Recall 21V374 affects 93 2021 Forest River Columbus fifth-wheel trailers for incorrectly wired breakaway switches. Repair is free at any franchised Forest River dealer.
Forest River is recalling 93 2021 Columbus fifth wheel trailers because an incorrectly wired breakaway switch can keep the breakaway switch and trailer brakes from activating when needed. If the trailer separates from the tow vehicle, that failure can increase the risk of a crash or injury, and Forest River dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The breakaway switch on a 2021 Forest River Columbus fifth wheel is a safety switch for a trailer that separates from the tow vehicle. A small cable pulls the switch pin if the trailer breaks away, and the switch sends battery power to the trailer brakes. That brake command is supposed to help slow the separated trailer.
On affected Columbus trailers, the switch was wired to the wrong side of the breaker instead of constant battery power. The breaker protects the electrical circuit, but the switch still needs a constant battery feed to work when the trailer is no longer connected to the tow vehicle. If the trailer separates, the breakaway switch and trailer brakes can fail to activate.
There is no warning sign before failure. The wiring issue can sit unnoticed until the breakaway switch is needed, so normal lights or towing behavior will not give the owner a clear signal that the switch is miswired.
Who's affected?
The recall centers on the breakaway switch, which appears under wiring and breaker or relay component categories.
| 2021 Forest River Columbus | wiring |
|---|---|
| 2021 Forest River Columbus | Breakers/relays |
| Units affected | 93 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching 2021 Forest River Columbus trailer does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific trailer.
What's the safety risk?
If the breakaway switch and trailer brakes fail, the trailer loses emergency braking protection, which increases the risk of a crash or injury. There is no warning sign before failure, so schedule the repair soon and avoid towing until the switch wiring is corrected. Repair is free at any franchised Forest River dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2021 Forest River Columbus is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Forest River dealer to schedule the free breakaway-switch rewiring, which fixes the wiring fault that stops the breakaway switch and trailer brakes from activating when needed.
- Bring the recall notice if Forest River mailed one. If not, reference recall number 21V374 when you call.
- Tow cautiously until the repair is complete. Leave extra stopping distance and avoid trips that are not necessary.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Forest River technician rewires the breakaway switch so it can activate the trailer brakes when the trailer separates from the tow vehicle. The recall repair is free, and parts and labor are covered. If you already paid out of pocket for breakaway switch or trailer brake wiring work tied to this recall, Forest River's general reimbursement plan covers documented expenses. Bring repair paperwork to the service desk or contact Forest River customer service.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| May 21, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| June 9, 2021 | Owner notification mailed |
| June 30, 2021 | Dealer notification began |
| June 30, 2021 | Dealer notification ended |
| June 30, 2021 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V374?
Recall 21V374 covers 93 2021 Forest River Columbus fifth wheel trailers with an incorrectly wired breakaway switch. The switch and trailer brakes can fail to activate when needed, increasing crash or injury risk. Forest River dealers will rewire the breakaway switch for free.
What should I do if my 2021 Forest River Columbus is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific trailer is included in recall 21V374. If it is, contact a franchised Forest River dealer to schedule the breakaway switch rewiring. Reference recall number 21V374 and Forest River recall number 410-1350 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Forest River dealers will rewire the breakaway switch free of charge. Forest River customer service can be reached at 1-574-821-1487 for recall number 410-1350.
Is it safe to tow my 2021 Forest River Columbus before the repair?
The recall warns that the breakaway switch and trailer brakes can fail to activate when needed. If your VIN is included, schedule the free repair before routine towing. Ask the Forest River dealer about safe transport if the trailer needs to move before the switch is rewired.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V374000 |
|---|---|
| Forest River customer service | 1-574-821-1487 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V374 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V374000 |
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 →