Forest River FR3 problems and owner complaints
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
17 owner complaints analyzed
13 distinct recall campaigns
11,300 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2014 to 2025 model years. Data updated: . 8 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.
This selection has limited data. It remains available for lookup but is excluded from search indexing.
Most common problems
Unknown Or Other is the most frequently named component, appearing in 9 of 17 complaints (52.9%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Braking behavior | 1 | 5.9% |
| Steering behavior | 1 | 5.9% |
| Fuel system concerns | 1 | 5.9% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Unknown Or Other | 9 |
| Exterior Lighting | 4 |
| Suspension | 3 |
| Electrical System | 2 |
| Equipment:Recreational Vehicle/Trailer | 2 |
| Equipment:Recreational Vehicle/Trailer:Lpg Systems:Tank Assembly | 1 |
| Service Brakes | 1 |
| Steering | 1 |
Unknown Or Other: 9; Exterior Lighting: 4; Suspension: 3; Electrical System: 2; Equipment:Recreational Vehicle/Trailer: 2; Equipment:Recreational Vehicle/Trailer:Lpg Systems:Tank Assembly: 1; Service Brakes: 1; Steering: 1
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 6 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 2 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 0 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 0 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 0 |
| 150,000 and above | 0 |
Under 25,000: 6; 25,000 to 49,999: 2; 50,000 to 74,999: 0; 75,000 to 99,999: 0; 100,000 to 149,999: 0; 150,000 and above: 0
Under 25,000 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (6). 9 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 2016 | 1 |
| 2017 | 2 |
| 2018 | 3 |
| 2020 | 1 |
| 2021 | 4 |
| 2023 | 2 |
| 2024 | 3 |
| 2025 | 1 |
2016: 1; 2017: 2; 2018: 3; 2020: 1; 2021: 4; 2023: 2; 2024: 3; 2025: 1
Pattern summary
Unknown Or Other leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 1 complaint narratives. Steering behavior appears in 1 complaint narratives. Fuel system concerns appears in 1 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Complaint evidence
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 11438904 · 2021-11-01 (November 1, 2021)
Our 2021 Forest River FR3 34DS is built on the 2020 Ford F53 Chassis with the V8 engine. Our unit was recalled for potentially insufficient axle lubricant. After Ford replaced the bearings, our anti-skid, ABS, and cruise-control stopped working with indicators showing that on the dash. The Ford dealer believes the problem is with the tone ring. It has been several months and the Ford dealer is unable to obtain a tone-ring. Meanwhile, the RV continues not to have these important safety features.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11438904 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11438906 · 2021-11-01 (November 1, 2021)
Our 2021 Forest River FR3 34DS is built on the 2020 Ford F53 V8 chassis. When bringing the RV in for other service, the Ford dealer noticed that one of the bolts was missing from the rear sway bar. Further inspection showed that the coupling used to attach the sway bar was seriously deformed. This had a negative impact on the steering/handling of the RV in windy weather and when being passed by semis, RVs, and local delivery box trucks. We had to wait about a month for the parts to come in and be installed. A quick google will show this …
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11438906 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11016350 · 2017-08-19 (August 19, 2017)
OVERHANG TOO MUCH FOR SUSPENSION AND SHOCKS PLACED ON VEHICLE. VEHICLE BOTTOMS OUT WHEN NOT LOADED, OR PULLING ANYTHING, WHEN UTILIZING COMMON SIMPLE DRIVEWAYS (COMMON ANGLES FOUND IN HOMES, SHOPPING CENTERS AND RELATED). THE DEFECT CAUSES THE HITCH TO BE DRAGGED CAUSING SPARKS AND IT DAMAGES THE SEVEN WAY PLUG AND HOUSING RENDERING THEM USELESS. THE BOTTOMING OUT IMPACTS THE FRAME CAUSING UNKNOWN DAMAGE TO THE SUSPENSION, FUEL TANK MOUNTING, FRAME, AND UNKNOWN OTHER CRITICAL COMPONENTS BASED ON THE DEFECTIVE DESIGN.
Owner-reported narrative. 6,500 miles reported. Look up ODI 11016350 at NHTSA ↗
Recalls by model year
All campaigns in the snapshot affecting each model year, including recalls announced years later.
Recall campaigns
Shared campaigns appear once in each affected model year.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 2014 | 1 |
| 2015 | 1 |
| 2016 | 2 |
| 2017 | 2 |
| 2018 | 2 |
| 2019 | 4 |
| 2020 | 4 |
| 2021 | 3 |
| 2022 | 3 |
| 2023 | 3 |
| 2024 | 2 |
| 2025 | 1 |
2014: 1; 2015: 1; 2016: 2; 2017: 2; 2018: 2; 2019: 4; 2020: 4; 2021: 3; 2022: 3; 2023: 3; 2024: 2; 2025: 1
Year-by-year records
Vehicle analysis explorer
Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.
Data completeness
17 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-09-30.
Missing, zero and invalid mileage is excluded. Dates after the snapshot are excluded. Examples are limited selections, not a representative sample.
