2014 Coachmen Encounter problems: recalls, complaints and what to check
NHTSA has 3 recalls and 1 owner complaint on file for the 2014 Coachmen Encounter. Here is what they are, what a technician checks for each kind of fault, and how to look one over before you buy it.
Other: 2 recalls, 1 complaint
Recall 15V798000 (25/11/2015): EQUIPMENT:RECREATIONAL VEHICLE/TRAILER
Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2014 FR3, 2009 Forest River Encore, Sportscoach Elite, and Aurora, 2008-2009 Cruise Master, 2012-2015 Aviator, 2007-2014 Georgetown, 2007-2009 Legend, 2008-2012 Ridgeview, 2008-2014 Cross Country, 2010-2014 Coachmen Encounter, 2009-2014 Pathfinder, Solera, Mirada, Prism, and Pursuit motorhomes. The affected vehicles are equipped with certain Lippert-brand Coachstep Double and Triple Electric Steps. These steps use a bolt to attach the fan gear assembly to the steps. This bolt may fracture allowing the fan gear to disengage from the steps. As a result, the steps may not remain in the expected position and may be unstable.
Fix: Forest River will notify owners and dealers will install a retainer bracket to reinforce the operating mechanism, free of charge. Forest River issued an interim notification to owners on January 7, 2016. The recall began on March 3, 2016. Owners may contact Forest River customer service number at 1-574-389-4600. Forest River's number for this recall is 51-11102015-0109. Or owners can contact Lippert Components at 1-574-537-8900.
Recall 13V203000 (17/05/2013): EQUIPMENT
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.
Fix: 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.
Axles, brakes, suspension and hitch: 1 recall, 1 complaint
Recall 15V576000 (16/09/2015): TRAILER HITCHES
Forest River, Inc., (Forest River) is recalling certain 2011-2016 Coachmen Pursuit, Mirada, and Encounter motorhomes manufactured from March 1, 2011, through September 11, 2015. In the affected vehicles, the trailer hitch attaching bolts and nuts may not have been properly tightened, allowing the hitch to detach during use.
Fix: Forest River will notify owners, and dealers will install a new fastener kit, free of charge. The recall began on October 9, 2015. Owners West of the Mississippi River may contact Forest River customer service at 1-574-825-8317. Owners East of the Mississippi River may contact Forest River customer service at 1-574-825-8305. Forest River's campaign number for this recall is 310-09112015-0086.
What a tech checks: Bearings, brake magnets, worn shackle bolts and bent axles. A trailer that wears tires on the inside edge or pulls to one side usually has an axle or suspension problem. Before you buy: Bolts tight, springs not flat, brakes apply with the breakaway pin pulled.
Chassis and towing lessons · Trailer guide
Motorhome chassis: 1 complaint
What a tech checks: The chassis (Ford, Freightliner, Mercedes, Ram) is serviced by the chassis maker's dealer, not the RV shop. RV techs handle the house, not the drivetrain. Before you buy: Chassis recalls are fixed free at the chassis maker's dealer.
What owners reported to NHTSA
06/14/2014, SUSPENSION,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC): HYDRAULIC LEVELING JACKS CONTINUED GOING UP AND DOWN MAKING IT UNSAFE TO DRIVE. MANUFACTURING COMPANY (LIPPERT LCI), REFUSES TO REPAIR UNDER WARRANTY OR ACKNOWLEDGE DEFECT. HE PROBLEM HAS BEEN ONGOING SINCE LAST SEPTEMBER. THIS IS A DANGEROUS SITUATION AND SINCE THEY ARE THE LARGEST MANUFACTUER OF THIS PRODUCT AN INVESTIGATION IS NEEDED. UPDATED 1/16/15 *JS
Looking at a 2014 Coachmen Encounter?
The Buyer's Check walks you through it on your phone: what to ask, the outside walk-around, water damage, every system on every power source, with the recalls above built in. You get a report that says what's a walk-away and what to negotiate on.
Checked against NHTSA 2026-10-23. Recall repairs are free at an authorized dealer. Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA and are not verified.