Recall 12V428 covers 2 2009 Forest River Rockport vehicles for overheating battery separators. Repair is free through Forest River for affected owners.
Forest River is recalling 2 2009 Rockport commercial vehicles because Sure Power battery separator devices can overheat. That overheating can produce smoke and a fire risk, and the Forest River dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The Sure Power battery separator in the 2009 Forest River Rockport is an electrical device connected to the vehicle's battery system. Its job is to manage how battery power is separated and shared between electrical circuits, so one part of the system does not drain another when the vehicle is parked or operating.
On the two recalled Rockport commercial vehicles, the separator is the problem part. The recall identifies overheating in the Sure Power device, which means the electrical component heats beyond its intended operating range while current moves through it. The filing does not identify a smaller failed subpart or a separate root cause inside the device.
There is no warning sign before failure. An owner should not count on a dashboard light, message, or driveability change to show that the separator has started to overheat.
Who's affected?
| 2009 Forest River Rockport | Electrical |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 2 |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle.
What's the safety risk?
Battery separator overheating can create smoke and a fire risk. If smoke or unusual heat appears, park in a safe place and contact a Forest River dealer for repair guidance. Schedule the recall repair soon, since the issue involves fire risk. Repair will be free at any franchised Forest River dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2009 Forest River Rockport is included in this recall.
- Contact Forest River at 1-574-295-8749 to arrange the free battery-separator replacement that fixes the overheating separator.
- Reference recall number 12V428 when you call, and bring the recall notice if you still have it.
- Stop using the vehicle and call Forest River if you see smoke or smell burning near the battery separator.
What happens at the repair
The recall filing does not give an open remedy status, but it says Forest River notified owners and arranged a free battery separator replacement. Once the repair is available through the dealer process, a Forest River technician replaces the Sure Power battery separator devices that are covered by the recall. Parts and labor are covered. The owner notice also lists Forest River customer service for questions about scheduling or whether the battery separator replacement has already been completed.
Timeline
| September 3, 2012 | Owner notification mailed |
|---|---|
| September 4, 2012 | NHTSA published the recall |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 12V428?
Recall 12V428 covers 2 2009 Forest River Rockport commercial vehicles equipped with Sure Power battery separator devices that overheat. Overheating can cause smoke and a fire risk. Forest River arranged to replace the battery separators free of charge.
What should I do if my 2009 Forest River Rockport is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 12V428. If it is, contact Forest River at 1-574-295-8749 and ask for the free Sure Power battery separator replacement. Reference recall number 12V428 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to correct the safety defect at no cost, and Forest River arranged the battery separator replacement free of charge for affected 2009 Rockport owners.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is overheating in the Sure Power battery separator device. Forest River's recall filing says overheating can result in smoke and a fire risk. Confirm the VIN, then arrange the free replacement before regular use continues.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/12V428000 |
|---|---|
| Forest River customer service | 1-574-295-8749 |
| NHTSA recall # | 12V428 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 12V428000 |
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 →