2017 Forest River Cherokee
Only 11 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 11 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 | 0 |
| 1999 | 1 |
| 2000 | 2 |
| 2001 | 0 |
| 2002 | 0 |
| 2003 | 1 |
| 2004 | 1 |
| 2005 | 2 |
| 2006 | 5 |
| 2007 | 0 |
| 2008 | 1 |
| 2009 | 1 |
| 2010 | 1 |
| 2011 | 0 |
| 2012 | 2 |
| 2013 | 2 |
| 2014 | 5 |
| 2015 | 6 |
| 2016 | 3 |
| 2017 | 11 |
| 2018 | 14 |
| 2019 | 9 |
| 2020 | 14 |
| 2021 | 48 |
| 2022 | 22 |
| 2023 | 3 |
| 2024 | 1 |
| 2025 | 0 |
| 2026 | 0 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 11 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
5 of 11 total reports mention: suspension.
CRASH FIREShow complaint excerpts
Leaf spring fractured and failed twice on the same side of RV following NTHSA mandated recall repair 16V579, and safety modification kit part# 425750.
NHTSA ODI report, 20241204
WHILE DRIVING ON A STRAIGHT, SMOOTH ROAD AT APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE TRAILER AXLE SUDDENLY BROKE FREE, CAUSING THE TRAILER TO FLIP ONTO ITS SIDE. THE TRAILER APPEARS TO BE A TOTAL LOSS. THE TOWING VEHICLE WAS DAMAGED SLIGHTLY.
NHTSA ODI report, 20210315
WE PURCHASE A BRAND NEW 2017 FOREST RIVER CHEROKEE 235B 5TH WHEEL. AFTER NOTICING MAJOR DAMAGE IN THE WHEEL WELL WE BROUGHT IT INTO A SHOP. TURNS OUT THERE IS A MAJOR CLEARANCE ISSUE AND THE 5TH WHEEL WILL NOT TOW LEVEL.
NHTSA ODI report, 20160722
4 of 11 total reports mention: structure.
Show complaint excerpts
TIRE BLOW OUT AND TRAILER DAMAGE WHILE DRIVING ON US 239 GOING SOUTH IN LIVE OAK, FL
NHTSA ODI report, 20190522
WE PURCHASE A BRAND NEW 2017 FOREST RIVER CHEROKEE 235B 5TH WHEEL. AFTER NOTICING MAJOR DAMAGE IN THE WHEEL WELL WE BROUGHT IT INTO A SHOP. TURNS OUT THERE IS A MAJOR CLEARANCE ISSUE AND THE 5TH WHEEL WILL NOT TOW LEVEL.
NHTSA ODI report, 20160722
3 of 11 total reports mention: wheels.
1 of 11 total reports mentions: tires.
1 of 11 total reports mentions: engine.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 FOREST RIVER ARCTIC WOLF 285DRL4 CHEROKEE RV (NA). THE CONTACT OBSERVED MELTED PLASTIC AND WATER LEAKING FROM THE RV WITHOUT WARNING. THE WATER HEATER MELTED THE WATER HOSE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20170614
SAFETY TIMELINE
Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain model year 2017 Cherokee recreational trailers, models CCKT16BHS, CCKT16FQ and CCKT17CJ, manufactured April 15, 2016, to July 28, 2016.
Remedy: Forest River will notify owners, and dealers will install a bolt on lift kit, free of charge. The recall began on September 15, 2016. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-260-593-4005.
Campaign 16V579000 — check if this car was fixed
Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2017 Cherokee recreational trailers, model ORCKT244JR-64.
Remedy: Forest River will notify owners, and dealers will install a corrected Federal Placard, free of charge. The recall began on March 31, 2017. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-541-995-3447.
Campaign 17V171000 — check if this car was fixed
Forest River, Inc.
Remedy: Forest River will notify owners, instructing them to contact Kidde for a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began on December 27, 2017.
Campaign 17V756000 — check if this car was fixed
Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Cascade and Cherokee recreational trailers. The trailer wiring may have been improperly routed, allowing the wires to be pinched between the chassis and the vehicle body.
Remedy: Forest River will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the trailers, rerouting the wires, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on February 7, 2018. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-541-644-8072.
Campaign 17V838000 — check if this car was fixed
Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Forest River Cherokee travel trailers.
Remedy: Forest River will notify owners, and dealers will relocate the subject wire to another 14 gauge terminal, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on February 14, 2018. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-260-499-2100.
Campaign 18V034000 — check if this car was fixed
Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Forest River Cherokee recreational trailers, models CCKT16BF, CCKT16BHS, CCKT16FQ, CCKT16GR, CCKT16GRH, CCKT17RP and CCKT18TO.
Remedy: Forest River will notify owners, and Norcold dealers will install and tighten the gas valve port screw, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on April 19, 2018.
Campaign 18V186000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2017 Forest River Cherokee — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for suspension issues (5 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for structure issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for wheels issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 16V579000 (suspension, tires) has been completed.
- Verify recall 17V171000 (equipment) has been completed.
- Verify recall 17V756000 (equipment) has been completed.
- Verify recall 17V838000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 18V034000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 18V186000 (equipment) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2017 Forest River Cherokee 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 Cherokee?
The most-reported component is suspension, accounting for 45% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2017 Forest River Cherokee have?
6 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.