The Forest River Puma spans 2005–2026 with 50 recorded NHTSA recalls and a 4.0/5 ForCar reliability score. The years to approach with caution are 2020, 2019, 2021 (most owner complaints); the cleanest are 2005, 2007, 2009. 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 Puma is one of the most popular vehicles in its class, produced from 2005 to 2026 across multiple generations.
Decode or check a Forest River Puma by VIN
Enter a 17-digit VIN to decode this Forest River Puma — trim, engine, plant and full specs — and instantly pull its open recalls, safety ratings and original window sticker.
How to read a Forest River Puma VIN — every digit explained
Every Forest River Puma 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 Puma.
- 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 Puma 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 Puma have?
The Forest River Puma has 50 recorded NHTSA recalls across 2005–2026. Pick a year below to see its recalls — then verify open recalls against your specific VIN.
2025 Forest River Puma recalls 3
Structure:body:step/ladder
What's wrong. Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Coachmen Catalina, Forest River Aurora, Cascade, Cedar Creek, Cherokee, Sandpiper, Sierra, 2025 Campsite Reserve, Impression, Pause, Puma, Sabre, Salem, Vengeance, and Wildwood fifth wheel and travel trailers, equipped with a removable step assembly. The clip-on bracket mounting bolts may come loose, allowing the steps to detach.
Risk. Steps that detach while in use increase the risk of injury.
Fix. Dealers will inspect and repair or replace the clip-on bracket as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 28, 2025. Owners may contact customer service at Aurora & Catalina (1-574-825-4995), Campsite Reserve, Cascade, Cherokee, Sabre, Vengeance (1-260-499-2100), Cedar Creek (1-260-593-4000), Impression (1-574-327-2716), Pause (1-574-327-2681), Puma (1-574-642-0588), Sierra & Sandpiper (1-574-534-4574), and Salem & Wildwood (1-574-534-3167). Forest River's number for this recall is 51-1915.
Equipment:other:labels
What's wrong. Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2017-2025 Coachmen Catalina, 2020-2025 Aurora, and 2025 Puma travel trailers. The Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) on the Federal placard may exceed the safety chain rating. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 110, "Tire Selection and Rims" and 120, "Wheels and Rims - Other Than Passenger Cars."
Risk. An incorrect weight rating may lead to unintentionally overloading the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix. Forest River will mail owners a corrected Federal Placard with application instructions, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 24, 2025. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 5745-825-4995, and Puma customer service at 1-574-642-0588. Forest River's number for this recall is 51-1895.
Equipment:recreational Vehicle/trailer:plumbing:sewage/black
What's wrong. Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Puma PUT39DBT travel trailers. The anti-siphon vent may have been installed backwards which can cause sewer gas to enter the vehicle.
Risk. Sewer gas entering the vehicle can increase the risk of injury to occupants.
Fix. Dealers will replace the anti-siphon vent, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 23, 2024. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-574-642-0588. Forest River's number for this recall is 420-1832.
2024 Forest River Puma recalls 4
Equipment:recreational Vehicle/trailer:plumbing:sewage/black
What's wrong. Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Puma PUT39DBT travel trailers. The anti-siphon vent may have been installed backwards which can cause sewer gas to enter the vehicle.
Risk. Sewer gas entering the vehicle can increase the risk of injury to occupants.
Fix. Dealers will replace the anti-siphon vent, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 23, 2024. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-574-642-0588. Forest River's number for this recall is 420-1832.
Trailer Hitches
What's wrong. Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2024 Salem, Puma, Wildwood, and 2025 Cherokee travel trailers equipped with certain Pacific Rim brand couplers. The couplers have an incorrect load rating of 14,000 pounds and may be overloaded, causing the hitch to fail.
Risk. Hitch failure increases the risk of a crash or injury.
Fix. Dealers will inspect the date code of the hitch coupler and replace it if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 2, 2024. Owners may contact Forest River Customer Service at Salem & Wildwood (574) 534-3167, Puma (574) 642-0588 or Cherokee (260) 499-2100. Forest River's number for this recall is 51-1803.
Equipment:recreational Vehicle/trailer:120/240 Vac Electrical System:charger Low Voltage Battery
What's wrong. Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2004-2024 Cedar Creek and 2006-2024 Puma fifth wheels trailers. The overcurrent protection from the trailer battery may have been incorrectly routed, allowing the wires to be pulled out of the junction box.
Risk. A loose wire can cause a short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix. Dealers will reroute the wires to the protected side of the mini-beaker, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 10, 2024. Owners may contact Puma customer service at 1-574-642-0588 or Cedar Creek customer service at 260-593-4000. Forest River's number for this recall is 51-1786.
Exterior Lighting
What's wrong. Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2024 Puma travel trailers. The amber side marker light may not have been installed on one side of the vehicle. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Risk. Missing side marker lights can reduce visibility of the trailer to other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix. Dealers will install intermediate amber clearance lights, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 19, 2024. Owners may contact customer service at 1-574-642-0488. Forest River's number for this recall is 425-1787.
2023 Forest River Puma recalls 1
Equipment:recreational Vehicle/trailer:120/240 Vac Electrical System:charger Low Voltage Battery
What's wrong. Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2004-2024 Cedar Creek and 2006-2024 Puma fifth wheels trailers. The overcurrent protection from the trailer battery may have been incorrectly routed, allowing the wires to be pulled out of the junction box.
Risk. A loose wire can cause a short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix. Dealers will reroute the wires to the protected side of the mini-beaker, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 10, 2024. Owners may contact Puma customer service at 1-574-642-0588 or Cedar Creek customer service at 260-593-4000. Forest River's number for this recall is 51-1786.
2022 Forest River Puma recalls 4
Equipment:recreational Vehicle/trailer:120/240 Vac Electrical System:charger Low Voltage Battery
What's wrong. Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2004-2024 Cedar Creek and 2006-2024 Puma fifth wheels trailers. The overcurrent protection from the trailer battery may have been incorrectly routed, allowing the wires to be pulled out of the junction box.
Risk. A loose wire can cause a short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix. Dealers will reroute the wires to the protected side of the mini-beaker, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 10, 2024. Owners may contact Puma customer service at 1-574-642-0588 or Cedar Creek customer service at 260-593-4000. Forest River's number for this recall is 51-1786.
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 Palomino Puma and Puma XLE fifth wheel and travel trailer recreational vehicles. The exterior micro kitchen griddle may be stowed while still connected to propane.
Risk. A stowed griddle connected to propane increases the risk of a fire.
