2008 Forest River Flagstaff 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. Equipment
What's wrong, in plain English: A part or accessory supplied with the vehicle. ON CERTAIN FOLDING CAMPING TRAILERS (FCT) EQUIPPED WITH A POWER WINCH UNIT, MODEL P55000, BUILT BY CAREFREE OF COLORADO, AN INCORRECT MATERIAL WAS USED IN THE MANUFACTURE OF THE CABLE SHAFTS ON SOME OF THESE POWER WINCH UNITS. UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES WHILE THE FOLDING CAMPING TRAILER TOP IS BEING LIFTED, IF THE WINCH IS PLACED INTO A STALL CONDITION, THE CABLE SHAFT MAY BREAK PRIOR TO THE FUSE OR CIRCUIT BREAKER…
What could happen: SHOULD THE CABLE SHAFT BREAK, THE FCT TOP COULD THEN FREE-FALL INTO THE LOWER POSITION, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN INJURIES.
The fix: FOREST RIVER IS WORKING WITH CAREFREE OF COLORADO AND WILL INSTALL NEW CABLE SHAFTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 12, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CAREFREE OF COLORADO AT 1-800-621-2617 OR FOREST RIVER AT 574-389-4615.
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 FLAGSTAFF.
- Book a repair at any authorized Forest River dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 07V514000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-621-2617.
- 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:MECHANICAL:WINCH
Summary: ON CERTAIN FOLDING CAMPING TRAILERS (FCT) EQUIPPED WITH A POWER WINCH UNIT, MODEL P55000, BUILT BY CAREFREE OF COLORADO, AN INCORRECT MATERIAL WAS USED IN THE MANUFACTURE OF THE CABLE SHAFTS ON SOME OF THESE POWER WINCH UNITS. UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES WHILE THE FOLDING CAMPING TRAILER TOP IS BEING LIFTED, IF THE WINCH IS PLACED INTO A STALL CONDITION, THE CABLE SHAFT MAY BREAK PRIOR TO THE FUSE OR CIRCUIT BREAKER TRIPPING.
Consequence: SHOULD THE CABLE SHAFT BREAK, THE FCT TOP COULD THEN FREE-FALL INTO THE LOWER POSITION, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN INJURIES.
Remedy: FOREST RIVER IS WORKING WITH CAREFREE OF COLORADO AND WILL INSTALL NEW CABLE SHAFTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 12, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CAREFREE OF COLORADO AT 1-800-621-2617 OR FOREST RIVER AT 574-389-4615.
Notes: CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- 2008 Forest River Flagstaff owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Brakes (1), Hydraulic (1), Electrical system (1), 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 (2)
12/02/2011 · Brakes
PURCHASED NEW 2008 FORESTRIVER FLAGSTAFF HW CAMPER JUNE 20, 2008 FROM TOM JOHNSON'S RV IN MARION, NC. I LEFT HOME WITH MY GRANDCHILDREN FOR A 3 WEEK ROADTRIP ON JUNE 23, 2008 PULLING THIS CAMPER. ON OUR ROUTE HOME ON I-29, JUST OUTSIDE OF COUNCIL BLUFFS, IOWA, MY CAR AND CAMPER SWERVED VIOLENTLY. I WAS ABLE TO KEEP IT UNDER CONTROL THINKING IT WAS CAUSED…
12/02/2011 · Electrical system
PURCHASED NEW FOREST RIVER FLAGSTAFF 2008 MODEL ON JUNE 20, 2008. I WAS NOT TOLD OF A RECALL ON THE WINCH AND DID NOT KNOW OF IT UNTIL 12/01/2011. THE RECALL WAS 11/2007. ON THE FIRST NIGHT OF MY FIRST TRIP JUNE 24, 2008 I HAD TO HAVE ASSIST FROM THE CAMPGROUND HOST TO RAISE MY CAMPER - THE ELECTRIC LIFT WOULD NOT WORK. ALMOST EVERYTIME I HAVE USED THE…