- The problem
- Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2019 Coachmen Chaparral and Shasta, 2019-2020 Coachmen Concord and Orion, 2020-2021 Coachmen Cross Trek and Forest River Berkshire, 2019-2021 Coachmen Freelander, Leprechaun and Prism, 2020 Coachmen Mirada, Pursuit and Sportscoach, Dynamax Force, DX3, Dynaquest XL and Isata and Forest River Wildwood and 2008 and 2020 Forest River Salem vehicles equipped with Dometic 3 burner cooking stoves. The saddle valve securing bolt may be overtightened, possibly damaging the o-ring seal and causing a continuous gas leak.
- The risk
- A gas leak can increase the risk of a fire.
- The fix
- Forest River will notify owners, and dealers will install a remedy kit of gaskets, washers, thread locker bolts, and two round orange labels, free of charge. The recall began January 11, 2021. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-574-825-4995, or Dometic customer service at 1-574-293-0681. Forest River's number for this recall is 51-1259.
Vehicle safety record
2008 Forest River Salem Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 3 complaints about the 2008 Forest River Salem with NHTSA, most often about the suspension (2) and the wheels & tires (1). It is covered by 3 recalls, the latest in November 2020 for the lpg systems. For comparison, the 2007 has 0 and the 2009 has 0.
NHTSA data checked
CAbout as many problems as a typical Salem year, for its age
#338 most complained-about 2008 vehicle
- Complaints
- 3
- Recalls
- 3
- Crashes
- 0
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 2008 Forest River Salem problems
Share of all 3 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
2008 Forest River Salem recalls 3
Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do
- The problem
- Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2003-2018 Forest River Berkshire, Charleston, Rockport, Cedar Creek, Cherokee, Riverstone, Salem, Sandpiper, Sierra, Vengeance, Wildcat, Wildwood, XLR Boost, Cargo Mate, Continental Cargo, motorhomes, recreational trailers, toyhaulers, cargo trailers and restroom trailers and 2009-2018 Coachmen Mirada, Pursuit, Concord, Leprechaun, Freelander, Orion and Prism motorhomes, 2009-2017 Coachmen Apex and Catalina recreational trailers, and 2013-2017 Shasta Oasis and Revere recreational trailers, equipped with Kidde Plastic-Handle or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers. These extinguishers may become clogged, preventing the extinguisher from discharging as expected or excessive force may be needed to activate the extinguisher. Additionally, in certain models, the nozzle may detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury and also render the product inoperable. For a full list of the affected fire extinguisher models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17E062-5427.pdf
- The risk
- In the event of a fire, if the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury.
- The fix
- Forest River will notify owners, instructing them to contact Kidde for a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began on December 27, 2017. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-800-348-7440, or Kidde customer service toll free at 1-855-262-3540, or online at www.kidde.com and click on "Product Safety Recall" for more information. Forest River's number for this recall is 51-0544.
- The problem
- Certain travel trailers fail to comply with the requirements of part 567, "certification." The label located on the lower roadside front of the unit contains an improper listing of the tire and rim.
- The risk
- There may be confusion as to the proper replacement tire if it is necessary.
- The fix
- Dealers will mail the corrected federal compliance tag and tire load information to the dealers or retail customers. They can be placed over the incorrect label after cleaning the surface with alcohol. Customers will have the option for dealers to install the label free of charge. The recall began on october 1, 2007. Owners may contact forest river at 574-534-3167.
What owners say
Be the first Salem owner to share.
Problems or none - your experience is exactly what the next buyer is looking for. Write it now
3 complaints about the 2008 Forest River Salem
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 forest river salem trailer. The contact stated that both front and rear axles were severely damaged. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who advised that the four leaf springs were poorly designed and dangerous. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware problem. The failure and current mileage was unknown.
Purchased a 2008 flagstaff trailer model 31fkbbs in june 2009. Have had three tire blow outs one each in october 2009, july 2010, and feb 2011 and a wheel bearing failure possibly caused by last blow out in feb 2011. Unable to tow trailer in excess of 45 mph because of tire problem. After last tire blowout tire dealer pointed out data on trailer states tires should be st225/75r15 load rande d vs. St205r/7515 tires that came on trailer. Over $3000 in tires and repair cost. Dealer claims that forrest river supplied incorrect tires. Have one of the blown out tires and receipts for the repairs to the trailer and tire replacement. *Tr
We have a 2008 forest river surveyor model 301 30 ft travel trailer equipped with lippert axles. We were on vacation and we heard a loud bang like a tire blowing out. I pulled over got out and inspected the trailer and my tow vehicle and found nothing wrong. Within 600 miles my rt rear tire went bald on the outside and I took it to a tire dealer in kallispell montana and they put my spare tire on. We then drove home. I inspected the trailer and found the left front tire bald and one other tire going bald. I had...
Read the full complaint
the tires replaced and took the trailer to my dealer and pointed out to them that the front axle was bent upward in the middle and the front axle shackles were not tight against the frame. The axle is actually touching the floor in the middle. Pictures were sent to the manufacturer and they insist it is a tire problem angoodyear says it is an axle problem. I filed a report with goodyear and I took the tire to an independent tire expert and both confirmed it was a misaligned or damaged axle. I did nothing on the trip to cause this problem.The axle is a model 3500 but I cannot get anyone to give me a manufacture date.Repeated calls to forest river have been unanswered.One other problem I found with the axles wereplastic dust covers over the axle bearings had disintegrated(this was before the trip). I took the rv to my dealer and they repacked the bearings and replaced the rear seals.I replaced the dust covers with metal ones. When I called lippert and discussed my axle problem I brought the dust cover problem to their attention and they said they weren't using them any more. I asked them when they stopped and they didn't know when. The rv has been at the dealer for 6 weeks and nobody can tell mewhat caused the axle to fail. This is a safety hazard that someone needs to look into. I am not moving this rv until the problem is identified properly reported and fixed. Note: on your website "surveyor" model not listed so I listed "salem" to proceed. *Tr
Forest River Salem: every year compared
All Salem years2008 Forest River Salem vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 Forest River Salem | 3 | 3 | C | |
| 2008 Forest River Georgetown | 5 | 3 | C | Compare |
| 2008 Forest River Cargo Mate | 5 | 1 | D | Compare |
| 2008 Forest River Flagstaff | 2 | 1 | B | Compare |
| 2008 Forest River Charleston | 2 | 4 | D | Compare |
| 2008 Forest River Berkshire | 2 | 3 | C | Compare |
| 2008 Forest River Cardinal | 1 | 0 | A | Compare |
| 2008 Forest River Sabre | 1 | 0 | A | Compare |
| 2008 Forest River Cherokee | 1 | 2 | B | Compare |
More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.
Questions about the 2008 Forest River Salem
Does the 2008 Forest River Salem have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2008 Forest River Salem: lpg systems (November 2020); equipment (November 2017); labels (October 2007). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
What are the most common problems with the 2008 Forest River Salem?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the suspension (2), wheels & tires (1).
How many complaints has the 2008 Forest River Salem had?
3 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on October 26, 2009 and the latest on August 2, 2011. Of these, 0 describe a crash and 0 a fire, and together they report 0 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 2008 Forest River Salem a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 50 out of 100 (grade C: about as many problems as a typical Forest River Salem year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
Which Forest River Salem years have the most complaints?
2008 (3), 2001 (2), 2011 (2). See every Forest River Salem year compared.
What should I do if my 2008 Forest River Salem has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data