VehicleVerdict

2017 Forest River Fr3 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 2 complaints on file for the 2017 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.

2

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2017 compare to other Fr3 years?

Fr3 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2017 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, 2017 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Fr3 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2017 Forest River Fr3 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Other150%
Suspension150%

Does the 2017 Forest River Fr3 have recalls?

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

18V768000Visibility & WipersOctober 31, 2018 · 4,790 units

Defect

Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Forest River Georgetown and FR3 motorhomes, 2018-2019 Berkshire motorhomes and 2018 Charleston motorhomes. The motorized windshield roller shade at the driver's seating position may unroll without warning while driving.

Consequence

If the windshield roller shade unrolls while driving, it could block the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Forest River will notify owners, and dealers will install a fastener to ensure the motor will not allow the shade to roll down during while driving. The recall began November 28, 2018. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-574-206-7605. Forest River's number for the recall is 68-0822.

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“SEVERAL TIMES WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS UNDER 30MPH, OVER BUMPY ROAD CONDITIONS (MOST RECENTLY A RAILROAD CROSSING) THE FRONT END BEGINS TO VIBRATE, SHAKE AND BOUNCE VIOLENTLY INCREASING IN INTENSITY UNTIL STOPPED COMPLETELY. THIS HAS HAPPENED AT LEAST 9 TIMES IN NON-TRAFFIC SITUATIONS. THE 10TH…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · September 3, 2018

“SEVERAL TIMES WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS UNDER 30MPH, OVER BUMPY ROAD CONDITIONS (MOST RECENTLY A RAILROAD CROSSING) THE FRONT END BEGINS TO VIBRATE, SHAKE AND BOUNCE VIOLENTLY INCREASING IN INTENSITY UNTIL STOPPED COMPLETELY. THIS HAS HAPPENED AT LEAST 9 TIMES IN NON-TRAFFIC SITUATIONS. THE 10TH…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · September 3, 2018

2017 Forest River Fr3 — common questions

Is the 2017 Forest River Fr3 reliable?

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

Does the 2017 Forest River Fr3 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2017 Forest River Fr3. 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.