The Recall Desk
Our severity:HighNHTSA·21V374000·Announced 2021-05-21

2021 Forest River Columbus Trailer Brakes May Fail Due to Wiring Defect

Forest River is recalling 2021 Columbus Fifth Wheel trailers due to an incorrectly wired breakaway switch that may prevent the trailer brakes from activating, increasing the risk of crashes.

What this means for you

Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 3/5 (High).

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: The defect affects a critical safety system (trailer brakes), but no injuries or property damage have been reported. Per the rubric, theoretical hazards with no reported injuries score at most High (3).

Plain-English summary

Forest River, Inc. is recalling certain 2021 Columbus Fifth Wheel trailers. These vehicles have a breakaway switch in the electrical system that may be incorrectly wired.

The breakaway switch and trailer brakes may not activate when needed due to the wiring defect. This can increase the risk of a crash or injury.

Approximately 93 units are affected. Owners will receive notification letters (mailed June 9, 2021). Dealers will rewire the breakaway switch at no charge. Owners can contact Forest River customer service at 1-574-821-1487 or NHTSA at 1-888-327-4236.

The recalled product

Product
FOREST RIVER COLUMBUS
Brand
FOREST RIVER
Manufacturer
Forest River, Inc.
Category
Vehicle — Fifth Wheel Trailer
Hazard
Affected units
93

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 (1)

  • COLUMBUS

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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