2005 Forest River Wildcat problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 4 complaints on file for the 2005 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.

NHTSA complaints

Recalls

Investigations

Crash-involved

Fires reported

Injuries

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2005 compare to other Wildcat years?

Wildcat NHTSA complaints by model year, 2005 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Wildcat years to avoid →

What are the most common 2005 Forest River Wildcat problems?

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

Does the 2005 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.

“THIS PAST MARCH I REPLACED MY 5 YEAR OLD FIFTH-WHEEL TRAILER TIRES (LOAD RANGE D) WITH SECURA SST 225-75/15 TIRES (E RATED TIRES). MY FIRST CAMPING TRIP IN APRIL OF APPROX 300 MILES I HAD NO PROBLEMS. OVER THE JULY 4TH HOLIDAY ANOTHER TRIP OF AROUND 400 MILES RESULTED IN A BLOWOUT WITH TIRETREAD…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · August 13, 2009

“2005 FOREST RIVER WILDCAT RV WITH DOMETIC REFRIGERATOR RECALL PROBLEM. *NJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE BOILER TUBE IN HIS RV CRACKED AND RELEASED PRESSURIZED COOLANT. THE CONSUMER STATED THE MANUFACTURER'S RESOLUTION WAS TO INSTALL A LIGHT SHEET METAL AROUND THE BACK PART OF THE UNIT. THE REPAIR WAS…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · March 1, 2008

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FOREST RIVER WILDCAT TRAILER. WHILE EXAMINING THE VEHICLE THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE REAR AXLE HAD SEPARATED FROM THE MOUNTING. THE CONTACT ALSO NOTICED CRACKS IN THE AXLE WHERE IT WAS WELDED TO THE TRAILER. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED AND THERE WERE NO PRIOR…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · September 19, 2010

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FOREST RIVER WILDCAT TRAILER. WHILE EXAMINING THE VEHICLE THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE REAR AXLE HAD SEPARATED FROM THE MOUNTING. THE CONTACT ALSO NOTICED CRACKS IN THE AXLE WHERE IT WAS WELDED TO THE TRAILER. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED AND THERE WERE NO PRIOR…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · September 19, 2010

2005 Forest River Wildcat — common questions

Is the 2005 Forest River Wildcat reliable?

The record is thin — 4 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 2005 Forest River Wildcat have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2005 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 2005 compare to other Wildcat years?

What are the most common 2005 Forest River Wildcat problems?

Does the 2005 Forest River Wildcat have recalls?

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

2005 Forest River Wildcat — common questions

Is the 2005 Forest River Wildcat reliable?

Does the 2005 Forest River Wildcat have recalls?

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