2020 Forest River Vibe 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. Brakes
What's wrong, in plain English: Anything that slows the car down. Treat brake recalls as urgent. Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2020 Freedom Express, Salem, Stealth EVO, Vibe, Wildcat Maxx, and Wildwood recreational trailers. The emergency break-away switch may fail.
What could happen: In the event of trailer separation from the tow vehicle, a failed break-away switch will not apply the trailer's brakes, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Forest River will notify owners, and dealers will replace the break-away switch, free of charge. The recall began February 19, 2020. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-503-831-5410 or 1-574-825-8205. Forest River's number for this recall is 51-1129.
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 VIBE.
- Book a repair at any authorized Forest River dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 20V049000 (manufacturer code 51-1129).
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-503-831-5410.
- 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: SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC
Summary: Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2020 Freedom Express, Salem, Stealth EVO, Vibe, Wildcat Maxx, and Wildwood recreational trailers. The emergency break-away switch may fail.
Consequence: In the event of trailer separation from the tow vehicle, a failed break-away switch will not apply the trailer's brakes, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Forest River will notify owners, and dealers will replace the break-away switch, free of charge. The recall began February 19, 2020. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-503-831-5410 or 1-574-825-8205. Forest River's number for this recall is 51-1129.
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 2020-2021 Vibe trailers, models VBT16RB-OR and VBT17DB-OR. The roof vent for the refrigerator may be missing.
What could happen: Insufficient ventilation may cause the refrigerator to overheat, increasing the risk of a fire or result in a carbon monoxide buildup, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Forest River will notify owners, and dealers will install a vent on the roof for the refrigerator, free of charge. The recall began on June 1, 2020. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at (503) 831-5413. Forest River's number for this recall is 22-1166.
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 VIBE.
- Book a repair at any authorized Forest River dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 20V269000 (manufacturer code 22-1166).
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- 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:RECREATIONAL VEHICLE/TRAILER
Summary: Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Vibe trailers, models VBT16RB-OR and VBT17DB-OR. The roof vent for the refrigerator may be missing.
Consequence: Insufficient ventilation may cause the refrigerator to overheat, increasing the risk of a fire or result in a carbon monoxide buildup, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Forest River will notify owners, and dealers will install a vent on the roof for the refrigerator, free of charge. The recall began on June 1, 2020. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at (503) 831-5413. Forest River's number for this recall is 22-1166.
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
- Compact car fire extinguisher
- 2020 Forest River Vibe owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Wheels / tires (3), Brakes (1), Suspension (1).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (3)
08/05/2023 · Wheels / tires
Castle Rock ST225/75R15 DOT Code JULT 1MT Date Code 3019 tire on spare tire rack mounted on rear bumper of travel trailer exploded in the area of where the tread and sidewall meet. This tire had never been put into use. Lions head Tire and Wheel has been informed via their online form email to the contact specified.
07/28/2022 · Wheels / tires
Purchased trailer new 02/2020, after recent trip had trailer in to repack wheel bearings and check brakes. Dealer notified me of burnt wheel bearing and states brakes bad. Also needs to replace hubs? When I brought trailer home noticed right rear axle tire had cords showing on outside of tire and inside tread was separating, left rear axle tire was wore…
02/17/2020 · Suspension
NOT ENOUGH CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE TIRES AND THE BOTTOM OF THE CAMPER CAUSING THE TIRES TO IMPACT THE BOTTOM OF THE CAMPER WHILE TOWING. THIS HAS THE POTENTIAL TO DAMAGE THE TIRES AND CAUSE DEFLATION AND A POSSIBLE CRASH.