2008 Forest River Salem Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Source: NHTSA · Updated Nov 23, 2020 · 3 owner complaints analyzed

Compared with other Salem years
Not enough data 12th of 31 for complaints
NHTSA crash rating
Not rated

Owners have filed 3 complaints with NHTSA about the 2008 Forest River Salem. That ranks 12th out of 31 Salem model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is suspension (2 complaints, 67%), typically at around 10,000 miles. There are 3 safety recalls covering this model year.

Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.

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Most common 2008 Forest River Salem problems

Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.

Suspension2 · ~10,000 mi
Tires1 · ~510 mi
Problem areaComplaintsShareMedian milesOwners mention mostTypical repair cost
Suspension267%10,000——
Tires133%510——

One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.

Complaints by year received

Peak: 2011, with 2 complaints
2009: 1200912011: 220112

n = 3 complaints · Source: NHTSA

2008 Forest River Salem recalls (3)

Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.

Equipment:appliance:oven/stove/cooktop; equipment:recreational vehicle/trailer:lpg systemsNov 23, 2020 · NHTSA campaign 20V727000 · 4,203 vehicles

Problem: Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2019 Coachmen Chaparral and Shasta, 2019-2020 Coachmen Concord and Orion, 2020-2021 Coachmen Cross Trek and Forest River Berkshire, 2019-2021 Coachmen Freelander, Leprechaun and Prism, 2020 Coachmen Mirada, Pursuit and Sportscoach, Dynamax Force, DX3, Dynaquest XL and Isata and Forest River Wildwood and 2008 and 2020 Forest River Salem vehicles equipped with Dometic 3 burner cooking stoves. The saddle valve securing bolt may be overtightened, possibly damaging the o-ring seal and causing a continuous gas leak.

Risk: A gas leak can increase the risk of a fire.

Fix: Forest River will notify owners, and dealers will install a remedy kit of gaskets, washers, thread locker bolts, and two round orange labels, free of charge. The recall began January 11, 2021. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-574-825-4995, or Dometic customer service at 1-574-293-0681. Forest River's number for this recall is 51-1259.

EquipmentNov 22, 2017 · NHTSA campaign 17V756000 · 365,885 vehicles

Problem: 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

Risk: In the event of a fire, if the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury.

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.

Equipment:other:labelsOct 16, 2007 · NHTSA campaign 07V487000 · 263 vehicles

Problem: Certain travel trailers fail to comply with the requirements of part 567, "certification." the label located on the lower roadside front of the unit contains an improper listing of the tire and rim.

Risk: There may be confusion as to the proper replacement tire if it is necessary.

Fix: Dealers will mail the corrected federal compliance tag and tire load information to the dealers or retail customers. They can be placed over the incorrect label after cleaning the surface with alcohol. Customers will have the option for dealers to install the label free of charge. The recall began on october 1, 2007. Owners may contact forest river at 574-534-3167.

To see whether a specific car still has an open recall, enter its VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup. You can also decode a VIN here.

Recent owner reports

Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 forest river salem trailer. The contact stated that both front and rear axles were severely damaged. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who advised that the four leaf springs were poorly designed and dangerous. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was…

Suspension · received Aug 2, 2011 · NHTSA complaint 10416621

Purchased a 2008 flagstaff trailer model 31fkbbs in june 2009. Have had three tire blow outs one each in october 2009, july 2010, and feb 2011 and a wheel bearing failure possibly caused by last blow out in feb 2011. Unable to tow trailer in excess of 45 mph because of tire problem. After last tire…

Tires · received Apr 18, 2011 · NHTSA complaint 10396715

We have a 2008 forest river surveyor model 301 30 ft travel trailer equipped with lippert axles. We were on vacation and we heard a loud bang like a tire blowing out. I pulled over got out and inspected the trailer and my tow vehicle and found nothing wrong. Within 600 miles my rt rear tire went…

Suspension · received Oct 26, 2009 · NHTSA complaint 10289871

Other Forest River Salem years

← 2007 Salem · 2009 Salem →

See all Forest River Salem problems by year, every Forest River model, or the VIN decoder.

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Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2008 Forest River Salem?

Owners most often report suspension, tires problems. The top one, suspension, accounts for 2 complaints.

Was there a recall on the 2008 Forest River Salem?

Yes, 3 safety recalls. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.

Was the 2008 Forest River Salem a good year?

Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other Salem model years, the 2008 has too little data to compare. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.