VehicleVerdict

2013 Forest River Puma problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just one complaint on file for the 2013 Forest River Puma — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 4 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

1

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

NCAP overall

How does 2013 compare to other Puma years?

See all Puma years to avoid →

What are the most common 2013 Forest River Puma problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Tires & Wheels1100%

Does the 2013 Forest River Puma have recalls?

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

24V395000OtherJune 4, 2024 · 41,353 units

Defect

Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2004-2024 Cedar Creek and 2006-2024 Puma fifth wheels trailers. The overcurrent protection from the trailer battery may have been incorrectly routed, allowing the wires to be pulled out of the junction box.

Consequence

A loose wire can cause a short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.

Remedy

Dealers will reroute the wires to the protected side of the mini-beaker, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 10, 2024. Owners may contact Puma customer service at 1-574-642-0588 or Cedar Creek customer service at 260-593-4000. Forest River's number for this recall is 51-1786.

16V179000Tires & WheelsMarch 30, 2016 · 2,639 units

Defect

Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain model year 2008-2016 Puma recreational trailers and toy haulers, models PT20RDC, PT21FBC, PT22RBC, PT26RLC, PT26FBSC, PT21TUC, PT27RBSC, PT25FBC, PT22RB, PTH21TFU, PTH24THS, PTH25TFS, PTH27SBU, PTH27RLSS, PTH25TFQ, and PTH21TFB manufactured from June 25, 2007, through March 23, 2016. When the trailer hits a bump, the tire(s) may contact the floor or wheel well and result in tire damage.

Consequence

A damaged tire could deflate and cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Forest River will notify owners, and dealers will install a lift kit to add additional clearance to the vehicles, free of charge. The recall began on May 11, 2016. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-574-642-0607. Forest River's recall number for this campaign is 420-06092015-0050.

16V175000Tires & WheelsMarch 29, 2016 · 577 units

Defect

Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain model year 2013-2016 Puma recreational trailers, models T12RBC, T15UDC, T17QBC, and T18FBC, manufactured from January 1, 2013, through March 1, 2016. When the trailer hits a bump, the tire(s) may contact the floor or wheel well and result in tire damage.

Consequence

A damaged tire could deflate and cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Forest River will notify owners, and dealers will install a lift kit to add additional clearance to the vehicles, free of charge. The recall began on May 11, 2016. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-574-642-0607. Forest River's recall number for this campaign is 420-06092015-0050SA.

13V203000OtherMay 17, 2013 · 9,526 units

Defect

Forest River is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Forest River models Blue Ridge, Cardinal, Cherokee, Columbus, EVO, Georgetown, Flagstaff, Forester, Lexington, Puma, Rockwood, Sabre, Salem, Sandpiper, Sandstorm, Sierra, Stealth, Sunseeker, Wildcat, Wildwood, Work and Play and XLR; Coachmen models Brookstone, Catalina, Chaparral, Concord, Encounter, Freedom Express, Freelander, Leprechaun, Mirada, Pursuit, and Sportcoach; Prime Time models Avenger, Crusader, Lacrosse, Saniber, and Tracer; Palomino model Maverick Truck Camper; Cargo Mate model Eliminator and Shasta models Revere, Phoenix recreational vehicles manufactured from February 13, 2013, through April 18, 2013. Due to a design change in the power awning motor assembly, the motor assembly screws may unknowingly shear.

Consequence

If the motor assembly screws shear, it is possible that the awning can unfurl unexpectedly, either while the vehicle is at rest or while in transit, increasing the risk of personal injury or a vehicle crash.

Remedy

Forest River will notify owners and Dometic staff will replace the affected motors with motors of a different design. The safety recall began on July 29, 2013. Owners may contact Forest River at 1-574-389-4600 or Dometic at 1-888-447-0003 for more information. Owners are being instructed not to drive their vehicle until repairs can be performed.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 NEXUS VIPER (NA) EQUIPPED WITH MICHELIN MS2 (NA) TIRES, SIZE: 225/75/16. WHILE PULLING INTO A FUEL STATION, THE CONTACT WAS NOTIFIED THAT THE TWO FRONT TIRES WERE WOBBLING. THE CONTACT WAS LOSING CHUNKS OUT OF THE CENTER TREAD OF THE FRONT TIRES. THERE WERE ALSO SMALL…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · September 3, 2016

2013 Forest River Puma — common questions

Is the 2013 Forest River Puma reliable?

The record is thin — 1 NHTSA complaint — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 4 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 2013 Forest River Puma have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 2013 Forest River Puma. 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.