VehicleVerdict

2002 Forest River Salem problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just one complaint on file for the 2002 Forest River Salem — 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.

1

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2002 compare to other Salem years?

Salem NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 highlighted22 complaints1997: 0 complaints1998: 0 complaints1999: 0 complaints2000: 0 complaints2001: 3 complaints2002: 1 complaints2003: 9 complaints2004: 5 complaints2005: 0 complaints2006: 0 complaints2007: 0 complaints2008: 3 complaints2009: 0 complaints2010: 2 complaints2011: 3 complaints2012: 4 complaints2013: 2 complaints2014: 1 complaints2015: 14 complaints2016: 15 complaints2017: 6 complaints2018: 7 complaints2019: 9 complaints2020: 14 complaints2021: 4 complaints2022: 22 complaints2023: 3 complaints2024: 8 complaints2025: 7 complaints2026: 0 complaints
Salem NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Salem years to avoid →

What are the most common 2002 Forest River Salem problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System1100%

Does the 2002 Forest River Salem have recalls?

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

07V085000OtherMarch 5, 2007 · 128,000 units

Defect

CERTAIN RECREATIONAL VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A TWO-DOOR REFRIGERATOR, MANUFACTURED BY THE DOMETIC CORPORATION, MAY HAVE A DEFECT IN THE BOILER TUBE. PRESSURIZED COOLANT SOLUTION COULD BE RELEASED INTO AN AREA WHERE AN IGNITION SOURCE (GAS FLAME) IS PRESENT.

Consequence

RELEASE OF COOLANT UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS COULD IGNITE AND RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy

FOREST RIVER WILL BE WORKING WITH DOMETIC IN ORDER TO REPAIR THESE REFRIGERATORS (PLEASE SEE 06E076). DOMETIC WILL REPAIR THESE REFRIGERATORS BY INSTALLING A SECONDARY BURN HOUSING, A THERMAL FUSE, AND A MELT FUSE FREE OF CHARGE. DOMETIC HAS RETAINED STERICYCLE INC. TO MANAGE THIS CAMPAIGN. STERICYCLE WILL ASSIST YOU IN LOCATING DEALERSHIPS OR SERVICE CENTERS AND WILL PROVIDE ASSISTANCE WITH SCHEDULING OF APPOINTMENTS. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOMETIC/STERICYCLE AT 1-888-446-5157 OR FOREST RIVER AT 1-574-389-4600,

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FOREST RIVER SALEM. THE CONTACT STATED HE EXPERIENCED A LOSS OF ELECTRICAL POWER ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE RV. THE RV WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 98E028000 (ELECTRICAL…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · September 1, 2011

2002 Forest River Salem — common questions

Is the 2002 Forest River Salem reliable?

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

Does the 2002 Forest River Salem have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2002 Forest River Salem. 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.