Recall 18V179 affects 416 2012-2017 Forest River motorhomes where power steering hose routing can cause fire. Repair is free at a franchised Forest River dealer.
Forest River is recalling 416 2012-2017 Charleston, Berkshire, Pathfinder, Cross Country, and Synergy motorhomes because the power steering hose can be routed against the starter motor power stud. Contact between the hose and stud can cause electrical arcing and a power steering fluid leak, and that increases fire risk; Forest River dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The power steering hose on the 2012-2017 Forest River Charleston, Berkshire, Pathfinder, Cross Country, and Synergy motorhomes is part of the hydraulic steering assist system. It carries pressurized power steering fluid between the pump and steering gear, so the driver does not have to turn the wheel with full manual effort.
On affected motorhomes, that hose was routed too close to the power stud on the starter motor. The hose can rub against the stud during normal vehicle movement. That contact point can create electrical arcing and damage the hose, which lets power steering fluid leak where it does not belong.
There is no warning sign before failure. If steering effort changes, fluid appears under the motorhome, or there is a burning smell near the starter area, stop using the vehicle and have the recall condition checked.
Who's affected?
Spans five model lines across the 2012-2017 model years, all tied to the power steering system.
| 2017 Forest River Charleston | power steering system |
|---|---|
| 2017 Forest River Berkshire | power steering system |
| 2015 Forest River Charleston | power steering system |
| 2016 Forest River Charleston | power steering system |
| 2016 Forest River Berkshire | power steering system |
| 2014 Coachmen Pathfinder | power steering system |
| 2013 Coachmen Cross Country | power steering system |
| 2014 Coachmen Cross Country | power steering system |
| 2012 Forest River Charleston | power steering system |
| 2015 Coachmen Cross Country | power steering system |
| 2014 Glaval Bus Synergy | power steering system |
| 2014 Forest River Charleston | power steering system |
| 2015 Glaval Bus Synergy | power steering system |
| 2013 Forest River Charleston | power steering system |
| 2013 Coachmen Pathfinder | power steering system |
| 2015 Coachmen Pathfinder | power steering system |
| Units affected | 416 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included.
What's the safety risk?
In NHTSA campaign 18V179, electrical arcing near leaking power steering fluid increases the risk of a fire. Schedule the hose rerouting promptly. If you see power steering fluid leaking, park safely and call a dealer before using the vehicle again. Repair is free at any franchised Forest River dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2012-2017 Forest River Charleston, Berkshire, Pathfinder, Cross Country, or Synergy is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Forest River dealer to schedule the free power-steering-hose rerouting that keeps the hose clear of the starter motor power stud.
- Bring the recall notice if Forest River has mailed one. If not, reference recall number 18V179 when you call.
- Avoid driving the motorhome if you smell leaking fluid, see smoke, or notice steering fluid near the starter area.
- Call Forest River customer service at 1-574-295-2117 with recall questions.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Forest River technician reroutes the power steering hose so it has proper clearance from the starter motor power stud. The recall repair is free, including parts and labor. Forest River has a general reimbursement plan on file for this recall. If you already paid out of pocket for a related power steering hose routing repair before the recall notice, ask the dealer or Forest River customer service how to submit documentation under that plan.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| March 19, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| April 13, 2018 | Owner notification mailed |
| May 15, 2018 | Dealer notification began |
| May 15, 2018 | Dealer notification ended |
| May 15, 2018 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| May 15, 2018 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V179?
Recall 18V179 covers 416 2012-2017 Forest River Charleston, Berkshire, Pathfinder, Cross Country, and Synergy motorhomes. The power steering hose can be routed too close to the starter motor power stud, allowing rubbing, electrical arcing, and a power steering fluid leak. The dealer repair is free.
What should I do if my 2012-2017 Forest River Charleston, Berkshire, Pathfinder, Cross Country, or Synergy is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific motorhome is included in recall 18V179. If it is, contact a franchised Forest River service location or the dealer handling the recall and ask for the power steering hose rerouting repair. Reference Forest River recall number 51-0665 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. For recall 18V179, the power steering hose is rerouted to provide proper clearance, and parts and labor are covered for the owner.
What is the safety risk?
The risk is fire. If the misrouted power steering hose rubs against the starter motor power stud, electrical arcing can occur while power steering fluid is leaking nearby. That combination increases fire risk, so confirm your VIN and arrange the free repair if your motorhome is included.
What if I bought this Forest River motorhome used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the VIN, not the first owner, so a used motorhome remains eligible if it is included in recall 18V179. Check your VIN, then give the dealer Forest River recall number 51-0665 when scheduling service.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V179000 |
|---|---|
| Forest River customer service | 1-800-547-0712 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V179 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V179000 |
Source documents
-
Download Misc. Document (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 →