01 How to read this page
Two thirds of towable buyers buy used, and a brochure for the current model year says nothing about the one on the lot. This page buckets every federal record we hold for the Forest River Wildcat by the model year NHTSA assigns to it, so a 2005 unit can be read on its own terms.
A recall campaign is a manufacturer-filed safety campaign. One campaign usually covers several model years, so the same campaign can appear in more than one row below; the totals in the summary count each campaign once.
An owner complaint is one filing by one owner. It is an allegation, not a finding, and NHTSA does not verify it before publishing. Complaints and recalls are different things and are never added together.
02 Year by year, 2005 to 2024
| Model year | Recall campaigns | Owner complaints | Complaints citing fire | Complaints citing a crash | Complaints reporting injury |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 2 | 3 | — | — | — |
| 2006 | 2 | 4 | — | — | — |
| 2007 | 1 | 10 | — | 1 | — |
| 2008 | 1 | 1 | — | — | — |
| 2009 | 1 | — | — | — | — |
| 2010 | 1 | 7 | 2 | 1 | — |
| 2011 | 2 | 1 | — | — | — |
| 2012 | 1 | 3 | — | — | — |
| 2013 | 2 | 1 | — | — | — |
| 2014 | 4 | 1 | — | — | — |
| 2015 | 3 | 4 | 2 | — | — |
| 2016 | 4 | 3 | — | — | — |
| 2017 | 4 | 2 | — | — | — |
| 2018 | 5 | 2 | — | — | — |
| 2019 | 3 | — | — | — | — |
| 2020 | 1 | — | — | — | — |
| 2021 | 5 | — | — | — | — |
| 2022 | 3 | — | — | — | — |
| 2023 | 3 | — | — | — | — |
| 2024 | 2 | — | — | — | — |
Range is the span of the federal record for this line, not a production span. Disclosed rather than dropped: 14 complaints name a model year before 2005, so they are not counted above.
03 What the record adds up to
Across 20 model years of records, the busiest recall year is 2021 with 5 campaigns, and the busiest complaint year is 2007 with 10 filings. Complaint counts keep accruing for years after a unit is sold.
The component groups named most often in recall campaigns on this line are Equipment (14), Tires (2) and Electrical system (1).
Owner complaints cluster on Tires (11), Wheels (9) and Structure (7).
Of the 42 complaints on file, 4 cite a fire, 2 cite a crash and 0 report an injury. Those three fields are the owner’s own answers on the filing form.
18 of the 20 campaigns are matched on NHTSA’s own model field. The other 2 name this line in the recall text only, which is a weaker match and is labelled below.
04 The record, year by year
Model year 2024
2 recall campaigns on file.
| Reported | Campaign | Component | What can go wrong |
|---|---|---|---|
| 17 Apr 2024 | 24V272000 | Equipment | A circuit board that overheats increases the risk of a fire. |
| 12 Apr 2024 | 24V265000 | Trailer hitches | Towing while in a different position can cause the upper front structure to break and the pin box to separate from the vehicles, increasing the risk of a crash. |
Model year 2023
3 recall campaigns on file.
| Reported | Campaign | Component | What can go wrong |
|---|---|---|---|
| 17 Apr 2024 | 24V272000 | Equipment | A circuit board that overheats increases the risk of a fire. |
| 29 Jul 2022 | 22V556000 | Equipment | An awning that drops or extends beyond normal operation can increase the risk of injury. |
| 13 Apr 2022 | 22V243000 | Equipment | A gas leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire. |
Model year 2022
3 recall campaigns on file.
| Reported | Campaign | Component | What can go wrong |
|---|---|---|---|
| 17 Apr 2024 | 24V272000 | Equipment | A circuit board that overheats increases the risk of a fire. |
| 29 Jul 2022 | 22V556000 | Equipment | An awning that drops or extends beyond normal operation can increase the risk of injury. |
| 13 Apr 2022 | 22V243000 | Equipment | A gas leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire. |
Model year 2021
5 recall campaigns on file.
| Reported | Campaign | Component | What can go wrong |
|---|---|---|---|
| 17 Apr 2024 | 24V272000 | Equipment | A circuit board that overheats increases the risk of a fire. |
| 13 Apr 2022 | 22V243000 | Equipment | A gas leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire. |
| 8 Mar 2021 | 21V145000 | Equipment | A detached spare tire carrier can increase the risk of a crash or injury. |
| 5 Mar 2021 | 21V141000 | Equipment | A misaligned furnace flue can allow furnace exhaust to leak into the living space, increasing the risk of injury or death. |
| 8 Feb 2021 | 21V059000 | Equipment | Safety chain breakage could cause the trailer to detach from the tow vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. |
Model year 2020
1 recall campaign on file.
