2013 Palomino Columbus Problems, Complaints & Recalls
- Compared with other Columbus years
- Far more complaints than other years 2nd of 8 for complaints
- Safety recalls
- 2 recalls: check your VIN
- NHTSA crash rating
- Not rated
Owners have filed 16 complaints with NHTSA about the 2013 Palomino Columbus. That ranks 2nd out of 8 Columbus model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is service brakes (13 complaints, 81%), typically at around 3,000 miles. Complaints mention 1 fire. There are 2 safety recalls covering this model year. NHTSA has opened 1 defect investigation involving it.
- 16owner complaints
- 2safety recalls
- 1NHTSA investigations
- 0complaints mentioning a crash
Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.
Most common 2013 Palomino Columbus problems
Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.
| Problem area | Complaints | Share | Median miles | Owners mention most | Typical repair cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Service Brakes | 13 | 81% | 3,000 | — | — |
| Suspension | 3 | 19% | 6,000 | — | — |
| Service Brakes, Electric | 1 | 6% | — | — | — |
| Structure | 1 | 6% | 80 | — | — |
One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.
Complaints by year received
2013 Palomino Columbus recalls (2)
Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.
Equipment
Problem: 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.
Risk: If the hinges separate from the ladder while in use, the ladder may fall from the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury.
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.
Equipment
Problem: Forest River is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Forest River models Blue Ridge, Cardinal, Cherokee, Columbus, EVO, Georgetown, Flagstaff, Forester, Lexington, Puma, Rockwood, Sabre, Salem, Sandpiper, Sandstorm, Sierra, Stealth, Sunseeker, Wildcat, Wildwood, Work and Play and XLR; Coachmen models Brookstone, Catalina, Chaparral, Concord, Encounter, Freedom Express, Freelander, Leprechaun, Mirada, Pursuit, and Sportcoach; Prime Time models Avenger, Crusader, Lacrosse, Saniber, and Tracer; Palomino model Maverick Truck Camper; Cargo Mate model Eliminator and Shasta models Revere, Phoenix recreational vehicles manufactured from February 13, 2013, through April 18, 2013. Due to a design change in the power awning motor assembly, the motor assembly screws may unknowingly shear.
Risk: If the motor assembly screws shear, it is possible that the awning can unfurl unexpectedly, either while the vehicle is at rest or while in transit, increasing the risk of personal injury or a vehicle crash.
Fix: Forest River will notify owners and Dometic staff will replace the affected motors with motors of a different design. The safety recall began on July 29, 2013. Owners may contact Forest River at 1-574-389-4600 or Dometic at 1-888-447-0003 for more information. Owners are being instructed not to drive their vehicle until repairs can be performed.
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.
NHTSA defect investigations
- Brake Surface Grease Contamination (PE14008) — opened Mar 20, 2014, closed Oct 7, 2014.
Recent owner reports
Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.
The 5th wheel trailer we purchased came with supplied 6000 pnd lippert axles. The axles are too small for the weight carried on this trailer. 7000 or 8000 pound axles should be standard. In 2013 this is what they used. In subsequent years, they used heavier axles. We are educated to this and are…
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 forest river columbus. The contact stated that the floor in the kitchen of the rv had become very soft. The recreational vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 80.
The travel trailer is unable to stop due to faulty seals leaking and getting grease on the brake hardware. I am aware of the problem with these seals due to other trailers identified with this problem. I have contacted the manufacture of the axel assembly lci (lippert) and was told that since my…
Brakes were not stopping 5th wheel travel trailer. Pulled off brake hub and found grease on brake shoes from faulty grease seals. I am in contact with lippert components at this time, it doesn't sound like they want to help. *tr
Both trailer axles, 6000#, were inspected and found to have grease contamination on brake shoes and hardware. This caused loss of braking action. The grease from the wheel bearings passed the seal, causing the contamination. *js
Other Palomino Columbus years
← 2012 Columbus · 2014 Columbus →
| Year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 Columbus | 0 | 1 |
| 2018 Columbus | 1 | 0 |
| 2017 Columbus | 0 | 1 |
| 2016 Columbus | 1 | 1 |
| 2015 Columbus | 1 | 1 |
| 2014 Columbus | 18 | 2 |
| 2013 | 16 | 2 |
| 2012 Columbus | 2 | 0 |
See all Palomino Columbus problems by year, every Palomino model, or the VIN decoder.
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Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2013 Palomino Columbus?
Owners most often report service brakes, suspension, service brakes, electric problems. The top one, service brakes, accounts for 13 complaints.
Was there a recall on the 2013 Palomino Columbus?
Yes, 2 safety recalls. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.
Was the 2013 Palomino Columbus a good year?
Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other Columbus model years, the 2013 has far more complaints than most years. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.