Problems by model year
Model-wide comparison of the eight most reported components across the model. Cells show counts and shares within each model year. Open a cell for source examples.
| Component | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unknown Or Other | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 1100.0%ODI 11149731 · 10,100 miTHE DOOR LATCH FAILED AND CAUSED A LOCK OUT FROM RV, HAVE LOOKED AT FOREST RIVER FORUM AND READ THAT A LOT OF OTHER OWNERS HAVE BEEN EITHER LOCKED IN OR LOCKED OUT, THE ONLY SOLUTION IS EITHER CLIMB OUT OR IN AN OPEN WINDOW OR USE THE EMERGENCY EXIT.THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND WORKING FINE DURING ANY AND ALL CAMPING TRIPS, THIS HAPPENED WITH NO WARNING OF A PROBLEM | 1100.0%ODI 11124652 · 12,500 miSEVERAL TIMES WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS UNDER 30MPH, OVER BUMPY ROAD CONDITIONS (MOST RECENTLY A RAILROAD CROSSING) THE FRONT END BEGINS TO VIBRATE, SHAKE AND BOUNCE VIOLENTLY INCREASING IN INTENSITY UNTIL STOPPED COMPLETELY. THIS HAS HAPPENED AT LEAST 9 TIMES IN NON-TRAFFIC SITUATIONS. THE 10TH TIME, WHILE TRAVELING IN SINGLE LANE TWO-WAY TRAFFIC I WAS FORCED INTO A TREE LINED EMBANKMENT BEFORE BEING ABLE TO STOP AND AVOID A REAR-END COLLISION. AGAIN I WAS THEN ABLE TO DRIVE AWAY NORMALLY BUT SUSTAINED DAMAGE AND DESTRUCTION TO PARTS OF MY V… | 266.7%ODI 11016350 · 6,500 miOVERHANG TOO MUCH FOR SUSPENSION AND SHOCKS PLACED ON VEHICLE. VEHICLE BOTTOMS OUT WHEN NOT LOADED, OR PULLING ANYTHING, WHEN UTILIZING COMMON SIMPLE DRIVEWAYS (COMMON ANGLES FOUND IN HOMES, SHOPPING CENTERS AND RELATED). THE DEFECT CAUSES THE HITCH TO BE DRAGGED CAUSING SPARKS AND IT DAMAGES THE SEVEN WAY PLUG AND HOUSING RENDERING THEM USELESS. THE BOTTOMING OUT IMPACTS THE FRAME CAUSING UNKNOWN DAMAGE TO THE SUSPENSION, FUEL TANK MOUNTING, FRAME, AND UNKNOWN OTHER CRITICAL COMPONENTS BASED ON THE DEFECTIVE DESIGN. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 240.0%ODI 11553249Due to faulty welding of the supports for the onboard propane tank, the tank fell out the bottom of the rig on I-70 outside Kansas City on June 6 2023. The tank bounced around, knocking out one one of the drive shafts before bursting into flames. There was no warning before this happened as there are no sensors for that. With the rig being a total loss, there is no way to reproduce the problem. My insurance company hired a fire investigator, but findings were inconclusive due to the extent of the fire damage. I have since found others that have… | 2100.0%ODI 11522755Power Front Sun/Privacy Shade completely unrolled while driving on a 4-lane interstate going approximately 65 mph, completely blinding the driver from seeing the road, with truck traffic constantantly passing me. Unable to see where I was going at 65 mpg. Took the motorhome to the dealer. Manufacturer was notified. There was no warning prior to the shade unrolling while the vehicle was moving. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 1100.0%ODI 11688242On [XXX], while traveling in our FR3 RV to a funeral in Ohio, we experienced a serious safety failure. As we drove through heavy traffic in Cincinnati, the refrigerator detached from the wall and fell into the cabin, forcing my husband to swerve suddenly and nearly causing an accident. It fell right into the dinette seating where our grandchildren often sit to color or I sit to work. This incident resulted in significant damage to the surrounding interior and could have resulted in death or injury. The following day, while returning from the f… | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. |
| Exterior Lighting | 2100.0%ODI 10820922THE ORIGINAL HEAD LAMP MODULES ARE ABSOLUTELY USELESS AND MAKE DRIVING AT NIGHT NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE. I AM UNABLE TO DRIVE MY COACH AT NIGHT BECAUSE IT IS UNSAFE DUE TO THE INADEQUATE LIGHTING THAT FOREST RIVER HAD ORIGINALLY INSTALLED ON THE FR3. FOREST RIVER IS WELL AWARE OF THE DEFICIENCY AS THEY HAVE CHANGED TO THE UPDATED MODULE SOMEWHERE AROUND THE MIDYEAR 2015'S. FOREST RIVER RECEIVED NUMEROUS CUSTOMER COMPLAINTS FROM THE DEALERS AND THE FORUM BUT REFUSED TO HELP CUSTOMERS WHO DID NOT COMPLAIN LOUD ENOUGH OR LONG ENOUGH. I SUPPOSE NOT BEING… | 2100.0%ODI 11022199 · 19,000 miTL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 FOREST RIVER FR3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS BECOME DIM WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT, WHICH MADE IT DIFFICULT TO SEE THE ROAD IN THE RAIN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THEY WOULD SELL HIM REPLACEMENT HEADLIGHTS BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 19,000. UPDATED 11/03/17*LJ UPDATED 11/13/2017*JS *DT CONSUMER STATED HIS NEPHEW HELPED TO A… | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. |
