2011 Forest River Salem problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 3 complaints on file for the 2011 Forest River Salem — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 3 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

NHTSA complaints

Recalls

Investigations

Crash-involved

Fires reported

Injuries

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2011 compare to other Salem years?

Salem NHTSA complaints by model year, 2011 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Salem years to avoid →

What are the most common 2011 Forest River Salem problems?

Component	Complaints	Share	vs prior year
Brakes	1	33%	new
Body & Structure	1	33%	— flat
Suspension	1	33%	▼ down

Does the 2011 Forest River Salem have recalls?

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

17V756000OtherNovember 22, 2017 · 365,885 units

Defect

Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2003-2018 Forest River Berkshire, Charleston, Rockport, Cedar Creek, Cherokee, Riverstone, Salem, Sandpiper, Sierra, Vengeance, Wildcat, Wildwood, XLR Boost, Cargo Mate, Continental Cargo, motorhomes, recreational trailers, toyhaulers, cargo trailers and restroom trailers and 2009-2018 Coachmen Mirada, Pursuit, Concord, Leprechaun, Freelander, Orion and Prism motorhomes, 2009-2017 Coachmen Apex and Catalina recreational trailers, and 2013-2017 Shasta Oasis and Revere recreational trailers, equipped with Kidde Plastic-Handle or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers. These extinguishers may become clogged, preventing the extinguisher from discharging as expected or excessive force may be needed to activate the extinguisher. Additionally, in certain models, the nozzle may detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury and also render the product inoperable. For a full list of the affected fire extinguisher models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17E062-5427.pdf

Consequence

In the event of a fire, if the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy

Forest River will notify owners, instructing them to contact Kidde for a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began on December 27, 2017. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-800-348-7440, or Kidde customer service toll free at 1-855-262-3540, or online at www.kidde.com and click on "Product Safety Recall" for more information. Forest River's number for this recall is 51-0544.

11V017000SuspensionJanuary 14, 2011 · 115 units

Defect

FOREST RIVER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010-2011 SALEM TRAVEL TRAILERS MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 25, 2009, THROUGH JANUARY 13, 2011. THE BOTTOM LEAF ON THE LEAF SPRINGS MAY ROTATE OUT OF POSITION AND MAKE CONTACT WITH THE TIRE.

Consequence

THIS WILL CAUSE THE TIRE TO BLOW OUT WITHOUT WARNING AND A LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE RESULTING IN PROPERTY DAMAGE AND/OR PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL PLACE TWO SQUARE BEND "U" BOLTS WITH WASHERS AND NUTS AND RETAINING PLATE THAT WILL BE CENTERED ON THE SPRING CENTER BOLT TO RESTRAIN THE LOWER SPRING LEAF. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 3, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FOREST RIVER AT 574-389-4600.

10V281000OtherJune 24, 2010 · 1,488 units

Defect

FOREST RIVER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 SALEM AND WILDWOOD TRAVEL AND FIFTH WHEEL TRAILERS MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 2009 THROUGH JUNE 11, 2010. THE TEMPERATURE CONTROL MECHANISM OF THE WATER HEATER MAY HAVE BEEN DAMAGED DURING INSTALLATION IN THE UNIT. AS A RESULT, THE BURNER MAY FLAME UP OUT OF CONTROL WHEN LIT.

Consequence

THE EXCESS FLAME OUTSIDE OF THE BURNER CHAMBER CAN RESULT IN A FIRE IN THE RV TRAILER.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPAIR OR REPLACE THE WATER HEATER FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 15, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FOREST RIVER AT 574-534-6913.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORREST RIVER SALEM. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, ANOTHER DRIVER ALERTED HER THAT THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS MANEUVERED TO THE SHOULDER. THE CONTACT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE, WHICH WAS LOCATED ON THE REAR AXLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · October 28, 2011 · fire

“THE MAIN FRAME OF THE TRAILER HAS FAILED DOE TO A GROSS ERROR OF THE MECHANICAL DESIGN IN MAKING THE FRONT CROSSMEMBER TOO THIN TO SUPPORT THE WEIGHT OF THE TRAILER. ADDITIONALLY, THE REQUIREMENT TO USE A LOAD LEVELER BY THE DEALER AS RECOMMENDED BY THE MANUFACTURER INCREASES THIS LOAD TO THE POINT…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · August 31, 2010

“THE MAIN FRAME OF THE TRAILER HAS FAILED DOE TO A GROSS ERROR OF THE MECHANICAL DESIGN IN MAKING THE FRONT CROSSMEMBER TOO THIN TO SUPPORT THE WEIGHT OF THE TRAILER. ADDITIONALLY, THE REQUIREMENT TO USE A LOAD LEVELER BY THE DEALER AS RECOMMENDED BY THE MANUFACTURER INCREASES THIS LOAD TO THE POINT…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · August 31, 2010

2011 Forest River Salem — common questions

Is the 2011 Forest River Salem reliable?

The record is thin — 3 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 3 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 2011 Forest River Salem have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2011 Forest River Salem. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.

How does 2011 compare to other Salem years?

What are the most common 2011 Forest River Salem problems?

Does the 2011 Forest River Salem have recalls?

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

2011 Forest River Salem — common questions

Is the 2011 Forest River Salem reliable?

Does the 2011 Forest River Salem have recalls?

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