Recall 18V436 covers 326 2016-2019 Forest River Salem and Wildwood trailers for blocked water heater exhaust. Repair is free at any franchised Forest River dealer.
Forest River is recalling 326 2016-2019 Salem and Wildwood recreational trailers because the outside auxiliary shower faucet cover can block the water heater exhaust panel when opened. That covered exhaust area creates an injury risk, and Forest River dealers will complete the recall 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 outside auxiliary shower on affected Forest River Salem and Wildwood recreational trailers has a small plastic faucet cover. That cover protects the exterior shower faucet when the shower is not in use. Nearby, the water heater exhaust panel vents hot exhaust away from the trailer while the water heater is running.
On these trailers, a design change moved the outside shower above the water heater. When the shower faucet cover is left open, the cover sits over the water heater exhaust panel. Hot exhaust then hits the plastic cover instead of venting clear of the trailer, which deforms or melts the cover.
There is no warning sign before failure. The problem happens when the water heater runs while the outside shower cover is open, so owners do not get a separate alert before heat damage begins.
Who's affected?
Covers Salem and Wildwood trailers across the 2016-2019 model years, all under the same recreational vehicle/trailer equipment category.
| 2017 Forest River Salem | Recreational vehicle/trailer |
|---|---|
| 2019 Forest River Salem | Recreational vehicle/trailer |
| 2018 Forest River Salem | Recreational vehicle/trailer |
| 2016 Forest River Salem | Recreational vehicle/trailer |
| 2018 Forest River Wildwood | Recreational vehicle/trailer |
| 2017 Forest River Wildwood | Recreational vehicle/trailer |
| 2016 Forest River Wildwood | Recreational vehicle/trailer |
| Units affected | 326 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 1 field incident 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 covered water heater exhaust panel creates an injury risk when the trailer is in use. There is no warning sign listed before this hazard, so confirm your VIN and schedule the recall work. Repair is free at any franchised Forest River dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2016-2019 Forest River Salem or Wildwood is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Forest River dealer to schedule the free replacement outside shower that keeps the faucet cover from blocking the water heater exhaust panel.
- Bring the recall notice if Forest River mailed one. If not, reference recall number 18V436 when you call.
- Keep the outside shower faucet cover clear of the water heater exhaust panel until the replacement outside shower is installed.
- Call Forest River customer service at 1-574-534-3167 with questions.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Forest River technician installs a replacement outside shower assembly so the opened shower cover no longer covers the water heater exhaust panel. The recall repair is available now, and the replacement parts and labor are free under the recall. Tell the service desk you are scheduling Forest River recall 18V436 for your 2016-2019 Salem or Wildwood trailer so they can match the correct replacement outside shower to the trailer.
Timeline
| June 27, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| July 24, 2018 | Owner notification mailed |
| August 6, 2018 | Dealer notification began |
| August 6, 2018 | Dealer notification ended |
| August 6, 2018 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V436?
Recall 18V436 covers 326 2016-2019 Forest River Salem and Wildwood recreational trailers. The outside auxiliary shower faucet cover can block the water heater exhaust panel when opened, increasing injury risk. Forest River dealers will install a replacement outside shower for free.
What should I do if my 2016-2019 Forest River Salem or Wildwood is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific trailer is included in recall 18V436. If it is, contact a franchised Forest River dealer to schedule the outside shower replacement. Reference recall number 18V436 and Forest River number 44-0762 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair the defect at no cost, and Forest River dealers will install the replacement outside shower free of charge. Parts and labor are covered for included Salem and Wildwood trailers.
What is the safety risk?
The risk is injury from a blocked water heater exhaust panel. When the outside auxiliary shower faucet cover is opened, it can cover the exhaust panel and interfere with proper venting. If your VIN is included, schedule the free dealer repair.
When did Forest River notify owners?
Forest River notified owners, and the recall began on July 24, 2018. If you bought the trailer used or never received a letter, check your VIN and call a franchised Forest River dealer with recall number 18V436.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V436000 |
|---|---|
| Forest River customer service | 1-574-534-3167 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V436 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V436000 |
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 25, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →