2014 Coachmen Freedom Express problems: recalls, complaints and what to check
NHTSA has 3 recalls and 4 owner complaints on file for the 2014 Coachmen Freedom Express. 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 17V756000 (22/11/2017): EQUIPMENT
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
Fix: 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.
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.
Structure, roof and leaks: 1 recall, 3 complaints
Recall 17V611000 (02/10/2017): STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2013-2014 Coachmen Freedom Express recreational trailers. The frames on these vehicles may not have had reinforcement stiffeners welded onto the exterior I-Beam in the axle area, allowing the axles to be misaligned.
Fix: Forest River will notify owners, and the frame manufacturer will inspect the trailer for frame reinforcements, installing them as necessary and secure the axle mountings, free of charge. The recall began on October 24, 2017. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-574-825-8205, or Lippert Components customer service at 1-574-537-8900. Forest River's number for this recall is 220-0529.
What a tech checks: Roof sealant, seams, window and slide seals, and the frame. Water intrusion shows up as delamination, soft floors and stained ceilings months after the leak started. Before you buy: Press the sidewalls and walk the floor; look at every seam and seal.
Roof, leaks and body lessons · Seals and leaks guide
Axles, brakes, suspension and hitch: 2 complaints
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
What owners reported to NHTSA
08/28/2016, STRUCTURE,WHEELS: BLEW A TRAIL EXPRESS POWER TOWING 225/75R/15 LOAD RANGE D THIS PAST WEEKEND ON MY 2014 COACHMAN 320BHDS. IT MADE A LOUD BLAST AND I PULLED OVER INSTANTLY. I JUST FILLED THE TIRES TO THEIR RECOMMENDED TIRE PRESSURE OF 65 PSI BEFORE I LEFT. TIRES HAVE MAX OF 2500 MILES ON THEM.
06/27/2016, WHEELS: BLEW A TRAIL EXPRESS POWER TOWING 225/75R/15 LOAD RANGE D TIRE THIS PAST WEEKEND ON MY 2014 COACHMAN 320BHDS. IT MADE A LOUD BLAST AND I PULLED OVER INSTANTLY. I JUST FILLED THE TIRES TO THEIR RECOMMENDED TIRE PRESSURE OF 65 PSI BEFORE I LEFT. TIRES HAVE MAX OF 2500 MILES ON THEM. TRAILER WAS BEING PULLED AT 62 MPH ON INTERSTATE I-29. I WAS 30 MILES INTO MY TRIP THAT WAS 120 MILES TO MY DESTINATION.
06/24/2016, STRUCTURE: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 COACHMEN FREEDOM EXPRESS BEING HAULED BY A 2014 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 3500. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH OVER A RAILROAD TRACK, THE FRAMING FRACTURED AND THE TRAILER DETACHED WITHOUT WARNING. THE TRAVEL TRAILER WAS TOWED TO A REPAIR SHOP FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE INSURANCE COMPANY AND THE MANUFACTURER HAD TWO DIFFERENT RECOMMENDATIONS; THEREFORE, THE CONTACT WAS UNCERTAIN AS TO WHO W
04/24/2026, STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER: The steel I-beam that is the basic frame on this trailer has extensive cracking and breakage. The steel hanger that holds up the leaf spring in completely broken away from the frame and the rear most axle. A certified RV service repair shop investigated the problem and declared there is so much cracking that the trailer in totaled and undrivable. If driven further there is a chance the real axle will fall away fro
Looking at a 2014 Coachmen Freedom Express?
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.