2020 Forest River Vibe problems: recalls, complaints and what to check
NHTSA has 2 recalls and 3 owner complaints on file for the 2020 Forest River Vibe. 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, 4 complaints
Recall 20V049000 (29/01/2020): SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC
Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2020 Freedom Express, Salem, Stealth EVO, Vibe, Wildcat Maxx, and Wildwood recreational trailers. The emergency break-away switch may fail.
Fix: Forest River will notify owners, and dealers will replace the break-away switch, free of charge. The recall began February 19, 2020. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-503-831-5410 or 1-574-825-8205. Forest River's number for this recall is 51-1129.
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
Other: 1 recall
Recall 20V269000 (13/05/2020): EQUIPMENT:RECREATIONAL VEHICLE/TRAILER
Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Vibe trailers, models VBT16RB-OR and VBT17DB-OR. The roof vent for the refrigerator may be missing.
Fix: Forest River will notify owners, and dealers will install a vent on the roof for the refrigerator, free of charge. The recall began on June 1, 2020. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at (503) 831-5413. Forest River's number for this recall is 22-1166.
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
08/05/2023, TIRES: Castle Rock ST225/75R15 DOT Code JULT 1MT Date Code 3019 tire on spare tire rack mounted on rear bumper of travel trailer exploded in the area of where the tread and sidewall meet. This tire had never been put into use. Lions head Tire and Wheel has been informed via their online form email to the contact specified.
07/28/2022, WHEELS,SERVICE BRAKES: Purchased trailer new 02/2020, after recent trip had trailer in to repack wheel bearings and check brakes. Dealer notified me of burnt wheel bearing and states brakes bad. Also needs to replace hubs? When I brought trailer home noticed right rear axle tire had cords showing on outside of tire and inside tread was separating, left rear axle tire was wore off on inside of tire. Front axle tires OK. Initially had n
02/17/2020, SUSPENSION,WHEELS: NOT ENOUGH CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE TIRES AND THE BOTTOM OF THE CAMPER CAUSING THE TIRES TO IMPACT THE BOTTOM OF THE CAMPER WHILE TOWING. THIS HAS THE POTENTIAL TO DAMAGE THE TIRES AND CAUSE DEFLATION AND A POSSIBLE CRASH.
Looking at a 2020 Forest River Vibe?
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.