| Suspension | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 1100.0%ODI 11124652 · 12,500 miSEVERAL TIMES WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS UNDER 30MPH, OVER BUMPY ROAD CONDITIONS (MOST RECENTLY A RAILROAD CROSSING) THE FRONT END BEGINS TO VIBRATE, SHAKE AND BOUNCE VIOLENTLY INCREASING IN INTENSITY UNTIL STOPPED COMPLETELY. THIS HAS HAPPENED AT LEAST 9 TIMES IN NON-TRAFFIC SITUATIONS. THE 10TH TIME, WHILE TRAVELING IN SINGLE LANE TWO-WAY TRAFFIC I WAS FORCED INTO A TREE LINED EMBANKMENT BEFORE BEING ABLE TO STOP AND AVOID A REAR-END COLLISION. AGAIN I WAS THEN ABLE TO DRIVE AWAY NORMALLY BUT SUSTAINED DAMAGE AND DESTRUCTION TO PARTS OF MY V… | 133.3%ODI 11016350 · 6,500 miOVERHANG TOO MUCH FOR SUSPENSION AND SHOCKS PLACED ON VEHICLE. VEHICLE BOTTOMS OUT WHEN NOT LOADED, OR PULLING ANYTHING, WHEN UTILIZING COMMON SIMPLE DRIVEWAYS (COMMON ANGLES FOUND IN HOMES, SHOPPING CENTERS AND RELATED). THE DEFECT CAUSES THE HITCH TO BE DRAGGED CAUSING SPARKS AND IT DAMAGES THE SEVEN WAY PLUG AND HOUSING RENDERING THEM USELESS. THE BOTTOMING OUT IMPACTS THE FRAME CAUSING UNKNOWN DAMAGE TO THE SUSPENSION, FUEL TANK MOUNTING, FRAME, AND UNKNOWN OTHER CRITICAL COMPONENTS BASED ON THE DEFECTIVE DESIGN. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 120.0%ODI 11438906Our 2021 Forest River FR3 34DS is built on the 2020 Ford F53 V8 chassis. When bringing the RV in for other service, the Ford dealer noticed that one of the bolts was missing from the rear sway bar. Further inspection showed that the coupling used to attach the sway bar was seriously deformed. This had a negative impact on the steering/handling of the RV in windy weather and when being passed by semis, RVs, and local delivery box trucks. We had to wait about a month for the parts to come in and be installed. A quick google will show this … | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. |
| Electrical System | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 133.3%ODI 11016350 · 6,500 miOVERHANG TOO MUCH FOR SUSPENSION AND SHOCKS PLACED ON VEHICLE. VEHICLE BOTTOMS OUT WHEN NOT LOADED, OR PULLING ANYTHING, WHEN UTILIZING COMMON SIMPLE DRIVEWAYS (COMMON ANGLES FOUND IN HOMES, SHOPPING CENTERS AND RELATED). THE DEFECT CAUSES THE HITCH TO BE DRAGGED CAUSING SPARKS AND IT DAMAGES THE SEVEN WAY PLUG AND HOUSING RENDERING THEM USELESS. THE BOTTOMING OUT IMPACTS THE FRAME CAUSING UNKNOWN DAMAGE TO THE SUSPENSION, FUEL TANK MOUNTING, FRAME, AND UNKNOWN OTHER CRITICAL COMPONENTS BASED ON THE DEFECTIVE DESIGN. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 1100.0%ODI 11688242On [XXX], while traveling in our FR3 RV to a funeral in Ohio, we experienced a serious safety failure. As we drove through heavy traffic in Cincinnati, the refrigerator detached from the wall and fell into the cabin, forcing my husband to swerve suddenly and nearly causing an accident. It fell right into the dinette seating where our grandchildren often sit to color or I sit to work. This incident resulted in significant damage to the surrounding interior and could have resulted in death or injury. The following day, while returning from the f… | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. |
| Equipment:Recreational Vehicle/Trailer | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 150.0%ODI 11570219UNKNOWN Reading Facebook message boards for FR3 and Georgetown motorhomes became aware of possible propane mount cracking and possibility of propane tank falling out while driving. Upon looking at propane tank mounts, rear mount is cracked. Failure could result in propane tank falling out while driving and cause fire. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 1100.0%ODI 11688242On [XXX], while traveling in our FR3 RV to a funeral in Ohio, we experienced a serious safety failure. As we drove through heavy traffic in Cincinnati, the refrigerator detached from the wall and fell into the cabin, forcing my husband to swerve suddenly and nearly causing an accident. It fell right into the dinette seating where our grandchildren often sit to color or I sit to work. This incident resulted in significant damage to the surrounding interior and could have resulted in death or injury. The following day, while returning from the f… | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. |
| Equipment:Recreational Vehicle/Trailer:Lpg Systems:Tank Assembly | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 150.0%ODI 11570219UNKNOWN Reading Facebook message boards for FR3 and Georgetown motorhomes became aware of possible propane mount cracking and possibility of propane tank falling out while driving. Upon looking at propane tank mounts, rear mount is cracked. Failure could result in propane tank falling out while driving and cause fire. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. |
| Service Brakes | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 120.0%ODI 11438904Our 2021 Forest River FR3 34DS is built on the 2020 Ford F53 Chassis with the V8 engine. Our unit was recalled for potentially insufficient axle lubricant. After Ford replaced the bearings, our anti-skid, ABS, and cruise-control stopped working with indicators showing that on the dash. The Ford dealer believes the problem is with the tone ring. It has been several months and the Ford dealer is unable to obtain a tone-ring. Meanwhile, the RV continues not to have these important safety features. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. |
| Steering | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 120.0%ODI 11438906Our 2021 Forest River FR3 34DS is built on the 2020 Ford F53 V8 chassis. When bringing the RV in for other service, the Ford dealer noticed that one of the bolts was missing from the rear sway bar. Further inspection showed that the coupling used to attach the sway bar was seriously deformed. This had a negative impact on the steering/handling of the RV in windy weather and when being passed by semis, RVs, and local delivery box trucks. We had to wait about a month for the parts to come in and be installed. A quick google will show this … | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. |
Darker cells indicate a larger share of submitted complaints. Components overlap. This measures complaint composition, not failure probability.