| Reported | Campaign | Component | What can go wrong |
|---|---|---|---|
| 29 Jan 2020 | 20V049000 named in text | Service brakes, electric | In the event of trailer separation from the tow vehicle, a failed break-away switch will not apply the trailer's brakes, increasing the risk of a crash. |
Model year 2019
3 recall campaigns on file.
| Reported | Campaign | Component | What can go wrong |
|---|---|---|---|
| 17 Apr 2024 | 24V272000 | Equipment | A circuit board that overheats increases the risk of a fire. |
| 21 Aug 2018 | 18V550000 | Electrical system | If the trailer brakes cannot engage if the trailer detaches from tow vehicle, there would be an increased risk of a crash. |
| 1 Jun 2018 | 18V361000 | Tires | Using the trailer with underrated tires could result in tire failure, increasing the risk of a crash. |
Model year 2018
5 recall campaigns and 2 owner complaints on file.
| Reported | Campaign | Component | What can go wrong |
|---|---|---|---|
| 17 Apr 2024 | 24V272000 | Equipment | A circuit board that overheats increases the risk of a fire. |
| 21 Aug 2018 | 18V550000 | Electrical system | If the trailer brakes cannot engage if the trailer detaches from tow vehicle, there would be an increased risk of a crash. |
| 22 Nov 2017 | 17V756000 | Equipment | In the event of a fire, if the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury. |
| 6 Sep 2017 | 17V552000 | Equipment | If carbon monoxide enters the vehicle through the slideroom opening, it can increase the risk of injury. |
| 26 Apr 2017 | 17V282000 | Tires | The incorrect information may cause the operator to install an incorrect replacement rim or tire, overinflate the tire, or overload the vehicle, all scenarios that may increase the risk of… |
Complaints on 2018 units name Suspension (1) and Wheels (1).
Model year 2017
4 recall campaigns and 2 owner complaints on file.
| Reported | Campaign | Component | What can go wrong |
|---|---|---|---|
| 21 Aug 2018 | 18V550000 | Electrical system | If the trailer brakes cannot engage if the trailer detaches from tow vehicle, there would be an increased risk of a crash. |
| 22 Nov 2017 | 17V756000 | Equipment | In the event of a fire, if the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury. |
| 6 Sep 2017 | 17V552000 | Equipment | If carbon monoxide enters the vehicle through the slideroom opening, it can increase the risk of injury. |
| 26 Apr 2017 | 17V282000 | Tires | The incorrect information may cause the operator to install an incorrect replacement rim or tire, overinflate the tire, or overload the vehicle, all scenarios that may increase the risk of… |
Complaints on 2017 units name Electrical system (1) and Wheels (1).
Model year 2016
4 recall campaigns and 3 owner complaints on file.
| Reported | Campaign | Component | What can go wrong |
|---|---|---|---|
| 21 Aug 2018 | 18V550000 | Electrical system | If the trailer brakes cannot engage if the trailer detaches from tow vehicle, there would be an increased risk of a crash. |
| 22 Nov 2017 | 17V756000 | Equipment | In the event of a fire, if the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury. |
| 3 Feb 2016 | 16V059000 | Equipment | Incorrect Federal Placard information such as the Gross Axle Weight Rating could lead to reduced handling of the vehicle, potentially leading to loss of control or a crash. |
| 9 Jun 2015 | 15V359000 named in text | Suspension | If the wheel studs break, the wheel could detach from the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. |
Complaints on 2016 units name Wheels (2) and Unknown OR other (1).
Model year 2015
3 recall campaigns and 4 owner complaints on file.
| Reported | Campaign | Component | What can go wrong |
|---|---|---|---|
| 21 Aug 2018 | 18V550000 | Electrical system | If the trailer brakes cannot engage if the trailer detaches from tow vehicle, there would be an increased risk of a crash. |
| 22 Nov 2017 | 17V756000 | Equipment | In the event of a fire, if the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury. |
| 4 Mar 2015 | 15V128000 | Equipment | If the trailer is overloaded, the trailer pin box (the connection point for the trailer to the vehicle) may fail, resulting in a loss of control, increasing the risk of a crash. |
Complaints on 2015 units name Wheels (2), Electrical system (1) and Structure (1).
Model year 2014
4 recall campaigns and 1 owner complaint on file.
| Reported | Campaign | Component | What can go wrong |
|---|---|---|---|
| 21 Aug 2018 | 18V550000 | Electrical system | If the trailer brakes cannot engage if the trailer detaches from tow vehicle, there would be an increased risk of a crash. |
| 22 Nov 2017 | 17V756000 | Equipment | In the event of a fire, if the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury. |
| 27 Feb 2014 | 14V077000 | Equipment | As a result, the trailer may be loaded beyond the specified weight rating which may cause a tire or suspension failure leading to poor vehicle handling and an increased risk of a crash. |
| 17 May 2013 | 13V203000 | Equipment | 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… |
Complaints on 2014 units name Tires (1).
Model year 2013
2 recall campaigns and 1 owner complaint on file.
| Reported | Campaign | Component | What can go wrong |
|---|---|---|---|
| 22 Nov 2017 | 17V756000 | Equipment | In the event of a fire, if the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury. |
| 17 May 2013 | 13V203000 | Equipment | 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… |
Complaints on 2013 units name Tires (1).
Model year 2012
1 recall campaign and 3 owner complaints on file.
| Reported | Campaign | Component | What can go wrong |
|---|---|---|---|
| 22 Nov 2017 | 17V756000 | Equipment | In the event of a fire, if the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury. |
Complaints on 2012 units name Service brakes (1), Tires (1) and Unknown OR other (1).
Model year 2011
2 recall campaigns and 1 owner complaint on file.
| Reported | Campaign | Component | What can go wrong |
|---|---|---|---|
| 22 Nov 2017 | 17V756000 | Equipment | In the event of a fire, if the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury. |
| 3 Aug 2010 | 10V355000 | Equipment | AN overload condition may result IN AN axle OR tire failure increasing the risk OF A crash. |
Complaints on 2011 units name Tires (1).
Model year 2010
1 recall campaign and 7 owner complaints on file.
| Reported | Campaign | Component | What can go wrong |
|---|---|---|---|
| 22 Nov 2017 | 17V756000 | Equipment | In the event of a fire, if the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury. |
Complaints on 2010 units name Suspension (2), Equipment (1), Power train (1), Structure (1), Tires (1) and Wheels (1).
Model year 2009
1 recall campaign on file.
| Reported | Campaign | Component | What can go wrong |
|---|---|---|---|
| 22 Nov 2017 | 17V756000 | Equipment | In the event of a fire, if the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury. |
Model year 2008
1 recall campaign and 1 owner complaint on file.
| Reported | Campaign | Component | What can go wrong |
|---|---|---|---|
| 22 Nov 2017 | 17V756000 | Equipment | In the event of a fire, if the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury. |
Complaints on 2008 units name Wheels (1).
Model year 2007
1 recall campaign and 10 owner complaints on file.
| Reported | Campaign | Component | What can go wrong |
|---|---|---|---|
| 22 Nov 2017 | 17V756000 | Equipment | In the event of a fire, if the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury. |
Complaints on 2007 units name Tires (4), Structure (3), Equipment (1), Suspension (1) and Trailer hitches (1).
Model year 2006
2 recall campaigns and 4 owner complaints on file.
| Reported | Campaign | Component | What can go wrong |
|---|---|---|---|
| 22 Nov 2017 | 17V756000 | Equipment | In the event of a fire, if the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury. |
| 7 Jul 2008 | 08V346000 | Equipment | IF this solution IS exposed TO AN ignition source under certain specific circumstances, IT can result IN A vehicle fire. |
Complaints on 2006 units name Structure (1), Tires (1), Unknown OR other (1) and Wheels (1).
Model year 2005
2 recall campaigns and 3 owner complaints on file.
| Reported | Campaign | Component | What can go wrong |
|---|---|---|---|
| 22 Nov 2017 | 17V756000 | Equipment | In the event of a fire, if the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury. |
| 7 Jul 2008 | 08V346000 | Equipment | IF this solution IS exposed TO AN ignition source under certain specific circumstances, IT can result IN A vehicle fire. |
Complaints on 2005 units name Equipment (1), Structure (1) and Tires (1).
05 Where the numbers come from
Recall campaigns come from NHTSA’s recall record, read two ways: the public API and a direct read of NHTSA’s complete recall flat file. Owner complaints come from a direct read of the complete complaint flat file. Both are attributed on NHTSA’s own model field, never on owner free text — several of our line names are ordinary English words and one of them is a US state, so matching prose would attribute thousands of unrelated filings.
Model-year bucketing uses the year NHTSA records against each affected-vehicle row. Where a campaign covers several years it appears in each of those years and is counted once in the totals.
The specification side of this catalog documents 10 floorplans of the Forest River Wildcat in full, for the 2026 model year — verified weights, capacities and dimensions on the Forest River Wildcat line page.
Safety information here is a summary of public records and is not a substitute for NHTSA’s own listing. Check an individual trailer by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls before you buy.