Recall 20V655 affects 69 2021 Forest River Cardinal trailers for a short furnace intake sleeve. Repair is free at any franchised Forest River dealer.
Forest River is recalling 69 2021 Cardinal fifth wheel trailers because the furnace fresh air intake sleeve is too short and the furnace is not properly connected to the exterior. Exhaust can enter the trailer and cause carbon monoxide poisoning, which raises the risk of injury or death; Forest River dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The furnace fresh air intake sleeve on a 2021 Forest River Cardinal fifth wheel trailer is the connector between the LPG furnace and the exterior wall opening. It helps the furnace draw outside air for combustion and keeps the furnace air path sealed from the trailer interior. When that connection is correct, furnace exhaust is directed outside instead of into the living area.
On affected Cardinal trailers, the installed sleeve is the incorrect length. The sleeve is too short to make the proper exterior connection, leaving the furnace air path open where it should be sealed. Exhaust from the furnace can then enter the trailer through the fresh air intake area. That exhaust contains carbon monoxide, and the recall ties this condition to carbon monoxide poisoning, personal injury, or death.
There is no warning sign before failure. Do not rely on smell, sound, or a dashboard-style alert to identify this defect before exhaust enters the trailer.
Who's affected?
| 2021 Forest River Cardinal | Furnace |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 69 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
Not every 2021 Forest River Cardinal trailer is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific trailer is included.
What's the safety risk?
Exhaust entering the trailer can cause carbon monoxide poisoning and increase the risk of injury or death. There is no warning sign before exposure, so avoid using the furnace until the intake sleeve is corrected and schedule the recall repair soon. Repair is free at any franchised Forest River dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2021 Forest River Cardinal is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Forest River dealer to schedule the free furnace intake-sleeve repair that restores the proper exterior connection for exhaust.
- Avoid using the furnace until the correct intake sleeve is installed, because exhaust can enter the trailer.
- Bring the recall notice if Forest River mailed one. If not, reference recall number 20V655 and Forest River recall 15-1245 when you call.
- Call Forest River customer service at 1-574-296-7700 with repair questions.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Forest River technician installs the correct fresh air intake sleeve so the furnace connects properly to the trailer exterior. That repair closes the gap that allowed furnace exhaust to enter the trailer. The recall repair is free, with parts and labor covered. Ask the service desk to confirm the furnace intake sleeve is the part covered by recall 20V655 before the work begins.
Timeline
| October 26, 2020 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| November 6, 2020 | Owner notification mailed |
| December 2, 2020 | Dealer notification began |
| December 2, 2020 | Dealer notification ended |
| December 2, 2020 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| December 2, 2020 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 20V655?
Recall 20V655 covers 69 2021 Forest River Cardinal fifth wheel trailers with a furnace fresh-air intake sleeve that is too short. Exhaust can enter the trailer, creating a carbon monoxide poisoning risk. Forest River dealers will install the correct intake sleeve for free.
What should I do if my 2021 Forest River Cardinal is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific trailer is included in recall 20V655. If it is, contact a Forest River dealer to schedule installation of the correct furnace intake sleeve. Reference recall number 20V655 and Forest River recall number 15-1245 when you call.
Does the recall repair cost anything?
No. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Forest River dealers will install the correct furnace intake sleeve free of charge. Parts and labor are covered for an included 2021 Cardinal.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is carbon monoxide entering the trailer through an improper furnace connection. Carbon monoxide poisoning can increase the risk of injury or death. Until the repair is complete, treat furnace exhaust concerns seriously and schedule the free dealer repair if your VIN is included.
When did the recall repair become available?
The recall repair began November 6, 2020. Forest River's remedy is for dealers to install the correct fresh-air intake sleeve so the furnace connects properly to the exterior. Owners can contact Forest River customer service at 1-574-296-7700.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/20V655000 |
|---|---|
| Forest River customer service | 1-574-296-7700 |
| NHTSA recall # | 20V655 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 20V655000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (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 23, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →