Recall 18V186 affects 448 2017-2018 Forest River Cherokee recreational trailers for a refrigerator propane leak. Repair is free at a Forest River or Norcold dealer.
Forest River is recalling 448 2017-2018 Cherokee recreational trailers because the Norcold N306 mini refrigerator has a loose or missing propane gas valve test port screw that lets propane leak when the refrigerator runs in gas mode. A propane leak increases the risk of a fire, and Forest River dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The Norcold N306 mini refrigerator in the 2017-2018 Forest River Cherokee trailer can run on propane gas when plug-in power is not being used. In gas mode, propane feeds a small burner inside the refrigerator so it can cool food without an electrical hookup. A gas valve controls that fuel, and the test port screw is meant to seal a small service opening on that valve.
On affected Cherokee trailers, that screw is loose or missing. When the refrigerator is switched to gas mode, propane escapes through the test port instead of staying sealed inside the valve. The problem traces to the refrigerator supplied for these trailers, not to normal wear on the trailer body or a maintenance item an owner adjusts.
There is no warning sign before failure. If the refrigerator is used in gas mode, the leak starts at the loose or missing screw, so owners should treat propane odor near the refrigerator as a reason to stop using gas mode and arrange recall service.
Who's affected?
Covers the 2017 and 2018 Cherokee model years with the same recreational vehicle/trailer equipment component.
| 2018 Forest River Cherokee | Recreational vehicle/trailer |
|---|---|
| 2017 Forest River Cherokee | Recreational vehicle/trailer |
| Units affected | 448 |
| 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 trailer is included.
What's the safety risk?
A propane leak raises the risk of fire in the vehicle. Until the recall work is complete, keep ignition sources away from the propane area and schedule service soon. Repair is free at any franchised Forest River dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2017-2018 Forest River Cherokee is included in this recall.
- Contact Forest River customer service or a Forest River dealer to schedule the free Norcold refrigerator gas-valve test-port screw repair.
- Reference recall number 18V186 and Forest River recall 51-0687 when you call.
- Avoid using the refrigerator in gas mode until the gas-valve test-port screw is installed and tightened.
- Bring the recall notice to the repair appointment if Forest River mailed one.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Forest River technician checks the Norcold refrigerator's propane gas valve test port and installs or tightens the port screw if it is loose or missing. That repair is free of charge under recall 18V186. Forest River has a general reimbursement plan on file for this campaign. If you've already paid for this same refrigerator gas valve repair, contact Forest River customer service with your repair paperwork and ask how to submit the documented expense under that plan.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| March 21, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| April 19, 2018 | Owner notification mailed |
| May 17, 2018 | Dealer notification began |
| May 17, 2018 | Dealer notification ended |
| May 17, 2018 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V186?
Recall 18V186 covers 448 2017-2018 Forest River Cherokee recreational trailers equipped with Norcold N306 mini refrigerators. The propane gas valve test port screw can be loose or missing, allowing propane to leak when the refrigerator is used in gas mode and increasing fire risk.
What should I do if my 2017-2018 Forest River Cherokee is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific trailer is included in recall 18V186. If it is, contact Forest River customer service or a Norcold dealer to schedule the refrigerator gas valve port screw inspection and repair. Reference recall number 18V186 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. For recall 18V186, Norcold dealers will install or tighten the refrigerator gas valve port screw as needed, free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is a propane leak from the Norcold refrigerator when it is used in gas mode. Propane leaks increase the risk of fire. Until the repair is complete, ask the service desk whether to avoid gas-mode refrigerator use on your trailer.
What if I bought my Forest River Cherokee used?
The free repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the trailer, not the original owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific 2017-2018 Forest River Cherokee is included, then call Forest River customer service or a Norcold dealer with recall number 18V186.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V186000 |
|---|---|
| Forest River customer service | 1-260-499-2100 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V186 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V186000 |
Source documents
-
Download Quarterly Report (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 25, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →