2003 Forest River Salem
Only 8 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 8 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 | 0 |
| 2000 | 0 |
| 2001 | 2 |
| 2002 | 1 |
| 2003 | 8 |
| 2004 | 3 |
| 2005 | 0 |
| 2006 | 0 |
| 2007 | 0 |
| 2008 | 3 |
| 2009 | 0 |
| 2010 | 1 |
| 2011 | 2 |
| 2012 | 3 |
| 2013 | 2 |
| 2014 | 1 |
| 2015 | 8 |
| 2016 | 9 |
| 2017 | 5 |
| 2018 | 6 |
| 2019 | 5 |
| 2020 | 12 |
| 2021 | 4 |
| 2022 | 11 |
| 2023 | 2 |
| 2024 | 4 |
| 2025 | 4 |
| 2026 | 0 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 8 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
3 of 8 total reports mention: equipment.
1 of 8 total reports mentions: tires.
1 of 8 total reports mentions: suspension.
Show complaint excerpts
DROVE OVER TWO OR THREE ROUGH BRIDGES. LEAF SPRINGS ON LEFT SIDE OF TRAILER FLATTENED & LOST THEIR SUPPORT, CAUSING THE TIRES TO RUB ON UNDERSIDE OF TRAILER WITH A BREAKING ACTION TO THAT SIDE, CAUSING TRAVEL TRAILER TO GO OUT OF CONTROL.
NHTSA ODI report, 20060518
1 of 8 total reports mentions: suspension.
1 of 8 total reports mentions: structure.
Show complaint excerpts
DT*: THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FOREST RIVER SALEM TRAVEL TRAILER. WHEN THE TRAILER WAS TOWED THE LEFT TIRES RUBBED AGAINST THE FRAME SUPPORTS.
NHTSA ODI report, 20060307
SAFETY TIMELINE
CERTAIN RECREATIONAL VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A TWO-DOOR REFRIGERATOR, MANUFACTURED BY THE DOMETIC CORPORATION, MAY HAVE A DEFECT IN THE BOILER TUBE. PRESSURIZED COOLANT SOLUTION COULD BE RELEASED INTO
Remedy: FOREST RIVER WILL BE WORKING WITH DOMETIC IN ORDER TO REPAIR THESE REFRIGERATORS (PLEASE SEE 06E076). DOMETIC WILL REPAIR THESE REFRIGERATORS BY INSTALLING A SECONDARY BURN HOUSING, A THERMAL FUSE, A
Campaign 07V085000 — check if this car was fixed
FOREST RIVER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MY 2003-2006 MOTOR HOMES, FIFTH WHEEL AND TRAVEL TRAILERS EQUIPPED WITH A TWO-DOOR REFRIGERATOR MANUFACTURED BY THE DOMETIC CORPORATION. THE REFRIGERATOR MAY HAVE
Remedy: FOREST RIVER IS WORKING WITH DOMETIC TO REPAIR THESE REFRIGERATORS (PLEASE SEE 08E032). DOMETIC WILL REPAIR THESE REFRIGERATORS BY INSTALLING A SECONDARY BURN HOUSING, A THERMAL FUSE, AND A MELT FUSE
Campaign 08V346000 — 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
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2003 Forest River Salem — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for equipment issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for tires issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for suspension issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 07V085000 (equipment) has been completed.
- Verify recall 08V346000 (equipment) has been completed.
- Verify recall 17V756000 (equipment) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2003 Forest River Salem 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 2003 Forest River Salem?
The most-reported component is equipment:recreational vehicle/trailer, accounting for 38% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2003 Forest River Salem 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.