2005 Forest River Forester problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just one complaint on file for the 2005 Forest River Forester — 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 2005 compare to other Forester years?

Forester NHTSA complaints by model year, 2005 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Forester years to avoid →

What are the most common 2005 Forest River Forester problems?

Component	Complaints	Share	vs prior year
Tires & Wheels	1	100%	▼ down

Does the 2005 Forest River Forester have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign 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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“WE HAD TWO COOPER DISCOVERER AT3 TIRES, SIZE 225/75/16, THAT HAD 26,500 MILES OF USE, PEAL THE TREAD COMPLETELY OFF WITHIN 100 MILES OF EACH OTHER. THEY WERE PART OF A SET OF 4 ON THE DUELS OF MY FORD CLASS C MH. AT THE TIME OF SEPARATION THE TEMP WAS 75 MY SPEED WAS UNDER 60, TIRE PRESSURE WAS 86…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · October 13, 2015

2005 Forest River Forester — common questions

Is the 2005 Forest River Forester 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 2005 Forest River Forester have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2005 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 2005 compare to other Forester years?

What are the most common 2005 Forest River Forester problems?

Does the 2005 Forest River Forester have recalls?

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

2005 Forest River Forester — common questions

Is the 2005 Forest River Forester reliable?

Does the 2005 Forest River Forester have recalls?

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