2012 Coachmen Prism problems: recalls, complaints and what to check
NHTSA has 4 recalls and 2 owner complaints on file for the 2012 Coachmen Prism. 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, 2 complaints
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 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.
LP gas and gas appliances: 1 recall
Recall 14V499000 (13/08/2014): EQUIPMENT:RECREATIONAL VEHICLE/TRAILER:LPG SYSTEMS
Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain model year 2012-2015 Coachmen 2150LE Prism motor homes manufactured July 2011 to May 2014. Due to the welds being in an improper location, the liquid propane (LP) tank support braces may not be secure, allowing the LP tank to drop and fall off the vehicle while in transit.
Fix: Forest River will notify owners, and dealers will install a repair kit, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during October 2014. Owners may contact Coachmen customer service at 1-800-353-7383.
What a tech checks: Regulator, lines and fittings, then the appliances: furnace, water heater, range. A proper pressure-drop leak test is the first thing a tech does on an LP complaint. Before you buy: Smell for gas with the tank open; have a shop do the leak test.
LP and furnace lessons · Furnace guide · Furnace 3D lab · Water heater 3D lab
Motorhome chassis: 1 recall
Recall 16V267000 (03/05/2016): AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain model year 2007-2014 Solera, and Coachmen Prism vehicles, built on Mercedes-Benz and Freightliner Sprinter chassis. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
Fix: Forest River will notify owners, and either Mercedes-Benz or Freightliner dealers will replace the driver frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. Parts are not currently available. Interim notices were sent on June 23, 2016. A second notice will be sent when remedy parts are available. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-877-496-3691 or may call the Sprinter/Takata hotline at 1-877-496-3691. Forest River's number for this recall is 51-04262016-0182.
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
08/23/2021, UNKNOWN OR OTHER: My motorhome does not have an emergency escape window.
01/28/2015, EQUIPMENT: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 COACHMEN PRISM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT A BANGING NOISE EMITTED FROM THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE. AFTER INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE PROPANE TANKS SHIELD WELD HAD FRACTURED AND WAS HANGING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT USED BUNGEE CORDS TO TEMPORARILY HOLD UP THE SHIELD UNTIL HE REACHED THE CLOSEST REPAIR FACILITY. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE ORIGINAL WELDS THAT
Looking at a 2012 Coachmen Prism?
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.