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2016 Forest River FR3 problems

It has fewer complaints than a typical FR3 model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Owner complaints
1
Recalls
2

The worst 2016 Forest River FR3 problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

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Recalls 2

EquipmentReported November 15, 2016 · 1,104 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain model year 2015-2017 FR3 motorhomes manufactured September 24, 2014, to May 12, 2016; 2015-2017 Prime Time Spartan toyhaulers manufactured June 10, 2014, to May 31, 2016; 2013-2016 Palomino Columbus toyhaulers manufactured October 4, 2012, to December 4, 2015; and 2015-2016 XLR Thunderbolt and Nitro toyhaulers manufactured May 23, 2014, to November 23, 2016. These vehicles were equipped with certain aluminum, black, ladders manufactured by Christianson Industries. The affected ladders have retractable hinges, each with a welded 'top hat' that can separate from the hinge.
Risk
If the hinges separate from the ladder while in use, the ladder may fall from the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy
Forest River will notify owners, and dealers will install a remedy kit to correct the issue, free of charge. The recall began on January 3, 2017. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1‑574‑206‑7600. Forest River's number for this recall is 51-11102016-0271.

Recall number 16V828000 · Recall details

Power train: automatic transmissionReported November 3, 2015 · 217 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain model year 2016 Forest River FR3 and Georgetown, and Coachmen Mirada and Pursuit recreational vehicles manufactured August 7, 2015, to October 22, 2015. Due to an incorrect shift cable bracket and an improper shift cable adjustment, the affected vehicles can be shifted out of 'PARK' without applying the brakes.
Risk
If the vehicle can be shifted into reverse without the brakes being applied, the vehicle may unintentionally move, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Forest River will notify owners, and Ford dealers will replace the transmission shift control bracket and adjust the transmission shift cable, free of charge. The recall began on December 3, 2015. Owners may contact Forest River at 1‑800‑392‑3673. Forest River's number for this recall is 51-10302015-0105.

Recall number 15V726000 · Recall details

See all 2 recalls for the 2016 Forest River FR3

Defect investigations

Trimark 060-1650 Door Latch FailuresOpened November 23, 2020, closed December 13, 2024

On November 23, 2020, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE20021 to investigate allegations of inoperative Trimark THP 060-1650 door lock/latches originally equipped on model years (MY) 2015-2017 Class A and Class C motorhomes.ODI received forty-six Vehicle Owner’s Questionnaires (VOQs) describing consumers being locked in or out of their vehicles.The door latch, containing a die-cast zinc plunger, was produced by Equality during calendar years 2014-2016. The die-cast may become porous and brittle over time and can break without warning, causing the vehicle owner to be unable to open the recreational vehicle door equipped with the latch.If the motorhome does not have any other doors such as some Class A models, occupants could be trapped inside, needing to climb out using the emergency exits. If locked out, owners would be unable to easily get in and retrieve children and pets. ODI analyzed the data provided by Trimark in response to its January 27, 2021 information request letter.Although an elevated failure rate was evident on a specific combination of plunger bolt, door lock/latch assembly and door, the data showed that most failures occurred within the first two years of service on the affected 2015-2017 vehicles.This data suggests that component failures generally would have already occurred.Further, ODI data reflects a downward trend in complaints after calendar year 2018 and for post- MY 2016 vehicles.This downward trend may be attributed Trimark's actions in 2016 such as changes in the manufacturing process of its zinc plunger component for the relevant population and its 2016 decision to switch to a steel plunger. In view of the nature of early-life failure, and failure rate trending downward for model years 2017 and newer, this Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is closed. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by the federal safety agency that a safety-related defect does not exist.The Agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances. To review the ODI reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to

PE20021

What 2016 Forest River FR3 owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Nov 6, 2018 · 10,100 miles · WA

The door latch failed and caused a lock out from rv, have looked at forest river forum and read that a lot of other owners have been either locked in or locked out, the only solution is either climb out or in an open window or use the emergency exit.the vehicle was parked and working fine during any and all camping trips, this happened with no warning of a problem

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Questions about the 2016 Forest River FR3

Is the 2016 Forest River FR3 reliable?

Owners have filed 1 complaint about the 2016 Forest River FR3, fewer than a typical FR3 model year.

What is the most common problem with the 2016 Forest River FR3?

There are not enough complaints to tell.

How many recalls does the 2016 Forest River FR3 have?

2 recalls, covering equipment and power train.

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