Recall 18V357 affects 471 2019 Coachmen Leprechaun, Sunseeker, Forester, and Freelander motorhomes for loose rear axle U-bolts. Repair is free at any franchised Coachmen dealer.
Coachmen is recalling 471 2019 Leprechaun, Sunseeker, Forester, and Freelander motorhomes because rear differential U-bolts were improperly tightened, which can let the rear axles shift. Loose rear axle assemblies can cause loss of control and increase the risk of a crash; Coachmen dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
Does this recall apply to your specific vehicle?
The official, free per-VIN recall check is run by NHTSA. Enter your VIN and we'll forward you directly — and add you to a free watchlist so you hear about new recalls for your vehicle.
Check my VIN at NHTSARecallNotify doesn't check your VIN — NHTSA's official tool does. We use your email only to alert you to new recalls.
Watch this vehicle for recalls
Add it to your free watchlist and we will alert you as new federal recalls are posted for your year, make and model. New-recall alerts are rolling out now.
You are on the watchlist.
We will email you as new federal recalls are posted for your vehicle.
What's wrong?
The rear differential and axle assembly on these 2019 Coachmen Leprechaun, Sunseeker, Forester, and Freelander motorhomes transfer engine power to the rear wheels and keep the rear axle located under the coach. U-bolts are heavy clamps that hold that axle assembly in the correct position. They have to be tightened to the specified torque so the axle stays fixed while the motorhome carries weight and moves over the road.
In this recall, the U-bolts that secure the rear differential were not tightened consistently during production. If the clamp force is too low, normal vibration and load can loosen the U-bolts further. Once that happens, the rear axle assembly can shift from its intended position instead of staying square under the motorhome.
There is no warning sign before failure. An owner should not expect a specific light, sound, or driving symptom before the loose U-bolts allow the axle to move.
Who's affected?
Covers Leprechaun, Sunseeker, Forester, and Freelander model lines, all tied to the same drive axle.
| 2019 Coachmen Leprechaun | drive axle |
|---|---|
| 2019 Forest River Sunseeker | drive axle |
| 2019 Forest River Forester | drive axle |
| 2019 Coachmen Freelander | drive axle |
| Units affected | 471 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 1 field incident to date. |
A matching 2019 model line does not confirm inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific motorhome is included.
What's the safety risk?
A loose rear axle assembly can cause loss of control and increase the risk of a crash. There is no warning sign before failure, so avoid extra trips and schedule the recall repair soon if your VIN is included. Repair is free at any franchised Coachmen dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2019 Coachmen Leprechaun, Sunseeker, Forester, or Freelander motorhome is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Coachmen dealer to schedule the free rear-differential U-bolt inspection and repair.
- Bring the recall notice if you have it. Reference recall number 18V357 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete. Loose rear axle assemblies can cause loss of control.
- Ask the dealer to confirm the U-bolts that secure the rear differential were tightened or replaced before you take the motorhome home.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Coachmen technician inspects the U-Bolts that secure the rear differential and checks whether they were tightened correctly. If any U-Bolts are loose or damaged, the technician properly tightens them or replaces them. The recall repair is free, including parts and labor. Ask the service desk to confirm that recall 18V357 is open for your VIN before the work order is written.
Timeline
| June 1, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| June 6, 2018 | Owner notification mailed |
| July 11, 2018 | Dealer notification began |
| July 11, 2018 | Dealer notification ended |
| July 11, 2018 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V357?
Recall 18V357 covers 471 2019 Coachmen Leprechaun, Sunseeker, Forester, and Freelander motorhomes with rear differential U-bolts that were not tightened properly. Loose U-bolts can let the rear axle shift and cause loss of control. Dealers will inspect, tighten, or replace the U-bolts for free.
What should I do if my 2019 Coachmen Leprechaun, Sunseeker, Forester, or Freelander is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific motorhome is included in recall 18V357. If it is, contact a franchised Coachmen dealer to schedule the rear axle U-bolt inspection and repair. Reference recall number 18V357 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 the remedy for recall 18V357 says dealers will inspect, properly tighten, or replace the rear differential U-bolts free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The risk is loss of control. If the rear differential U-bolts loosen, the rear axle assemblies can shift while the motorhome is moving, increasing crash risk. If your VIN is included, schedule the free dealer repair before using the motorhome again.
What if I bought the motorhome used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the VIN, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific 2019 Coachmen motorhome is included, then call a franchised Coachmen dealer and reference recall 18V357.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V357000 |
|---|---|
| Coachmen customer service | 1-574-206-7600 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V357 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V357000 |
Source documents
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 →