Forest River recall 16V828 covers 1,104 2013-2017 FR3, Columbus, Xlr, and Spartan vehicles for ladder hinge separation. Repair is free at franchised Forest River dealers.
Forest River is recalling 1,104 2013-2017 FR3, Columbus, Xlr, and Spartan motorhomes and toyhaulers because welded "top hat" parts on certain Christianson Industries ladders can separate while the ladder is in use. If a hinge separates, the ladder can fall from the vehicle and injure someone; Forest River dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The rear ladder on 2013-2017 Forest River FR3, Columbus, Xlr, and Spartan recreational vehicles is mounted with retractable hinges. The ladder gives access to the roof, so the hinge has to hold the ladder firmly against the body while still allowing it to fold or move as designed. Each hinge uses a welded "top hat," a small metal attachment that connects the hinge to its mounting support.
On these ladders, the hinge weld is not strong enough. The welded top hat can separate from the hinge, which means the ladder is no longer held the way it was designed to be held. Once that joint separates, the ladder can shift or lose support under use instead of carrying weight through the mounted hinge.
Before failure, an owner should be able to see the problem during inspection. Look for a visible gap or separation between the hinges and the mounting brackets.
Who's affected?
Covers FR3, Columbus, Xlr, and Spartan RVs across the 2013-2017 model years, all under the Equipment component.
| 2015 Forest River FR3 | Equipment |
|---|---|
| 2014 Palomino Columbus | Equipment |
| 2016 Forest River FR3 | Equipment |
| 2016 Palomino Columbus | Equipment |
| 2015 Forest River Xlr | Equipment |
| 2016 Forest River Xlr | Equipment |
| 2016 Prime Time Spartan | Equipment |
| 2017 Forest River FR3 | Equipment |
| 2015 Palomino Columbus | Equipment |
| 2015 Prime Time Spartan | Equipment |
| 2017 Prime Time Spartan | Equipment |
| 2013 Palomino Columbus | Equipment |
| Units affected | 1,104 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
The model and year narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific RV is included.
What's the safety risk?
A separated ladder hinge can let the ladder fall from the vehicle while it is being used, increasing injury risk. Before using the ladder, inspect the hinges and mounting brackets for any visible gap or separation. Schedule the remedy kit installation soon. Repair is free at any franchised Forest River dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2013-2017 Forest River FR3, Columbus, Xlr, or Spartan is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Forest River dealer to schedule the free remedy-kit installation that corrects the separating ladder hinge.
- Reference recall number 16V828 when you call the dealer.
- Avoid using the affected ladder until the remedy kit is installed; hinge separation can let the ladder fall from the vehicle.
- Bring the recall notice if Forest River mailed one, or give the dealer your VIN and recall number 16V828.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Forest River technician installs the remedy kit for the affected Christianson Industries ladder. The kit corrects the retractable hinge issue, where the welded top hat on the hinge can separate. The recall repair is free, including parts and labor. Ask the service desk to confirm the kit is ready for your VIN before the appointment, and have the completed repair documented in the service record.
Timeline
| November 15, 2016 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| January 3, 2017 | Owner notification mailed |
| January 6, 2017 | Dealer notification began |
| January 6, 2017 | Dealer notification ended |
| January 6, 2017 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 16V828?
Recall 16V828 covers 1,104 2013-2017 Forest River FR3, Columbus, Xlr, and Spartan vehicles with certain black aluminum ladders. The retractable ladder hinges have welded top-hat pieces that can separate. Forest River dealers will install a remedy kit for free.
What should I do if my 2013-2017 Forest River FR3, Columbus, Xlr, or Spartan is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 16V828. If it is, contact a franchised Forest River dealer to schedule the ladder remedy kit installation. Reference recall number 16V828 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 the ladder remedy kit free of charge. Parts and labor are covered at a franchised Forest River dealer.
What is the safety risk from recall 16V828?
The safety risk is injury from a ladder fall. If the retractable hinge separates while someone is using the ladder, the ladder can fall from the vehicle. Confirm your VIN, then have the Forest River dealer install the remedy kit before using the affected ladder again.
What if I bought this Forest River vehicle used?
The free recall repair still applies. Federal recall law follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific FR3, Columbus, Xlr, or Spartan is included, then reference recall number 16V828 when you contact the dealer.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/16V828000 |
|---|---|
| Forest River customer service | 1-574-206-7600 |
| NHTSA recall # | 16V828 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 16V828000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly 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 →