2016 Forest River Fr3 recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-18. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
2 safety recalls, 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 2016 Forest River FR3 and Georgetown, and Coachmen Mirada and Pursuit recreational vehicles manufactured August 7, 2015, to October 22, 2015. Due to an incorrect shift cable bracket and an improper shift cable adjustment, the affected vehicles can be shifted out of 'PARK' without applying the brakes.
What could happen: If the vehicle can be shifted into reverse without the brakes being applied, the vehicle may unintentionally move, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Forest River will notify owners, and Ford dealers will replace the transmission shift control bracket and adjust the transmission shift cable, free of charge. The recall began on December 3, 2015. Owners may contact Forest River at 1-800-392-3673. Forest River's number for this recall is 51-10302015-0105.
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 2016 FR3.
- Book a repair at any authorized Forest River dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 15V726000 (manufacturer code 51-10302015-0105).
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-392-3673.
- 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: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Summary: Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain model year 2016 Forest River FR3 and Georgetown, and Coachmen Mirada and Pursuit recreational vehicles manufactured August 7, 2015, to October 22, 2015. Due to an incorrect shift cable bracket and an improper shift cable adjustment, the affected vehicles can be shifted out of 'PARK' without applying the brakes.
Consequence: If the vehicle can be shifted into reverse without the brakes being applied, the vehicle may unintentionally move, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Forest River will notify owners, and Ford dealers will replace the transmission shift control bracket and adjust the transmission shift cable, free of charge. The recall began on December 3, 2015. Owners may contact Forest River at 1-800-392-3673. Forest River's number for this recall is 51-10302015-0105.
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.
2. Equipment
What's wrong, in plain English: A part or accessory supplied with the vehicle. Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain model year 2015-2017 FR3 motorhomes manufactured September 24, 2014, to May 12, 2016; 2015-2017 Prime Time Spartan toyhaulers manufactured June 10, 2014, to May 31, 2016; 2013-2016 Palomino Columbus toyhaulers manufactured October 4, 2012, to December 4, 2015; and 2015-2016 XLR Thunderbolt and Nitro toyhaulers manufactured May 23, 2014, to November 23, 2016. The…
What could happen: If the hinges separate from the ladder while in use, the ladder may fall from the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: 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. Forest River's number for this recall is 51-11102016-0271.
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 2016 FR3.
- Book a repair at any authorized Forest River dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 16V828000 (manufacturer code 51-11102016-0271).
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-574-206-7600.
- 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
Summary: Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain model year 2015-2017 FR3 motorhomes manufactured September 24, 2014, to May 12, 2016; 2015-2017 Prime Time Spartan toyhaulers manufactured June 10, 2014, to May 31, 2016; 2013-2016 Palomino Columbus toyhaulers manufactured October 4, 2012, to December 4, 2015; and 2015-2016 XLR Thunderbolt and Nitro toyhaulers manufactured May 23, 2014, to November 23, 2016. These vehicles were equipped with certain aluminum, black, ladders manufactured by Christianson Industries. The affected ladders have retractable hinges, each with a welded 'top hat' that can separate from the hinge.
Consequence: If the hinges separate from the ladder while in use, the ladder may fall from the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury.
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. Forest River's number for this recall is 51-11102016-0271.
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
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Unknown Or Other (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)
11/06/2018 · Unknown Or Other
THE DOOR LATCH FAILED AND CAUSED A LOCK OUT FROM RV, HAVE LOOKED AT FOREST RIVER FORUM AND READ THAT A LOT OF OTHER OWNERS HAVE BEEN EITHER LOCKED IN OR LOCKED OUT, THE ONLY SOLUTION IS EITHER CLIMB OUT OR IN AN OPEN WINDOW OR USE THE EMERGENCY EXIT.THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND WORKING FINE DURING ANY AND ALL CAMPING TRIPS, THIS HAPPENED WITH NO WARNING OF A…