2012 Forest River Forester problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 2 complaints on file for the 2012 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 2012 compare to other Forester years?

Forester NHTSA complaints by model year, 2012 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Forester years to avoid →

What are the most common 2012 Forest River Forester problems?

Component	Complaints	Share	vs prior year
Electrical System	1	50%	new
Body & Structure	1	50%	new

Does the 2012 Forest River Forester have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

12V458000OtherSeptember 18, 2012 · 1,585 units

Defect

Forest River, Inc., (Forest River) is recalling certain model year 2010-2013 Sunseeker 2860, 3120, 3170, Forester 2861, 3121, 3171, and Lexington 283 Class C motorhomes, manufactured from August 18, 2009, through September 12, 2012. The liquid propane gas (LPG) fuel line that supplies fuel to appliances in the slide out, can become damaged.

Consequence

A damaged LPG fuel line can lead to an explosion and/or fire, increasing the risk of injury or death.

Remedy

Forest River will notify owners, and dealers will repair the affected vehicles free of charge. The recall began on, or about October 23, 2012. Owners may contact Forest River at 1-574-206-7600.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“2012 FOREST RIVER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO DEFECTIVE INSTRUMENT PANEL. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED UPON DELIVERY OF THE VEHICLE THE SLIDE WOULD NOT FULLY RETRACT, AND THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WAS INOPERATIVE. THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WAS REPAIRED. *JS”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · May 20, 2018

“2012 FOREST RIVER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO DEFECTIVE INSTRUMENT PANEL. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED UPON DELIVERY OF THE VEHICLE THE SLIDE WOULD NOT FULLY RETRACT, AND THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WAS INOPERATIVE. THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WAS REPAIRED. *JS”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · May 20, 2018

2012 Forest River Forester — common questions

Is the 2012 Forest River Forester reliable?

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

Does the 2012 Forest River Forester have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2012 Forest River Forester. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2012 Forest River Forester under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

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 2012 compare to other Forester years?

What are the most common 2012 Forest River Forester problems?

Does the 2012 Forest River Forester have recalls?

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

2012 Forest River Forester — common questions

Is the 2012 Forest River Forester reliable?

Does the 2012 Forest River Forester have recalls?

Is the 2012 Forest River Forester under NHTSA investigation?

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