VehicleVerdict

2004 Forest River Wildcat problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 14 complaints on file for the 2004 Forest River Wildcat — 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.

14

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

NCAP overall

How does 2004 compare to other Wildcat years?

See all Wildcat years to avoid →

What are the most common 2004 Forest River Wildcat problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Body & Structure429%
Tires & Wheels429%
Suspension321%
Other214%
Transmission17%

Does the 2004 Forest River Wildcat 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.

08V346000OtherJuly 7, 2008 · 107,417 units

Defect

FOREST RIVER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MY 2003-2006 MOTOR HOMES, FIFTH WHEEL AND TRAVEL TRAILERS EQUIPPED WITH A TWO-DOOR REFRIGERATOR MANUFACTURED BY THE DOMETIC CORPORATION. THE REFRIGERATOR 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

IF THIS SOLUTION IS EXPOSED TO AN IGNITION SOURCE UNDER CERTAIN SPECIFIC CIRCUMSTANCES, IT CAN RESULT IN A VEHICLE FIRE.

Remedy

FOREST RIVER IS WORKING WITH DOMETIC TO REPAIR THESE REFRIGERATORS (PLEASE SEE 08E032). 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 THE OWNER 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.

TIRE BLEW ON 2004 FOREST RIVER WILDCAT 28BH FIFTH WHEEL. 2ND OF 3 TIRES IN 2 MONTHS. DESTROYED UNDER CARRIAGE OF FIFTH WHEEL ABOVE WHEEL WHICH IS WHERE THE WATER HEATER IS LOCATED AND WATER PIPES GOING TOO IT. AS USUAL DEALER AGAIN SAID IT WAS ROAD DAMAGE AND NOTHING HE COULD DO CARLISLE TIRES). *NM

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · September 22, 2006

I OWN A 2004 FIFTH WHEEL TRAILER. I HAVE NOTICED THE WEB OF THE FRAME CRACKING OVER THE SHACKLE MOUNTS FOR SOME TIME AND HAVE BEEN KEEPING A CLOSE EYE ON IT. I HAVE JUST NOTICED NOW THAT THE FRAME IS BROKEN UP NEAR THE HITCH AND CAN NO LONGER BE TOWED WITH OUT REPAIR. I HAVE NOT, IN MY OPINION,…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · April 7, 2010

THIS 2004 FOREST RIVER WILDCAT 26FBS TRAVEL TRAILER SUFFERED FROM A FAILURE OF THE TRAILER FRAME, SPECIFICALLY WITH THE HANGER BRACKETS THAT SERVE AS THE ATTACHMENT POINT FOR TORSION AXLES TO THE TRAILER ITSELF. THE DAMAGE INITIALLY WENT UNNOTICED, BUT UPON ARRIVAL AT HOME I NOTICED THAT THE…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · June 9, 2014

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FOREST RIVER FORESTER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE REGARDING THE DOMETIC REFRIGERATOR. HE WAS NOT SATISFIED WITH THE REMEDY TO REPAIR THE FAILURE BECAUSE IT CONSISTED OF PLACING A HEAT SHIELD OVER THE FAILED EQUIPMENT IN CASE A FIRE OCCURS. HE FELT THAT THE…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · December 3, 2008

2004 Forest River Wildcat — common questions

Is the 2004 Forest River Wildcat reliable?

The record is thin — 14 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2004 Wildcat problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are tires & wheels (4 complaints), body & structure (4 complaints), suspension (3 complaints).

Does the 2004 Forest River Wildcat have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2004 Forest River Wildcat. 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.