2016 Forest River R Pod problems: recalls, complaints and what to check
NHTSA has 1 recall and 3 owner complaints on file for the 2016 Forest River R Pod. Here is what they are, what a technician checks for each kind of fault, and how to look one over before you buy it.
Axles, brakes, suspension and hitch: 1 recall
Recall 15V359000 (09/06/2015): SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY
Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain model year 2016 Evo, Salem, Sandstorm, Shockwave, Stealth, Wildwood, Cherokee Grey Wolf, Wildcat Maxx, Vibe, R-Pod, and Surveyor trailers. In the affected trailers, the studs that are used to attach the wheels to the axle hubs may break.
Fix: Forest River will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace any affected wheel hub, free of charge. The recall began on June 25, 2015. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-909-873-3777. Forest River's number for this recall is 51-05142015-0037.
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
Structure, roof and leaks: 1 complaint
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
Other: 1 complaint
Tires: 1 complaint
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
What owners reported to NHTSA
12/21/2020, UNKNOWN OR OTHER: THE STRAP THAT HOLDS THE SEWER DRAIN PIPE BROKE. THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM AND THERE WAS A RECALL ISSUED FOR MODEL YEARS 2018 THROUGH 2020. I BELIEVE THE RECALL SHOULD BE EXPANDED. LUCKILY FOR ME, THIS HAPPENED CLOSE TO HOME SO IT DID NOT CAUSE DRAIN PIPE DAMAGE AND I WAS ABLE TO GET A TEMPORARY FIX TO MAKE IT THE REST OF THE WAY HOME.
08/10/2022, STRUCTURE: A structural design failure has occurred on the short wall on the slide out side of the model 179 camper. The support installation at the time of manufacturer is insufficient. The company has offered to send additional supports for the owner to install. This is of no help once the failure has occurred. The company is aware of the problem and design failure and have discontinued this model. I have included photos of
07/26/2016, TIRES: UNEXPECTED TIRE FAILURE; BLOWOUT OCCURRED THROUGH THE TREAD OF THE TIRE, INSTEAD OF SIDEWALL; SUSTAINED SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE TO THE PASSENGER SIDE OF VEHICLE, INCLUDING A LOST FENDER, BENT FRAMING, AND LOSS OF FLOORING MATERIAL. FENDER HAS BEEN REPLACED, FRAMING AND FLOORING MATERIAL HAS NOT BEEN REPLACED. THE BRAND NAME OF TIRE IS NOT LISTED AS AN OPTION WITHIN THE FOLLOWING CATEGORIES ON THE FOLLOWING PAGE (CASTLE RO
Looking at a 2016 Forest River R Pod?
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.