Failure mileage by component
Median and middle 50% of usable owner-reported mileages. Ranges require at least five records.
| Component | Mileage range (25th–75th percentile) | Median | Usable records | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unknown Or Other | Too few reports for a range | 11,300 mi | 4 (sparse) | ODI 11149731 · 10,100 miTHE DOOR LATCH FAILED AND CAUSED A LOCK OUT FROM RV, HAVE LOOKED AT FOREST RIVER FORUM AND READ THAT A LOT OF OTHER OWNERS HAVE BEEN EITHER LOCKED IN OR LOCKED OUT, THE ONLY SOLUTION IS EITHER CLIMB OUT OR IN AN OPEN WINDOW OR USE THE EMERGENCY EXIT.THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND WORKING FINE DURING ANY AND ALL CAMPING TRIPS, THIS HAPPENED WITH NO WARNING OF A PROBLEM ODI 11124652 · 12,500 miSEVERAL TIMES WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS UNDER 30MPH, OVER BUMPY ROAD CONDITIONS (MOST RECENTLY A RAILROAD CROSSING) THE FRONT END BEGINS TO VIBRATE, SHAKE AND BOUNCE VIOLENTLY INCREASING IN INTENSITY UNTIL STOPPED COMPLETELY. THIS HAS HAPPENED AT LEAST 9 TIMES IN NON-TRAFFIC SITUATIONS. THE 10TH TIME, WHILE TRAVELING IN SINGLE LANE TWO-WAY TRAFFIC I WAS FORCED INTO A TREE LINED EMBANKMENT BEFORE BEING ABLE TO STOP AND AVOID A REAR-END COLLISION. AGAIN I WAS THEN ABLE TO DRIVE AWAY NORMALLY BUT SUSTAINED DAMAGE AND DESTRUCTION TO PARTS OF MY V… ODI 11016350 · 6,500 miOVERHANG TOO MUCH FOR SUSPENSION AND SHOCKS PLACED ON VEHICLE. VEHICLE BOTTOMS OUT WHEN NOT LOADED, OR PULLING ANYTHING, WHEN UTILIZING COMMON SIMPLE DRIVEWAYS (COMMON ANGLES FOUND IN HOMES, SHOPPING CENTERS AND RELATED). THE DEFECT CAUSES THE HITCH TO BE DRAGGED CAUSING SPARKS AND IT DAMAGES THE SEVEN WAY PLUG AND HOUSING RENDERING THEM USELESS. THE BOTTOMING OUT IMPACTS THE FRAME CAUSING UNKNOWN DAMAGE TO THE SUSPENSION, FUEL TANK MOUNTING, FRAME, AND UNKNOWN OTHER CRITICAL COMPONENTS BASED ON THE DEFECTIVE DESIGN. |
| Exterior Lighting | Too few reports for a range | 8,500 mi | 3 (sparse) | ODI 11113959 · 250 miTHE HEADLIGHTS ARE NOT SAFE TO USE TO DRIVE AT NIGHT. HIGH BEAMS WITH FOG LIGHTS ARE SOMEWHAT BETTER BUT STILL NOT VERY BRIGHT. I HAVE HAD TO AVOID DRIVING AT ALL IF AT ALL POSSIBLE DUE TO THIS SAFETY ISSUE. I UNDERSTAND THAT BY 2017 FOREST RIVER RECOGNIZED THE PROBLEM AND UPGRADED THE HEADLIGHTS BUT HAS NOT RECALLED OR NOTIFIED PRIOR OWNERS OF THE DEFECT. *DT CONSUMER CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER. ORIGINAL HEADLIGHTS WERE REPLACED. *JB ODI 11022199 · 19,000 miTL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 FOREST RIVER FR3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS BECOME DIM WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT, WHICH MADE IT DIFFICULT TO SEE THE ROAD IN THE RAIN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THEY WOULD SELL HIM REPLACEMENT HEADLIGHTS BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 19,000. UPDATED 11/03/17*LJ UPDATED 11/13/2017*JS *DT CONSUMER STATED HIS NEPHEW HELPED TO A… ODI 11414046 · 8,500 miHEADLIGHTS ARE DIM, WILL NOT LIGHT UP THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT. HIGH BEAMS DO NOT APPEAR TO BE ANY BRIGHTER. FOREST RIVER FORUM SAYS KNOWN ISSUE WITH 2016 AND PREVIOUS FR3 MODELS. |
| Suspension | Too few reports for a range | 9,500 mi | 2 (sparse) | ODI 11124652 · 12,500 miSEVERAL TIMES WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS UNDER 30MPH, OVER BUMPY ROAD CONDITIONS (MOST RECENTLY A RAILROAD CROSSING) THE FRONT END BEGINS TO VIBRATE, SHAKE AND BOUNCE VIOLENTLY INCREASING IN INTENSITY UNTIL STOPPED COMPLETELY. THIS HAS HAPPENED AT LEAST 9 TIMES IN NON-TRAFFIC SITUATIONS. THE 10TH TIME, WHILE TRAVELING IN SINGLE LANE TWO-WAY TRAFFIC I WAS FORCED INTO A TREE LINED EMBANKMENT BEFORE BEING ABLE TO STOP AND AVOID A REAR-END COLLISION. AGAIN I WAS THEN ABLE TO DRIVE AWAY NORMALLY BUT SUSTAINED DAMAGE AND DESTRUCTION TO PARTS OF MY V… ODI 11016350 · 6,500 miOVERHANG TOO MUCH FOR SUSPENSION AND SHOCKS PLACED ON VEHICLE. VEHICLE BOTTOMS OUT WHEN NOT LOADED, OR PULLING ANYTHING, WHEN UTILIZING COMMON SIMPLE DRIVEWAYS (COMMON ANGLES FOUND IN HOMES, SHOPPING CENTERS AND RELATED). THE DEFECT CAUSES THE HITCH TO BE DRAGGED CAUSING SPARKS AND IT DAMAGES THE SEVEN WAY PLUG AND HOUSING RENDERING THEM USELESS. THE BOTTOMING OUT IMPACTS THE FRAME CAUSING UNKNOWN DAMAGE TO THE SUSPENSION, FUEL TANK MOUNTING, FRAME, AND UNKNOWN OTHER CRITICAL COMPONENTS BASED ON THE DEFECTIVE DESIGN. |
| Electrical System | Too few reports for a range | 6,500 mi | 1 (sparse) | ODI 11016350 · 6,500 miOVERHANG TOO MUCH FOR SUSPENSION AND SHOCKS PLACED ON VEHICLE. VEHICLE BOTTOMS OUT WHEN NOT LOADED, OR PULLING ANYTHING, WHEN UTILIZING COMMON SIMPLE DRIVEWAYS (COMMON ANGLES FOUND IN HOMES, SHOPPING CENTERS AND RELATED). THE DEFECT CAUSES THE HITCH TO BE DRAGGED CAUSING SPARKS AND IT DAMAGES THE SEVEN WAY PLUG AND HOUSING RENDERING THEM USELESS. THE BOTTOMING OUT IMPACTS THE FRAME CAUSING UNKNOWN DAMAGE TO THE SUSPENSION, FUEL TANK MOUNTING, FRAME, AND UNKNOWN OTHER CRITICAL COMPONENTS BASED ON THE DEFECTIVE DESIGN. |
Complaint and recall timeline
Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.
Solid line: filed complaints. Dashed amber lines: recall announcement dates for this vehicle selection; markers include all recall components. The latest month is partial. Temporal proximity does not establish causation.
Monthly counts, recall campaigns and complaint examples
| Month | Complaints | Campaigns announced | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-10 | 1 | None | ODI 11618460 · 36,000 miThe contact owns a 2021 Forest River FR3 built on a 2020 Ford F-53 Chassis. The contact stated while driving and exceeding 45 MPH, the contact noticed that the dashboard was bouncing. Additionally, the contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the bottom of the dashboard fractured and separated along with the parts attached to the dashboard. The RV was taken to the dealer, where the cause of the failure could not be determined. The dealer provided an estimate for the repair. The dealer notified the manufacturer of the failure, but t… |
| 2024-11 | 0 | 24V771000 | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2024-12 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-01 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-02 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-03 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-04 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-05 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-06 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-07 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-08 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-09 | 1 | None | ODI 11688242On [XXX], while traveling in our FR3 RV to a funeral in Ohio, we experienced a serious safety failure. As we drove through heavy traffic in Cincinnati, the refrigerator detached from the wall and fell into the cabin, forcing my husband to swerve suddenly and nearly causing an accident. It fell right into the dinette seating where our grandchildren often sit to color or I sit to work. This incident resulted in significant damage to the surrounding interior and could have resulted in death or injury. The following day, while returning from the f… |
| 2025-10 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-11 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-12 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-01 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-02 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-03 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-04 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-05 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-06 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-07 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-08 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-09 (partial) | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
Emerging complaint spikes
Complete months in the latest six months with at least 10 complaints, at least twice the preceding 12-month average, and at least three square-root deviations above that average.
