VehicleVerdict

2013 Palomino Columbus problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 18 complaints on file for the 2013 Palomino Columbus — 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.

18

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

1

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2013 compare to other Columbus years?

Columbus NHTSA complaints by model year, 2013 highlighted23 complaints2012: 3 complaints2013: 18 complaints2014: 23 complaints2015: 1 complaints2016: 1 complaints2017: 0 complaints2018: 1 complaints2021: 0 complaints
Columbus NHTSA complaints by model year, 2013 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Columbus years to avoid →

What are the most common 2013 Palomino Columbus problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes1478%
Suspension317%
Body & Structure16%

Does the 2013 Palomino Columbus have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

16V828000OtherNovember 15, 2016 · 1,104 units

Defect

Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain model year 2015-2017 FR3 motorhomes manufactured September 24, 2014, to May 12, 2016; 2015-2017 Prime Time Spartan toyhaulers manufactured June 10, 2014, to May 31, 2016; 2013-2016 Palomino Columbus toyhaulers manufactured October 4, 2012, to December 4, 2015; and 2015-2016 XLR Thunderbolt and Nitro toyhaulers manufactured May 23, 2014, to November 23, 2016. These vehicles were equipped with certain aluminum, black, ladders manufactured by Christianson Industries. The affected ladders have retractable hinges, each with a welded 'top hat' that can separate from the hinge.

Consequence

If the hinges separate from the ladder while in use, the ladder may fall from the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy

Forest River will notify owners, and dealers will install a remedy kit to correct the issue, free of charge. The recall began on January 3, 2017. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-574-206-7600. Forest River's number for this recall is 51-11102016-0271.

13V203000OtherMay 17, 2013 · 9,526 units

Defect

Forest River is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Forest River models Blue Ridge, Cardinal, Cherokee, Columbus, EVO, Georgetown, Flagstaff, Forester, Lexington, Puma, Rockwood, Sabre, Salem, Sandpiper, Sandstorm, Sierra, Stealth, Sunseeker, Wildcat, Wildwood, Work and Play and XLR; Coachmen models Brookstone, Catalina, Chaparral, Concord, Encounter, Freedom Express, Freelander, Leprechaun, Mirada, Pursuit, and Sportcoach; Prime Time models Avenger, Crusader, Lacrosse, Saniber, and Tracer; Palomino model Maverick Truck Camper; Cargo Mate model Eliminator and Shasta models Revere, Phoenix recreational vehicles manufactured from February 13, 2013, through April 18, 2013. Due to a design change in the power awning motor assembly, the motor assembly screws may unknowingly shear.

Consequence

If the motor assembly screws shear, it is possible that the awning can unfurl unexpectedly, either while the vehicle is at rest or while in transit, increasing the risk of personal injury or a vehicle crash.

Remedy

Forest River will notify owners and Dometic staff will replace the affected motors with motors of a different design. The safety recall began on July 29, 2013. Owners may contact Forest River at 1-574-389-4600 or Dometic at 1-888-447-0003 for more information. Owners are being instructed not to drive their vehicle until repairs can be performed.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“THE LIPPERT 6K AXLE ON THE LISTED 5TH WHEEL TRAILER, WHEEL SEALS FAILED ALLOWING GREASE TO CONTAMINATE THE BRAKE SHOES, DIMINISHING OR ELIMINATING BRAKING ABILITY OF THE TRAILER. THIS IS AN ON GOING AND RE-OCCURRING PROBLEM WITH THESE AXLES, NOT JUST ON THE COLUMBUS/FOREST RIVER LINE. PHOTOGRAPHS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · January 16, 2014

“THE 5TH WHEEL TRAILER WE PURCHASED CAME WITH SUPPLIED 6000 PND LIPPERT AXLES. THE AXLES ARE TOO SMALL FOR THE WEIGHT CARRIED ON THIS TRAILER. 7000 OR 8000 POUND AXLES SHOULD BE STANDARD. IN 2013 THIS IS WHAT THEY USED. IN SUBSEQUENT YEARS, THEY USED HEAVIER AXLES. WE ARE EDUCATED TO THIS AND ARE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · November 26, 2016 · fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FOREST RIVER COLUMBUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FLOOR IN THE KITCHEN OF THE RV HAD BECOME VERY SOFT. THE RECREATIONAL VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80. ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · May 1, 2016

2013 Palomino Columbus — common questions

Is the 2013 Palomino Columbus reliable?

The record is thin — 18 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 2013 Columbus problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (14 complaints), suspension (3 complaints), body & structure (1 complaints).

Does the 2013 Palomino Columbus have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2013 Palomino Columbus. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2013 Palomino Columbus under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

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.