2017 Forest River Wildcat problems: recalls, complaints and what to check
NHTSA has 3 recalls and 2 owner complaints on file for the 2017 Forest River Wildcat. Here is what they are, what a technician checks for each kind of fault, and how to look one over before you buy it.
12 volt and 120 volt electrical: 1 recall, 1 complaint
Recall 18V550000 (21/08/2018): ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY
Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2014-2019 Forest River Salem, Wildcat Maxx, Wildwood, Vibe, and Rainier recreational trailers. The break-away safety switch may not have been wired to a constant power source, and, as a result, the switch may be inadvertently disconnected from the trailer house battery causing the brakes to not engage if the trailer detaches from the tow vehicle.
Fix: Forest River will notify owners, and dealers will install a new wiring harness to reroute the wiring, free of charge. The recall began September 25, 2018. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-503-831-5410. Forest River's number for this recall is 22/30-0824.
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
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
Other: 1 recall
Recall 17V756000 (22/11/2017): EQUIPMENT
Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2003-2018 Forest River Berkshire, Charleston, Rockport, Cedar Creek, Cherokee, Riverstone, Salem, Sandpiper, Sierra, Vengeance, Wildcat, Wildwood, XLR Boost, Cargo Mate, Continental Cargo, motorhomes, recreational trailers, toyhaulers, cargo trailers and restroom trailers and 2009-2018 Coachmen Mirada, Pursuit, Concord, Leprechaun, Freelander, Orion and Prism motorhomes, 2009-2017 Coachmen Apex and Catalina recreational trailers, and 2013-2017 Shasta Oasis and Revere recreational trailers, equipped with Kidde Plastic-Handle or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers. These extinguishers may become clogged, preventing the extinguisher from discharging as expected or excessive force may be needed to activate the extinguisher. Additionally, in certain models, the nozzle may detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it
Fix: Forest River will notify owners, instructing them to contact Kidde for a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began on December 27, 2017. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-800-348-7440, or Kidde customer service toll free at 1-855-262-3540, or online at www.kidde.com and click on "Product Safety Recall" for more information. Forest River's number for this recall is 51-0544.
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
Motorhome chassis: 1 complaint
What a tech checks: The chassis (Ford, Freightliner, Mercedes, Ram) is serviced by the chassis maker's dealer, not the RV shop. RV techs handle the house, not the drivetrain. Before you buy: Chassis recalls are fixed free at the chassis maker's dealer.
What owners reported to NHTSA
08/14/2017, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC): RE: 2017 WILDCAT MAXX MODEL T32BHXS PURCHASE DATE: MAY 22, 2017 DEAR MR. MAGNACCA: I AM WRITING TO INFORM YOU MY RECENT PURCHASE OF THE ABOVE CITED TRAVEL TRAILER WHICH HAS SERIOUS MANUFACTURE DEFECTS AND POSES A RISK OF HEALTH AND SAFETY TO ME AND MY FAMILY. THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY. PART OF THE DEFECTS FIRST PRESENTED ON OUR FIRST CAMPING TRIP IN LATE MAY WHEN THE SLIDERS WOULD NOT FUN
06/26/2019, WHEELS: WHILE TRAVELING ON INTERSTATE 75 BELOW LEXINGTON KY, I EXPERIENCED TWO BLOWOUTS ON EACH SIDE OF MY CAMPER 3 MONTHS APART. I HAVE HAD THE CAMPER FOR THREE YEARS AND THE TIRES ARE ONLY 3 1/2 YEARS OLD WITH GOOD TREAD ON THEM. I CONTACTED THE COMPANY AND RECEIVED NO RESULTS.
Looking at a 2017 Forest River Wildcat?
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.