This is a descriptive screening rule, not a statistical defect finding. Publicity and reporting changes can increase submissions.
No complete months meet the spike thresholds for this selection.
Equal-age model-year comparison
Model-wide cumulative reports during the first three or five calendar years, starting with the model year (age 0). Only fully elapsed windows are compared.
2022: 2 complaints · 2023: 0 complaints
| Model year | Through age 0 | Through age 1 | Through age 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 0 | 1 | 2 |
| 2023 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Date coverage across each selected cohort
| Year | Incident dates used | Filing date fallbacks | Excluded dates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Incident date is preferred when valid and no later than filing; otherwise filing date is used. Model year approximates age. Equal observation time does not adjust for sales, distance driven or reporting delays. One complaint linked to multiple model years can appear in each cohort.
Components reported together
Each cell counts unique complaints naming both components. Open a nonzero cell for examples.
| Component | Unknown Or Other | Exterior Lighting | Suspension | Electrical System | Equipment:Recreational Vehicle/Trailer | Equipment:Recreational Vehicle/Trailer:Lpg Systems:Tank Assembly | Service Brakes | Steering |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unknown Or Other | — | 0 | 2ODI 11124652 · 12,500 miSEVERAL TIMES WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS UNDER 30MPH, OVER BUMPY ROAD CONDITIONS (MOST RECENTLY A RAILROAD CROSSING) THE FRONT END BEGINS TO VIBRATE, SHAKE AND BOUNCE VIOLENTLY INCREASING IN INTENSITY UNTIL STOPPED COMPLETELY. THIS HAS HAPPENED AT LEAST 9 TIMES IN NON-TRAFFIC SITUATIONS. THE 10TH TIME, WHILE TRAVELING IN SINGLE LANE TWO-WAY TRAFFIC I WAS FORCED INTO A TREE LINED EMBANKMENT BEFORE BEING ABLE TO STOP AND AVOID A REAR-END COLLISION. AGAIN I WAS THEN ABLE TO DRIVE AWAY NORMALLY BUT SUSTAINED DAMAGE AND DESTRUCTION TO PARTS OF MY V… ODI 11016350 · 6,500 miOVERHANG TOO MUCH FOR SUSPENSION AND SHOCKS PLACED ON VEHICLE. VEHICLE BOTTOMS OUT WHEN NOT LOADED, OR PULLING ANYTHING, WHEN UTILIZING COMMON SIMPLE DRIVEWAYS (COMMON ANGLES FOUND IN HOMES, SHOPPING CENTERS AND RELATED). THE DEFECT CAUSES THE HITCH TO BE DRAGGED CAUSING SPARKS AND IT DAMAGES THE SEVEN WAY PLUG AND HOUSING RENDERING THEM USELESS. THE BOTTOMING OUT IMPACTS THE FRAME CAUSING UNKNOWN DAMAGE TO THE SUSPENSION, FUEL TANK MOUNTING, FRAME, AND UNKNOWN OTHER CRITICAL COMPONENTS BASED ON THE DEFECTIVE DESIGN. | 2ODI 11016350 · 6,500 miOVERHANG TOO MUCH FOR SUSPENSION AND SHOCKS PLACED ON VEHICLE. VEHICLE BOTTOMS OUT WHEN NOT LOADED, OR PULLING ANYTHING, WHEN UTILIZING COMMON SIMPLE DRIVEWAYS (COMMON ANGLES FOUND IN HOMES, SHOPPING CENTERS AND RELATED). THE DEFECT CAUSES THE HITCH TO BE DRAGGED CAUSING SPARKS AND IT DAMAGES THE SEVEN WAY PLUG AND HOUSING RENDERING THEM USELESS. THE BOTTOMING OUT IMPACTS THE FRAME CAUSING UNKNOWN DAMAGE TO THE SUSPENSION, FUEL TANK MOUNTING, FRAME, AND UNKNOWN OTHER CRITICAL COMPONENTS BASED ON THE DEFECTIVE DESIGN. ODI 11688242On [XXX], while traveling in our FR3 RV to a funeral in Ohio, we experienced a serious safety failure. As we drove through heavy traffic in Cincinnati, the refrigerator detached from the wall and fell into the cabin, forcing my husband to swerve suddenly and nearly causing an accident. It fell right into the dinette seating where our grandchildren often sit to color or I sit to work. This incident resulted in significant damage to the surrounding interior and could have resulted in death or injury. The following day, while returning from the f… | 2ODI 11570219UNKNOWN Reading Facebook message boards for FR3 and Georgetown motorhomes became aware of possible propane mount cracking and possibility of propane tank falling out while driving. Upon looking at propane tank mounts, rear mount is cracked. Failure could result in propane tank falling out while driving and cause fire. ODI 11688242On [XXX], while traveling in our FR3 RV to a funeral in Ohio, we experienced a serious safety failure. As we drove through heavy traffic in Cincinnati, the refrigerator detached from the wall and fell into the cabin, forcing my husband to swerve suddenly and nearly causing an accident. It fell right into the dinette seating where our grandchildren often sit to color or I sit to work. This incident resulted in significant damage to the surrounding interior and could have resulted in death or injury. The following day, while returning from the f… | 1ODI 11570219UNKNOWN Reading Facebook message boards for FR3 and Georgetown motorhomes became aware of possible propane mount cracking and possibility of propane tank falling out while driving. Upon looking at propane tank mounts, rear mount is cracked. Failure could result in propane tank falling out while driving and cause fire. | 0 | 0 |
