VehicleVerdict

2017 Forest River Forester problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 14 complaints on file for the 2017 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.

14

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

NCAP overall

How does 2017 compare to other Forester years?

See all Forester years to avoid →

What are the most common 2017 Forest River Forester problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System429%
Body & Structure321%
Other214%
Visibility & Wipers214%
Engine17%
Driver Assistance17%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)17%

Does the 2017 Forest River Forester have recalls?

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

16V465000LightingJune 27, 2016 · 1,999 units

Defect

Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain model year 2015-2017 Forester motorhomes manufactured June 10, 2014, to May 25, 2016, Sunseeker motorhomes manufactured April 4, 2014, to May 25, 2016, 2015-2016 Solera motorhomes manufactured February 28, 2014, to September 17, 2015, and 2016 Isata motorhomes manufactured October 30, 2015, to May 26, 2016. Water may leak into the electrical module that controls the vehicle taillights, brake lights, turn signal lights, clearance lights and marker lights, making the lights inoperative. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

Consequence

If the rear brake lights fail to illuminate, following motorists may not realize that the vehicle in front of them is stopping. Inoperative taillights, clearance lights and marker lights will make the vehicle less visible to others. Either condition can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Forest River will notify owners, and dealers will repair the vehicles, free of charge. An interim notice was sent to owners on August 16, 2016. The recall began on December 8, 2016. Forester, Solera, and Sunseeker owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-574-206-7600. Isata customers should call 1-574-262-3474. Forest River's number for this recall is 51-06012016-0206.

16V336000OtherMay 23, 2016 · 13 units

Defect

Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Forester and Sunseeker recreational vehicles manufactured from February 29, 2016, through April 20, 2016. These vehicles are equipped with a shower door that may not meet the flammability standards. Thus, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 302, "Flammability of Interior Materials."

Consequence

Failure to meet the flammability standard of FMVSS 302 could enhance the spread of a flame in the event of a fire, increasing the risk serious injury.

Remedy

Forest River will notify owners, and dealers will replace the shower doors, free of charge. The recall began on July 11, 2016. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-574-206-7600. Forest River's number for this recall is 34-05052016-0184.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

2017 FOREST RIVER FORESTER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VARIOUS DEFECTS EXPERIENCED WITH THE MOTORHOME. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE HAS EXPERIENCED A NUMBER OF DEFECTS INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE HVAC SYSTEM, LEVELING JACK, SLIDE OUT, SPEAKERS, ELECTRICAL WIRING, ENGINE LOSES POWER,…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · August 1, 2018

2017 FOREST RIVER FORESTER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VARIOUS DEFECTS EXPERIENCED WITH THE MOTORHOME. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE HAS EXPERIENCED A NUMBER OF DEFECTS INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE HVAC SYSTEM, LEVELING JACK, SLIDE OUT, SPEAKERS, ELECTRICAL WIRING, ENGINE LOSES POWER,…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · August 1, 2018

2017 FOREST RIVER FORESTER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VARIOUS DEFECTS EXPERIENCED WITH THE MOTORHOME. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE HAS EXPERIENCED A NUMBER OF DEFECTS INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE HVAC SYSTEM, LEVELING JACK, SLIDE OUT, SPEAKERS, ELECTRICAL WIRING, ENGINE LOSES POWER,…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · August 1, 2018

THERE IS A BLIND SPOT THE WHOLE RIGHT SIDE OF THE PASSENGER. THE MIRROR IS TO SMALL AND DOES NOT REACH OUT ENOUGH. THE CAMERA SYSTEM IS INOPERATIVE AND INADEQUATE. TO LONG OF TIME DELAY WHEN DIRECTIONAL IS USED. THE ELECTRICAL SHORE CONNECTION IS AN ELECTRICAL HAZARD.

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · May 1, 2017

THERE IS A BLIND SPOT THE WHOLE RIGHT SIDE OF THE PASSENGER. THE MIRROR IS TO SMALL AND DOES NOT REACH OUT ENOUGH. THE CAMERA SYSTEM IS INOPERATIVE AND INADEQUATE. TO LONG OF TIME DELAY WHEN DIRECTIONAL IS USED. THE ELECTRICAL SHORE CONNECTION IS AN ELECTRICAL HAZARD.

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Driver Assistance · May 1, 2017

2017 Forest River Forester — common questions

Is the 2017 Forest River Forester reliable?

The record is thin — 14 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2017 Forester problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (4 complaints), body & structure (3 complaints), other (2 complaints).

Does the 2017 Forest River Forester have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2017 Forest River Forester. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

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.