Fix. Dealers will install a bracket to prevent the griddle from being stowed when connected to the propane line, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 12, 2022. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-574-642-0588. Forest River's number for this recall is 51-1494.
Equipment:recreational Vehicle/trailer:plumbing:sewage/black:storage Tank
What's wrong. Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Puma travel trailers. The black wastewater-holding tank may be missing the ventilation pipe, allowing methane gas to build up.
Risk. In the presence of an ignition source, a gas build up increases the risk of fire.
Fix. Dealers will properly vent the black wastewater-holding tank, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 22, 2021. Owners may contact Forest River Customer Service at 1-574-642-0606. Forest River's number for this recall is 420-1425.
2021 Forest River Puma recalls 3
Equipment:recreational Vehicle/trailer:120/240 Vac Electrical System:charger Low Voltage Battery
What's wrong. Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2004-2024 Cedar Creek and 2006-2024 Puma fifth wheels trailers. The overcurrent protection from the trailer battery may have been incorrectly routed, allowing the wires to be pulled out of the junction box.
Risk. A loose wire can cause a short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix. Dealers will reroute the wires to the protected side of the mini-beaker, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 10, 2024. Owners may contact Puma customer service at 1-574-642-0588 or Cedar Creek customer service at 260-593-4000. Forest River's number for this recall is 51-1786.
Equipment:recreational Vehicle/trailer
What's wrong. Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2021 Puma travel trailers. The outdoor cooktop may be stowed away while the propane hose is still attached and the burner is on.
Risk. If the cooktop is stowed away while the propane hose is attached and the burner is on, it will increase the risk of a fire.
Fix. Forest River will notify owners, and dealers will install a bracket to the drawer housing the outside cooktop preventing the drawer from being closed while the propane line is still attached, free of charge. The recall began January 15, 2021. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-574-642-0606. Forest River's number for this recall is 425-1269.
Equipment:recreational Vehicle/trailer:plumbing:sewage/black:storage Tank
What's wrong. Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Puma travel trailers. The black wastewater-holding tank may be missing the ventilation pipe, allowing methane gas to build up.
Risk. In the presence of an ignition source, a gas build up increases the risk of fire.
Fix. Dealers will properly vent the black wastewater-holding tank, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 22, 2021. Owners may contact Forest River Customer Service at 1-574-642-0606. Forest River's number for this recall is 420-1425.
2020 Forest River Puma recalls 2
Equipment:recreational Vehicle/trailer:120/240 Vac Electrical System:charger Low Voltage Battery
What's wrong. Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2004-2024 Cedar Creek and 2006-2024 Puma fifth wheels trailers. The overcurrent protection from the trailer battery may have been incorrectly routed, allowing the wires to be pulled out of the junction box.
Risk. A loose wire can cause a short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix. Dealers will reroute the wires to the protected side of the mini-beaker, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 10, 2024. Owners may contact Puma customer service at 1-574-642-0588 or Cedar Creek customer service at 260-593-4000. Forest River's number for this recall is 51-1786.
Equipment:recreational Vehicle/trailer
What's wrong. Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Surveyor, NO BO, Cherokee, R. POD, Clipper, Viking, Independence, Puma and East to West trailers. The spare tire carrier U-bolts may fail allowing the spare tire carrier and spare tire detach from the vehicle.
Risk. If the spare tire carrier and spare tire detach from the vehicle while in motion, it can become a road hazard and increase the risk of a crash.
Fix. Forest River will notify owners, and dealers will replace U-bolts, free of charge. The recall began March 20, 2020. Owners may contact Surveyor, NO BO, R. and POD customer service at 1-574-642-3119, Independence, Viking, and Clipper customer service at 1-269-467-4600, Puma customer service at -574-642-0606, East and West customer service at 1-574-264-6664 or Cherokee customer service at 1-877-426-5337. Forest River's number for this recall is 51-1133.
2019 Forest River Puma recalls 1
Equipment:recreational Vehicle/trailer:120/240 Vac Electrical System:charger Low Voltage Battery
What's wrong. Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2004-2024 Cedar Creek and 2006-2024 Puma fifth wheels trailers. The overcurrent protection from the trailer battery may have been incorrectly routed, allowing the wires to be pulled out of the junction box.
Risk. A loose wire can cause a short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix. Dealers will reroute the wires to the protected side of the mini-beaker, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 10, 2024. Owners may contact Puma customer service at 1-574-642-0588 or Cedar Creek customer service at 260-593-4000. Forest River's number for this recall is 51-1786.
2018 Forest River Puma recalls 3
Equipment:recreational Vehicle/trailer:120/240 Vac Electrical System:charger Low Voltage Battery
What's wrong. Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2004-2024 Cedar Creek and 2006-2024 Puma fifth wheels trailers. The overcurrent protection from the trailer battery may have been incorrectly routed, allowing the wires to be pulled out of the junction box.
Risk. A loose wire can cause a short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix. Dealers will reroute the wires to the protected side of the mini-beaker, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 10, 2024. Owners may contact Puma customer service at 1-574-642-0588 or Cedar Creek customer service at 260-593-4000. Forest River's number for this recall is 51-1786.
Equipment:other:labels
What's wrong. Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2018 Puma recreational trailers. The Federal Placards indicate incorrect tire load range and tire pressure (PSI) information. The placard states a tire size of ST205/75R15/D requiring 50PSI, however the installed tires are size ST205/75R15/C, requiring 65PSI. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims," and they also fail to comply with the requirements of 49 CFR Part 567, "Certification."
Risk. The incorrect tire information can cause the operator to over-inflate the tires, which can cause premature tire failure, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix. Forest River will notify owners, and dealers will install a corrected Federal Placard, free of charge. The recall began on December 4, 2017. Owners may contact Forest River Customer Service at 1-574-642-0588. Forest River's number for this recall is 425-0560.
Wheels:hub
What's wrong. Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2018 Puma recreational trailers. When installing and tightening the wheels on the trailers, the wheel center caps may have interfered, preventing the wheels from being properly tightened.
Risk. If the wheels were not properly tightened, they may loosen and detach while the trailer is moving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix. Forest River will notify owners, and dealers will remove the plastic wheel center cap and install a different center cap, free of charge. The recall began on November 1, 2017. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-574-642-0588. Forest River's number for this recall is 420-0537.
2017 Forest River Puma recalls 3
Equipment:recreational Vehicle/trailer:120/240 Vac Electrical System:charger Low Voltage Battery
What's wrong. Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2004-2024 Cedar Creek and 2006-2024 Puma fifth wheels trailers. The overcurrent protection from the trailer battery may have been incorrectly routed, allowing the wires to be pulled out of the junction box.
