2012 Forest River Vlite problems: recalls, complaints and what to check
NHTSA has 1 recall and 3 owner complaints on file for the 2012 Forest River Vlite. 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, 5 complaints
Recall 13V554000 (07/11/2013): SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY
Forest River is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Rockwood, Windjammer, Vlite and Flagstaff travel trailers manufactured February 3, 2012, through February 4, 2013. When an affected trailer hits a large bump or pot hole, the trailer tire may contact the bottom of the floor.
Fix: Forest River will notify owners, and dealers will add a lift kit between the frame and the axle mounting brackets, free of charge. Owners may contact Forest River at 1-574-825-7178.
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
Tires: 2 complaints
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: 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
10/13/2015, SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FOREST RIVER VLITE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER MORE THAN SIX TMES, BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DETERMINED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FLOORING WAS BUCKLING ON THE DRIVER SIDE, WHICH MADE IT DIFFICULT TO OPEN THE FLOOR ENTRY DOOR. THE DEALER REPLACED THE FLOORING WITH FLOORING THAT WAS SHORTER THAN THE ORIGINAL FLOORING. THE CONTACT ALSO EXPERIE
09/15/2014, SUSPENSION,TIRES,WHEELS: TRAIL EXPRESS TIRE ST 225/75R15 LR C DOT# 1KMM16A 2311 EXPERIENCED TREAD SEPARATION AND LOSS OF AIR RESULTING IN MODERATE VEHICLE DAMAGE. THIS TIRE FAILURE HAPPENED APPROXIMATELY 35 MILES AFTER A PREVIOUS TIRE FAILURE OF SAME BRAND AND DOT#. *TR
09/15/2014, SUSPENSION,TIRES,WHEELS: TRAIL EXPRESS TIRE ST 225/75R15 LR C DOT# 1KMM16A 2311 HAD A SUDDEN SIDEWALL AT TREAD SEPARATION CAUSING A BLOWOUT. MINOR DAMAGE TO VEHICLE. TIRE PRESSURE WAS CHECKED AND VERIFIED AT 50PSI AND NO VISIBLE CRACKS OR DEFORMITIES AT BEGINNING OF TRIP 25 MILES BEFORE.
Looking at a 2012 Forest River Vlite?
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.