2011 Forest River Sandpiper problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 2 complaints on file for the 2011 Forest River Sandpiper — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 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 Sandpiper years?

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

See all Sandpiper years to avoid →

What are the most common 2011 Forest River Sandpiper problems?

Component	Complaints	Share	vs prior year
Electrical System	1	50%	— flat
Lighting	1	50%	— flat

Does the 2011 Forest River Sandpiper have recalls?

2 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.

10V460000TransmissionOctober 8, 2010 · 92 units

Defect

FOREST RIVER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 SANDPIPER AND SIERRA TRAILERS EQUIPPED WITH DEXTER AXLES. ON SOME AXLES, CRACKS COULD APPEAR IN THE SPINDLE WELD.

Consequence

THESE CRACKS CAN PROPAGATE AND CAUSE THE SPINDLE TO DETACH FROM THE AXLE TUBE, RESULTING IN THE SEPARATION OF THE WHEEL END FROM THE VEHICLE, CREATING A ROAD HAZARD AND/OR COMPROMISING THE DRIVER'S CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

FOREST RIVER IS WORKING WITH DEXTER AXLE AND WILL INSPECT THE AXLE SERIAL NUMBER AND REPLACE IT IF IT FALLS WITHIN THE SERIAL NUMBER RANGE. REPLACEMENT OF THE AXLE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 6, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FOREST RIVER'S WARRANTY DEPARTMENT AT 1-574-534-3167 OR DEXTER AXLE AT 1-800-400-2164.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“RECENTLY EXPERIENCED AN ISSUE WHERE MAIN LIGHTING AND EXTERIOR LIGHTING QUIT WORKING. AFTER TROUBLESHOOTING AND ANALYSIS, I WAS ABLE TO FIND THE ROOT CAUSE. BEHIND THE POWER INVERTER AND CABINETRY I DISCOVERED WHERE ALL THE CAMPER WIRING CAME TOGETHER. I DISCOVERED SEVERAL BUNDLES OF 12V…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · March 25, 2017

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FOREST RIVER SANDPIPER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHT BULBS WERE MELTING THE COVER. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT THE FAILURE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE. THE FAILURE WAS GETTING PROGRESSIVELY WORST. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. A DEALER WAS NOT…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · November 2, 2011 · fire

2011 Forest River Sandpiper — common questions

Is the 2011 Forest River Sandpiper reliable?

The record is thin — 2 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 2011 Forest River Sandpiper have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2011 Forest River Sandpiper. 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 Sandpiper years?

What are the most common 2011 Forest River Sandpiper problems?

Does the 2011 Forest River Sandpiper have recalls?

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

2011 Forest River Sandpiper — common questions

Is the 2011 Forest River Sandpiper reliable?

Does the 2011 Forest River Sandpiper have recalls?

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