2016 Prime Time Spartan problems: recalls, complaints and what to check
NHTSA has 2 recalls and 3 owner complaints on file for the 2016 Prime Time Spartan. 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: 2 recalls, 1 complaint
Recall 15V875000 (23/12/2015): EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain model year 2016 Prime Time recreational trailers, models FHT2614X, FHT2910 and FHT2912X, manufactured September 14, 2015, to December 17, 2015. The affected vehicles may be equipped with a Federal Placard that lists an incorrect tire size of ST225/75R15 Load Range E, when the correct tire size is ST225/75R15 Load Range D. The actual tires installed on the trailer have a maximum tire pressure lower than what the placard lists and may be overinflated if filled per the placard specifications. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of 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 February 17, 2016. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-574-862-3001. Forest River's number for this recall is 49-12182015-0124.
Recall 16V828000 (15/11/2016): EQUIPMENT
Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain model year 2015-2017 FR3 motorhomes manufactured September 24, 2014, to May 12, 2016; 2015-2017 Prime Time Spartan toyhaulers manufactured June 10, 2014, to May 31, 2016; 2013-2016 Palomino Columbus toyhaulers manufactured October 4, 2012, to December 4, 2015; and 2015-2016 XLR Thunderbolt and Nitro toyhaulers manufactured May 23, 2014, to November 23, 2016. These vehicles were equipped with certain aluminum, black, ladders manufactured by Christianson Industries. The affected ladders have retractable hinges, each with a welded 'top hat' that can separate from the hinge.
Fix: Forest River will notify owners, and dealers will install a remedy kit to correct the issue, free of charge. The recall began on January 3, 2017. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-574-206-7600. Forest River's number for this recall is 51-11102016-0271.
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
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
What owners reported to NHTSA
09/20/2018, UNKNOWN OR OTHER: 2016 SPARTAN 300 TOYHAULER WITH SCHWINTEK SLIDE, THE FRONT (LEFT WHEN FACING) MOTOR MOUNTING BRACKET LOST ALL OF THE MOUNTING SCREWS DURING TRAVEL ALLOWING THE FRONT PORTION TO EXTEND AT HIGHWAY SPEED.WIRE & WEATHER STRIPPING DAMAGED, BENT PARTS..FOREST RIVER/PRIMETIME ADVISED..SERIOUS HAZARD TO SELF & PUBLIC, NO RECALL FOUND FOR THIS UNIT BUT PLENTY INVOLVING THIS SCHWINTEK SLIDE & MOUNTING SCREWS. *TR*JB
07/20/2017, TIRES: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 PRIME TIME SPARTAN 1234X EQUIPPED WITH POWER KING TOWMAX SP TIRES, SIZE: 235/80/R16 (NA). WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE CONTACTED NOTICED THAT A VEHICLE BEHIND HIM WAS FLASHING THEIR HEADLIGHTS. THE CONTACT LOOKED IN THE REARVIEW MIRROR AND NOTICED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE TREAD HAD SEPARATED, WHICH CAUSED THE TIRE TO BLOW OUT. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE TIRE WITH A SPARE
07/19/2016, WHEELS: ALL 4 TIRES FAILED. I WAS PULLING THE TRAILER AT 65 MPH ON I95 IN SOUTH CAROLINA WHEN THE TIRES FAILED ONE BY ONE WITHIN 1 WEEK.
Looking at a 2016 Prime Time Spartan?
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.