2017 Forest River Cherokee
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Suspension is the leading concern among 11 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 5th highest complaint count among 11 Cherokee model years with reports.
Of the 2017 reports, 1 involved a crash and 2 involved a fire.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Equipment, recreational vehicle/trailerMar 21, 2018
Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Forest River Cherokee recreational trailers, models CCKT16BF, CCKT16BHS, CCKT16FQ, CCKT16GR, CCKT16GRH, CCKT17RP and CCKT18TO. These vehicles are equipped with Norcold N306 mini refrigerators that may have a loose or missing propane gas valve test port screw, allowing propane to leak out when the refrigerator is used in 'gas' mode.
A propane leak increases the risk of a fire.
Forest River will notify owners, and Norcold dealers will install and tighten the gas valve port screw, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on April 19, 2018. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-260-499-2100, or Norcold customer service at 1-800-543-1219. Forest River's number for this recall is 51-0687.
Campaign 18V186000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical system, wiringJan 11, 2018
Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Forest River Cherokee travel trailers. On the affected trailers, a 14 gauge and a 12 gauge neutral wire for the 110V Air Conditioning were connected to the same lug in the 120V panel neutral bus bar.
If both wires were connected to same lug, the smaller wire may overheat and fail due to trying to handle a higher load, thereby increasing the risk of an electrical fire.
Forest River will notify owners, and dealers will relocate the subject wire to another 14 gauge terminal, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on February 14, 2018. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-260-499-2100. Forest River's number for this recall is 17A-0609.
Campaign 18V034000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical system, wiringDec 21, 2017
Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Cascade and Cherokee recreational trailers. The trailer wiring may have been improperly routed, allowing the wires to be pinched between the chassis and the vehicle body.
Pinched wires may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
Forest River will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the trailers, rerouting the wires, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on February 7, 2018. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-541-644-8072. Forest River's number for this recall is 64-0456.
Campaign 17V838000 on NHTSA.gov
EquipmentNov 22, 2017
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 could cause injury and also render the product inoperable. For a full list of the affected fire extinguisher models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17E062-5427.pdf
In the event of a fire, if the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury.
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.
Campaign 17V756000 on NHTSA.gov
Equipment, other, labelsMar 14, 2017
Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2017 Cherokee recreational trailers, model ORCKT244JR-64. The Federal Placard has incorrect tire and rim size information, indicating ST205/75R15C tires with 50 PSI and a rim size of 15X5.5JJ, when the actual combination is ST205/75R14C tires with 50 PSI and a rim size of 14X5.5JJ. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
The incorrect tire information can cause the operator to install the wrong size of replacement tires, increasing the risk of a crash.
Forest River will notify owners, and dealers will install a corrected Federal Placard, free of charge. The recall began on March 31, 2017. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-541-995-3447. Forest River's number for this recall is 64-03082017-0339.
Campaign 17V171000 on NHTSA.gov
TiresAug 3, 2016
Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain model year 2017 Cherokee recreational trailers, models CCKT16BHS, CCKT16FQ and CCKT17CJ, manufactured April 15, 2016, to July 28, 2016. The affected vehicles may have insufficient clearance between the bottom of the trailer and the top of the tire and, during use, the tire may make contact, possibly damaging the tire.
A damaged tire may unexpectedly deflate, causing a loss of vehicle control and increasing the risk of a crash.
Forest River will notify owners, and dealers will install a bolt on lift kit, free of charge. The recall began on September 15, 2016. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-260-593-4005. Forest River's number for this recall is 17C-07292016-0234.
Campaign 16V579000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints
11 reports, newest first.
