Recall 21V442 affects 42 2021 Forest River Ibex travel trailers for loose shackle nuts. Repair is free at any franchised Forest River dealer.
Forest River is recalling 42 2021 Ibex travel trailers because the shackle nuts on the suspension were not tightened enough during production. Loose shackle nuts can fall off the shackle bolt, let the axle detach, and increase the risk of a crash; Forest River dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The shackle nut on a 2021 Forest River Ibex travel trailer is a suspension fastener. It helps hold the shackle assembly together, which lets the trailer suspension move as the axle and springs react to bumps. That joint needs the nut tightened correctly so the suspension stays clamped in its intended position.
On affected Ibex trailers, Forest River says manufacturing did not apply enough tightening to the shackle nuts during production. A loose shackle nut can back off further as the trailer vibrates during normal towing. Once that happens, the shackle assembly no longer holds the suspension hardware as designed, and the trailer needs inspection and correction by a Forest River dealer.
There is no warning sign before failure. Do not rely on noise, handling feel, or a visual walkaround to decide whether the fastener is secure.
Who's affected?
| 2021 Forest River Ibex | suspension component |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 42 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
Not every 2021 Forest River Ibex trailer is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific trailer is included.
What's the safety risk?
Loose shackle nuts can fall off the shackle bolt, which can let the axle detach and increase the risk of a crash. There is no warning sign before failure, so schedule the repair soon and have the dealer tighten the shackle nuts. Repair is free at any franchised Forest River dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2021 Forest River Ibex is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Forest River dealer to schedule the free shackle-nut tightening that secures the suspension shackle bolts.
- Bring the owner letter if Forest River mailed one. If not, reference recall number 21V442 when you call.
- Limit towing until the repair is complete, because loose shackle nuts can let the axle detach.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Forest River technician tightens the shackle nuts covered by this recall. The repair is available now, and parts and labor are free under the recall. The service visit should focus on the trailer suspension shackle hardware named in campaign 21V442, not a general suspension inspection. Before you leave, ask the service desk to confirm that the shackle nuts were tightened and that the completed recall is recorded for your trailer.
Timeline
| June 11, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| June 24, 2021 | Owner notification mailed |
| July 20, 2021 | Dealer notification began |
| July 20, 2021 | Dealer notification ended |
| July 20, 2021 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V442?
Recall 21V442 covers 42 2021 Forest River Ibex travel trailers with shackle nuts that were not tightened enough during production. Loose shackle nuts can fall off the shackle bolt, which can let the axle detach and raise crash risk. Forest River dealers will tighten the shackle nuts for free.
What should I do if my 2021 Forest River Ibex is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific travel trailer is included in recall 21V442. If it is, contact a franchised Forest River dealer to schedule the shackle-nut tightening. Reference Forest River recall number 77-1361 when you call. The dealer 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 dealers will tighten the shackle nuts free of charge. Parts and labor are covered for vehicles included in recall 21V442.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk in recall 21V442 is axle detachment. If loose shackle nuts fall off the shackle bolt, the axle can detach from the travel trailer and raise the risk of a crash. Confirm your VIN, then have a Forest River dealer complete the free repair.
When were owners notified about recall 21V442?
Forest River mailed owner notification letters on June 24, 2021. If you bought the travel trailer used or never received a letter, the VIN still decides whether recall 21V442 applies. You can also call Forest River customer service at 1-574-642-3119 with the recall number.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V442000 |
|---|---|
| Forest River customer service | 1-574-642-3119 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V442 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V442000 |
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 →