Risk. A loose wire can cause a short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix. Dealers will reroute the wires to the protected side of the mini-beaker, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 10, 2024. Owners may contact Puma customer service at 1-574-642-0588 or Cedar Creek customer service at 260-593-4000. Forest River's number for this recall is 51-1786.
Equipment:other:labels
What's wrong. Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2017 Puma recreational trailers, models PT23FBC and PT25RSC. The Federal Placard has incorrect tire and rim size information, indicating ST205/75R15C tires with a 50 psi and rim size of 14X5, when the correct information is ST205/75R14C tires with a 50 psi, and rim size of 14X5.5JJ. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
Risk. The incorrect tire information can cause the operator to install the wrong size of replacement tires, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix. Forest River will notify owners, and dealers will provide a corrected Federal Placard, free of charge. The recall began on March 30, 2017. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-574-642-0588. Forest River's number for this recall is 420-03072017-0338.
Equipment:other:labels
What's wrong. Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain model year 2017 Puma trailers, models PT38DBS and PT38RLQ, manufactured August 15, 2016, to November 15, 2016. The Federal placards on the affected vehicles have incorrect tire and rim information. The placard incorrectly states a combination of ST225/75R15/D tires needing 65 PSI and a rim designation of 15X6.0JJ, while the vehicle is actually equipped with ST235/80R/16E tires needing 80 PSI and a rim designation of 16X6.0JJ. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
Risk. If referencing the information that is on Federal placard, the operator could under-inflate the tires causing a reduction of vehicle handling and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix. Forest River will notify owners, and dealers will replace the incorrect Federal placard with a correct one, free of charge. The recall began on January 4, 2017. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-574-642-0606. Forest River's number for this recall is 420-11162016-0276.
2016 Forest River Puma recalls 3
Equipment:recreational Vehicle/trailer:120/240 Vac Electrical System:charger Low Voltage Battery
What's wrong. Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2004-2024 Cedar Creek and 2006-2024 Puma fifth wheels trailers. The overcurrent protection from the trailer battery may have been incorrectly routed, allowing the wires to be pulled out of the junction box.
Risk. A loose wire can cause a short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix. Dealers will reroute the wires to the protected side of the mini-beaker, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 10, 2024. Owners may contact Puma customer service at 1-574-642-0588 or Cedar Creek customer service at 260-593-4000. Forest River's number for this recall is 51-1786.
Suspension
What's wrong. Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain model year 2008-2016 Puma recreational trailers and toy haulers, models PT20RDC, PT21FBC, PT22RBC, PT26RLC, PT26FBSC, PT21TUC, PT27RBSC, PT25FBC, PT22RB, PTH21TFU, PTH24THS, PTH25TFS, PTH27SBU, PTH27RLSS, PTH25TFQ, and PTH21TFB manufactured from June 25, 2007, through March 23, 2016. When the trailer hits a bump, the tire(s) may contact the floor or wheel well and result in tire damage.
Risk. A damaged tire could deflate and cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix. Forest River will notify owners, and dealers will install a lift kit to add additional clearance to the vehicles, free of charge. The recall began on May 11, 2016. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-574-642-0607. Forest River's recall number for this campaign is 420-06092015-0050.
Suspension
What's wrong. Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain model year 2013-2016 Puma recreational trailers, models T12RBC, T15UDC, T17QBC, and T18FBC, manufactured from January 1, 2013, through March 1, 2016. When the trailer hits a bump, the tire(s) may contact the floor or wheel well and result in tire damage.
Risk. A damaged tire could deflate and cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix. Forest River will notify owners, and dealers will install a lift kit to add additional clearance to the vehicles, free of charge. The recall began on May 11, 2016. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-574-642-0607. Forest River's recall number for this campaign is 420-06092015-0050SA.
2015 Forest River Puma recalls 3
Equipment:recreational Vehicle/trailer:120/240 Vac Electrical System:charger Low Voltage Battery
What's wrong. Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2004-2024 Cedar Creek and 2006-2024 Puma fifth wheels trailers. The overcurrent protection from the trailer battery may have been incorrectly routed, allowing the wires to be pulled out of the junction box.
Risk. A loose wire can cause a short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix. Dealers will reroute the wires to the protected side of the mini-beaker, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 10, 2024. Owners may contact Puma customer service at 1-574-642-0588 or Cedar Creek customer service at 260-593-4000. Forest River's number for this recall is 51-1786.
Suspension
What's wrong. Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain model year 2013-2016 Puma recreational trailers, models T12RBC, T15UDC, T17QBC, and T18FBC, manufactured from January 1, 2013, through March 1, 2016. When the trailer hits a bump, the tire(s) may contact the floor or wheel well and result in tire damage.
Risk. A damaged tire could deflate and cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix. Forest River will notify owners, and dealers will install a lift kit to add additional clearance to the vehicles, free of charge. The recall began on May 11, 2016. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-574-642-0607. Forest River's recall number for this campaign is 420-06092015-0050SA.
Suspension
What's wrong. Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain model year 2008-2016 Puma recreational trailers and toy haulers, models PT20RDC, PT21FBC, PT22RBC, PT26RLC, PT26FBSC, PT21TUC, PT27RBSC, PT25FBC, PT22RB, PTH21TFU, PTH24THS, PTH25TFS, PTH27SBU, PTH27RLSS, PTH25TFQ, and PTH21TFB manufactured from June 25, 2007, through March 23, 2016. When the trailer hits a bump, the tire(s) may contact the floor or wheel well and result in tire damage.
Risk. A damaged tire could deflate and cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix. Forest River will notify owners, and dealers will install a lift kit to add additional clearance to the vehicles, free of charge. The recall began on May 11, 2016. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-574-642-0607. Forest River's recall number for this campaign is 420-06092015-0050.
2014 Forest River Puma recalls 4
Equipment:recreational Vehicle/trailer:120/240 Vac Electrical System:charger Low Voltage Battery
What's wrong. Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2004-2024 Cedar Creek and 2006-2024 Puma fifth wheels trailers. The overcurrent protection from the trailer battery may have been incorrectly routed, allowing the wires to be pulled out of the junction box.
Risk. A loose wire can cause a short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix. Dealers will reroute the wires to the protected side of the mini-beaker, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 10, 2024. Owners may contact Puma customer service at 1-574-642-0588 or Cedar Creek customer service at 260-593-4000. Forest River's number for this recall is 51-1786.
Equipment
What's wrong. Forest River is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Forest River models Blue Ridge, Cardinal, Cherokee, Columbus, EVO, Georgetown, Flagstaff, Forester, Lexington, Puma, Rockwood, Sabre, Salem, Sandpiper, Sandstorm, Sierra, Stealth, Sunseeker, Wildcat, Wildwood, Work and Play and XLR; Coachmen models Brookstone, Catalina, Chaparral, Concord, Encounter, Freedom Express, Freelander, Leprechaun, Mirada, Pursuit, and Sportcoach; Prime Time models Avenger, Crusader, Lacrosse, Saniber, and Tracer; Palomino model Maverick Truck Camper; Cargo Mate model Eliminator and Shasta models Revere, Phoenix recreational vehicles manufactured from February 13, 2013, through April 18, 2013. Due to a design change in the power awning motor assembly, the motor assembly screws may unknowingly shear.
Risk. If the motor assembly screws shear, it is possible that the awning can unfurl unexpectedly, either while the vehicle is at rest or while in transit, increasing the risk of personal injury or a vehicle crash.
Fix. Forest River will notify owners and Dometic staff will replace the affected motors with motors of a different design. The safety recall began on July 29, 2013. Owners may contact Forest River at 1-574-389-4600 or Dometic at 1-888-447-0003 for more information. Owners are being instructed not to drive their vehicle until repairs can be performed.
Suspension
What's wrong. Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain model year 2008-2016 Puma recreational trailers and toy haulers, models PT20RDC, PT21FBC, PT22RBC, PT26RLC, PT26FBSC, PT21TUC, PT27RBSC, PT25FBC, PT22RB, PTH21TFU, PTH24THS, PTH25TFS, PTH27SBU, PTH27RLSS, PTH25TFQ, and PTH21TFB manufactured from June 25, 2007, through March 23, 2016. When the trailer hits a bump, the tire(s) may contact the floor or wheel well and result in tire damage.
Risk. A damaged tire could deflate and cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix. Forest River will notify owners, and dealers will install a lift kit to add additional clearance to the vehicles, free of charge. The recall began on May 11, 2016. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-574-642-0607. Forest River's recall number for this campaign is 420-06092015-0050.
Suspension
What's wrong. Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain model year 2013-2016 Puma recreational trailers, models T12RBC, T15UDC, T17QBC, and T18FBC, manufactured from January 1, 2013, through March 1, 2016. When the trailer hits a bump, the tire(s) may contact the floor or wheel well and result in tire damage.
Risk. A damaged tire could deflate and cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix. Forest River will notify owners, and dealers will install a lift kit to add additional clearance to the vehicles, free of charge. The recall began on May 11, 2016. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-574-642-0607. Forest River's recall number for this campaign is 420-06092015-0050SA.
2013 Forest River Puma recalls 4
Equipment:recreational Vehicle/trailer:120/240 Vac Electrical System:charger Low Voltage Battery
What's wrong. Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2004-2024 Cedar Creek and 2006-2024 Puma fifth wheels trailers. The overcurrent protection from the trailer battery may have been incorrectly routed, allowing the wires to be pulled out of the junction box.
Risk. A loose wire can cause a short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix. Dealers will reroute the wires to the protected side of the mini-beaker, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 10, 2024. Owners may contact Puma customer service at 1-574-642-0588 or Cedar Creek customer service at 260-593-4000. Forest River's number for this recall is 51-1786.
Equipment
What's wrong. Forest River is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Forest River models Blue Ridge, Cardinal, Cherokee, Columbus, EVO, Georgetown, Flagstaff, Forester, Lexington, Puma, Rockwood, Sabre, Salem, Sandpiper, Sandstorm, Sierra, Stealth, Sunseeker, Wildcat, Wildwood, Work and Play and XLR; Coachmen models Brookstone, Catalina, Chaparral, Concord, Encounter, Freedom Express, Freelander, Leprechaun, Mirada, Pursuit, and Sportcoach; Prime Time models Avenger, Crusader, Lacrosse, Saniber, and Tracer; Palomino model Maverick Truck Camper; Cargo Mate model Eliminator and Shasta models Revere, Phoenix recreational vehicles manufactured from February 13, 2013, through April 18, 2013. Due to a design change in the power awning motor assembly, the motor assembly screws may unknowingly shear.
Risk. If the motor assembly screws shear, it is possible that the awning can unfurl unexpectedly, either while the vehicle is at rest or while in transit, increasing the risk of personal injury or a vehicle crash.
Fix. Forest River will notify owners and Dometic staff will replace the affected motors with motors of a different design. The safety recall began on July 29, 2013. Owners may contact Forest River at 1-574-389-4600 or Dometic at 1-888-447-0003 for more information. Owners are being instructed not to drive their vehicle until repairs can be performed.
Suspension
What's wrong. Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain model year 2008-2016 Puma recreational trailers and toy haulers, models PT20RDC, PT21FBC, PT22RBC, PT26RLC, PT26FBSC, PT21TUC, PT27RBSC, PT25FBC, PT22RB, PTH21TFU, PTH24THS, PTH25TFS, PTH27SBU, PTH27RLSS, PTH25TFQ, and PTH21TFB manufactured from June 25, 2007, through March 23, 2016. When the trailer hits a bump, the tire(s) may contact the floor or wheel well and result in tire damage.
Risk. A damaged tire could deflate and cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix. Forest River will notify owners, and dealers will install a lift kit to add additional clearance to the vehicles, free of charge. The recall began on May 11, 2016. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-574-642-0607. Forest River's recall number for this campaign is 420-06092015-0050.
Suspension
What's wrong. Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain model year 2013-2016 Puma recreational trailers, models T12RBC, T15UDC, T17QBC, and T18FBC, manufactured from January 1, 2013, through March 1, 2016. When the trailer hits a bump, the tire(s) may contact the floor or wheel well and result in tire damage.
Risk. A damaged tire could deflate and cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix. Forest River will notify owners, and dealers will install a lift kit to add additional clearance to the vehicles, free of charge. The recall began on May 11, 2016. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-574-642-0607. Forest River's recall number for this campaign is 420-06092015-0050SA.
2012 Forest River Puma recalls 2
Equipment:recreational Vehicle/trailer:120/240 Vac Electrical System:charger Low Voltage Battery
What's wrong. Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2004-2024 Cedar Creek and 2006-2024 Puma fifth wheels trailers. The overcurrent protection from the trailer battery may have been incorrectly routed, allowing the wires to be pulled out of the junction box.
Risk. A loose wire can cause a short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix. Dealers will reroute the wires to the protected side of the mini-beaker, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 10, 2024. Owners may contact Puma customer service at 1-574-642-0588 or Cedar Creek customer service at 260-593-4000. Forest River's number for this recall is 51-1786.
Suspension
What's wrong. Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain model year 2008-2016 Puma recreational trailers and toy haulers, models PT20RDC, PT21FBC, PT22RBC, PT26RLC, PT26FBSC, PT21TUC, PT27RBSC, PT25FBC, PT22RB, PTH21TFU, PTH24THS, PTH25TFS, PTH27SBU, PTH27RLSS, PTH25TFQ, and PTH21TFB manufactured from June 25, 2007, through March 23, 2016. When the trailer hits a bump, the tire(s) may contact the floor or wheel well and result in tire damage.
Risk. A damaged tire could deflate and cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix. Forest River will notify owners, and dealers will install a lift kit to add additional clearance to the vehicles, free of charge. The recall began on May 11, 2016. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-574-642-0607. Forest River's recall number for this campaign is 420-06092015-0050.
2011 Forest River Puma recalls 2
Equipment:recreational Vehicle/trailer:120/240 Vac Electrical System:charger Low Voltage Battery
What's wrong. Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2004-2024 Cedar Creek and 2006-2024 Puma fifth wheels trailers. The overcurrent protection from the trailer battery may have been incorrectly routed, allowing the wires to be pulled out of the junction box.
Risk. A loose wire can cause a short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix. Dealers will reroute the wires to the protected side of the mini-beaker, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 10, 2024. Owners may contact Puma customer service at 1-574-642-0588 or Cedar Creek customer service at 260-593-4000. Forest River's number for this recall is 51-1786.
Suspension
What's wrong. Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain model year 2008-2016 Puma recreational trailers and toy haulers, models PT20RDC, PT21FBC, PT22RBC, PT26RLC, PT26FBSC, PT21TUC, PT27RBSC, PT25FBC, PT22RB, PTH21TFU, PTH24THS, PTH25TFS, PTH27SBU, PTH27RLSS, PTH25TFQ, and PTH21TFB manufactured from June 25, 2007, through March 23, 2016. When the trailer hits a bump, the tire(s) may contact the floor or wheel well and result in tire damage.
Risk. A damaged tire could deflate and cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix. Forest River will notify owners, and dealers will install a lift kit to add additional clearance to the vehicles, free of charge. The recall began on May 11, 2016. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-574-642-0607. Forest River's recall number for this campaign is 420-06092015-0050.
2010 Forest River Puma recalls 2
Equipment:recreational Vehicle/trailer:120/240 Vac Electrical System:charger Low Voltage Battery
What's wrong. Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2004-2024 Cedar Creek and 2006-2024 Puma fifth wheels trailers. The overcurrent protection from the trailer battery may have been incorrectly routed, allowing the wires to be pulled out of the junction box.
Risk. A loose wire can cause a short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix. Dealers will reroute the wires to the protected side of the mini-beaker, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 10, 2024. Owners may contact Puma customer service at 1-574-642-0588 or Cedar Creek customer service at 260-593-4000. Forest River's number for this recall is 51-1786.
Suspension
What's wrong. Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain model year 2008-2016 Puma recreational trailers and toy haulers, models PT20RDC, PT21FBC, PT22RBC, PT26RLC, PT26FBSC, PT21TUC, PT27RBSC, PT25FBC, PT22RB, PTH21TFU, PTH24THS, PTH25TFS, PTH27SBU, PTH27RLSS, PTH25TFQ, and PTH21TFB manufactured from June 25, 2007, through March 23, 2016. When the trailer hits a bump, the tire(s) may contact the floor or wheel well and result in tire damage.
Risk. A damaged tire could deflate and cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix. Forest River will notify owners, and dealers will install a lift kit to add additional clearance to the vehicles, free of charge. The recall began on May 11, 2016. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-574-642-0607. Forest River's recall number for this campaign is 420-06092015-0050.
2009 Forest River Puma recalls 2
Equipment:recreational Vehicle/trailer:120/240 Vac Electrical System:charger Low Voltage Battery
What's wrong. Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2004-2024 Cedar Creek and 2006-2024 Puma fifth wheels trailers. The overcurrent protection from the trailer battery may have been incorrectly routed, allowing the wires to be pulled out of the junction box.
Risk. A loose wire can cause a short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix. Dealers will reroute the wires to the protected side of the mini-beaker, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 10, 2024. Owners may contact Puma customer service at 1-574-642-0588 or Cedar Creek customer service at 260-593-4000. Forest River's number for this recall is 51-1786.
Suspension
What's wrong. Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain model year 2008-2016 Puma recreational trailers and toy haulers, models PT20RDC, PT21FBC, PT22RBC, PT26RLC, PT26FBSC, PT21TUC, PT27RBSC, PT25FBC, PT22RB, PTH21TFU, PTH24THS, PTH25TFS, PTH27SBU, PTH27RLSS, PTH25TFQ, and PTH21TFB manufactured from June 25, 2007, through March 23, 2016. When the trailer hits a bump, the tire(s) may contact the floor or wheel well and result in tire damage.
Risk. A damaged tire could deflate and cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix. Forest River will notify owners, and dealers will install a lift kit to add additional clearance to the vehicles, free of charge. The recall began on May 11, 2016. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-574-642-0607. Forest River's recall number for this campaign is 420-06092015-0050.
2008 Forest River Puma recalls 2
Equipment:recreational Vehicle/trailer:120/240 Vac Electrical System:charger Low Voltage Battery
What's wrong. Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2004-2024 Cedar Creek and 2006-2024 Puma fifth wheels trailers. The overcurrent protection from the trailer battery may have been incorrectly routed, allowing the wires to be pulled out of the junction box.
Risk. A loose wire can cause a short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix. Dealers will reroute the wires to the protected side of the mini-beaker, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 10, 2024. Owners may contact Puma customer service at 1-574-642-0588 or Cedar Creek customer service at 260-593-4000. Forest River's number for this recall is 51-1786.
Suspension
What's wrong. Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain model year 2008-2016 Puma recreational trailers and toy haulers, models PT20RDC, PT21FBC, PT22RBC, PT26RLC, PT26FBSC, PT21TUC, PT27RBSC, PT25FBC, PT22RB, PTH21TFU, PTH24THS, PTH25TFS, PTH27SBU, PTH27RLSS, PTH25TFQ, and PTH21TFB manufactured from June 25, 2007, through March 23, 2016. When the trailer hits a bump, the tire(s) may contact the floor or wheel well and result in tire damage.
Risk. A damaged tire could deflate and cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix. Forest River will notify owners, and dealers will install a lift kit to add additional clearance to the vehicles, free of charge. The recall began on May 11, 2016. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-574-642-0607. Forest River's recall number for this campaign is 420-06092015-0050.
2007 Forest River Puma recalls 1
Equipment:recreational Vehicle/trailer:120/240 Vac Electrical System:charger Low Voltage Battery
What's wrong. Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2004-2024 Cedar Creek and 2006-2024 Puma fifth wheels trailers. The overcurrent protection from the trailer battery may have been incorrectly routed, allowing the wires to be pulled out of the junction box.
Risk. A loose wire can cause a short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix. Dealers will reroute the wires to the protected side of the mini-beaker, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 10, 2024. Owners may contact Puma customer service at 1-574-642-0588 or Cedar Creek customer service at 260-593-4000. Forest River's number for this recall is 51-1786.
2006 Forest River Puma recalls 1
Equipment:recreational Vehicle/trailer:120/240 Vac Electrical System:charger Low Voltage Battery
What's wrong. Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2004-2024 Cedar Creek and 2006-2024 Puma fifth wheels trailers. The overcurrent protection from the trailer battery may have been incorrectly routed, allowing the wires to be pulled out of the junction box.
Risk. A loose wire can cause a short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix. Dealers will reroute the wires to the protected side of the mini-beaker, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 10, 2024. Owners may contact Puma customer service at 1-574-642-0588 or Cedar Creek customer service at 260-593-4000. Forest River's number for this recall is 51-1786.
Best and worst years for the Forest River Puma
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint volume across 22 tracked years, the worst years are 2020, 2019, 2021 and the best (fewest complaints) are 2005, 2007, 2009.
ForCar aggregate — our own analysis of complaint volume, not published by NHTSA.
| Year | Owner complaints | Top issue | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 Puma | 0 | — | Best |
| 2006 Puma | 1 | Equipment | Average |
| 2007 Puma | 0 | — | Best |
| 2008 Puma | 1 | Structure | Average |
| 2009 Puma | 0 | — | Best |
| 2010 Puma | 1 | — | Average |
| 2011 Puma | 1 | Structure | Average |
| 2012 Puma | 0 | — | Average |
| 2013 Puma | 1 | Tires | Average |
| 2014 Puma | 1 | Suspension | Average |
| 2015 Puma | 1 | Wheels | Average |
| 2016 Puma | 2 | Suspension | Average |
| 2017 Puma | 2 | Tires | Average |
| 2018 Puma | 3 | Tires | Average |
| 2019 Puma | 5 | Tires | Avoid |
| 2020 Puma | 6 | Wheels | Avoid |
| 2021 Puma | 4 | Tires | Avoid |
| 2022 Puma | 3 | Tires | Average |
| 2023 Puma | 1 | Electrical System | Average |
| 2024 Puma | 0 | — | Average |
| 2025 Puma | 1 | Electrical System | Average |
| 2026 Puma | 0 | — | Average |
What are the most common Forest River Puma problems?
The most-reported Forest River Puma problems are Tires (10 reports), Engine (1 reports) and Wheels (5 reports) — out of 34 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:
Tires 10 Read
My wife and I were traveling from Wilson NC to Virginia Beach VA on Friday [XXX] for a vacation and we had 3 tires explode and do damage to fender on both sides of the unit and on the way home from Virginia Beach VA the 4th tire exploded ( Between all costs it has cost almost $1500 in service fees and replacement tires ( also the spare tire being the 5th tire) I have tried researching on NHTSA website and tried calling and was unable to speak with an agent regarding this incident ) --I look up recalls for the trailer itself and saw 1 for the black tank but none for the tires and I wanted to file a formal complaint against Palamino regarding the destructive nature of the tires installed on the unit at the time of manufacture. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
I experienced four blow outs on Castle Rock ST225/75R15 tires on five different outings with my travel trailer. Prior to every trip I check/adjust tire pressures according to the tire placard on the vehicle and torque all lug nuts to OE specs. On two occasions, the blow out occurred on Sundays and it was necessary to purchase tires in order to make the return trip home. My travel trailer has significant consequential damage due to the multiple blow outs. Lionshead tire will not reimburse me for tire replacements or consequential damages to travel trailer or wheel.
Castle Rock Radial ST 225/75R15 When driving North on I81 in West Viginia just outside of Martinsburg my front left camper tire blew out and caused a lot of damage to the sideout on my camper. When traveling back from our camping trip weekend the right front axle tire blew approx. 15 miles from our home in [XXX] . The second tire that blew out damaged the other side of my camper, now I have both sides of my camper damaged from these tires. There was not warnings or anything they just blow out. I always check my tire pressures before I leave on a trip. The tire pressures were all good. I was driving 68 to 70 miles per hour, the tires are rated for 75 miles per hour. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Castle Rock ST 235/80R16 on the drivers side rear axle tire. I had just exited the interstate when the tire violently exploded. Debris from the side of the trailer and parts of the tire scattered across the opposing lane of traffic. Fortunately, no one was coming. This failure was harmful enough but would have been catastrophic for someone had this occurred on the busy interstate. Tire examined, belts had separated under the tread, leading to the failure. Examination of the remaining three tires, all Castle Rock, revealed one had underlying belt separation and was close to exploding and another had unusual wear indicating a separation was occurring. I have read multiple accounts of these tire exploding. The was no inspection by anyone. There was no warning at all. This explosion did approximately $1000 damage to my trailer. I know this because I have ordered repair parts. The trailer tires have 10589 miles on them, (my truck keeps the mileage.). Trailer with these tires installed was purchased in December 2019. Tire pressure monitored constantly and they were covered when not in use. DOT date code: 0619.
The contact owns a 2019 Forest River Puma equipped with Lionshead Tires, Tire Line: Castle Rock ST, Tire Size: ST225/75/R15, DOT Number: JUL1MX3318. The contact stated that the rear driver’s side tire experienced a blowout while the vehicle was stationary. The following day, the front passenger’s side tire experienced the same failure. The contact stated that the thread had blown out exposing the steel belts on both tires. Upon inspection of the other tires, the contact noticed that the tread on the passenger’s side rear tire were misaligned. The contact feared a third blowout was imminent. The contact had all the tires and the spare tire replaced. The approximate failure mileage was 6,000.
I check air pressure before every trip, tires were at 80PSI, driving on interstate between 60-65MPG outside temperature was between 75-80F about 50 miles into trip I heard something and heard a vibrating noise I thought of a flat so I checked my truck display and truck tires were good. I pulled of next exit which was less than a 1/2 mile I got to a safe spot and did a visual and driver side rear travel trailer tire had tread separation, I went about 1 mile to a shopping center parking lot to change the tire and tread was impaled into the travel trailer floor causing damage to electrical converter and put a hole in the slide out. This is the start of the 3rd year camping with this travel trailer we average about 10 trips a year with a total mileage between 1000-1200 total
Tire Blew out. Tread coming off inner tire and metal wire every where. Less than 4k miles on the tires
Castle rock st225/75r15 blew out at normal operating pressure. The vehicle was operating at 65mph on i95. The tire passed pre trip inspection and pressure check. After approximately 200 miles, the tire blew out on clean pavement. The tire had approximately 3000 miles of use on time of blow out. The side walls were no compromised and many of the "nibs" were still present.*dt*jb *tr
Headed home from camping and my tire blew on my 5th wheel trailer. Tires were inspected before leaving, tire pressure was 80psi per manufacturers recommendation. We were able to pull over, but the damage done to my camper includes damage to the fascia and fender skirting. We were going approximately 35 mph at the time the tire blew.
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 nexus viper (na) equipped with michelin ms2 (na) tires, size: 225/75/16. While pulling into a fuel station, the contact was notified that the two front tires were wobbling. The contact was losing chunks out of the center tread of the front tires. There were also small holes in the outer tread. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was confirmed that the tires were deteriorating with chunks of the tire missing. The tires were replaced. The tires were original equipment. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vin was not available. The approximate vehicle and tire failure mileage was 25,000.
Structure 9 Read
Got it in sept 2022 brand new the shower leaked water the seal of the slide leaked and the power inlet got very warm which would kick the breaker occasionally
The contact owns a 2022 Forest River Puma Palomino RV. The contact stated while her husband was driving approximately 45 MPH, another driver flagged them to stop the RV. The driver was able to park at a nearby parking lot and noticed that the water tank had detached from the RV. The contact stated that her husband manually strapped the water tank onto the RV. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The RV was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure.
in the course of our first camping trips we weighted the camper multiple times, and the numbers did not add up as they should have. We requested that service look at that as well during the repair process. They discovered though the spec calls out a hitch weight of 700lbs, ours was weighing 1100lbs. That is a 57% INCREASE in hitch weight. Enough that it exceed the 1000lb limit of the hitch system (which we purchased at the time with the camper), and the limit of our trucks gross vehicle weight rating. This added weight also limited our rear axle rating
The contact owns a 2020 Forest River Palomino Puma travel trailer. The contact stated that there was brown water leaking from the roof into the ceiling light fixture and walls of the RV. The RV was taken to the dealer and diagnosed that the insulation caused the water to change to a brown color. The dealer replaced the wood on the walls of the RV; however, the failure recurred. The RV was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure.
The contact owns a 2020 Forest River Puma RV. The contact stated while driving 70 mph, the structure underneath the trailer detached from the RV. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated he continued driving to his destination. The contact took the RV to an independent mechanic and was informed that the structure underneath the RV has been replaced. The RV was repaired. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 2,000.
2019 puma palamino. Consumer writes in regards to poor wiring job. *ld the consumer stated the insulation on the wiring from the 50amp feed to the inverter chaffed and shorted out. The camper became totally inoperable and was unable to be towed due to the failure. The wires that connected the front stabilizer legsmotor to the switch were loose and hanging. The dome trim over the shower was cracked. The duct work for the heat broke. The hinges on the glass stove top broke. The vehicle was repaired. *js *dt consumer stated awning motor quit in 4 months... Froze up. I was able to get a new one sent to me by mid state, and have installed by a good rv technician. *jb
The underbody of the 2018 puma rv had rusted so badly that the front of the rv tore off while exiting a gas station. This type of thing should never have happened, particularly since it's only a 2018 model. Luckily they weren't on a highway traveling at 55 mph.*dt*jb*dt
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 forest river puma. While attempting to attach the vehicle to the trailer, the contact noticed frame and welding damage. The failure occurred without warning. The dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. There was no mileage. *tt *dt consumer notified the maunufacturer and then the service parts dept. Updated 12/11/18*jb
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 forest river puma rv. The contact stated that while driving at an unknown speed, the frame became detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to a dealer for diagnosis and the contact was informed that the frame would need to be straightened and cross braces would need to be added in areas that were missed when it was manufactured. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the vehicle was repaired. The failure and current mileage was 2,000. The consumer stated the cross memeber between the axle broke.
Electrical System 5 Read
The contact owned a 2020 forest river palomino puma 28bhss travel trailer. The contact stated that while she and her two children and husband were sleeping, the electrical panel located in the children's room inside the bunkhouse caught fire. The contact's husband was sleeping in the children's room and was awaken by the fire. The contact's husband then screamed for everyone to evacuate the travel trailer. The contact's two pets died from the fire as they were not able to evacuate. The contact was the only person who received medical attention on the scene and was transported to the hospital by ambulance. The fire department was able to put out the fire. A police and fire department reports were filed. The travel trailer was towed and deemed totaled by the insurance company. The dealer and manufacturer were not made aware of the failure.
Got it in sept 2022 brand new the shower leaked water the seal of the slide leaked and the power inlet got very warm which would kick the breaker occasionally
As I was wiring underneath the chassis to install a new electric black tank valve, I noticed that the wires in the RV and waterlines were lying across the cross-members of the chassis, chafing and almost exposing wires. The water lines were almost chafed through and were not secured on the chassis at all, with no wire looms. In this photo, I put protective sleeves on where the water lines and wiring were lying across the cross members of the chassis.
2019 puma palamino. Consumer writes in regards to poor wiring job. *ld the consumer stated the insulation on the wiring from the 50amp feed to the inverter chaffed and shorted out. The camper became totally inoperable and was unable to be towed due to the failure. The wires that connected the front stabilizer legsmotor to the switch were loose and hanging. The dome trim over the shower was cracked. The duct work for the heat broke. The hinges on the glass stove top broke. The vehicle was repaired. *js *dt consumer stated awning motor quit in 4 months... Froze up. I was able to get a new one sent to me by mid state, and have installed by a good rv technician. *jb
The campers electrical wiring in the breaker box has burnt due to faulty wiring and not tightening the neutral wires. These from what i can tell happened while the vehicle was stationary set for camping use. Also the radio has yet to operate correctly the outdoor speakers can not be separated from the inside and the volume fluctuates up and down, the dealer has fixed the crackling speaker.
Wheels 5 Read
The contact owns a 2020 Forest River Puma RV. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and hauling the RV trailer, he became aware that the rear driver's side tire was flat. The RV was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the flat tire was the result of a crack in the wheelbase of the wheel assembly. The RV was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was unknown.
3 wheels have had holes/cracks causing them to leak air. had a tire blow out which caused major damage to the rv
Tl* the contact owns 2019 forrest river puma rv camper. Equipped with castle rock tires, tire line: not available and tire size st 205/75/rae/ load range d. Manufacture date 9/1/2/18. The contact stated he purchased the vehicle with four new tires two years ago, and recently the contact took the vehicle to dealer to get new tire for his spare and when the dealer inspected his vehicle the contact was informed that they had to replace all four tires on the vehicle due to thread separating. The tire were replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage on tire was 5,000.*dad consumer stated 2 of the tires blew out before mechanic inspecting the other 2.*jb
Castle rock st225/75r15 blew out at normal operating pressure. The vehicle was operating at 65mph on i95. The tire passed pre trip inspection and pressure check. After approximately 200 miles, the tire blew out on clean pavement. The tire had approximately 3000 miles of use on time of blow out. The side walls were no compromised and many of the "nibs" were still present.*dt*jb *tr
I had three different occasions where my tires blow out ! The first time 1. Going up [XXX] head to Rollins lake in colfax 2. Going to lake collins going up [XXX] in Marysville 3. Going up to lake Amador [XXX] in Ione. Going over a speed bump before getting to the check in area ! Going under 5 mph INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Equipment 4 Read
Got it in sept 2022 brand new the shower leaked water the seal of the slide leaked and the power inlet got very warm which would kick the breaker occasionally
The contact owns a 2022 Forest River Puma Palomino RV. The contact stated while her husband was driving approximately 45 MPH, another driver flagged them to stop the RV. The driver was able to park at a nearby parking lot and noticed that the water tank had detached from the RV. The contact stated that her husband manually strapped the water tank onto the RV. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The RV was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure.
2021 forest river puma. Consumer writes in regard to issue with the hot water heater. The consumer stated there were additional defects the exterior door handle would not lock, and the flooring had defects from manufacturing. And the proprane tank cover fit poorly.
Tl*the contact owns a 2006 forest river puma rv. The vehicle has a dometic refrigerator, model rm2652. The contact noticed a yellow residue leaking from the refrigerator. The refrigerator stopped operating without warning and was taken to a local authorized service center. The technician refused to repair the refrigerator due to the hazardous conditions. The dometic customer center was notified of the failures and stated that the contact was responsible for the repair kit postage and labor; however, dometic would reimburse her for the expenses. The reference number provided was 26228860. The contact stated that the recall remedy will not correct the issues addressed in nhtsa campaign id number 08e032000 (equipment). The refrigerator has not been repaired.
Suspension 3 Read
We picked up this camper on May 19, 2021 and returned it to the dealer May 28, 2021 because the leaf springs supporting the camper a completely flat.
Tl* the contact owns a 2016 forest river puma camper. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 16v179000 (suspension, tires); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact experienced a failure whereby the "tire bounced up and struck the axle". The dealer continued to inform the contact that the part was unavailable. The failure mileage was unknown.
2014 forest river puma rv. Consumer writes in regards to recall notice 16v179 repair issues. *smd the consumer stated he needs to know where he can have the recall performed. The dealer where he purchased the rv from has gone out of business. *jb
Engine 1 Read
Engine would not go faster than 20 mph going up hill in NC. Engine would down ship but no power. Ithadtobe towed
Source: NHTSA owner complaints, all model years. Bar = share of total complaints. Full reports searchable on NHTSA.gov.
Forest River Puma specifications & dimensions
The 2026 Forest River Puma. 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 Puma cargo space, seating & interior room
How much the Puma 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 Puma 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 Puma get?
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What engines does the Forest River Puma have? Power & range
Powertrain data warming… reload in a moment.
How much does a Forest River Puma cost to own?
A Forest River Puma 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 Puma 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 Puma 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 Puma safe?
NHTSA crash-test ratings aren't published for the Puma yet.
How many miles does a Forest River Puma last?
A well-maintained Forest River Puma 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 4.0/5.
Decode your Forest River Puma’s window sticker & build
Original options, specs, recalls and paint code — straight from the VIN. Free.
Decode VIN →All Forest River Puma model years
A year-by-year snapshot of the Forest River Puma — recalls, best EPA fuel economy and NHTSA safety. Tap a year for full details.
| Year | Recalls | Best MPG | Safety |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Puma | 0 | — | — |
| 2025 Puma | 3 recalls | — | — |
| 2024 Puma | 4 recalls | — | — |
| 2023 Puma | 1 recall | — | — |
| 2022 Puma | 4 recalls | — | — |
| 2021 Puma | 3 recalls | — | — |
| 2020 Puma | 2 recalls | — | — |
| 2019 Puma | 1 recall | — | — |
| 2018 Puma | 3 recalls | — | — |
| 2017 Puma | 3 recalls | — | — |
| 2016 Puma | 3 recalls | — | — |
| 2015 Puma | 3 recalls | — | — |
| 2014 Puma | 4 recalls | — | — |
| 2013 Puma | 4 recalls | — | — |
| 2012 Puma | 2 recalls | — | — |
| 2011 Puma | 2 recalls | — | — |
| 2010 Puma | 2 recalls | — | — |
| 2009 Puma | 2 recalls | — | — |
| 2008 Puma | 2 recalls | — | — |
| 2007 Puma | 1 recall | — | — |
| 2006 Puma | 1 recall | — | — |
| 2005 Puma | 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 Puma?
By owner-complaint volume, 2020, 2019, 2021 drew the most reports. 2005, 2007, 2009 have the cleanest records.
How many recalls does the Puma have?
50 recorded NHTSA recalls across 2005–2026. Always check open recalls by your VIN.
How many miles does a Puma last?
A well-maintained Puma typically reaches 200,000–300,000 miles with regular maintenance.
Is the Puma reliable?
Our ForCar Reliability Score for the Puma is 4.0/5, based on NHTSA safety, recall history and complaint severity.
What's the Forest River Puma 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 Puma made?
The assembly plant is encoded in the VIN — the 11th character. Decode your Puma'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 Puma 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.