VehicleVerdict

2018 Forest River R-Pod problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 12 complaints on file for the 2018 Forest River R-Pod — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

12

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2018 compare to other R-Pod years?

R-Pod NHTSA complaints by model year, 2018 highlighted13 complaints2009: 0 complaints2010: 1 complaints2011: 3 complaints2012: 2 complaints2015: 3 complaints2016: 3 complaints2017: 3 complaints2018: 12 complaints2019: 13 complaints2020: 11 complaints2021: 9 complaints2022: 3 complaints2023: 0 complaints2024: 1 complaints2025: 0 complaints
R-Pod NHTSA complaints by model year, 2018 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all R-Pod years to avoid →

What are the most common 2018 Forest River R-Pod problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Body & Structure325%
Tires & Wheels325%
Other217%
Suspension217%
Electrical System18%
Fuel System18%

Does the 2018 Forest River R-Pod have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

20V763000OtherDecember 10, 2020 · 2,828 units

Defect

Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2018-2020 RPOD travel trailers. The sewer termination bracket may fail, causing the plumbing to drag on the ground or to detach completely.

Consequence

If the plumbing were to detach, it can become a road hazard and increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Forest River will notify owners, and dealers will install a new securement bracket, free of charge. The recall began January 12, 2021. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-574-642-3119, option 2. Forest River's number for this recall is 51-1265.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 FOREST RIVER R-POD EQUIPPED WITH CASTLE ROCK RADIAL ST226 TIRES, SIZE: ST225/75/R15 (NA). WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 66 MPH, THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE AXIAL TIRE SUDDENLY BLEW OUT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER AND LOCAL DEALER WERE NOT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · June 29, 2019

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 FOREST RIVER R-POD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRACKET DETACHED FROM THE TRAILER. THE CONTACT TEMPORARILY REPAIRED THE FAILURE WITH A SCREW TO HOLD THE BRACKET TOGETHER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT YET DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. UPON INVESTIGATION, THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · March 8, 2021

“MANUFACTURING DEFECT IN THERMOSTAT WIRE TO LIQUID PROPANE TANK. (XXXXXX). PROPANE HEAT WOULD NOT TURN OFF. TOOK IN FOR WARRANTY WORK AND WAS ADVISED THE CAUSE WAS A CRIMPED WIRE IN THE MANUFACTURING PROCESS. IF WE WERE NOT PRESENT TO SHUT OFF THE PROPANE TANK, IT WOULD HAVE BURNT DOWN OR WORSE. *DT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · November 17, 2018

“The contact owns a 2018 Forest River R-Pod Towable. The contact stated while stepping on the RV floor, the contact noticed that the side of the floor located behind the axle was sagging. Additionally, the contact stated that the driver's side outriggers were significantly corroded, fractured, and…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · October 24, 2024

“I just encountered an issue that could have been disastrous with our Rpod 177 travel trailer camper. The other day I happened to pull back the bed plywood and noticed that the propane hose and also 120 wire were chewed up from two long, sharp screws that hold some of the wood together by the water…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · July 25, 2022

2018 Forest River R-Pod — common questions

Is the 2018 Forest River R-Pod reliable?

The record is thin — 12 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2018 R-Pod problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are body & structure (3 complaints), tires & wheels (3 complaints), suspension (2 complaints).

Does the 2018 Forest River R-Pod have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2018 Forest River R-Pod. 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.