Menu

2003 Forest River SalemProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 8 owner complaints about the 2003 Forest River Salem, most often about the equipment. It is covered by 3 safety recalls, and for recall 17V-756 the manufacturer reports only 8% of affected cars repaired.

–
CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls3Lowest repair rate 8%Owner complaints81 with a crash, fire or injuryTop problem3Equipment

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through November 22, 2017. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 2003 Forest River Salem has problems

8 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Equipment30
Structure20
Suspension20
Electrical system11
Tires10

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

3 recalls

2003 Forest River Salem recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

8%repaired · 2020 Q4

Equipment

Recall 17V-756 · Nov 22, 2017 · 365,885 vehicles · 30,990 repaired

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

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Equipment: recreational vehicle/trailer

Recall 08V-346 · Jul 7, 2008 · 107,417 vehicles

Risk. IF THIS SOLUTION IS EXPOSED TO AN IGNITION SOURCE UNDER CERTAIN SPECIFIC CIRCUMSTANCES, IT CAN RESULT IN A VEHICLE FIRE.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Equipment: recreational vehicle/trailer

Recall 07V-085 · Mar 5, 2007 · 128,000 vehicles

Risk. RELEASE OF COOLANT UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS COULD IGNITE AND RESULT IN A FIRE.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Forest River.

Best & worst years

2003 vs. every other Salem year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Salem median. How we score

'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26'27
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
In owners' words

What Salem owners report

Recent equipment complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FOREST RIVER SALEM TRAVEL TRAILER. THE VEHICLE HAS A DOMETIC REFRIGERATOR, MODEL RM2652. THE REFRIGERATOR WAS REPAIRED IN JUNE OF 2005 BECAUSE IT WOULD NOT COOL. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A SAFETY RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 06E076000 (EQUIPMENT: RECREATIONAL…
Complaint 10232155 · Jun 24, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FOREST RIVER. THE VEHICLE HAS A DOMETIC REFRIGERATOR, MODEL RM2652. HE SPOKE WITH A REPRESENTATIVE FROM DOMETIC (ASIA, 21841034) IN JANUARY OF 2008, AND WAS INFORMED THAT THEY WOULD CALL HIM BACK ONCE THEY REACHED MASSACHUSETTS AND WOULD BE COVERED. THE CONTACT CALLED…
Complaint 10229616 · Jun 2, 2008
I PURCHASED A FOREST RIVER 38' SAND PIPER SPORT F37SP TOY HAULER FIFTH WHEEL NEW IN 2003. THE TRAILER WAS EQUIPED WITH TANDOM AXELS. WE EXPERIANCED NUMEROUS TIRE BLOW OUTS. EACH TIME THE TIRE WOULD BLOW IT WOULD BLOW UP WITH PIECES OF RUBBER FLYING EVERY WHERE CAUSING EXCESSIVE DAMAGE TO THE RV AND…
Complaint 10221749 · Mar 19, 2008

Own a 2003 Salem?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.