2013 Palomino Columbus
Only 16 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 16 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 |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 2 |
| 2013 | 16 |
| 2014 | 18 |
| 2015 | 1 |
| 2016 | 1 |
| 2017 | 0 |
| 2018 | 1 |
| 2021 | 0 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 16 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
13 of 16 total reports mention: service brakes.
Show complaint excerpts
I HAVE NOTICED SINCE WE FIRST PURCHASED OUR COLUMBUS 340RK FIFTH WHEEL THAT THE BRAKES DID NOT FEEL ADEQUATE. HOWEVER, BEING A FIRST TIME OWNER OF SUCH A BIG TRAILER I WASN'T SURE IF IT WAS NORMAL OR NOT.
NHTSA ODI report, 20130929
3 of 16 total reports mention: suspension.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
THE 5TH WHEEL TRAILER WE PURCHASED CAME WITH SUPPLIED 6000 PND LIPPERT AXLES. THE AXLES ARE TOO SMALL FOR THE WEIGHT CARRIED ON THIS TRAILER. 7000 OR 8000 POUND AXLES SHOULD BE STANDARD. IN 2013 THIS IS WHAT THEY USED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20161220
THE LIPPERT 6K AXLE ON THE LISTED 5TH WHEEL TRAILER, WHEEL SEALS FAILED ALLOWING GREASE TO CONTAMINATE THE BRAKE SHOES, DIMINISHING OR ELIMINATING BRAKING ABILITY OF THE TRAILER.
NHTSA ODI report, 20140116
1 of 16 total reports mentions: structure.
1 of 16 total reports mentions: service brakes, electric.
SAFETY TIMELINE
Forest River is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Forest River models Blue Ridge, Cardinal, Cherokee, Columbus, EVO, Georgetown, Flagstaff, Forester, Lexington, Puma, Rockwood, Sabre, Salem, Sand
Remedy: Forest River will notify owners and Dometic staff will replace the affected motors with motors of a different design. The safety recall began on July 29, 2013. Owners may contact Forest River at 1-5
Campaign 13V203000 — check if this car was fixed
Brake Surface Grease Contamination
Forest River, Inc.
Remedy: Forest River will notify owners, and dealers will install a remedy kit to correct the issue, free of charge. The recall began on January 3, 2017. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-574-206-7600.
Campaign 16V828000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2013 Palomino Columbus — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (13 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for suspension issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for structure issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 13V203000 (equipment) has been completed.
- Verify recall 16V828000 (equipment) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2013 Palomino Columbus 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 2013 Palomino Columbus?
The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 81% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2013 Palomino Columbus have?
2 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.