2023 RV Recalls: Which models are affected?
A new year is upon us, and unfortunately that means new problems are popping up in the world of RVs. While most offerings are high quality and safe, there are always a few issues that slip through the cracks. As soon as these problems come to light, RV recalls are sent out.
RV recalls can be very annoying, especially if you feel like your particular model is working just fine. But to keep everyone safe, it’s important to know the latest updates from safety agencies. There are already several recalls for 2023, and there will certainly be more in the coming months.
Below is information on the latest urgent issues in the industry. If you are affected by these updates, you may be eligible for a free repair or replacement. In either case, you don’t want to be driving an RV that may be dangerous. Check the news for the make and model of your RV, because you never know when something new will pop up.
Not every recall is the same. Some are about aesthetic issues, while others are potentially life-threatening. Companies do not issue recalls for RVs unless they feel there is a legitimate reason for concern. So please consult the following list carefully to see if any of your vehicles fall into the danger zone.
Forest River Bus, LLC: awnings on certain models may deploy during transit.
Initially, 17 Berkshire Coach models are being recalled because of faulty awnings. Most motorhomes today are equipped with retractable awnings, but they must always be retracted while the vehicle is in motion.
The problem with these RVs is that the awning sometimes extends unexpectedly while driving. This can damage vehicles in the area, and your own vehicle can get caught on obstacles you are driving past. Overall, this can be quite dangerous.
The recalled models are the Berkshire Coach Ultra UL1952 coaches. These were launched in 2021, but the problems have only recently surfaced. Official notifications will be sent to owners on March 1, 2023.
Forest River, Inc: Some welded trailer drawbars do not withstand recommended GVWR.
Next up, we have a recall from Forest River, Inc. This is one of the largest RV brands, and they have several different vehicles for sale. Problems were found with the 2016-2017 AmeraLite Cargo trailers; 296 models were recalled due to problems with the welded trailer drawbars.
Some models were found to have drawbars that could not hold the recommended gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR). So even when customers loaded their RVs with the correct weight, there was still a risk that these bars would break under the load. This is obviously a major problem and puts RV owners and other motorists on the roads at risk. Owners will be notified on March 1, 2023.
REV Recreation Group: Unacceptable thread depth on service valves.
REV Recreation Group (REV) has sent out recalls for certain 2021-2023 RV models (source). The main problem here is the service valves for the LPG tanks. It has been found that some of these valves have an improper thread depth, which can lead to propane leaks. This is very dangerous as it is not safe to inhale propane vapors. It can also cause fires or even explosions in RVs.
This recall is quite serious, and several models are affected. Not every vehicle is at risk, but it’s good to check just in case. The recalled RVs include certain models of:
- 2021-2023 Holiday Rambler Vacationer, Invicta, Navigator, Admiral, Fleetwood Southwind, Bounder, Pace Arrow.
- 2021-2022 Fleetwood Fortis, Flair
- 2023 Fleetwood Flex and Holiday Rambler Eclipse Motorhomes
If you purchased a Holiday Rambler or Fleetwood motorhome between the years 2021 and 2023, you should call the company and find out if your model is affected by this recall. You don’t want to be bothered with a possible propane leak!
All RV models equipped with Flex-Tech: Contaminated brass is weak and can cause gas leaks
Several different RV brands are affected by this next recall. Many manufacturers use similar materials and resources to produce their vehicles. So once the source of the problem is identified, there is a ripple effect that affects many different brands.
In this case, flex-tech brass is the problem. Many manufacturers use this material in their RVs, but recently it was discovered that some of the brass was contaminated. This weaker product is more prone to cracking with daily use (source).
Flex-Tech brass is commonly used for gas lines, and if it cracks, it can cause a gas leak in the RV. This is potentially fatal and is of great concern. Recalls of RVs have been necessary to warn customers and fix this problem.
Several 2021-2023 RV makes and models are affected by this problem, including:
- 2021-2022 Coachmen models Adrenaline, Apex, Catalina, Freedom Express, Spirit, East To West Alta, Della Terra, and Silver Lake.
- 2021-2022 Forest River Cedar Creek, Cherokee, Columbus, Flagstaff, Impression, Ozark, Rockwood, Sabre, Salem, Sandstorm, Shockwave, Stealth, Stealth Evo Vengeance, Vibe, Wildwood, XLR Toy Hauler, Palomino Puma, Prime Time Avenger, Crusader, Lacrosse, Sanibel, Shasta Oasis.
- 2022 Coachmen Cross Trail, Prism, Forest Fiver Aurora, Rainer Wildcat, Work and Play, Prime Time Tracer
- 2021-2023 Coachman Leprechaun
As you can see, several different makes and models are affected by this problem. If you are concerned about your RV, please check the list above to see if your model is affected by the recall. You can also contact the company if you have further questions about the safety of your vehicle.
Various models: defective awnings may unexpectedly detach and fall down
This next recall for RVs is not quite as serious as the others listed above, but it can still cause injury and damage. The main problem is that awnings that are fully extended can come loose and fall down without warning. In some cases, this is due to a weld on the fabric that can eventually break. Even if you use these awnings normally, they can fail due to this design flaw. (source).
If you happen to be standing under the awning when it falls, you can be injured. Head injuries are a very real possibility, so this is a recall-worthy issue. Since all of these awning recalls are pretty similar, we’ve combined them into a single list.
The 2023 RV models that may have faulty awnings include:
- 2023 Alliance RV Paradigm and Valor motorhomes.
- 2022-2023 Forest River 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, Chaparral 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 Toy Hauler, Prime Time Avenger, Crusader, Lacrosse, Sanibel, Tracer, Shasta Oasis, and Phoenix fifth wheel and travel trailers.
- 2022-2023 KZ RV Connect, Confluence, Durango, Durango Gold, Sonic, Sportsmen, Sportsmen Classic, Sportsmen Sportster, SportTrek, Spree Escape, and Venom travel trailers.
If your RV model is on this list, you should contact the company and let them know. In most cases, they will send you a replacement awning and/or cover the cost of the necessary repair. The repair is relatively simple, but it is still worth it.
Learn more
The year 2023 is only a few months under its belt, but there are already several RV recalls you should be aware of. Check your mailbox and email regularly so you know if your RV is affected by any of these issues.
Even if you don’t receive a notification, you can always contact the manufacturer with any questions or concerns. Stay up to date and follow RV news so you’re always in the loop when new issues are discovered.