Suspension, Dec 4, 2024, fire
Leaf spring fractured and failed twice on the same side of RV following NTHSA mandated recall repair 16V579, and safety modification kit part# 425750. This time the leaf spring failure caused the tire to rub the wheel well and create enough friction to start the interior wheel well carpeting and a garment bag on there to ignite and smolder filling the interior cabin with smoke. Contacted manufacturer Forest River regarding this issue and to obtain information including torque settings and recall kit spacer dimensions on their installed recall modification kit. After not hearing back from Andrew at Forest River- Cherokee customer service for a week regarding (claim reference # [XXX]) I contacted him again and he claimed to have no resolution/answers for me. Following that telephone conversation , It has been well over 2 weeks and he has not responded back to my request regarding the NHTSA safety recall kit issues. If my personal safety is at risk while pulling this travel trailer I would like to know about it. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Tires, Aug 20, 2022
Driving through construction zone on 70 at 70/71 interchange and tire exploded. 2nd one to explode on same side of the camper. First was a while ago but damaged tire was the same condition as this one.
Structure, Apr 4, 2022
All the bolts holding camper on frame were loose & 2 we're missing... Screws around slide out loose. Causing the side to split.
Structure, Aug 6, 2021
The contact owns a 2017 Forest River Cherokee Toy Hauler. The contact stated that he was informed by an independent mechanic that the box on the rooftop of the RV frame had detached and slipped to the passenger’s side of the RV. The contact also stated that the sliding door inside the RV had pierced the ceiling of the RV. The dealer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the manufacturer. The RV was taken to a second dealer United RV Center (5100 Airport Fwy, Haltom City, TX 76117) who diagnosed that the substructure of the RV was not cut and aligned properly which caused the box on the rooftop to slip due to vibration while driving the RV. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the RV was out of warranty. The RV was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.
Suspension, May 4, 2021
I HAVE BEEN TRYING TO ARRANGE FOR MY DEALER TO FIX THIS PROBLEM SINCE 11/16/20. I ALSO CALLED 01/02/21,ON 3/05/21 I PERSONALLY STOP IN . EACH TIME WAS TOLD THEY WOULD ORDER PART. I CONTACTED A MANAGER ON 05/04 - WE HAVE BEEN TEXTING - STILL NO ACTION. RECALL:16V579
Suspension, Other or unspecified, Mar 15, 2021, crash
WHILE DRIVING ON A STRAIGHT, SMOOTH ROAD AT APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE TRAILER AXLE SUDDENLY BROKE FREE, CAUSING THE TRAILER TO FLIP ONTO ITS SIDE. THE TRAILER APPEARS TO BE A TOTAL LOSS. THE TOWING VEHICLE WAS DAMAGED SLIGHTLY. AS FAR AS I CAN TELL, THE RIDE SIDE LEAF SPRING BROKE, CAUSING THE AXLE TO BREAK FREE. THE AXLE TUBE BENT AND BROKE COMPLETELY NEAR THE LEFT SIDE LEAF SPRING. THERE WAS NO INDICATION OF AN ISSUE PRIOR TO THIS. THE TRAILER WAS RIDING LEVEL AND NOT PULLING OR JERKING THE TOWING VEHICLE PRIOR TO THE SPONTANEOUS, CATASTROPHIC FAILURE.
Wheels, Other or unspecified, May 22, 2019
SITTING IN HOUSE AND HEARD A LOUD POP. GO OUTSIDE AND TRAVEL TRAILER IS LEANING. THE TIRE ON THE OPPOSITE SIDE OF THE TRAILER HAS BLOWN SITTING STILL 5 DAYS FROM WHEN THE TIRE ON THE OTHER SIDE BLEW GOING DOWN THE ROAD. NOT SAFE
Structure, Wheels, May 22, 2019
TIRE BLOW OUT AND TRAILER DAMAGE WHILE DRIVING ON US 239 GOING SOUTH IN LIVE OAK, FL
Engine, Jun 14, 2017, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 FOREST RIVER ARCTIC WOLF 285DRL4 CHEROKEE RV (NA). THE CONTACT OBSERVED MELTED PLASTIC AND WATER LEAKING FROM THE RV WITHOUT WARNING. THE WATER HEATER MELTED THE WATER HOSE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL CHEYENNE CAMPING CENTER, LOCATED AT 2960 N PLAINVIEW RD, WALCOTT, IA, 52773. THE RV WAS NOT DIAGNOSED BECAUSE THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY NEEDED TO WAIT TO HEAR FROM THE MANUFACTURER. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER TWICE AT 574-825-7000 AND LEFT MESSAGES, BUT DID NOT RECEIVE A RESPONSE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 25.
