2002 Forest River Wildcat problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 5 complaints on file for the 2002 Forest River Wildcat — 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 2002 compare to other Wildcat years?

Wildcat NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Wildcat years to avoid →

What are the most common 2002 Forest River Wildcat problems?

Component	Complaints	Share	vs prior year
Other	2	40%	new
Body & Structure	1	20%	new
Suspension	1	20%	new
Tires & Wheels	1	20%	new

Does the 2002 Forest River Wildcat 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 WILDCAT RV. THE VEHICLE HAS A DOMETIC REFRIGERATOR, MODEL NUMBER RM2652. THE CONTACT OBSERVED A FATIGUE CRACK IN THE BOILER TUBE, WHICH CAUSED COOLANT SOLUTION TO LEAK. THE RELEASE OF COOLANT UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS COULD IGNITE AND RESULT IN A FIRE. HE…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · September 4, 2009

“DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THREE TIRES BLEW OUT ON THE TRAVEL TRAILER. UPON INSPECTING OF THE VEHICLE THE WELD WAS NOTICED TO BE BROKEN WHERE THE REAR SPRING CONNECTS TO THE FRAME. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BROKEN WELD MAY BE THE REASON FOR THE TIRE FAILURES. THE DEALERSHIP HAS BEEN ALERTED AND…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · June 22, 2006

“ON THREE OCCASIONS, CARLISLE TIRES PROPERLY MAINTAINED AND INFLATED TO THEIR PUBLISHED SPECIFICATIONS BLEW OUT CAUSING EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO A FIFTH WHEEL TRAILER. VEHICLE WAS BEING OPERATED AT 60 MPH WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURRED. TIRES WERE RETURNED TO CARLISLE FOR INSPECTION AND THEY STATED THEY WERE…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · November 18, 2011

“DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THREE TIRES BLEW OUT ON THE TRAVEL TRAILER. UPON INSPECTING OF THE VEHICLE THE WELD WAS NOTICED TO BE BROKEN WHERE THE REAR SPRING CONNECTS TO THE FRAME. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BROKEN WELD MAY BE THE REASON FOR THE TIRE FAILURES. THE DEALERSHIP HAS BEEN ALERTED AND…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · June 22, 2006

2002 Forest River Wildcat — common questions

Is the 2002 Forest River Wildcat reliable?

The record is thin — 5 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 2002 Forest River Wildcat have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2002 Forest River Wildcat. 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 2002 compare to other Wildcat years?

What are the most common 2002 Forest River Wildcat problems?

Does the 2002 Forest River Wildcat have recalls?

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

2002 Forest River Wildcat — common questions

Is the 2002 Forest River Wildcat reliable?

Does the 2002 Forest River Wildcat have recalls?

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