VehicleVerdict

2018 Forest River Fr3 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 5 complaints on file for the 2018 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.

5

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

1

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2018 compare to other Fr3 years?

Fr3 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2018 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, 2018 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Fr3 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2018 Forest River Fr3 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Other240%
Electrical System120%
Body & Structure120%
Suspension120%

Does the 2018 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.

18V234000Latches & LocksApril 12, 2018 · 597 units

Defect

Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Forest River FR3 and Georgetown recreational vehicles. The entry door latch may not engage fully, allowing the door to open unexpectedly while moving.

Consequence

If the entry door opens unexpectedly, it can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy

Forest River will notify owners and dealers will install shims between the entry door frame and the wall frame, two additional screws will be added through the entry door frame to secure the door frame to the sidewall frame and will verify that the entry door latch pawl is properly contacting the striker bolt, if required the dealer will adjust the striker bolt, at no charge to the owner. The recall began on May 9, 2018. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-574-206-7600. Forest River's number for this recall is 68-0700.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“FRONT ENTRY DOOR LOCK FAILED AND IT COULD NOT BE OPENED FROM THE INSIDE OR OUTSIDE. LOCK HAD TO BE REMOVED FROM THE DOOR TO OPEN. VEHICLE WAS PARKED. I HAD TO EXIT FROM THE PASSENGER FRONT WINDOW. NO ISSUES WITH THE DOOR PRIOR TO THE FAILURE.*DT*DT CONSUMER STATED VEHICLE WAS NOT PART OF THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · August 21, 2020

“OVERHANG TOO MUCH FOR SUSPENSION AND SHOCKS PLACED ON VEHICLE. VEHICLE BOTTOMS OUT WHEN NOT LOADED, OR PULLING ANYTHING, WHEN UTILIZING COMMON SIMPLE DRIVEWAYS (COMMON ANGLES FOUND IN HOMES, SHOPPING CENTERS AND RELATED). THE DEFECT CAUSES THE HITCH TO BE DRAGGED CAUSING SPARKS AND IT DAMAGES THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · August 19, 2017

“OVERHANG TOO MUCH FOR SUSPENSION AND SHOCKS PLACED ON VEHICLE. VEHICLE BOTTOMS OUT WHEN NOT LOADED, OR PULLING ANYTHING, WHEN UTILIZING COMMON SIMPLE DRIVEWAYS (COMMON ANGLES FOUND IN HOMES, SHOPPING CENTERS AND RELATED). THE DEFECT CAUSES THE HITCH TO BE DRAGGED CAUSING SPARKS AND IT DAMAGES THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · August 19, 2017

“The vehicle sidewall has separated from the frame. Approx 4 feet of the passenger frontside, from the front to the door. This has caused a gap between the floorboard and sidewall. It has also caused the entrance steps to move out of alignment. While driving down a highway, we heard two loud pops.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · September 27, 2021

2018 Forest River Fr3 — common questions

Is the 2018 Forest River Fr3 reliable?

The record is thin — 5 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 2018 Forest River Fr3 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2018 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 2018 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.