2018 Forest River Xlr Toyhauler recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-19. 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. Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Forest River XLR Toyhauler recreational trailers, models XLT25KW, XLT25KW-W, XLT28KW and XLT28KW-W. The safety chains on these vehicles do not exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of the trailer.
What could happen: If the trailer becomes uncoupled, the existing safety chains may fail, allowing the trailer to separate from the tow vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Forest River will notify owners, and dealers will replace the safety chains with chains that exceed the vehicle's GVWR, free of charge. The recall began on March 13, 2018. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-574-642-0432. Forest River's number for this recall is 45-0645.
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 2018 XLR TOYHAULER.
- Book a repair at any authorized Forest River dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 18V134000 (manufacturer code 45-0645).
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-574-642-0432.
- 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 2016-2018 Forest River XLR Toyhauler recreational trailers, models XLT25KW, XLT25KW-W, XLT28KW and XLT28KW-W. The safety chains on these vehicles do not exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of the trailer.
Consequence: If the trailer becomes uncoupled, the existing safety chains may fail, allowing the trailer to separate from the tow vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Forest River will notify owners, and dealers will replace the safety chains with chains that exceed the vehicle's GVWR, free of charge. The recall began on March 13, 2018. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-574-642-0432. Forest River's number for this recall is 45-0645.
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
- 2018 Forest River Xlr Toyhauler owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Electrical system (2), Body / structure (1), Equipment (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)
12/12/2019 · Electrical system
AS PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN #18E050 THE AWNING ON THE RV TRAILER MAY EXTEND WHILE TRAILER IS IN MOTION. THE AWNING MANUFACTURER LCI IS AWARE OF THIS RECALL BY DID NOT INFORM MY DEALER ABOUT THE RECALL. I TRIED TO HAVE THE CONTROL MODULE REPLACED THROUGH THE DEALER BUT THEY DID NOT PERFORM THE REPLACEMENT OF THE DEFECTIVE MODULE. I THEN TRIED TO HAVE THE MODULE RE…
07/13/2018 · Body / structure
28 KW NITRO, FRESH WATER, CITY WATER AND BLACK TANK WASH OUT WILL MELT OFF THE SIDE OF UNIT, DUE TO THE PROPANE HOT WATER TANK EXHAUST BEING DIRECTLY BELOW THE PLASTIC FITTINGS. THE VEHICLE WAS SET UP IN A CAMPING LOCATION WITH A CITY WATER HOOKUP CONNECTED. *TT *TR *DT*JB*DT*AS
05/27/2018 · Electrical system
FRONT BEDROOM A/C WAS INCORRECTLY WIRED CAUSING MELTDOWN AND FAILURE OF THE WIRE NUT. THERE WAS INSUFFICIENT INSULATION STRIPPED FROM THE JOINING WIRES TO GIVE A GOOD PHYSICAL CONNECTION AND THE WIRE NUT WAS LOOSE. VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY AT THE TIME OF THE FAILURE.