2017 Forest River Cardinal
Only 7 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 7 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 7 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
3 of 7 total reports mention: tires.
Show complaint excerpts
PURCHASED NEW 5TH WHEEL TRAILER IN DECEMBER OF 2017 WITH GOODYEAR MARATHON ST235/80R16, LOAD RANGE E TIRES INSTALLED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20190609
WE HAVE A 2017 CARDINAL 5TH WHEEL, AND IN JUNE 2018 WE GOT BACK FROM CAMPING AND WHILE IN TRAILER EMPTYING OUR THINGS OUT WE HEARD A LOUD BAND.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180909
2 of 7 total reports mention: wheels.
Show complaint excerpts
WE HAVE A 2017 CARDINAL 5TH WHEEL, AND IN JUNE 2018 WE GOT BACK FROM CAMPING AND WHILE IN TRAILER EMPTYING OUR THINGS OUT WE HEARD A LOUD BAND.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180909
1 of 7 total reports mentions: suspension.
1 of 7 total reports mentions: structure.
1 of 7 total reports mentions: structure.
Show complaint excerpts
The contact owns a 2017 Forest River Cardinal. The contact stated that while her husband was hauling the fifth wheel at approximately 60-65 MPH, the two front emergency exit windows detached.
NHTSA ODI report, 20250219
SAFETY TIMELINE
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
2017 Forest River Cardinal — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for tires issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for wheels issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for suspension issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- 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 2017 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 2017 Forest River Cardinal?
The most-reported component is tires, accounting for 43% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2017 Forest River Cardinal have?
3 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.