2008 Forest River Cargo Mate 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. Transmission / drivetrain
What's wrong, in plain English: The parts that send engine power to the wheels. Failure can mean a sudden loss of power or the car rolling away. Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain model year 2013 XLR and Vengeance, 2010 Sandpiper, 2004 Auto Plus, 2008 Cargo Mate and 2015-2016 Hydra-Lift trailers. In the affected trailers, the studs that are used to attach the wheels to the axle hubs may break.
What could happen: If the wheel studs break, the wheel could detach from the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Forest River will notify owners, and dealers will replace any affected wheel hub, free of charge. The recall began on July 8, 2015. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-574-534-3167. Forest River's number for this recall is 51-05282015-0042.
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 2008 CARGO MATE.
- Book a repair at any authorized Forest River dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 15V390000 (manufacturer code 51-05282015-0042).
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-574-534-3167.
- 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: SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY
Summary: Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain model year 2013 XLR and Vengeance, 2010 Sandpiper, 2004 Auto Plus, 2008 Cargo Mate and 2015-2016 Hydra-Lift trailers. In the affected trailers, the studs that are used to attach the wheels to the axle hubs may break.
Consequence: If the wheel studs break, the wheel could detach from the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Forest River will notify owners, and dealers will replace any affected wheel hub, free of charge. The recall began on July 8, 2015. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-574-534-3167. Forest River's number for this recall is 51-05282015-0042.
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.safercar.gov.
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- 2008 Forest River Cargo Mate owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Suspension (3), Wheels / tires (1), Body / structure (1), Transmission / drivetrain (1).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (5)
10/27/2015 · Wheels / tires
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FOREST RIVER CARGO MATE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE WHEEL STUD FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V390000 (SUSPENSION). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 6,000.
11/18/2014 · Body / structure
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FOREST RIVER WORK AND PLAY TRAILER (NA). THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN IT RAINED, WATER LEAKED INSIDE OF THE TRAILER THROUGH ALL OF THE SIDEWALLS. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ONLY DURING INCLEMENT WEATHER. THE VEHICLE WAS SHIPPED TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT ALL OF THE SIDEWALLS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE M…
02/11/2013 · Suspension
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FOREST RIVER CARGO MATE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TIRES ON HER VEHICLE BLEW OUT. THE RV WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHO ADVISED THAT THE AXLES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS REPAIRED ON TWO OCCASIONS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMA…
03/12/2012 · Suspension
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FOREST RIVER CARGO MATE TRAILER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AXLES WERE DEFECTIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO VERIFIED THE FAILURE AND ADVISED THAT THE AXLES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE…
08/28/2009 · Suspension
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FOREST RIVER CARGO MATE RV. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH HE NOTICED THAT HIS LEFT CENTER TIRE FAILED. THE CONTACT REPAIRED THE CENTER TIRE; HOWEVER, THE AXLE FAILED AND CAUSED ANOTHER TIRE BLOW OUT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR FACILITY AND THE MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THREE OF THE AXLE ARMS WERE BENT. THE MANUFACTURER STATED T…