Recall 17V249 covers 81 2012-2018 Foretravel Phenix, IH45, and Nimbus motorhomes for loose front suspension ball joints. Repair is free at any franchised Foretravel dealer.
Foretravel is recalling 81 2012-2018 Phenix, IH45, and Nimbus motorhomes because ball joints in the independent front suspension can loosen and separate. A separated ball joint can cause loss of steering control and increase crash risk, and Foretravel dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The front suspension on the 2012-2018 Foretravel Phenix, IH45, and Nimbus motorhomes uses ball joints in the independent front suspension module. A ball joint is the pivot point between the control arm and the wheel end. It lets the front wheel move up and down with the road while still turning when you steer.
On affected motorhomes, the ball joints in that module can loosen. If the joint separates, the suspension no longer holds the wheel end in its intended position. That changes how the front wheel tracks and can lead to a partial loss of steering control.
The recall filing does not identify a specific noise, warning light, or handling change before the joint separates. There is no warning sign before failure.
Who's affected?
Covers Phenix, IH45, and Nimbus motorhomes across the 2012-2018 model years, all tied to the front control arm.
| 2013 Foretravel Phenix | control arm |
|---|---|
| 2016 Foretravel Phenix | control arm |
| 2016 Foretravel IH45 | control arm |
| 2012 Foretravel IH45 | control arm |
| 2013 Foretravel IH45 | control arm |
| 2014 Foretravel IH45 | control arm |
| 2015 Foretravel Phenix | control arm |
| 2017 Foretravel IH45 | control arm |
| 2018 Foretravel Phenix | control arm |
| 2017 Foretravel Phenix | control arm |
| 2014 Foretravel Phenix | control arm |
| 2015 Foretravel IH45 | control arm |
| 2015 Foretravel Nimbus | control arm |
| 2014 Foretravel Nimbus | control arm |
| 2012 Foretravel Nimbus | control arm |
| 2012 Foretravel Phenix | control arm |
| 2018 Foretravel IH45 | control arm |
| 2013 Foretravel Nimbus | control arm |
| 2016 Foretravel Nimbus | control arm |
| 2017 Foretravel Nimbus | control arm |
| 2018 Foretravel Nimbus | control arm |
| Units affected | 81 |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific motorhome is included.
What's the safety risk?
A separated ball joint can cause loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash. There is no listed warning sign before failure, so confirm whether your VIN is included and schedule the recall inspection soon. Repair is free at any franchised Foretravel dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2012-2018 Foretravel Phenix, IH45, or Nimbus motorhome is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Foretravel dealer to schedule the free front-suspension ball-joint inspection, cleaning, and securing repair that addresses the loose joint and steering-control risk.
- Bring the recall notice if Foretravel mailed one. If not, reference recall number 17V249 when you call.
- Avoid unnecessary driving until the repair is complete, and pull over safely if steering control changes.
- Call Foretravel customer service at 1-800-955-6226, option 3, with questions about scheduling or the recall repair.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Foretravel technician inspects the independent front suspension ball joints, cleans the joint area, and secures any ball joint that has loosened. The recall repair is free, with parts and labor covered. This work addresses the ball joints that can loosen and separate on the front suspension, which affects steering. When you schedule service, tell the Foretravel dealer you are calling about recall 17V249 so the service desk can confirm the inspection and securement procedure for your motorhome.
Timeline
| April 11, 2017 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| April 25, 2017 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 17V249?
Recall 17V249 covers 81 2012-2018 Foretravel Phenix, IH45, and Nimbus motorhomes with independent front suspension ball joints that can loosen and separate. A separated ball joint can cause loss of steering control and increase crash risk. Foretravel dealers will inspect, clean, and secure the ball joint for free.
What should I do if my 2012-2018 Foretravel Phenix, IH45, or Nimbus is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific motorhome is included in recall 17V249. If it is, contact a Foretravel dealer or Foretravel customer service at 1-800-955-6226, option 3, to schedule the free ball-joint inspection and repair.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the safety defect at no cost, and Foretravel's remedy says dealers will inspect, clean, and secure the ball joint free of charge.
What is the safety risk in recall 17V249?
The safety risk is loss of steering control. The front suspension ball joint can loosen and separate, which can reduce the driver's ability to steer the motorhome and increase crash risk. If your VIN is included, schedule the free dealer repair before your next trip.
What if I bought my Foretravel motorhome used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the VIN, not the original owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific Phenix, IH45, or Nimbus is included, then reference recall 17V249 when you contact a Foretravel dealer.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/17V249000 |
|---|---|
| Foretravel customer service | 1-800-955-6226 |
| NHTSA recall # | 17V249 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 17V249000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (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 25, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →