The Forest River IBEX spans 2019–2026 with 10 recorded NHTSA recalls and a 4.5/5 ForCar reliability score. The years to approach with caution are 2024, 2022, 2021 (most owner complaints); the cleanest are 2019, 2020, 2023. It delivers competitive fuel economy and NHTSA-rated safety.
How we score: NHTSA crash-test safety (40%), recall frequency across all years (25%) and the share of owner complaints involving a crash, fire or injury (35%). Based on NHTSA & EPA data — not user reviews.
Overview
The Forest River IBEX is one of the most popular vehicles in its class, produced from 2019 to 2026 across multiple generations.
Decode or check a Forest River IBEX by VIN
Enter a 17-digit VIN to decode this Forest River IBEX — trim, engine, plant and full specs — and instantly pull its open recalls, safety ratings and original window sticker.
How to read a Forest River IBEX VIN — every digit explained
Every Forest River IBEX carries a unique 17-character VIN stamped at the factory. Each position is a code — together they spell out where, when and how your car was built. Here's exactly what every digit means.
- WMI (1–3) — country & manufacturer. 4T1 = Toyota, built in the USA.
- VDS (4–8) — model line, body style, engine & restraint system.
- Check digit (9) — a math check that proves the VIN is genuine.
- Model year (10) — the year it was built. H = 2017.
- Plant (11) — which factory assembled this IBEX.
- Serial (12–17) — the unique sequential production number.
Model-year code (10th digit)
The 10th character is the model year. It cycles through letters and numbers, skipping I, O, Q, U, Z and 0 to avoid confusion:
Where to find your IBEX VIN
- Dashboard — driver's side, visible through the windshield from outside.
- Driver's door jamb — on the manufacturer sticker when you open the door.
- Paperwork — vehicle registration, title and insurance card.
- Engine bay & frame — stamped on the firewall or chassis on many models.
How many recalls does the Forest River IBEX have?
The Forest River IBEX has 10 recorded NHTSA recalls across 2019–2026. Pick a year below to see its recalls — then verify open recalls against your specific VIN.
2024 Forest River IBEX recalls 3
Equipment:electrical
What's wrong. Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Forest River Cardinal, Wildcat, 2018-2019 Cedar Creek, 2021 Columbus, 2023 Continental Cargo, 2021-2024 Dynamax DX3, Dynamax Dynaquest XL, Dynamax Isata, Forest River IBEX, 2022-2024 Dynamax Europa, Forest River NOBO, 2022-2023 Forest River Sandstorm, Shockwave, Stealth, and 2021-2023 Dynamax Force trailers. The LED backlight circuit board in the cooktop range may fail, causing the board to overheat.
Risk. A circuit board that overheats increases the risk of a fire.
Fix. Dealers will disconnect and cut the circuit powering the LED backlights and terminate the wiring, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed by May 14, 2024. Owners may contact Suburban customer service at 1-574-247-9235 option 5; Cardinal & Wildcat customer service at 1-574-296-7700; Cedar Creek customer service at 1-260-593-4000; Columbus customer service at 1-574-821-1487; Continental Cargo customer service at 1-254-420-0171; Dynamax customer service at 1-574-264-6664; Ibex & Nobo customer service at 1-574-6421612; and Sandstorm & Shockwave customer service at 1-909-873-3777. Forest River's number for this recall is 51-1760.
Equipment:recreational Vehicle/trailer
What's wrong. Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2024 IBEX and No Boundaries travel trailers. The recessed space heaters may have been installed too close to the ceiling.
Risk. Inadequate clearance around the heaters increases the risk of a fire.
Fix. Dealers will reinstall the heaters, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 15, 2024. Owners may contact Forest River Customer Service at 1-574-642-1612. Forest River's number for this recall is 91-174.
Suspension:critical Fasteners
What's wrong. Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2022-2024 No Boundaries (NOBO), and 2023-2024 RPOD, and IBEX trailers. The fasteners for the independent suspension may loosen, allowing the independent suspension to detach.
Risk. A detached independent suspension can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix. Dealers will inspect the fasteners and replace or secure them as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 20, 2024. Owners may contact Forest River Customer Service at 1-574-642-1612. Forest River's number for this recall is 51-1727.
2023 Forest River IBEX recalls 2
Equipment:electrical
What's wrong. Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Forest River Cardinal, Wildcat, 2018-2019 Cedar Creek, 2021 Columbus, 2023 Continental Cargo, 2021-2024 Dynamax DX3, Dynamax Dynaquest XL, Dynamax Isata, Forest River IBEX, 2022-2024 Dynamax Europa, Forest River NOBO, 2022-2023 Forest River Sandstorm, Shockwave, Stealth, and 2021-2023 Dynamax Force trailers. The LED backlight circuit board in the cooktop range may fail, causing the board to overheat.
Risk. A circuit board that overheats increases the risk of a fire.
Fix. Dealers will disconnect and cut the circuit powering the LED backlights and terminate the wiring, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed by May 14, 2024. Owners may contact Suburban customer service at 1-574-247-9235 option 5; Cardinal & Wildcat customer service at 1-574-296-7700; Cedar Creek customer service at 1-260-593-4000; Columbus customer service at 1-574-821-1487; Continental Cargo customer service at 1-254-420-0171; Dynamax customer service at 1-574-264-6664; Ibex & Nobo customer service at 1-574-6421612; and Sandstorm & Shockwave customer service at 1-909-873-3777. Forest River's number for this recall is 51-1760.
Suspension:critical Fasteners
What's wrong. Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2022-2024 No Boundaries (NOBO), and 2023-2024 RPOD, and IBEX trailers. The fasteners for the independent suspension may loosen, allowing the independent suspension to detach.
Risk. A detached independent suspension can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix. Dealers will inspect the fasteners and replace or secure them as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 20, 2024. Owners may contact Forest River Customer Service at 1-574-642-1612. Forest River's number for this recall is 51-1727.
2022 Forest River IBEX recalls 3
Equipment:electrical
What's wrong. Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Forest River Cardinal, Wildcat, 2018-2019 Cedar Creek, 2021 Columbus, 2023 Continental Cargo, 2021-2024 Dynamax DX3, Dynamax Dynaquest XL, Dynamax Isata, Forest River IBEX, 2022-2024 Dynamax Europa, Forest River NOBO, 2022-2023 Forest River Sandstorm, Shockwave, Stealth, and 2021-2023 Dynamax Force trailers. The LED backlight circuit board in the cooktop range may fail, causing the board to overheat.
Risk. A circuit board that overheats increases the risk of a fire.
Fix. Dealers will disconnect and cut the circuit powering the LED backlights and terminate the wiring, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed by May 14, 2024. Owners may contact Suburban customer service at 1-574-247-9235 option 5; Cardinal & Wildcat customer service at 1-574-296-7700; Cedar Creek customer service at 1-260-593-4000; Columbus customer service at 1-574-821-1487; Continental Cargo customer service at 1-254-420-0171; Dynamax customer service at 1-574-264-6664; Ibex & Nobo customer service at 1-574-6421612; and Sandstorm & Shockwave customer service at 1-909-873-3777. Forest River's number for this recall is 51-1760.
Equipment:recreational Vehicle/trailer
What's wrong. Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Coachmen Catalina, Cross Trail, Pursuit, Sportscoach, East to West Della Terra, Silver Lake, Forest River Forester, FR3, Sunseeker, Wildwood, 2022 Coachmen Adrenaline, Apex, Brookstone, Chaparral, Chapparral Lite, Clipper, Freedom Express, Independence Trail, Mirada, Spirit, Viking, Work and Play, East to West Ahara, Tandara, Forest River Aurora, Cardinal, Cedar Creek, Cherokee, Flagstaff, Georgetown, Ibex, Impression, Ozark, Puma, R-Pod, Rockwood, Sabre, Salem, Sandpiper, Sandstorm, Shockwave, Sierra, Solera, Stealth, Stealth Evo, Surveyor, Vengeance, Vibe, Wildcat, XLR Toyhauler, Prime Time Avenger, Crusader, Lacrosse, Sanibel, Tracer, Shasta Oasis, and Phoenix fifth wheel and travel trailers. The electric retractable awning has a welded seam on the fabric that may separate, potentially allowing the awning to drop beyond normal operation.
Risk. An awning that drops or extends beyond normal operation can increase the risk of injury.
Fix. Dealers will replace the fabric roll or complete awning, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 17, 2022. Owners may contact the customer service numbers listed in the recall report for their designated model. Forest River's number for this recall is 51-1532. This recall supersedes and expands NHTSA recall number 22V-486.
Equipment:recreational Vehicle/trailer
What's wrong. Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2022 Prime Time Avenger, Crusader, Lacrosse, Ozark, Tracer, Sanibel, East to West Della Terra, Silverlake, Forest River Cherokee, Flagstaff, IBEX, RPod, Rockwood, Salem, Sierra, Sandpiper, and Wildwood fifth wheel and travel trailers. The electric retractable awning has a welded seam on the fabric that may separate, potentially allowing the awning to drop beyond normal operation.
Risk. An awning that drops or extends beyond normal operation can increase the risk of injury.
Fix. Forest River will replace the awnings, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 17, 2022. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at the following numbers: 1-574-862-1025 (Prime Time Avenger, Crusader, Lacrosse, Sanibel, Tracer, and Ozark), 1-574-264-6664 (East to West Della Terra and Silver Lake ), 1-260-499-2100 (Cherokee), 1-574-642-8943 (Rockwood and Flagstaff), 1-574- 642-3119 Option 2 (IBEX & RPOD), 1-574-534-3167 (Salem & Wildwood), 1-574-534-4574 (Sierra & Sandpiper). Forest River's number for this recall is 51-1532. This recall has been superseded by NHTSA recall 22V-556.
2021 Forest River IBEX recalls 2
Equipment:electrical
What's wrong. Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Forest River Cardinal, Wildcat, 2018-2019 Cedar Creek, 2021 Columbus, 2023 Continental Cargo, 2021-2024 Dynamax DX3, Dynamax Dynaquest XL, Dynamax Isata, Forest River IBEX, 2022-2024 Dynamax Europa, Forest River NOBO, 2022-2023 Forest River Sandstorm, Shockwave, Stealth, and 2021-2023 Dynamax Force trailers. The LED backlight circuit board in the cooktop range may fail, causing the board to overheat.
Risk. A circuit board that overheats increases the risk of a fire.
Fix. Dealers will disconnect and cut the circuit powering the LED backlights and terminate the wiring, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed by May 14, 2024. Owners may contact Suburban customer service at 1-574-247-9235 option 5; Cardinal & Wildcat customer service at 1-574-296-7700; Cedar Creek customer service at 1-260-593-4000; Columbus customer service at 1-574-821-1487; Continental Cargo customer service at 1-254-420-0171; Dynamax customer service at 1-574-264-6664; Ibex & Nobo customer service at 1-574-6421612; and Sandstorm & Shockwave customer service at 1-909-873-3777. Forest River's number for this recall is 51-1760.
Suspension:critical Fasteners
What's wrong. Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2021 IBEX travel trailers. The shackle nuts may have been insufficiently tightened during production.
Risk. Loose shackle nuts can fall off the shackle bolt, causing the axle to detach and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix. Dealers will tighten shackle nuts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 24, 2021. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-574-642-3119. Forest River's number for this recall is 77-1361.
Best and worst years for the Forest River IBEX
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint volume across 8 tracked years, the worst years are 2024, 2022, 2021 and the best (fewest complaints) are 2019, 2020, 2023.
ForCar aggregate — our own analysis of complaint volume, not published by NHTSA.
| Year | Owner complaints | Top issue | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 IBEX | 0 | — | Best |
| 2020 IBEX | 0 | — | Best |
| 2021 IBEX | 1 | — | Avoid |
| 2022 IBEX | 1 | Equipment | Avoid |
| 2023 IBEX | 0 | — | Best |
| 2024 IBEX | 1 | Equipment | Avoid |
| 2025 IBEX | 0 | — | Average |
| 2026 IBEX | 0 | — | Average |
What are the most common Forest River IBEX problems?
The most-reported Forest River IBEX problems are Equipment (2 reports) — out of 3 owner complaints NHTSA holds for the model. Here's how they break down:
Most-reported components — tap a category to read what owners actually experienced:
Equipment 2 Read
A new travel trailer was sold while there was a stop sale recall notice on it. The heaters in the bedroom and bathroom represent a fire hazard. This was only discovered after registering the purchase with the manufacturer. The warranty/service personnel from United RV disputed this claim even though the notices were provided to them. Those are attached to this complaint, Forest River ID: 91-1740 and NHTSA recall 24V137. This is a violation of Federal Law pursuant to the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Act, 49 CFR Part 573.11 United RV eventually relented and repaired the unit. However during that time claimed we had damaged the roof through wear and hail damage requiring a total replacement. However in consultation with Forest River we retrieved the unit and on careful maintenance and inspection have determined that there is in fact no damage at all. It was this and other practices at United RV that triggered us to file this complaint in the hopes that they will cease these business practices immediately. We were finally able to reach the owners by circumventing middle management and were promptly promised swift action. It is our hope that this complaint and others ensures this actually happens. Thank you for your time and attention to this matter.
2022 forest river ibex. Consumer writes in regard to co leak.
Source: NHTSA owner complaints, all model years. Bar = share of total complaints. Full reports searchable on NHTSA.gov.
