2020 Forest River Cardinal
Only 1 complaint 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 1 complaint 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 1 complaint on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
1 of 1 total report mentions: structure.
Show complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 FOREST RIVER CARDINAL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE LEFT AND RIGHT ANCHOR LEGS ATTACHED TO THE FRONT END OF THE RV INDEPENDENTLY LOWERED WHILE DRIVING AT HIGH RATES OF SPEEDS WITHOUT WARNING.
NHTSA ODI report, 20200706
SAFETY TIMELINE
Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Cardinal fifth wheel recreational vehicles. The generator compartment may not be sealed properly, allowing carbon monoxide to enter the vehicle.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the generator compartment for proper sealant and apply sealant if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 5, 2022. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-574-296-7700.
Campaign 21V988000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2020 Forest River Cardinal — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for structure issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 21V988000 (equipment) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2020 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 2020 Forest River Cardinal?
The most-reported component is structure:body, accounting for 100% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2020 Forest River Cardinal have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.