Coachmen's lineup has 373 recorded NHTSA recalls across 17 models and averages 4.3/5 for reliability on ForCar. Check any Coachmen's open recalls, owner complaints, MPG and NHTSA safety below — or decode its VIN for the exact build. Free, by model and year.
Each model's ForCar Reliability Score is built from NHTSA crash-test safety (40%), recall frequency (25%) and complaint severity (35%) — not user reviews. Brand score = average of rated models.
Coachmen — VIN decoder & full model lineup
Coachmen RVs are a popular brand originating from Middlebury, Indiana, known for offering a wide range of affordable and well-equipped travel trailers and fifth wheel trailers, particularly appealing to families and weekend adventurers. Decoding a Coachmen VIN through ForCar.org provides a comprehensive understanding of your vehicle’s history, including its precise specifications, any associated recall notices, and a complete record of its manufacturing details. Simply enter the VIN to unlock a wealth of valuable information about your Coachmen RV.
Buying or selling? See current used-market prices and how different models hold value over time.
All Coachmen models 17
Every Coachmen model we track, grouped by body type. Click any model for its VIN decoder, recalls, MPG, safety and ForCar Reliability Score — broken down by year.
Coachmen RVs & campers 17
Coachmen recalls
Across the Coachmen lineup, ForCar tracks 373 recorded NHTSA recalls — each tied to a specific model and year. There's no single "Coachmen recall" number; open a model for its exact campaigns, affected parts and the free dealer fix.
| # | Coachmen model | Recalls | ForCar Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Coachmen Catalina | 4.0 /5 | |
| 02 | Coachmen Mirada | 4.0 /5 | |
| 03 | Coachmen Prism | 4.5 /5 | |
| 04 | Coachmen Freelander | 4.5 /5 | |
| 05 | Coachmen Leprechaun | 4.5 /5 | |
| 06 | Coachmen Chaparral | 4.0 /5 | |
| 07 | Coachmen Freedom Express | 4.0 /5 | |
| 08 | Coachmen Nova | 4.5 /5 | |
| 09 | Coachmen Beyond | 4.5 /5 | |
| 10 | Coachmen Cross Trail | 4.5 /5 |
Most-recalled system across Coachmen: Equipment:recreational Vehicle/trailer. Source: NHTSA recall campaigns — open any model for full details by year.
Is Coachmen reliable?
Across rated models, Coachmen averages a 4.3/5 ForCar Reliability Score, with 16 models rated 4★ or higher. Each model is scored from NHTSA crash-test safety, recall frequency and the share of owner complaints involving a crash, fire or injury — not user reviews.
Coachmen competes in the mid-market RV segment alongside Forest River sister brands (Cherokee, Wildwood, Salem, Cardinal, Sandpiper, others) and against Thor Industries brands (Jayco, Airstream, Heartland, Keystone, Crossroads), Winnebago and other manufacturers. The brand's positioning emphasizes value-for-money rather than premium luxury, making Coachmen a popular entry-level RV brand for first-time buyers.
Coachmen models by owner-complaint volume (NHTSA):
| # | Coachmen model | Owner complaints | ForCar Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Coachmen Catalina | 4.0 /5 | |
| 02 | Coachmen Mirada | 4.0 /5 | |
| 03 | Coachmen Freedom Express | 4.0 /5 | |
| 04 | Coachmen Leprechaun | 4.5 /5 | |
| 05 | Coachmen Freelander | 4.5 /5 | |
| 06 | Coachmen Prism | 4.5 /5 | |
| 07 | Coachmen Chaparral | 4.0 /5 | |
| 08 | Coachmen Nova | 4.5 /5 | |
| 09 | Coachmen Clipper | 3.5 /5 | |
| 10 | Coachmen Beyond | 4.5 /5 |
Higher complaint counts often track higher sales volume, not necessarily worse reliability — open a model for its complaints by year and best/worst-year analysis.
Most fuel-efficient Coachmen models
Fuel-economy rankings for Coachmen are being compiled — check the most fuel-efficient cars meanwhile.
Safest Coachmen models
NHTSA safety rankings for Coachmen are being compiled — see the safest cars overall meanwhile.
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Get a Coachmen window sticker by VIN
Recreate any Coachmen's original Monroney label — MSRP, factory options, EPA MPG and safety — free from the VIN.
Coachmen window stickers →How to read a Coachmen VIN
Every Coachmen built since 1981 carries a unique 17-character VIN (Vehicle Identification Number). It encodes where and when the vehicle was made, its engine and body — here's what each part means:
- WMI (1–3) — country & manufacturer. Tells you it's a Coachmen and the country it was built in (real Coachmen codes below).
- VDS (4–8) — model, body style, engine, trim & restraints. The 8th digit is the engine code.
- Check digit (9) — a math check that proves the VIN is genuine.
- Model year (10) — the year it was built (e.g. R = 2024, S = 2025).
- Plant (11) — which factory assembled it.
- Serial (12–17) — the unique sequential production number.
- —1MW · 1TC · 1TE · 1TJ · 1TX
The remaining digits — engine (8th), model-year letter (10th) and plant — follow the universal SAE standard. For the full year-code table, country codes and where the VIN is stamped, see the complete guide to reading a VIN.
About Coachmen
Tom, Keith and Claude Corson founded Coachmen Industries in 1964 in Middlebury, Indiana — the heart of the Indiana RV manufacturing region (which today produces approximately 80% of US RVs). The first Coachmen trailer was a 16-foot travel trailer launched the same year. Coachmen went public on the NYSE in 1969 and grew through acquisitions of Sportscoach (1979), Georgie Boy (1981) and other RV brands. Coachmen Industries spun off Coachmen RV in 2008 to Forest River. The 2008 Coachmen sale to Berkshire Hathaway-owned Forest River completed the transition.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1964 |
| Headquarters | Middlebury, USA |
| Parent company | Forest River |
| Slogan | "Built to a Higher Standard" |
| Models tracked | 17 (all years) |
Coachmen — frequently asked
How do I decode a Coachmen VIN for free?
Enter the 17-character VIN in the decoder at the top of this page. You'll get the exact year, trim, engine and plant, then can check that vehicle's recalls, MPG and safety — free, no signup.
How many Coachmen models are there?
ForCar tracks 17 Coachmen models. See the full list above, ordered by how often each is searched.
Where is Coachmen made?
Coachmen is headquartered in Middlebury, USA, founded in 1964. Individual models are assembled at plants worldwide — the VIN's 11th character identifies the exact factory.
How do I check Coachmen recalls?
Recalls are tracked per model and year. Open any Coachmen model above to see its NHTSA recall campaigns, affected parts and the free dealer fix.
Which Coachmen is most reliable?
Reliability varies by model and year. Each model page shows its ForCar Reliability Score (from NHTSA safety, recalls and complaint severity) so you can compare directly.
What's the Coachmen warranty?
New Coachmen vehicles come with a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic (bumper-to-bumper) warranty and a 5 years / 60,000 miles powertrain warranty. Coverage can vary by model year and market — confirm with a Coachmen dealer.