 3 complaints on file for the 2004 Forest River Forester — 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 2004 compare to other Forester years?

Forester NHTSA complaints by model year, 2004 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Forester years to avoid →

What are the most common 2004 Forest River Forester problems?

Component	Complaints	Share	vs prior year
Tires & Wheels	2	67%	new
Suspension	1	33%	new

Does the 2004 Forest River Forester have recalls?

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

08V346000OtherJuly 7, 2008 · 107,417 units

Defect

FOREST RIVER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MY 2003-2006 MOTOR HOMES, FIFTH WHEEL AND TRAVEL TRAILERS EQUIPPED WITH A TWO-DOOR REFRIGERATOR MANUFACTURED BY THE DOMETIC CORPORATION. THE REFRIGERATOR MAY HAVE A DEFECT IN THE BOILER TUBE. PRESSURIZED COOLANT SOLUTION COULD BE RELEASED INTO AN AREA WHERE AN IGNITION SOURCE (GAS FLAME) IS PRESENT.

Consequence

IF THIS SOLUTION IS EXPOSED TO AN IGNITION SOURCE UNDER CERTAIN SPECIFIC CIRCUMSTANCES, IT CAN RESULT IN A VEHICLE FIRE.

Remedy

FOREST RIVER IS WORKING WITH DOMETIC TO REPAIR THESE REFRIGERATORS (PLEASE SEE 08E032). DOMETIC WILL REPAIR THESE REFRIGERATORS BY INSTALLING A SECONDARY BURN HOUSING, A THERMAL FUSE, AND A MELT FUSE FREE OF CHARGE. DOMETIC HAS RETAINED STERICYCLE INC. TO MANAGE THIS CAMPAIGN. STERICYCLE WILL ASSIST THE OWNER IN LOCATING DEALERSHIPS OR SERVICE CENTERS AND WILL PROVIDE ASSISTANCE WITH SCHEDULING OF APPOINTMENTS. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOMETIC/STERICYCLE AT 1-888-446-5157 OR FOREST RIVER AT 1-574-389-4600.

04V276000Seat BeltsJune 1, 2004 · 2,010 units

Defect

CERTAIN SEAT BELT BUCKLES ON SOME MOTOR HOMES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE LOAD REQUIREMENT OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 209, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES."

Consequence

THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE MAY UNLATCH IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN PERSONAL INJURY TO THE SEAT OCCUPANT.

Remedy

AMSAFE WILL NOTIFY CUSTOMERS AND REPLACE THE BUCKLES. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT AMSAFE AT 1-574-266-8330 OR FOREST RIVER AT 1-574-389-4600.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“ON OUR 2ND TRIP WITH OUR 24FT ROCKWOOD 5TH WITH ONLY 500 MILES ON IT THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE BLEW OUT, SIZE ST205/75R14 I HAD CHECKED TRIES BEFORE LEAVING SAW NOTHING WRONG, CONTACTED MIKE AT FOREST RIVER HE SAID HE HAS NEVER HEARD OF ANY PROBLEMS WITH THE CARLISLE TIRES. MY 5TH WHEEL TRAILER GVW IS…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · February 21, 2005

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FOREST RIVER CARDINAL 29WB FIFTH WHEEL (NA). WHILE PUTTING FUEL IN THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE INSIDE TREAD ON THE DRIVER SIDE REAR KENDA TIRE WAS BALD. HE STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR TIRE WAS ALSO BALD. HE SENT PICTURES TO KENDA AND THEY STATED THAT…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · September 13, 2007

2004 Forest River Forester — common questions

Is the 2004 Forest River Forester reliable?

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

Does the 2004 Forest River Forester have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2004 Forest River Forester. 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 2004 compare to other Forester years?

What are the most common 2004 Forest River Forester problems?

Does the 2004 Forest River Forester have recalls?

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

2004 Forest River Forester — common questions

Is the 2004 Forest River Forester reliable?

Does the 2004 Forest River Forester have recalls?

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