Recall 11V531 affects 66 2011 Forest River Berkshire recreational vehicles for fractured exhaust-filter clamps. Repair is free through authorized Cummins dealers.
Forest River is recalling 66 2011 Berkshire recreational vehicles because a V-band clamp on Cummins diesel exhaust equipment can loosen after its T-bolt fractures. Hot exhaust gases can vent before the tailpipe, creating a fire risk, and the dealer repair will be free once Forest River makes it available.
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What's wrong?
The exhaust aftertreatment system on the 2011 Forest River Berkshire uses a diesel oxidation catalyst and diesel particulate filter to treat engine exhaust. The catalyst helps clean exhaust gases, and the particulate filter traps soot before it leaves the tailpipe. V-band clamps hold the inlet and outlet cone sections tightly to that DOC/DPF housing.
On recalled Berkshire recreational vehicles with Cummins ISX or ISL diesel engines, the T-bolt in the V-band clamp assembly can fracture under stress or load. Once that bolt breaks, the clamp loses tension. The inlet or outlet cone section attached to the DOC/DPF housing can then disconnect instead of staying sealed to the exhaust aftertreatment unit.
There is no warning sign before failure. Owners are unlikely to hear, see, or feel a clear early symptom before the clamp loosens and the exhaust section separates.
Who's affected?
| 2011 Forest River Berkshire | Engine and engine cooling |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 66 |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific motorhome.
What's the safety risk?
Disconnected exhaust inlet or outlet sections let hot exhaust gases vent before the tailpipe, creating a fire risk. If both clamps fail, the DOC/DPF housing can detach from the vehicle and become a road hazard. Schedule the repair soon. Repair will be free at any franchised Forest River dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2011 Forest River Berkshire is included in this recall.
- Watch for the Forest River or Cummins recall notice if you have not received one.
- Contact Forest River or Cummins at 1-812-377-5000 and reference recall number 11V531 when you call.
- Ask where to complete the free V-band clamp repair that secures the DOC/DPF exhaust sections.
- Avoid driving if you smell hot exhaust, see loose exhaust parts, or hear an exhaust leak near the engine area.
What happens at the repair
Forest River worked with Cummins to identify and notify owners for this campaign. At an authorized Cummins dealer, the repair addresses the V-band clamp assembly that connects the diesel oxidation catalyst and diesel particulate filter cone sections. The work focuses on the clamp and T-bolt hardware so the inlet and outlet sections stay secured to the DOC and DPF housing. The dealer repair is free once available for your VIN. Forest River's filing does not include a separate reimbursement plan, so this section does not list a reimbursement process.
Timeline
| October 10, 2011 | Owner notification mailed |
|---|---|
| November 3, 2011 | NHTSA published the recall |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 11V531?
Recall 11V531 covers 66 2011 Forest River Berkshire recreational vehicles with Cummins diesel engines. The V-band clamp T-bolt on the DOC or DPF exhaust assembly can fracture, letting hot exhaust vent outside the normal tailpipe path and creating fire risk or a road hazard.
What should I do if my 2011 Forest River Berkshire is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Berkshire is included in recall 11V531. If it is, contact Forest River or an authorized Cummins dealer and reference recall 11V531. The repair replaces the affected exhaust clamp parts free of charge.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to complete the recall repair at no cost, and Forest River's remedy says authorized Cummins dealers perform this repair free of charge. Ask the service desk to confirm the Cummins engine and DOC or DPF clamp work before the appointment.
What is the safety risk on this Forest River Berkshire recall?
The risk is fire or a road hazard. If the clamp loosens, hot exhaust gases can vent before reaching the tailpipe. If both clamps fail, the DOC or DPF housing can detach in some applications and create a hazard for other traffic.
What if I bought this Forest River Berkshire used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific 2011 Berkshire is included, then call Forest River or an authorized Cummins dealer with recall number 11V531.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/11V531000 |
|---|---|
| Forest River customer service | 1-812-377-5000 |
| NHTSA recall # | 11V531 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 11V531000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Defect / Noncompliance Notice (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 2, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →