Recall 23V559 covers 40 2024 Forest River Sierra and Sandpiper fifth wheels with a backwards axle. Repair is free at any franchised Forest River dealer.
Forest River is recalling 40 2024 Sierra and Sandpiper fifth wheels because an axle installation defect reduces braking ability. That reduced braking ability can increase the distance required to stop and raise crash risk, and the Forest River dealer repair is free.
Does this recall apply to your specific vehicle?
The official, free per-VIN recall check is run by NHTSA. Enter your VIN and we'll forward you directly — and add you to a free watchlist so you hear about new recalls for your vehicle.
Check my VIN at NHTSARecallNotify doesn't check your VIN — NHTSA's official tool does. We use your email only to alert you to new recalls.
Watch this vehicle for recalls
Add it to your free watchlist and we will alert you as new federal recalls are posted for your year, make and model. New-recall alerts are rolling out now.
You are on the watchlist.
We will email you as new federal recalls are posted for your vehicle.
What's wrong?
On the 2024 Forest River Sierra and Sandpiper fifth wheels, the axle supports the trailer wheels and carries the brake hardware. That hardware must face the correct direction so the trailer brakes apply with the designed force when the tow vehicle calls for braking.
On affected fifth wheels, the axle was installed backwards after the plant moved into 2024 production with ABS brake capability. ABS means anti-lock braking, a system that helps control brake application during hard stops. Forest River traced the issue to inadequate training of the axle installer. With the axle facing the wrong way, the brake system does not work as designed, which reduces braking ability for the trailer.
An owner or operator can notice the trailer braking less effectively than expected. That is the warning sign: the trailer brake response feels weak or inefficient compared with normal towing.
Who's affected?
Both models point to the same axle part, with brake system and drive axle components listed separately.
| 2024 Forest River Sierra | drive axle |
|---|---|
| 2024 Forest River Sandpiper | brake system |
| 2024 Forest River Sandpiper | drive axle |
| 2024 Forest River Sierra | brake system |
| Units affected | 40 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific trailer is included.
What's the safety risk?
Reduced braking ability can make the trailer take longer to stop and increase the risk of a crash. If braking feels inefficient, slow down and contact a dealer for recall service. Repair is free at any franchised Forest River dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2024 Forest River Sierra or Sandpiper fifth wheel is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Forest River dealer to schedule the free axle removal and reinstallation that fixes the backward axle installation and reduced braking ability.
- Bring the recall notice if Forest River mailed one. If not, reference recall number 23V559 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete. Avoid hard braking and leave extra stopping distance.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Forest River technician removes and reinstalls the axle so it is positioned correctly for the braking system. The recall repair is free, including parts and labor. Even if prior work was done, the recall still needs inspection or completion so Forest River can confirm the correct parts and procedures were used. For eligible prior repairs tied to this recall defect, submit the service invoice as reimbursement documentation to the Sandpiper/Sierra Forest River warranty manager for refund review.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| August 7, 2023 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| August 28, 2023 | Owner notification mailed |
| September 13, 2023 | Dealer notification began |
| September 13, 2023 | Dealer notification ended |
| September 13, 2023 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 23V559?
Recall 23V559 covers 40 2024 Forest River Sierra and Sandpiper fifth wheels with an axle installation defect that reduces braking ability. Reduced braking increases stopping distance and crash risk. Forest River dealers will remove and reinstall the axle for free.
What should I do if my 2024 Forest River Sierra or Sandpiper is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific fifth wheel is included in recall 23V559. If it is, contact a franchised Forest River dealer to schedule the axle removal and reinstallation. Reference recall number 23V559 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to fix the defect at no cost, and Forest River will remove and reinstall the axle free of charge through a dealer. Owner letters were mailed August 28, 2023.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is reduced braking ability. If the axle is installed backwards, the fifth wheel needs more distance to stop, increasing crash risk. Confirm your VIN, then arrange the free axle repair with a Forest River dealer before the trailer is used again.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/23V559000 |
|---|---|
| Forest River customer service | 1-574-534-4574 |
| NHTSA recall # | 23V559 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 23V559000 |
Source documents
-
Download Quarterly Report (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (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 →