Recall 23V262 covers 2,616 2021-2023 Coachmen vehicles for loose solar panel hardware. Repair is free at any franchised Coachmen dealer.
Coachmen is recalling 2,616 2021-2023 RVs, including Chaparral, Spirit, Phoenix, and Entrada models, because solar panel mounting hardware can loosen and pull through the panel slot. Loose panels can detach during transit and increase crash risk; Coachmen dealers will complete the free repair.
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What's wrong?
The roof solar panel hardware is the bracket and fasteners that hold the WAY 195W and 100W solar panels to the RV roof. Those brackets are supposed to keep the panel fixed in place while the RV moves, flexes, and meets wind load on the road. The panel stays secure only if the bolt head, bracket slot, and fasteners keep enough grip.
On the affected 2021-2023 RVs, the mounting hardware is not holding the panel the way it should. Forest River identified several causes: no locking fasteners at the bracket, a panel slot and bracket opening that are too large for the bolt head, and non-tempered aluminum brackets that bend or tear. If the hardware loosens, the bolt head can pull through the slot and the panel can separate from its mount.
The warning sign is loose hardware where the bracket attaches to the panel. Owners looking at the roof area before travel can notice movement at the bracket or fasteners that no longer sit tight against the panel.
Who's affected?
Spans Coachmen, Shasta, East To West, Prime Time, and Forest River RV lines across the 2021, 2022, and 2023 model years, all tied to roof solar panel hardware.
| 2023 Coachmen Chaparral | Equipment |
|---|---|
| 2023 Coachmen Spirit | Equipment |
| 2023 Shasta Phoenix | Equipment |
| 2022 East To West Tandara | Equipment |
| 2023 East To West Entrada | Equipment |
| 2023 Prime Time Crusader | Equipment |
| 2023 Prime Time Sanibel | Equipment |
| 2023 Coachmen Apex | Equipment |
| 2023 Coachmen Brookstone | Equipment |
| 2021 Forest River Forester | Equipment |
| 2022 East To West Entrada | Equipment |
| 2023 Coachmen Chaparral Lite | Equipment |
| 2021 Forest River FR3 | Equipment |
| 2023 East To West Alta | Equipment |
| 2021 Forest River Georgetown | Equipment |
| Units affected | 2,616 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific RV is included.
What's the safety risk?
Loose solar panel hardware can let a panel detach from the vehicle during transit, increasing crash risk for nearby traffic. If a panel bracket looks loose, stop the trip and call the dealer before towing again. Repair is free at any franchised Coachmen dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2021-2023 Coachmen Chaparral, Spirit, Phoenix, Tandara, Entrada, Crusader, Sanibel, Apex, Brookstone, Forester, Chaparral Lite, FR3, Alta, or Georgetown is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Coachmen dealer to schedule the free solar-panel mounting hardware repair that secures panels against detaching during transit.
- Bring the recall notice if Coachmen has mailed one. If not, reference recall number 23V262 when you call.
- Inspect the solar panel area before travel and avoid towing the RV until the dealer completes the repair if any panel or bracket looks loose.
- Call Coachmen customer service at 1-574-264-6664 with questions about the recall or dealer scheduling.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Coachmen technician adds hardware to the existing solar panel mounting setup and installs a secondary holding bracket so the panel is held in place. The recall repair is free, with parts and labor covered. Even if you already paid for a related repair, the vehicle still needs the recall inspection or repair so the correct parts and procedure are confirmed. To request reimbursement for a covered prior repair, submit the service invoice to Forest River's Office of Corporate Compliance.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| April 13, 2023 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| May 5, 2023 | Owner notification mailed |
| May 23, 2023 | Dealer notification began |
| May 23, 2023 | Dealer notification ended |
| May 23, 2023 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 23V262?
Recall 23V262 covers 2,616 2021-2023 Coachmen recreational vehicles with solar panel mounting hardware that can loosen and pull through the panel slot. If the panel detaches during transit, crash risk increases. Dealers will add hardware and install a holding bracket for free.
What should I do if my 2021-2023 Coachmen Chaparral, Spirit, Phoenix, Tandara, Entrada, Crusader, Sanibel, Apex, Brookstone, Forester, Chaparral Lite, FR3, Alta, or Georgetown is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 23V262. If it is, contact a franchised Coachmen dealer to schedule the solar panel hardware repair. Reference recall 23V262 or Forest River recall number 51-1607 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. For recall 23V262, dealers will install additional hardware on the existing solar panel and add a holding bracket free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The risk is that loose solar panel hardware can let a panel detach from the vehicle during transit. A detached panel can create a road hazard and increase crash risk. If your VIN is included, schedule the free dealer repair before further travel.
When were owners notified about recall 23V262?
Forest River mailed owner notification letters on May 5, 2023. Used-vehicle owners and owners who moved since purchase still need to check the VIN, because the year and model are not enough to confirm inclusion in recall 23V262.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/23V262000 |
|---|---|
| Coachmen customer service | 1-574-264-6664 |
| NHTSA recall # | 23V262 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 23V262000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Misc. Document (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 20, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →