Recall 16V179 affects 2,639 2008-2016 Forest River Puma trailers for tire-to-wheel-well contact. Repair is free at a franchised Forest River dealer.
Forest River is recalling 2,639 2008-2016 Puma recreational trailers and toy haulers because the tires can contact the floor or wheel well when the trailer hits a bump, damaging the tire. A damaged tire can deflate and cause loss of vehicle control and increase crash risk, and Forest River dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
NHTSA campaign 16V179 covers 2008-2016 Forest River Puma recreational trailers and toy haulers. The suspension and axle mounting hardware are supposed to hold each tire with enough open space above it so the tire can move upward over bumps without touching the floor or wheel well.
On affected Puma trailers, the design leaves too little vertical clearance between the top of the tire and the trailer body. When the trailer hits a bump, the tire can rub against the floor or wheel well, which can damage the tire.
The warning sign is visible tire rub. During an inspection, an owner, dealer, or service technician can look at the tire surface and surrounding wheel well area for marks that show the tire has been making contact.
Who's affected?
Spans 9 model years, and each year in scope carries both tire and suspension components.
| 2012 Forest River Puma | tire |
|---|---|
| 2012 Forest River Puma | suspension component |
| 2016 Forest River Puma | tire |
| 2016 Forest River Puma | suspension component |
| 2014 Forest River Puma | tire |
| 2014 Forest River Puma | suspension component |
| 2009 Forest River Puma | tire |
| 2009 Forest River Puma | suspension component |
| 2015 Forest River Puma | tire |
| 2015 Forest River Puma | suspension component |
| 2013 Forest River Puma | tire |
| 2013 Forest River Puma | suspension component |
| 2010 Forest River Puma | tire |
| 2010 Forest River Puma | suspension component |
| 2011 Forest River Puma | tire |
| 2011 Forest River Puma | suspension component |
| 2008 Forest River Puma | tire |
| 2008 Forest River Puma | suspension component |
| Units affected | 2,639 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 22 field incidents to date. |
A matching 2008-2016 Forest River Puma trailer does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific trailer is included.
What's the safety risk?
A damaged tire can deflate, lead to loss of vehicle control, and increase crash risk. Tire rub is visible during inspection, so look for rubbing marks and arrange service before another trip if you see them. Repair is free at any franchised Forest River dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2008-2016 Forest River Puma is included in this recall.
- Contact your nearest franchised Forest River dealer to schedule the free lift-kit installation that adds clearance so the tires do not contact the floor or wheel well.
- Bring the recall notice if Forest River mailed one. If not, reference recall number 16V179 when you call.
- Tow the trailer cautiously until the lift kit is installed. Avoid rough roads and slow down for bumps.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Forest River technician installs a lift kit that adds clearance between the tires and the trailer floor or wheel well. That extra space helps prevent tire contact when the trailer hits a bump, the condition named in recall 16V179. The recall repair is free, with parts and labor covered by Forest River. After the lift kit is installed, ask the service desk to confirm the repair is recorded against your VIN.
Timeline
| March 30, 2016 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| May 11, 2016 | Owner notification mailed |
| May 27, 2016 | Dealer notification began |
| May 27, 2016 | Dealer notification ended |
| May 27, 2016 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 16V179?
Recall 16V179 covers 2,639 2008-2016 Forest River Puma recreational trailers and toy haulers where the tires can contact the floor or wheel well after a bump. That contact can damage a tire, and Forest River dealers will install a lift kit for free.
What should I do if my 2008-2016 Forest River Puma is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific trailer is included in recall 16V179. If it is, contact a Forest River dealer to schedule the lift kit installation. Reference recall number 16V179 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Forest River's remedy says dealers will install a lift kit to add tire clearance free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is tire damage after the trailer hits a bump. If a tire is damaged, it can deflate and cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing crash risk. The free dealer repair adds clearance so the tires do not contact the floor or wheel well.
What if I bought my Forest River Puma used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recalls follow the VIN, not the original owner, so a used 2008-2016 Forest River Puma still qualifies when its VIN is included. Check your VIN, then call a Forest River dealer with recall number 16V179.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/16V179000 |
|---|---|
| Forest River customer service | 1-574-642-0607 |
| NHTSA recall # | 16V179 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 16V179000 |
Source documents
-
Download Quarterly Report (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 31, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →