2017 Forest River Salem
Only 5 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 5 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 5 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
2 of 5 total reports mention: structure.
Show complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 FOREST RIVER SALEM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT A LEAK EMERGED FROM UNDERNEATH THE DRIVER'S SIDE SLIDE OUT PORTION OF THE TRAILER. THE LEAK CAUSED MOLD TO FORM. THE DEALER AN MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20191030
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 NISSAN TITAN HAULING A 2017 FOREST RIVER SALEM CRUISE LITE TRAVEL TRAILER. WHILE DRIVING LESS THAN 40 MPH, THE AWNING ON THE RV PREMATURELY FRACTURED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20170831
1 of 5 total reports mentions: tires.
1 of 5 total reports mentions: structure.
Show complaint excerpts
The contact owns a 2017 Forest River Salem Cruise Lite RV. The contact stated due to water buildup in the roof, the ceiling was leaking during rainy weather.
NHTSA ODI report, 20240523
1 of 5 total reports mentions: equipment.
Show complaint excerpts
I REPLACED A LEAKING PROPANE TANK HOSE A FEW MONTHS AFTER PURCHASING OUR TRAVEL TRAILER IN MARCH 2017. WHILE PREPARING THE TRAILER FOR A TRIP NEXT WEEKEND, I FOUND THAT THE 2ND TANK HOSE IS LEAKING PROPANE IN THE SAME WAY AS THE FIRST.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180407
1 of 5 total reports mentions: equipment.
Show complaint excerpts
I REPLACED A LEAKING PROPANE TANK HOSE A FEW MONTHS AFTER PURCHASING OUR TRAVEL TRAILER IN MARCH 2017. WHILE PREPARING THE TRAILER FOR A TRIP NEXT WEEKEND, I FOUND THAT THE 2ND TANK HOSE IS LEAKING PROPANE IN THE SAME WAY AS THE FIRST.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180407
SAFETY TIMELINE
Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain model year 2017 Salem and Wildwood recreational trailers manufactured August 9, 2016, to September 6, 2016.
Remedy: Forest River will notify owners, and dealers will install a corrected Federal Placard, free of charge. The recall began on October 27, 2016. Salem owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-574-534-1251.
Campaign 16V673000 — check if this car was fixed
Forest River, Inc.
Remedy: Forest River will notify owners and will provide a corrected Certificate of Origin, Federal Placard and VIN plate for each trailer, free of charge. The recall began on November 22, 2016.
Campaign 16V787000 — check if this car was fixed
Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2017 Wildwood recreational trailers, model WDT197BH and Salem recreational trailers, model SMT197BH.
Remedy: Forest River will notify owners, and dealers will install a new vent into the vehicle floor, free of charge. The recall began on April 7, 2017. Owners may contact Forest River Customer Service at 1-260-593-4001.
Campaign 17V118000 — check if this car was fixed
Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2017 Salem and Wildwood recreational vehicles.
Remedy: Forest River will notify owners, and dealers will provide a new Federal Placard with the correct GAWR, free of charge. The recall began on April 18, 2017. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-574-534-4058.
Campaign 17V218000 — check if this car was fixed
Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Salem, Wildwood, XLR, Sanibel, Wildcat, Vengeance, Chaparral Lite and Columbus recreational trailers.
Remedy: Forest River will notify owners and will provide a corrected Federal Placard, free of charge. The recall began on May 17, 2017. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-800-348-7440.
Campaign 17V282000 — 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 2016-2018 Forest River Wildwood, and 2016-2019 Forest River Salem recreational trailers. The outside auxiliary shower faucet cover may cover the water heater exhaust panel when opened.
Remedy: Forest River has notified owners, and dealers will install a replacement outside shower, free of charge. The recall began on July 24, 2018. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-574-534-3167.
Campaign 18V436000 — check if this car was fixed
Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2014-2019 Forest River Salem, Wildcat Maxx, Wildwood, Vibe, and Rainier recreational trailers.
Remedy: Forest River will notify owners, and dealers will install a new wiring harness to reroute the wiring, free of charge. The recall began September 25, 2018. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-503-831-5410.
Campaign 18V550000 — check if this car was fixed
Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Forest River Aurora, Coachmen Catalina, 2026 Coachmen Viking, Coachmen Clipper, 2016-2026 Wildwood, and Salem recreational trailers.
Remedy: Dealers will relocate the distribution panel wire to the correct side of the breaker, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 18, 2025. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-574-825-4995.
Campaign 25V682000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2017 Forest River Salem — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for structure issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for tires issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for structure issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 16V673000 (equipment, tires) has been completed.
- Verify recall 16V787000 (equipment) has been completed.
- Verify recall 17V118000 (equipment) has been completed.
- Verify recall 17V218000 (equipment) has been completed.
- Verify recall 17V282000 (tires) has been completed.
- Verify recall 17V756000 (equipment) has been completed.
- Verify recall 18V436000 (equipment) has been completed.
- Verify recall 18V550000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 25V682000 (electrical system) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2017 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 2017 Forest River Salem?
The most-reported component is structure:body, accounting for 40% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2017 Forest River Salem have?
9 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.