repaired · 2026 Q3
Electrical system: wiring
Risk. Unprotected wiring can increase the risk of a fire.
2016 Forest River SalemProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 9 owner complaints about the 2016 Forest River Salem, most often about the wheels. It is covered by 8 safety recalls, and for recall 17V-756 the manufacturer reports only 8% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through October 10, 2025. Updated daily.
Complaints by system
Where the 2016 Forest River Salem has problems
9 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
3Wheels
2Electrical system1 crash/fire/injury
2Equipment
2Structure
1Suspension
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Wheels | 3 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 2 | 1 |
| Equipment | 2 | 0 |
| Structure | 2 | 0 |
| Suspension | 1 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
8 recalls
2016 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.
repaired · 2025 Q1
Electrical system: 12v/24v/48v battery
Risk. If the trailer brakes cannot engage if the trailer detaches from tow vehicle, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
repaired · 2021 Q4
Equipment: recreational vehicle/trailer
Risk. The covered water heater exhaust panel could increase the risk of injury.
repaired · 2020 Q4
Equipment
Risk. In the event of a fire, if the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury.
Show 4 more recalls
repaired · 2022 Q3
Equipment: recreational vehicle/trailer
Risk. If occupants are not warned elevated carbon monoxide levels, they are at an increased risk of injury.
repaired · 2017 Q1
Other: labels
Risk. If the incorrect tire and rim is installed, there may be instability of the vehicle when towing, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2017 Q2
Axle: non-powered axle assembly
Risk. If the wheel studs break, the wheel could detach from the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2020 Q2
Axle: non-powered axle assembly
Risk. If the wheel studs break, the wheel could detach from the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
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
2016 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 wheels complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
THE UNIT HAS CASTLE-ROCK 225/75/15 ORIGINAL TIRES INSTALLED ON UNIT. AUGUST OF 2019 WAS RETURNING HOME FROM A TRIP IN PANAMA CITY BEACH FLA, HAD A BLOWOUT IN DOTHAN ALA. DID NOT THINK OF A DEFECTIVE TIRE AT THE TIME AND JUST CONSIDERED IT BAD LUCK.I REPLACE THE BLOWN TIRE WITH THE NEW SPARE THAT…
IN FEBRUARY 2016 WE PURCHASED A 2016 SALEM FOREST CAMPER. WE ONLY PULL IT LESS THAN 6 TIMES A YEAR (LESS THAN 161 MILES EACH WAY). WE WERE HAVING FLAT TIRES (BLOW OUTS) ON MOST TRIPS CAUSING DAMAGE UNDERNEATH AND DAMAGE ON BOTH SIDES. PRIOR TO THE BLOW OUT THE CAMPER PULLS TO ONE SIDE MAKING IT…
BRAND NEW TRAVEL TRAILER WAS SOLD BY CAMPING WORLD WITH BIAS PLY AND RADIAL TIRES MIXED ON THE AXLES, WATER TANK WAS LEFT UNBOLTED FROM FRAME AND ELECTRICAL UNDER THE TRAILER WAS FIXED WITH WIRE NUTS. THIS IS ALL A SERIOUS SAFETY DEFECTS, THAT COULD LEAD TO MAJOR PROBLEMS ON THE HIGHWAYS, PULLING…
Own a 2016 Salem?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.