2017 Forest River Wildcat
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Electrical system is the leading concern among 2 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 3rd highest complaint count among 4 Wildcat model years with reports.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Electrical system, 12v/24v/48v batteryAug 21, 2018
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.
If the trailer brakes cannot engage if the trailer detaches from tow vehicle, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
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.
Campaign 18V550000 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
TiresApr 26, 2017
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."
The incorrect information may cause the operator to install an incorrect replacement rim or tire, overinflate the tire, or overload the vehicle, all scenarios that may increase the risk of a crash.
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.
Campaign 17V282000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints
2 reports, newest first.
Wheels, Jun 26, 2019
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.
Electrical system, Electronic stability control (ESC), Aug 14, 2017
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 FUNCTION. WE RETURNED THE COACH TO SPRAD'S RV AND WAS TOLD IT WAS AN 'ELECTRICAL' ISSUE AND WAS REPAIRED. ON JULY 30, 2017, WE FOUND THAT THE BATTERY WAS DEAD AS WE PREPARED TO LEAVE FOR A LONG PLANNED CAMPING TRIP. AFTER USING THE MANUAL CRANK TO HOOK UP THE TRAILER TO TOW, WE PROCEEDED ON OUR TRIP UNDER THE MISTAKEN BELIEF THAT THE BATTERY WOULD RECHARGE ONCE WE WERE HOOKED UP TO SHORE POWER. THAT DID NOT HAPPEN AND THE COACH REACHED AN INSIDE TEMPERATURE OF 109 DEGREES. FROM THAT POINT FORWARD BEGAN A NIGHTMARE WEEK FOR ME AND MY GUESTS. I HAVE NEVER ENCOUNTERED SUCH POOR SERVICE WITH ANY BUSINESS IN MY LIFE. DURING THE ENTIRE EPISODE THAT I WILL DETAIL BELOW, NEVER ONCE DID ANYONE INFORM ME THAT THERE WAS A 1-800 NUMBER TO CALL FOR ROADSIDE SERVICE. DEFECTS KNOWN AT THIS TIME: 'FAULTY WIRING 'CONVERTER (INSTALLED IMPROPERLY) '2 BATTERIES (WILL NOT TAKE A CHARGE) 'INCONSISTENT POWER TO ALL PLUGS IN THE COACH 'MISALIGNED CRANK HOLE FOR BACK SLIDER 'NO ACCESS OR HOLE FOR LIVING ROOM SLIDER 'GFCI MALFUNCTION 'NO MANUAL ABILITY TO RETRACT AWNING (WITHOUT A PROFESSIONAL) 'TRIM PULLING AWAY FROM COACH 'CABLE AND TV NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY 'HANDLE ON BLACK WATER TANK IS MISSING