Recall 21V145 covers 309 2021 Forest River Wildcat and Cardinal fifth-wheels for an incorrectly installed spare tire carrier. Free repair at any franchised Forest River dealer.
Forest River is recalling 309 2021 Wildcat and Cardinal fifth-wheel trailers because the spare tire carrier can be installed incorrectly and detach from the trailer. A detached carrier can increase the risk of a crash or injury, and Forest River dealers will inspect and repair the spare tire carrier free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The spare tire carrier on the 2021 Forest River Wildcat and Cardinal fifth wheel trailers is the frame-mounted bracket that holds the spare tire while the trailer is moving. It is supposed to keep the spare tire fixed to the trailer frame through road vibration, bumps, and normal towing loads. The carrier depends on the right mix of screws and bolts to keep that load secure.
On affected trailers, production used the wrong hardware to attach the carrier to the frame. That means the Lippert carrier used on Wildcat trailers and the BAL carrier used on Cardinal trailers were not secured as designed. If the hardware loses its hold, the spare tire carrier can detach from the trailer.
There is no warning sign before failure. The carrier can look normal until the hardware gives way, so the issue is whether the trailer's VIN is included in Forest River recall 21V145.
Who's affected?
Both Wildcat and Cardinal trailers are listed under recreational vehicle/trailer equipment and temporary spare tire components.
| 2021 Forest River Wildcat | Recreational vehicle/trailer |
|---|---|
| 2021 Forest River Wildcat | tire |
| 2021 Forest River Cardinal | Recreational vehicle/trailer |
| 2021 Forest River Cardinal | tire |
| Units affected | 309 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching 2021 Forest River Wildcat or Cardinal model does not confirm inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific trailer is included.
What's the safety risk?
A spare tire carrier that detaches can separate from the vehicle and create a crash or injury risk. No warning sign is listed, so confirm your VIN 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 Wildcat or Cardinal trailer is included in this recall.
- Contact your nearest franchised Forest River dealer to schedule the free spare tire carrier repair that secures the carrier so it stays attached to the trailer.
- Bring the recall notice if Forest River mailed one. If not, reference recall number 21V145 when you call.
- Tow cautiously until the repair is complete, and stop using the trailer if the spare tire carrier looks loose.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Forest River technician secures the spare tire carrier so it stays attached to the trailer. The recall repair is available now, and parts and labor are free. Bring the vehicle information and recall 21V145 when you schedule service so the dealer can confirm the campaign and prepare the work order. If the carrier has loosened, tell the service desk before moving the trailer.
Timeline
| March 8, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| March 24, 2021 | Owner notification mailed |
| April 17, 2021 | Dealer notification began |
| April 17, 2021 | Dealer notification ended |
| April 17, 2021 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V145?
Recall 21V145 covers 309 2021 Forest River Wildcat and Cardinal Fifth Wheel trailers. The spare tire carrier can be installed incorrectly and detach from the trailer, increasing crash or injury risk. Forest River dealers secure the spare tire carrier for free.
What should I do if my 2021 Forest River Wildcat or Cardinal is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific trailer is included in recall 21V145. If it is, contact a Forest River dealer to schedule the spare tire carrier repair. Reference Forest River recall number 15-1304 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. Forest River dealers will secure the spare tire carrier free of charge, with parts and labor covered for included 2021 Wildcat and Cardinal trailers.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is a spare tire carrier detaching from the trailer. A detached carrier or spare tire can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash or injury. Confirm your VIN, then arrange the free dealer repair if your trailer is included.
What if I bought my Forest River trailer used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall eligibility follows the VIN, not the original owner. If you did not receive the owner notice that began March 24, 2021, check your VIN and give recall number 21V145 to the dealer.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V145000 |
|---|---|
| Forest River customer service | 1-574-296-7700 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V145 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V145000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation 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 23, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →