Forest River Salem Problems by Year

Source: NHTSA · Updated Sep 10, 2026 · 98 owner complaints analyzed

Years with far more complaints than usual:

NHTSA has 98 owner complaints and 64 safety recalls on file for the Forest River Salem, across 31 model years (1997–2027). The 2022 model year has the most complaints (13). The most reported problem area overall is structure.

Peak: 2022, with 13 complaints
1997: 019971998: 01999: 02000: 020002001: 22002: 12003: 820032004: 32005: 02006: 020062007: 02008: 32009: 020092010: 12011: 22012: 320122013: 22014: 12015: 820152016: 92017: 52018: 620182019: 52020: 122021: 420212022: 13132023: 22024: 420242025: 42026: 02027: 02027

n = 98 complaints · Source: NHTSA

Forest River Salem years to avoid? What the complaint data shows

These model years drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical Salem year: 2020, 2022. Look at what owners reported before buying one, and check the VIN for open recalls.

Model years with the most complaints

  1. 2022 Salem: 13 complaints, 7 recalls
  2. 2020 Salem: 12 complaints, 7 recalls
  3. 2016 Salem: 9 complaints, 8 recalls

Model years with the fewest complaints

  1. 2002 Salem: 1 complaint, 1 recall
  2. 2010 Salem: 1 complaint, 2 recalls
  3. 2014 Salem: 1 complaint, 4 recalls

Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold or how long each year has been on the road, so newer and less popular years naturally have fewer complaints. Use them to spot problem patterns, not as a safety ranking.

Most common Forest River Salem problems (all years)

Problem areaComplaintsModel yearsCrashes
Structure27140
Equipment22130
Electrical System19100
Tires18110
Suspension14100
Wheels1070
Latches/locks/linkages330
Service Brakes210
Fuel/propulsion System110
Service Brakes, Hydraulic110
Visibility110

All Forest River Salem model years

Model yearComplaintsRecallsCrash ratingTop problemCompared with other years
2027 Salem02——
2026 Salem06——
2025 Salem48—Structure
2024 Salem410—Electrical System
2023 Salem25—Equipment
2022 Salem137—EquipmentFar more complaints than other years
2021 Salem410—Equipment
2020 Salem127—TiresFar more complaints than other years
2019 Salem511—Tires
2018 Salem69—Electrical System
2017 Salem59—Structure
2016 Salem98—Unknown or Other
2015 Salem85—Structure
2014 Salem14—Tires
2013 Salem22—Tires
2012 Salem31—Equipment
2011 Salem23—Service Brakes, Hydraulic
2010 Salem12—Electrical System
2009 Salem01——
2008 Salem33—Suspension
2007 Salem02——
2006 Salem02——
2005 Salem02——
2004 Salem33—Equipment
2003 Salem83—Equipment
2002 Salem11—Electrical System
2001 Salem21—Equipment
2000 Salem01——
1999 Salem01——
1998 Salem01——
1997 Salem01——

More from Forest River: all Forest River models · VIN decoder

Frequently asked questions

Which Forest River Salem years should you stay away from?

By NHTSA complaints, 2020 (12), 2022 (13) drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical Salem year. Counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, and newer years have had less time to collect complaints.

What is the biggest problem with the Forest River Salem?

Structure, with 27 complaints across 14 model years.

How many recalls does the Forest River Salem have?

64 safety recalls across all model years. Each model year page lists its recalls and fixes.