Forest River IBEX specifications & dimensions
The 2026 Forest River IBEX. Full dimensions below — engine, horsepower and trim decode from your VIN.
| Specs cache warming… |
Source: NHTSA vPIC / Transport Canada vehicle specifications. Metric values converted to imperial; generation ranges approximate.
Forest River IBEX cargo space, seating & interior room
How much the IBEX holds — passengers and cargo. Seating, cargo and interior dimensions vary by trim and seat configuration — decode your VIN for the exact build.
Exact seating capacity, third-row availability, legroom and headroom decode from your VIN or vary by trim.
Passenger & cargo volume from EPA fueleconomy.gov (largest configuration). Seats, legroom and headroom from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.
Forest River IBEX tire size, oil type & owner specs
The fitment owners look up most — tires, wheels, oil and batteries. Exact wheel and tire sizes decode from your VIN or the driver's door-jamb placard; the universal items are listed below.
Exact tire, wheel, oil grade, capacity and battery group are added per trim and model year — decode your VIN above for the factory fitment. Universal items shown as-is.
What MPG does the Forest River IBEX get?
MPG cache warming… reload in a moment.
What engines does the Forest River IBEX have? Power & range
Powertrain data warming… reload in a moment.
How much does a Forest River IBEX cost to own?
A Forest River IBEX depreciates at about an average rate. A typical example keeps roughly 46% of its value after five years — losing about 54% to depreciation. Fuel, maintenance and insurance add to the total cost to own.
| Age | Value retained | Est. resale value | Lost to depreciation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 80% | — | — |
| Year 2 | 70% | — | — |
| Year 3 | 61% | — | — |
| Year 4 | 53% | — | — |
| Year 5 | 46% | — | — |
What goes into the five-year cost to own:
- Depreciation — the biggest cost: this IBEX loses about 54% of its value over five years.
- Fuel — based on EPA economy at roughly 15,000 miles a year.
- Maintenance & repairs — routine service, tires and wear items as the IBEX ages.
- Insurance — varies by driver, state and trim; get a quote for your exact figure.
Resale & depreciation are ForCar estimates from typical segment value-retention curves — not a live market quote. Fuel from EPA fueleconomy.gov at ~15k mi/yr.
Is the Forest River IBEX safe?
NHTSA crash-test ratings aren't published for the IBEX yet.
How many miles does a Forest River IBEX last?
A well-maintained Forest River IBEX typically lasts 250,000–300,000+ miles. It's exceptionally durable — with routine maintenance many owners report 250k+ on the original powertrain. Its ForCar Reliability Score is 4.5/5.
Decode your Forest River IBEX’s window sticker & build
Original options, specs, recalls and paint code — straight from the VIN. Free.
Decode VIN →All Forest River IBEX model years
A year-by-year snapshot of the Forest River IBEX — recalls, best EPA fuel economy and NHTSA safety. Tap a year for full details.
| Year | Recalls | Best MPG | Safety |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 IBEX | 0 | — | — |
| 2025 IBEX | 0 | — | — |
| 2024 IBEX | 3 recalls | — | — |
| 2023 IBEX | 2 recalls | — | — |
| 2022 IBEX | 3 recalls | — | — |
| 2021 IBEX | 2 recalls | — | — |
| 2020 IBEX | 0 | — | — |
| 2019 IBEX | 0 | — | — |
Recalls = NHTSA campaigns that year · MPG = best EPA combined · Safety = NHTSA overall stars (tested years).
Frequently asked questions
What are the worst years for the IBEX?
By owner-complaint volume, 2024, 2022, 2021 drew the most reports. 2019, 2020, 2023 have the cleanest records.
How many recalls does the IBEX have?
10 recorded NHTSA recalls across 2019–2026. Always check open recalls by your VIN.
How many miles does a IBEX last?
A well-maintained IBEX typically reaches 200,000–300,000 miles with regular maintenance.
Is the IBEX reliable?
Our ForCar Reliability Score for the IBEX is 4.5/5, based on NHTSA safety, recall history and complaint severity.
What's the Forest River IBEX warranty?
New Forest River models carry 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 Forest River dealer.
Where is the Forest River IBEX made?
The assembly plant is encoded in the VIN — the 11th character. Decode your IBEX's VIN above to see exactly where it was built; Forest River may build it at more than one plant depending on the year.
How much ground clearance does the IBEX have?
Ground clearance varies by trim and drivetrain — AWD/4WD versions often sit higher. Decode your VIN or check the specific trim for the exact figure.