2012 Forest River Xlr problems: recalls, complaints and what to check
NHTSA has 2 recalls and 4 owner complaints on file for the 2012 Forest River Xlr. 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, 1 complaint
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.
LP gas and gas appliances: 1 recall
Recall 15V771000 (19/11/2015): EQUIPMENT:RECREATIONAL VEHICLE/TRAILER:LPG SYSTEMS:WATER HEATER
Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain model year 2012-2016 Berkshire, Charleston, Legacy, Dynamax, XLR, Continental Cargo, Work & Play, Shockwave, and Coachmen Brookstone recreational vehicles and toy haulers, equipped with Atwood on demand water heaters, models OD45, OD50, and OD50CW, manufactured January 2, 2012, to August 13, 2015. The affected water heaters have a water and gas valve that may cause the water heater to overheat the water in the hot water supply tap.
Fix: Forest River will notify owners of a field remedy as provided by Atwood to the Dealerships and O.E.M. A. Inspection and installation instructions for the remedy, to be used and applied only by qualified service center personnel. B. Installation of a water flow adjustment STOP KEY that prevents the adjustment of the water flow down below .5gal/min. C. The addition of a star or lock washer to secure the adjustment screw that prevents unintended adjustment or and adjustment drift from vibration as you travel down the road. D. Securement of the remedy with the application of a warning and tamper proof label applied over the stop key and adjustment screw. The recall began on December 17, 2015.
What a tech checks: Regulator, lines and fittings, then the appliances: furnace, water heater, range. A proper pressure-drop leak test is the first thing a tech does on an LP complaint. Before you buy: Smell for gas with the tank open; have a shop do the leak test.
LP and furnace lessons · Furnace guide · Furnace 3D lab · Water heater 3D lab
Structure, roof and leaks: 2 complaints
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
Axles, brakes, suspension and hitch: 2 complaints
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: 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
08/05/2015, SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FOREST RIVER THUNDERBOLT 35X12 (NA). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE DEVELOPED A THREE INCH CRACK IN THE EYE BEAM, WHICH SUPPORTS AND MOUNTS THE SUSPENSION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT IT WAS A STRESS FRACTURE, NOT CAUSED BY ANY TYPE OF WELDING OR HEAT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE W
06/26/2015, STRUCTURE,WHEELS: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FOREST RIVER XLR BEING HAULED BY A 2013 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 2500 HD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TIRES ON THE TRAILER WERE RUBBING THE INSIDE OF THE WHEEL WELLS, CAUSING THE TIRES TO PREMATURELY BE WORN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO REPLACED THE REAR AXLES, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER AND THEY CHANGED THE TIRE POUNDS FROM 3,500 TO
06/17/2015, TIRES: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FOREST RIVER XLR EQUIPPED WITH A LIPPERT CHASSIS. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT A FAILURE WAS PREVIOUSLY EXPERIENCED WITH THE TIRES ON THE VEHICLE. THE MECHANIC REQUIRED A CHANGE OF AXLE SIZE FROM 3,500 TO 4,000. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHASSIS BECAME FRACTURED AFTER THE REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000. ..UPDATED 09/29
05/24/2021, UNKNOWN OR OTHER: The lippert i-beam frame used on these campers fails because lack of strength in the wheel well area. The i-beam frame will develop cracks that will eventually lead heavy swaying to the point that the tires will begin to rub on the trailer itself. In my particular case I saw smoke coming out of the wheel well while driving on a windy highway. I went to several RV dealers who al said my trailer was unsafe to travel in
Looking at a 2012 Forest River Xlr?
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.