Suspension, May 11, 2017
THIS GREY WOLF 29TE 2017 TRAILER IS 36.5' LONG AND IT RIDES LOW AND BOTTOMS OUT A LOT. I HAVE HAD A COUPLE OF SPOTS WHERE THE CHAINS DRAGGED ON THE FRONT AND THE BACK END BOTTOMED OUT. WHEN IT IS SITTING LEVEL, THERE IS ONLY 13"-14" OF CLEARANCE FROM THE FRAME TO THE GROUND. IT IS A BIG ENOUGH OF A PROBLEM THAT IT ACTUALLY BROKE THE BRACKET ON THE BACK END OF THE TRAILER (SEE ATTACHED PICTURE). TO ME, THE AXLES APPEARS TO BE UNDERSIZED FOR THE TRAILER. THIS IS MOST PROBABLY WHY THE TRAILER RIDES VERY LOW AND BOTTOMS OUT A LOT. LOOKING AT THE INFO ON THE PLACARD (IMAGE ATTACHED), THE GVWR IS 7,837LBS, BUT EACH AXLE IS ONLY RATED FOR 3,500 LB. BASED ON THESE NUMBERS, IT APPEARS TO ME THAT THE MANUFACTURER USED AN UNDERSIZED AXLE FOR THE WEIGHT OF THE TRAILER, AND IF YOU SAW THE TRAILER, I THINK THAT YOU WOULD AGREE. LOOKING AT THE AXLE, SPRINGS, AND FRAME WHILE THE TRAILER IS HOOKED UP FOR TOWING, THE FRAME IS JUST AN INCH OR TWO ABOVE THE AXLE. ADDITIONALLY, THERE IS ONLY 2.5 INCHES OF CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE TIRE AND THE WHEEL WELL. AND THIS IS WITH THE TRAILER DRY (NO WATER, EMPTY BLACK AND GREY TANKS, ETC). I AM USING A RAM 1500 TO TOW IT AND AM SETUP WITH THE WEIGHT DISTRIBUTION HITCH AND THE TRAILER IS LEVEL WHEN I TOW IT.
Suspension, Structure, Wheels, Jul 22, 2016
WE PURCHASE A BRAND NEW 2017 FOREST RIVER CHEROKEE 235B 5TH WHEEL. AFTER NOTICING MAJOR DAMAGE IN THE WHEEL WELL WE BROUGHT IT INTO A SHOP. TURNS OUT THERE IS A MAJOR CLEARANCE ISSUE AND THE 5TH WHEEL WILL NOT TOW LEVEL. THERE IS 2' BETWEEN THE TIRE AND WHEEL-WELL, PLUMBING SITS 10" FROM THE GROUND & HAS BEEN ALMOST RIPPED OFF WHEN TOWING. FOREST RIVER WAST US TO TOW THIS UNSAFE UNIT TO AN "AUTHORIZED DEALERSHIP" NEARLY 100 MILES AWAY SO THEY CAN HAVE IT LOOKED AT. THE SKID BARS ARE COMPLETELY BENT DUE TO THE 5TH WHEEL RIDING LOW AND LEVEL WHEN TOWING. THE 2 REAR TIRES CAN NOT WITHSTAND THE WEIGHT BEING PUT ON THEM. IF THIS WERE TO BE TOWED THOSE 15" TIRES COULD VERY EASILY BLOW OUT. FOREST RIVER ALREADY HAD TO REPLACE THE REAR LEAF SPRINGS DUE TO THEM BEING BAD WITHIN A MONTH OF PURCHASING THIS UNIT.