Travel trailer brake system defect increases crash risk during separation
Forest River is recalling certain 2018-2021 travel trailers because the breakaway safety switch may not engage the trailer brakes during separation from the tow vehicle. This defect can cause loss of vehicle control and increased crash risk.
What this means for you
Real risk of harm even if no illness or injury has been reported yet. Stop using the product and follow the agency's guidance.
Our severity reasoning: This is a safety system defect affecting critical braking function with serious potential consequences (loss of vehicle control and crash risk). However, no injuries or accidents have been reported in the source, so the hazard remains theoretical despite its critical nature.
Plain-English summary
Forest River, Inc. is recalling certain 2018-2021 Wildwood, Salem, and 2020 Sonoma travel trailers. The breakaway safety switch may not be wired to constant power, which prevents the trailer brakes from engaging if the trailer separates from the tow vehicle.
If the trailer brakes do not engage during separation, the trailer can lose control, increasing the risk of a crash and potential property damage or injury.
This recall affects 4,397 travel trailers manufactured between 2018 and 2021 across three models.
Owners should contact Forest River customer service at 1-909-873-3777 to arrange for the free remedy. Forest River will rewire the breakaway switch at no cost. The recall remedy began October 13, 2020. Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 or visit www.safercar.gov for more information.
The recalled product
- Product
- 2019 FOREST RIVER SALEM
- Brand
- FOREST RIVER
- Manufacturer
- Forest River, Inc.
- Hazard
- brake-failure
- crash-risk
- trailer-separation
- Affected units
- 4,397
Is your product affected?
Check your packaging against the codes below. If any of them match, the product is part of this recall.
Model numbers (3)
- SALEM
- WILDWOOD
- SONOMA
Distribution
Distributed nationwide across the United States.
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