repaired · 2026 Q3
Electrical system: wiring
Risk. Unprotected wiring can increase the risk of a fire.
2017 Forest River SalemProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 5 owner complaints about the 2017 Forest River Salem, most often about the structure. It is covered by 9 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 2017 Forest River Salem has problems
5 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
3Structure
1Equipment
1Tires
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Structure | 3 | 0 |
| Equipment | 1 | 0 |
| Tires | 1 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
9 recalls
2017 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 5 more recalls
repaired · 2018 Q1
Tires
Risk. The incorrect information may cause the operator to install an incorrect replacement rim or tire, overinflate the tire, or overload the vehicle, all scenarios…
repaired · 2017 Q4
Other: labels
Risk. The incorrect GAWR may result in the vehicle being overloaded, causing a loss of control and increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2021 Q2
Recreational vehicle/trailer: lpg systems
Risk. A propane leak into the interior of the vehicle in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire or explosion.
repaired · 2018 Q1
Other: labels
Risk. If the owner follows the information on the Federal Placard Label, the operator may overload the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2017 Q4
Other: labels
Risk. The incorrect tire information on the Federal Label may result in the operator under-inflating the tires.
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
2017 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 structure complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
The contact owns a 2017 Forest River Salem Cruise Lite RV. The contact stated due to water buildup in the roof, the ceiling was leaking during rainy weather. The contact stated that the leak had caused mold to build up on the front side of the camper. The contact stated that the roof slider had…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 FOREST RIVER SALEM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT A LEAK EMERGED FROM UNDERNEATH THE DRIVER'S SIDE SLIDE OUT PORTION OF THE TRAILER. THE LEAK CAUSED MOLD TO FORM. THE DEALER AN MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 NISSAN TITAN HAULING A 2017 FOREST RIVER SALEM CRUISE LITE TRAVEL TRAILER. WHILE DRIVING LESS THAN 40 MPH, THE AWNING ON THE RV PREMATURELY FRACTURED. THE TWO BOTTOM POLES FRACTURED ONTO THE ROADWAY AND THE CONTACT HAD TO PULL THE VEHICLE OVER TO MAKE AN ADJUSTMENT…
Own a 2017 Salem?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.