Recall 20V488 covers 1,547 2017-2020 Coachmen Cross Country, Sportscoach, Berkshire, Legacy, and Charleston motorhomes for failed exterior lights. Free repair at any franchised Coachmen dealer.
Coachmen is recalling 1,547 2017-2020 Cross Country, Sportscoach, Berkshire, Legacy, and Charleston motorhomes under recall 20V488 because the rear power distribution module can leave rear marker lights, brake lights, or turn signals inoperative. Non-functioning exterior marker lights can raise crash risk, and Coachmen dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The rear Power Distribution Module is the electrical hub that routes power to exterior lights at the back of the motorhome. On the 2017-2020 Coachmen Cross Country, Sportscoach, Berkshire, Legacy, and Charleston motorhomes, it helps keep the rear marker lights, brake lights, and turn signals working so drivers behind you can see braking, turning, and vehicle position.
The defect starts inside that module. During manufacturing, the internal circuit board was exposed to bending stress. After the motorhome has been used, that stress can create intermittent open circuits, which are breaks in the electrical path. When the circuit opens, the rear marker lights, brake lights, or left turn signal stop working even though the rest of the motorhome still runs.
There is no warning sign before failure. An owner would notice the problem only by checking the rear lights, having another person watch them during a walkaround, or being told by someone following the motorhome.
Who's affected?
Spans 5 model lines across the 2017-2020 model years, with power distribution module issues tied to lighting and electrical system components.
| 2017 Coachmen Cross Country | Turn signal |
|---|---|
| 2017 Coachmen Cross Country | Brake lights |
| 2017 Coachmen Sportscoach | electrical system |
| 2019 Forest River Berkshire | Turn signal |
| 2019 Forest River Berkshire | Brake lights |
| 2019 Forest River Legacy | electrical system |
| 2019 Forest River Berkshire | electrical system |
| 2019 Forest River Legacy | Turn signal |
| 2019 Forest River Legacy | Brake lights |
| 2018 Forest River Berkshire | Turn signal |
| 2018 Forest River Berkshire | Brake lights |
| 2018 Forest River Berkshire | electrical system |
| 2018 Forest River Charleston | Turn signal |
| 2018 Forest River Charleston | Brake lights |
| 2018 Forest River Charleston | electrical system |
| 2017 Forest River Charleston | Turn signal |
| 2017 Forest River Charleston | Brake lights |
| 2017 Forest River Charleston | electrical system |
| 2019 Coachmen Sportscoach | Turn signal |
| 2019 Coachmen Sportscoach | Brake lights |
| 2019 Coachmen Sportscoach | electrical system |
| 2017 Forest River Berkshire | Turn signal |
| 2017 Forest River Berkshire | Brake lights |
| 2017 Forest River Berkshire | electrical system |
| 2020 Forest River Berkshire | Turn signal |
| 2020 Forest River Berkshire | Brake lights |
| 2020 Forest River Berkshire | electrical system |
| 2018 Forest River Legacy | Turn signal |
| 2018 Forest River Legacy | Brake lights |
| 2018 Forest River Legacy | electrical system |
| 2017 Coachmen Cross Country | electrical system |
| 2020 Coachmen Sportscoach | Turn signal |
| 2020 Coachmen Sportscoach | Brake lights |
| 2020 Coachmen Sportscoach | electrical system |
| 2017 Forest River Legacy | Turn signal |
| 2017 Forest River Legacy | Brake lights |
| 2017 Forest River Legacy | electrical system |
| 2018 Coachmen Sportscoach | Turn signal |
| 2018 Coachmen Sportscoach | Brake lights |
| 2018 Coachmen Sportscoach | electrical system |
| 2017 Coachmen Sportscoach | Turn signal |
| 2017 Coachmen Sportscoach | Brake lights |
| Units affected | 1,547 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 3 field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not confirm inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific motorhome is included.
What's the safety risk?
Exterior marker lights help other drivers see the vehicle's size and position, especially in low light. If they stop working, the vehicle is harder to judge from the side or rear, which increases crash risk. Schedule the recall repair soon and check the lights before trips. Repair is free at any franchised Coachmen dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2017-2020 Coachmen Cross Country, Sportscoach, Berkshire, Legacy, or Charleston is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Coachmen dealer to schedule the free rear Power Distribution Module replacement that restores the rear marker lights, brake lights, and turn signals.
- Reference recall number 20V488 when you call, and bring the recall notice if Coachmen mailed one.
- Inspect the rear marker lights, brake lights, and turn signals before each trip until the repair is complete.
- Avoid driving after dark if the rear lights do not work.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Coachmen technician replaces the rear mounted Power Distribution Module with a new Power Distribution Module. That repair is meant to restore the electrical control needed for the rear marker lights, brake lights, and turn signals. Parts and labor are free under the recall. If you already paid for this PDM repair before the recall notice, Coachmen's standard reimbursement plan covers documented expenses. Ask the service desk how to submit your repair paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| August 18, 2020 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| January 18, 2021 | Dealer notification began |
| January 18, 2021 | Dealer notification ended |
| January 18, 2021 | Owner notification mailed |
| January 18, 2021 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| January 18, 2021 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 20V488?
Recall 20V488 covers 1,547 2017-2020 Coachmen Cross Country, Sportscoach, Berkshire, Legacy, and Charleston motorhomes built on certain FCCC XB and XC chassis. The rear Power Distribution Module can leave rear marker lights, brake lights, or turn signals inoperative, increasing crash risk.
What should I do if my 2017-2020 Coachmen Cross Country, Sportscoach, Berkshire, Legacy, or Charleston is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific motorhome is included in recall 20V488. If it is, contact a franchised Coachmen service location and reference recall 20V488, plus Forest River recall number 51-1203. The Power Distribution Module replacement is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and the remedy states that the old rear Power Distribution Module will be replaced with a new Power Distribution Module free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is reduced visibility to drivers behind the motorhome. If the rear marker lights, brake lights, or turn signals stop working, other drivers have less warning when the motorhome slows, turns, or is present on the road, increasing crash risk.
When did the recall repair become available?
The recall repair became available after the recall began on January 18, 2021. The remedy is a replacement of the old rear Power Distribution Module with a new Power Distribution Module, free of charge.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/20V488000 |
|---|---|
| Coachmen customer service | 1-800-547-0712 |
| NHTSA recall # | 20V488 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 20V488000 |
Source documents
-
Download Misc. Document (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (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 24, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →