2020 Forest River Cardinal recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-18. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
1 safety recall, most serious first
1. Electrical system
What's wrong, in plain English: Wiring, modules, batteries. Short circuits can cause stalls or fires. The generator compartment may not be sealed properly, allowing carbon monoxide to enter the vehicle.
What could happen: Carbon monoxide inside the vehicle can increase the risk of injury or death.
The fix: 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. Forest River's number for this recall is 15-1444.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2020 CARDINAL.
- Book a repair at any authorized Forest River dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 21V988000 (manufacturer code 15-1444).
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-574-296-7700.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ACCESSORY GENERATOR
Summary: 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.
Consequence: Carbon monoxide inside the vehicle can increase the risk of injury or death.
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. Forest River's number for this recall is 15-1444.
Notes: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Portable jump starter
- 2020 Forest River Cardinal owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Body / structure (1).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (1)
07/06/2020 · Body / structure
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. THE MANUFACTURER HAD BEEN NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE FAILURE WAS A DEALER ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD TAKEN THE VE…