2018 Forest River Columbus problems: recalls, complaints and what to check
NHTSA has 1 recall and 2 owner complaints on file for the 2018 Forest River Columbus. Here is what they are, what a technician checks for each kind of fault, and how to look one over before you buy it.
Tires: 1 recall
Recall 17V282000 (26/04/2017): TIRES
Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Salem, Wildwood, XLR, Sanibel, Wildcat, Vengeance, Chaparral Lite and Columbus recreational trailers. The Federal Placard may inaccurately list the tire and rim combinations that are installed on the trailers. Additionally, the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) and the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) information may be incorrect. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims," and 49 CFR part 567, "Certification."
Fix: Forest River will notify owners and will provide a corrected Federal Placard, free of charge. The recall began on May 17, 2017. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-800-348-7440. Forest River's number for this recall is 51-04242017-0393.
What a tech checks: Age, load range and pressure. RV tires age out before they wear out, and an underrated tire on a heavy trailer is a blowout waiting to happen. Before you buy: Read the DOT date and the load range on the sidewall.
Chassis, towing and tires lessons · Trailer guide
Structure, roof and leaks: 2 complaints
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: 1 complaint
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
11/06/2025, STRUCTURE: The contact owns a 2018 Forest River Columbus. The contact stated that the pin box behind the tow area had sidewall separation from the frame of the trailer. The trailer was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
06/12/2025, SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE: After a trip I found a crack in the fiberglass under the slide out, the dealer sent me to a Bodyshop. They have determined that the welds for the frame have broken. I have contacted forest river they will not try to help with the repair. I believe this is a safety issue with their product.
Looking at a 2018 Forest River Columbus?
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.