2026 Forest River Spirit problems: recalls, complaints and what to check
NHTSA has 2 recalls and 1 owner complaint on file for the 2026 Forest River Spirit. 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: 1 recall
Recall 25V423000 (20/06/2025): EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2026 Spirit travel trailers. The installed safety chains may not meet the actual Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) listed on the Federal Placard. This can cause the chains to fail, allowing the trailer to separate from the tow vehicle.
Fix: Dealers will replace the safety chains, free of charge. All vehicles are still in dealer inventory and therefore no owner notification letters will be mailed. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-574-825-8519. Forest River's number for this recall is 220-1941.
12 volt and 120 volt electrical: 1 recall
Recall 25V610000 (12/09/2025): ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Spirit and Shasta Oasis recreational trailers. The 30 AMP or 50 AMP inlet wire sheathing may be inconsistently stripped, causing electrical arcing.
Fix: Dealers will correct the 30 AMP and 50 AMP inlet wiring as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 19, 2025. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-574-825-0856. Forest River's number for this recall is 53-1974.
What a tech checks: Voltage drop, grounds, the converter and the transfer switch. Melted shore-cord plugs and bad grounds cause most of the electrical complaints techs actually see. Before you buy: Battery at rest, converter output on shore power, GFCI test, every outlet.
12 V electrical lessons · 120 V and generator lessons · Wiring diagrams
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
What owners reported to NHTSA
08/28/2025, STRUCTURE: The contact owns a 2026 Forest River Spirit. The contact stated that while the fifth wheel was parked in the driveway, the front section of the RV became flooded. The contact stated that after it rained, the following day, the contact discovered that rainwater had leaked into the RV. The cabinets, exterior walls, the linoleum flooring, and the wood flooring were flooded. The contact stated that the water had entered
Looking at a 2026 Forest River Spirit?
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.