2021 Forest River SalemProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 5 owner complaints about the 2021 Forest River Salem, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 10 safety recalls, and for recall 25V-682 the manufacturer reports only 22% of affected cars repaired.

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through November 3, 2026. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 2021 Forest River Salem has problems

5 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
Electrical system11
Equipment10
Exterior lighting11
Structure10
Suspension11

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

10 recalls

2021 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.

41%repaired · 2025 Q2

Potable water: storage tank

Recall 22V-729 · Sep 30, 2022 · 5,168 vehicles · 2,134 repaired

Risk. A tank falling to the ground while in transit can become a road hazard and increase the risk of a crash.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

39%repaired · 2025 Q1

Equipment: recreational vehicle/trailer

Recall 22V-562 · Aug 2, 2022 · 609 vehicles · 237 repaired

Risk. An awning that detaches increases the risk of a crash.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

54%repaired · 2024 Q2

Lpg systems: lines and fittings

Recall 22V-243 · Apr 13, 2022 · 99,190 vehicles · 53,264 repaired

Risk. A gas leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Show 6 more recalls
31%repaired · 2025 Q1

Equipment: recreational vehicle/trailer

Recall 21V-621 · Aug 9, 2021 · 336 vehicles · 105 repaired

Risk. A fresh water tank that detaches from the frame could increase the risk of a crash.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

100%repaired · 2024 Q1

Exterior lighting

Recall 21V-443 · Jun 11, 2021 · 289 vehicles · 289 repaired

Risk. Less reflective clearance lamps can affect how other drivers judge the length of the trailer, increasing the risk of a crash.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

27%repaired · 2025 Q1

Electrical system: integrated trailer brake control

Recall 20V-563 · Sep 18, 2020 · 4,397 vehicles · 1,169 repaired

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.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

49%repaired · 2025 Q1

Equipment

Recall 20V-482 · Aug 14, 2020 · 643 vehicles · 313 repaired

Risk. A fresh water tank that detaches from the frame could increase the risk of a crash.

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

2021 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 are contacting you regarding an electrical fire which occurred on 10/17/2026 in our 2021 Forest River Salem Villa Classic. While closing our seasonal trailer, a fire started in the overhead ceiling area near a light fixture just hours after we awoke (right above bed). The ceiling light was…
Complaint 11775445 · Nov 3, 2026

Own a 2021 Salem?

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