| Exterior Lighting | 0 | — | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension | 2ODI 11124652 · 12,500 miSEVERAL TIMES WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS UNDER 30MPH, OVER BUMPY ROAD CONDITIONS (MOST RECENTLY A RAILROAD CROSSING) THE FRONT END BEGINS TO VIBRATE, SHAKE AND BOUNCE VIOLENTLY INCREASING IN INTENSITY UNTIL STOPPED COMPLETELY. THIS HAS HAPPENED AT LEAST 9 TIMES IN NON-TRAFFIC SITUATIONS. THE 10TH TIME, WHILE TRAVELING IN SINGLE LANE TWO-WAY TRAFFIC I WAS FORCED INTO A TREE LINED EMBANKMENT BEFORE BEING ABLE TO STOP AND AVOID A REAR-END COLLISION. AGAIN I WAS THEN ABLE TO DRIVE AWAY NORMALLY BUT SUSTAINED DAMAGE AND DESTRUCTION TO PARTS OF MY V… ODI 11016350 · 6,500 miOVERHANG TOO MUCH FOR SUSPENSION AND SHOCKS PLACED ON VEHICLE. VEHICLE BOTTOMS OUT WHEN NOT LOADED, OR PULLING ANYTHING, WHEN UTILIZING COMMON SIMPLE DRIVEWAYS (COMMON ANGLES FOUND IN HOMES, SHOPPING CENTERS AND RELATED). THE DEFECT CAUSES THE HITCH TO BE DRAGGED CAUSING SPARKS AND IT DAMAGES THE SEVEN WAY PLUG AND HOUSING RENDERING THEM USELESS. THE BOTTOMING OUT IMPACTS THE FRAME CAUSING UNKNOWN DAMAGE TO THE SUSPENSION, FUEL TANK MOUNTING, FRAME, AND UNKNOWN OTHER CRITICAL COMPONENTS BASED ON THE DEFECTIVE DESIGN. | 0 | — | 1ODI 11016350 · 6,500 miOVERHANG TOO MUCH FOR SUSPENSION AND SHOCKS PLACED ON VEHICLE. VEHICLE BOTTOMS OUT WHEN NOT LOADED, OR PULLING ANYTHING, WHEN UTILIZING COMMON SIMPLE DRIVEWAYS (COMMON ANGLES FOUND IN HOMES, SHOPPING CENTERS AND RELATED). THE DEFECT CAUSES THE HITCH TO BE DRAGGED CAUSING SPARKS AND IT DAMAGES THE SEVEN WAY PLUG AND HOUSING RENDERING THEM USELESS. THE BOTTOMING OUT IMPACTS THE FRAME CAUSING UNKNOWN DAMAGE TO THE SUSPENSION, FUEL TANK MOUNTING, FRAME, AND UNKNOWN OTHER CRITICAL COMPONENTS BASED ON THE DEFECTIVE DESIGN. | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1ODI 11438906Our 2021 Forest River FR3 34DS is built on the 2020 Ford F53 V8 chassis. When bringing the RV in for other service, the Ford dealer noticed that one of the bolts was missing from the rear sway bar. Further inspection showed that the coupling used to attach the sway bar was seriously deformed. This had a negative impact on the steering/handling of the RV in windy weather and when being passed by semis, RVs, and local delivery box trucks. We had to wait about a month for the parts to come in and be installed. A quick google will show this … |
| Electrical System | 2ODI 11016350 · 6,500 miOVERHANG TOO MUCH FOR SUSPENSION AND SHOCKS PLACED ON VEHICLE. VEHICLE BOTTOMS OUT WHEN NOT LOADED, OR PULLING ANYTHING, WHEN UTILIZING COMMON SIMPLE DRIVEWAYS (COMMON ANGLES FOUND IN HOMES, SHOPPING CENTERS AND RELATED). THE DEFECT CAUSES THE HITCH TO BE DRAGGED CAUSING SPARKS AND IT DAMAGES THE SEVEN WAY PLUG AND HOUSING RENDERING THEM USELESS. THE BOTTOMING OUT IMPACTS THE FRAME CAUSING UNKNOWN DAMAGE TO THE SUSPENSION, FUEL TANK MOUNTING, FRAME, AND UNKNOWN OTHER CRITICAL COMPONENTS BASED ON THE DEFECTIVE DESIGN. ODI 11688242On [XXX], while traveling in our FR3 RV to a funeral in Ohio, we experienced a serious safety failure. As we drove through heavy traffic in Cincinnati, the refrigerator detached from the wall and fell into the cabin, forcing my husband to swerve suddenly and nearly causing an accident. It fell right into the dinette seating where our grandchildren often sit to color or I sit to work. This incident resulted in significant damage to the surrounding interior and could have resulted in death or injury. The following day, while returning from the f… | 0 | 1ODI 11016350 · 6,500 miOVERHANG TOO MUCH FOR SUSPENSION AND SHOCKS PLACED ON VEHICLE. VEHICLE BOTTOMS OUT WHEN NOT LOADED, OR PULLING ANYTHING, WHEN UTILIZING COMMON SIMPLE DRIVEWAYS (COMMON ANGLES FOUND IN HOMES, SHOPPING CENTERS AND RELATED). THE DEFECT CAUSES THE HITCH TO BE DRAGGED CAUSING SPARKS AND IT DAMAGES THE SEVEN WAY PLUG AND HOUSING RENDERING THEM USELESS. THE BOTTOMING OUT IMPACTS