2016 Forest River Cardinal
Only 2 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 2 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1997 | 0 |
| 1998 | 2 |
| 1999 | 2 |
| 2000 | 2 |
| 2001 | 1 |
| 2002 | 1 |
| 2003 | 1 |
| 2004 | 2 |
| 2005 | 6 |
| 2006 | 7 |
| 2008 | 1 |
| 2009 | 5 |
| 2010 | 3 |
| 2012 | 1 |
| 2013 | 2 |
| 2014 | 1 |
| 2015 | 11 |
| 2016 | 2 |
| 2017 | 7 |
| 2018 | 0 |
| 2019 | 1 |
| 2020 | 1 |
| 2021 | 1 |
| 2022 | 0 |
| 2023 | 1 |
| 2024 | 0 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 2 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
1 of 2 total reports mentions: wheels.
Show complaint excerpts
GOODYEAR MARATHON TIRES LESS THAN 3000 MILES, AIR PRESSURE 80 PSI LUG NUT TORQUED. RIGHT REAR TIRE BLEW WHILE DRIVING DOWN ]HIGHWAY 19 THRU OCALA NATIONAL FOREST AT 60 MILES PER HOUR.
NHTSA ODI report, 20170707
1 of 2 total reports mentions: structure.
Show complaint excerpts
GOODYEAR MARATHON TIRES LESS THAN 3000 MILES, AIR PRESSURE 80 PSI LUG NUT TORQUED. RIGHT REAR TIRE BLEW WHILE DRIVING DOWN ]HIGHWAY 19 THRU OCALA NATIONAL FOREST AT 60 MILES PER HOUR.
NHTSA ODI report, 20170707
1 of 2 total reports mentions: electrical system.
Show complaint excerpts
GOODYEAR MARATHON TIRES LESS THAN 3000 MILES, AIR PRESSURE 80 PSI LUG NUT TORQUED. RIGHT REAR TIRE BLEW WHILE DRIVING DOWN ]HIGHWAY 19 THRU OCALA NATIONAL FOREST AT 60 MILES PER HOUR.
NHTSA ODI report, 20170707
SAFETY TIMELINE
Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain model year 2016 Cardinal fifth wheel travel trailers, model CAF3850RL.
Remedy: Forest River will notify owners and mail them a corrected Federal placard label, free of charge. The recall began on January 13, 2016. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-574-206-7600.
Campaign 15V860000 — check if this car was fixed
Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Cardinal recreational vehicles, models CAF3455RL, CAF3825FL and CAF3850RL, manufactured from November 20, 2015, through April 1, 2016.
Remedy: Forest River will notify owners, and provide a new corrected Federal Placard, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on, or about, June 23, 2016. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-574-206-7600.
Campaign 16V258000 — check if this car was fixed
Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Cardinal recreational trailers, model CAF3250RL. The Federal Placard on these vehicles overstates the Gross Axle Weight Rating capacity (GAWR) by 840lbs. for each axle.
Remedy: Forest River will notify owners, and dealers will provide a new Federal Placard with the correct GAWR and a new CCC label, free of charge. The recall began on June 6, 2017. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-574-206-7600.
Campaign 17V336000 — check if this car was fixed
Forest River, Inc.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the windows, and replace the vent if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 2, 2021. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-574-825-8600.
Campaign 21V523000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2016 Forest River Cardinal — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for wheels issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for structure issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 15V860000 (equipment) has been completed.
- Verify recall 16V258000 (equipment, tires) has been completed.
- Verify recall 17V336000 (equipment) has been completed.
- Verify recall 21V523000 (equipment, structure) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2016 Forest River Cardinal reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Forest River Cardinal?
The most-reported component is wheels, accounting for 50% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2016 Forest River Cardinal have?
4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.