Recall 16V579 affects 230 2017 Forest River Cherokee recreational trailers for insufficient tire clearance. Repair is free at any franchised Forest River dealer.
Forest River is recalling 230 2017 Cherokee recreational trailers because the tire can contact the underside of the trailer during use and become damaged. A damaged tire can unexpectedly deflate, causing loss of vehicle control and increasing crash risk; Forest River dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The 2017 Forest River Cherokee uses the trailer frame and suspension height to keep clear space between each tire and the underside of the trailer. That space lets the tire move as the trailer rides over bumps and uneven roads without touching the floor or the wheel well above it. The tire carries the trailer's weight, but it also needs room to flex and travel.
On affected Cherokee trailers, the body sits too close to the top of the tire. During normal use, the tire can rub the floor of the trailer or the inside of the wheel well. That contact wears or damages the tire instead of letting it rotate with a clear gap around it.
The warning sign is visible tire rub during an inspection. Look for scuffed rubber, scrape marks, or worn areas on the tire surface or on the wheel well directly above the tire.
Who's affected?
The tire and suspension components refer to the same Cherokee trailer group, so owners should use the VIN rather than the component label to confirm inclusion.
| 2017 Forest River Cherokee | tire |
|---|---|
| 2017 Forest River Cherokee | suspension component |
| Units affected | 230 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
Not every 2017 Forest River Cherokee trailer is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific trailer is included.
What's the safety risk?
A damaged tire can deflate unexpectedly, which can cause loss of vehicle control and increase the risk of a crash. Inspect the tire area for visible rubbing, and schedule the lift kit repair promptly if your VIN is included. Repair is free at any franchised Forest River dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2017 Forest River Cherokee is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Forest River dealer to schedule the free bolt-on lift-kit repair that adds clearance between the trailer and the tire.
- Reference recall number 16V579 when you call, and bring the recall notice if Forest River mailed one.
- Inspect the tires before towing. If you see rubbing or tire damage, ask the dealer about service transport before moving the trailer.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Forest River technician installs the bolt on lift kit covered by recall 16V579. The kit adds clearance between the bottom of the trailer and the top of the tire, so the tire does not contact the trailer during use. Parts and labor are covered under the recall. After the kit is installed, ask the service desk to confirm the tire clearance before you tow the trailer home.
Timeline
| August 3, 2016 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| September 15, 2016 | Owner notification mailed |
| September 26, 2016 | Dealer notification began |
| September 26, 2016 | Dealer notification ended |
| September 26, 2016 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 16V579?
Recall 16V579 covers 230 2017 Forest River Cherokee recreational trailers with too little clearance between the trailer bottom and the tire. During use, the tire can contact the trailer and become damaged. Forest River dealers install a bolt-on lift kit for free.
What should I do if my 2017 Forest River Cherokee is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific trailer is included in recall 16V579. If it is, contact a franchised Forest River dealer to schedule the bolt-on lift kit installation. Reference recall number 16V579 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Forest River dealers install the bolt-on lift kit free of charge. Forest River also lists customer service at 1-260-593-4005 for recall questions.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is tire damage that can lead to an unexpected deflation. If that happens while towing, the driver can lose vehicle control, increasing crash risk. The dealer repair adds clearance with a bolt-on lift kit.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/16V579000 |
|---|---|
| Forest River customer service | 1-260-593-4005 |
| NHTSA recall # | 16V579 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 16V579000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (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 →