THE FRAME CAUSING UNKNOWN DAMAGE TO THE SUSPENSION, FUEL TANK MOUNTING, FRAME, AND UNKNOWN OTHER CRITICAL COMPONENTS BASED ON THE DEFECTIVE DESIGN. | — | 1ODI 11688242On [XXX], while traveling in our FR3 RV to a funeral in Ohio, we experienced a serious safety failure. As we drove through heavy traffic in Cincinnati, the refrigerator detached from the wall and fell into the cabin, forcing my husband to swerve suddenly and nearly causing an accident. It fell right into the dinette seating where our grandchildren often sit to color or I sit to work. This incident resulted in significant damage to the surrounding interior and could have resulted in death or injury. The following day, while returning from the f… | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Equipment:Recreational Vehicle/Trailer | 2ODI 11570219UNKNOWN Reading Facebook message boards for FR3 and Georgetown motorhomes became aware of possible propane mount cracking and possibility of propane tank falling out while driving. Upon looking at propane tank mounts, rear mount is cracked. Failure could result in propane tank falling out while driving and cause fire. ODI 11688242On [XXX], while traveling in our FR3 RV to a funeral in Ohio, we experienced a serious safety failure. As we drove through heavy traffic in Cincinnati, the refrigerator detached from the wall and fell into the cabin, forcing my husband to swerve suddenly and nearly causing an accident. It fell right into the dinette seating where our grandchildren often sit to color or I sit to work. This incident resulted in significant damage to the surrounding interior and could have resulted in death or injury. The following day, while returning from the f… | 0 | 0 | 1ODI 11688242On [XXX], while traveling in our FR3 RV to a funeral in Ohio, we experienced a serious safety failure. As we drove through heavy traffic in Cincinnati, the refrigerator detached from the wall and fell into the cabin, forcing my husband to swerve suddenly and nearly causing an accident. It fell right into the dinette seating where our grandchildren often sit to color or I sit to work. This incident resulted in significant damage to the surrounding interior and could have resulted in death or injury. The following day, while returning from the f… | — | 1ODI 11570219UNKNOWN Reading Facebook message boards for FR3 and Georgetown motorhomes became aware of possible propane mount cracking and possibility of propane tank falling out while driving. Upon looking at propane tank mounts, rear mount is cracked. Failure could result in propane tank falling out while driving and cause fire. | 0 | 0 |
| Equipment:Recreational Vehicle/Trailer:Lpg Systems:Tank Assembly | 1ODI 11570219UNKNOWN Reading Facebook message boards for FR3 and Georgetown motorhomes became aware of possible propane mount cracking and possibility of propane tank falling out while driving. Upon looking at propane tank mounts, rear mount is cracked. Failure could result in propane tank falling out while driving and cause fire. | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1ODI 11570219UNKNOWN Reading Facebook message boards for FR3 and Georgetown motorhomes became aware of possible propane mount cracking and possibility of propane tank falling out while driving. Upon looking at propane tank mounts, rear mount is cracked. Failure could result in propane tank falling out while driving and cause fire. | — | 0 | 0 |
| Service Brakes | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 0 |
| Steering | 0 | 0 | 1ODI 11438906Our 2021 Forest River FR3 34DS is built on the 2020 Ford F53 V8 chassis. When bringing the RV in for other service, the Ford dealer noticed that one of the bolts was missing from the rear sway bar. Further inspection showed that the coupling used to attach the sway bar was seriously deformed. This had a negative impact on the steering/handling of the RV in windy weather and when being passed by semis, RVs, and local delivery box trucks. We had to wait about a month for the parts to come in and be installed. A quick google will show this … | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — |
Co-reporting does not establish that one component caused another concern.
Recurring narrative patterns
Specific keyword mentions beyond broad component labels. Matching includes negations and comparisons and does not confirm a diagnosis.
0 patterns with matching reports.
No narratives match the published patterns.