repaired · 2026 Q3
Electrical system: wiring
Risk. Unprotected wiring can increase the risk of a fire.
2018 Forest River SalemProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 6 owner complaints about the 2018 Forest River Salem, most often about the electrical system. 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 2018 Forest River Salem has problems
6 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
2Electrical system1 crash/fire/injury
2Structure
1Fuel/propulsion system
1Tires
1Wheels
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 2 | 1 |
| Structure | 2 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 1 | 0 |
| Tires | 1 | 0 |
| Wheels | 1 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
9 recalls
2018 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: integrated trailer brake control
Risk. If the brakes of the trailer do not engage, it can result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Show 5 more recalls
repaired · 2018 Q2
Other: labels
Risk. Incorrect tire pressure information can cause the operator to under inflate the tires, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2017 Q4
Other: labels
Risk. If the incorrect label causes the operator to install tires of the wrong size, vehicle handling may be affected, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
repaired · 2017 Q4
Other: labels
Risk. An incorrect weight on the label may affect how the operator loads the vehicle, impacting the handling and increasing the risk of a crash.
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…
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
2018 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 electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
WE WERE SITTING IN OUR TRAVEL TRAILER WHEN I SMELLED SOMETHING BURNING, LIKE AN ELECTRICAL BURN. I WENT AROUND OUR TRAVEL TRAILER AND LOOKED UNDER THE SINK AND SAW THE WATER HEATER SMOKING. I IMMEDIATELY TURNED OFF THE ELECTRICITY. IT TURNS OUT, THE AC JUNCTION BOX THAT ATTACHED TO THE WATER HEATER…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 FOREST RIVER SALEM HEMISPHERE. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO USE THE FAN, LIGHTS, AND SLIDE, THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILED. THE CONTACT CALLED AN UNKNOWN DEALER AND WAS ADVISED THAT THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WOULD NOT BE AVAILABLE FOR 6-8 WEEKS. THE CONTACT NOTIFIED THE…
Own a 2018 Salem?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.