Recall 18V856 affects 5 2019 Forest River Salem and Wildwood recreational trailers for incorrectly wired clearance lights. Free repair at any franchised Forest River dealer.
Forest River is recalling 5 2019 Salem and Wildwood recreational trailers because incorrectly wired clearance lights can stop working. Inoperative lights reduce the trailers' visibility to other drivers and increase crash risk; the dealer repair will be free once available.
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 clearance lights on 2019 Forest River Salem and Wildwood recreational trailers are small exterior marker lights mounted around the trailer body. Their normal job is to show the trailer's outline, width, and presence to other drivers in low light or poor visibility. They are part of the exterior lighting system covered by FMVSS 108.
On the recalled trailers, the clearance lights were wired incorrectly. That wiring error keeps the lights from working as intended, so the trailer loses part of the lighting that helps other drivers judge its size and position. The problem is not described as a failed bulb or lens issue; it is an electrical routing or connection problem behind the lights.
There is no warning sign before failure. Before a trip, check the exterior lights with the tow vehicle connected, and look specifically for clearance lights that stay dark when the rest of the trailer lighting is on.
Who's affected?
Covers both Salem and Wildwood trailers from the same model year, with exterior lighting listed for each.
| 2019 Forest River Salem | Exterior lighting |
|---|---|
| 2019 Forest River Wildwood | Exterior lighting |
| Units affected | 5 |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific trailer is included.
What's the safety risk?
When clearance lights do not work, other drivers have less visibility of the trailer, which increases the risk of a crash. Check the trailer lights before towing, use extra caution after dark, and ask the dealer about the wiring correction. Repair will be free at any franchised Forest River dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2019 Forest River Salem or Wildwood trailer is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Forest River dealer and ask whether the free clearance-light wiring correction is open for your VIN.
- Reference recall number 18V856 when you call, and use Forest River recall 63-0921 if the dealer asks for the manufacturer number.
- Bring the recall notice if Forest River mailed one, or bring your VIN and recall number to the appointment.
- Avoid towing at night or in low visibility until the clearance-light wiring is corrected.
What happens at the repair
Forest River's remedy calls for a Forest River technician to correct the clearance light wiring so the trailer's clearance lights operate as intended. Because the remedy status is not listed as available in this file, treat the repair as a dealer process that is free once available. Parts and labor are covered under the recall. When scheduling, ask the service desk to reference Forest River recall 63-0921.
Timeline
| December 3, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| December 18, 2018 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V856?
Recall 18V856 covers 5 2019 Forest River Salem and Wildwood recreational trailers with incorrectly wired clearance lights. The defect can leave the clearance lights inoperative, making the trailer harder for other drivers to see and increasing crash risk. Forest River dealers correct the wiring for free.
What should I do if my 2019 Forest River Salem or Wildwood is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific trailer is included in recall 18V856. If it is, contact a franchised Forest River dealer to schedule the clearance-light wiring repair. Reference recall number 18V856 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Forest River's recall remedy says dealers will correct the clearance light wiring free of charge. Parts and labor are covered at a franchised Forest River dealer.
What is the safety risk?
The risk is reduced trailer visibility. If the clearance lights do not work, other drivers have a harder time seeing the trailer, which increases the risk of a crash. The dealer repair corrects the wiring so the clearance lights work as required.
What if I bought this Forest River trailer used?
The free repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the trailer, not the first owner, so a used 2019 Forest River Salem or Wildwood can still qualify. Check your VIN, then call a franchised Forest River dealer and reference recall number 18V856.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V856000 |
|---|---|
| Forest River customer service | 1-574-534-6127 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V856 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V856000 |
Source documents
-
Download Quarterly Report (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (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 →