VehicleVerdict

2016 Forest River Fr3 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just one complaint on file for the 2016 Forest River Fr3 — 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.

1

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

1

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2016 compare to other Fr3 years?

Fr3 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2016 highlighted7 complaints2014: 2 complaints2015: 2 complaints2016: 1 complaints2017: 2 complaints2018: 5 complaints2019: 0 complaints2020: 0 complaints2021: 7 complaints2022: 4 complaints2023: 0 complaints2024: 3 complaints2025: 0 complaints
Fr3 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2016 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Fr3 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2016 Forest River Fr3 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Other1100%

Does the 2016 Forest River Fr3 have recalls?

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

16V828000OtherNovember 15, 2016 · 1,104 units

Defect

Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain model year 2015-2017 FR3 motorhomes manufactured September 24, 2014, to May 12, 2016; 2015-2017 Prime Time Spartan toyhaulers manufactured June 10, 2014, to May 31, 2016; 2013-2016 Palomino Columbus toyhaulers manufactured October 4, 2012, to December 4, 2015; and 2015-2016 XLR Thunderbolt and Nitro toyhaulers manufactured May 23, 2014, to November 23, 2016. These vehicles were equipped with certain aluminum, black, ladders manufactured by Christianson Industries. The affected ladders have retractable hinges, each with a welded 'top hat' that can separate from the hinge.

Consequence

If the hinges separate from the ladder while in use, the ladder may fall from the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy

Forest River will notify owners, and dealers will install a remedy kit to correct the issue, free of charge. The recall began on January 3, 2017. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-574-206-7600. Forest River's number for this recall is 51-11102016-0271.

15V726000TransmissionNovember 3, 2015 · 217 units

Defect

Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain model year 2016 Forest River FR3 and Georgetown, and Coachmen Mirada and Pursuit recreational vehicles manufactured August 7, 2015, to October 22, 2015. Due to an incorrect shift cable bracket and an improper shift cable adjustment, the affected vehicles can be shifted out of 'PARK' without applying the brakes.

Consequence

If the vehicle can be shifted into reverse without the brakes being applied, the vehicle may unintentionally move, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Forest River will notify owners, and Ford dealers will replace the transmission shift control bracket and adjust the transmission shift cable, free of charge. The recall began on December 3, 2015. Owners may contact Forest River at 1-800-392-3673. Forest River's number for this recall is 51-10302015-0105.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“THE DOOR LATCH FAILED AND CAUSED A LOCK OUT FROM RV, HAVE LOOKED AT FOREST RIVER FORUM AND READ THAT A LOT OF OTHER OWNERS HAVE BEEN EITHER LOCKED IN OR LOCKED OUT, THE ONLY SOLUTION IS EITHER CLIMB OUT OR IN AN OPEN WINDOW OR USE THE EMERGENCY EXIT.THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND WORKING FINE DURING…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · October 29, 2018

2016 Forest River Fr3 — common questions

Is the 2016 Forest River Fr3 reliable?

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

Does the 2016 Forest River Fr3 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2016 Forest River Fr3. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2016 Forest River Fr3 under NHTSA investigation?

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

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.