2012 Forest River Salem problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 4 complaints on file for the 2012 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.

NHTSA complaints

Recalls

Investigations

Crash-involved

Fires reported

Injuries

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2012 compare to other Salem years?

Salem NHTSA complaints by model year, 2012 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Salem years to avoid →

What are the most common 2012 Forest River Salem problems?

Component	Complaints	Share	vs prior year
Other	1	25%	▼ down
Body & Structure	1	25%	— flat
Suspension	1	25%	— flat
Tires & Wheels	1	25%	— flat

Does the 2012 Forest River Salem have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign 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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FOREST RIVER SALEM. AFTER HITTING A LARGE BUMP OR POTHOLE, THE VEHICLE ABNORMALLY LOWERED CLOSE TO THE GROUND. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V554000…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · October 20, 2015

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FOREST RIVER SALEM. AFTER HITTING A LARGE BUMP OR POTHOLE, THE VEHICLE ABNORMALLY LOWERED CLOSE TO THE GROUND. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V554000…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · October 20, 2015

“CPSC: I1350263A. CONSUMER STATED AFTER PURCHASING A TRAVEL TRAILER SHE DISCOVERED IT LACKED AN OUTSIDE EXHAUST VENT FOR A RANGE HOOD OVER THE GAS RANGE. *LN THE CONSUMER CONTACTED THE FACTORY REPRESENTATIVE AND HE DISAGREED THAT AN OUTSIDE EXHAUST WAS NEEDED AND THAT A RECIRCULATING TYPE HOOD WAS…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · February 1, 2013

“2015 FOREST RIVER SALEM HEMISPHERE 5TH WHEEL. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO GAP ON PASSENGER SIDE OF CAMPER IN FRONT OF BATTERY BOX CAUSED BY FAILING WELDS. *LD *JS”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · August 27, 2019

2012 Forest River Salem — common questions

Is the 2012 Forest River Salem reliable?

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

Does the 2012 Forest River Salem have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2012 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 2012 compare to other Salem years?

What are the most common 2012 Forest River Salem problems?

Does the 2012 Forest River Salem have recalls?

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

2012 Forest River Salem — common questions

Is the 2012 Forest River Salem reliable?

Does the 2012 Forest River Salem have recalls?

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