Does the 2013 Forest River Cardinal have any recalls?

Transport Canada lists 3 campaigns and the U.S. NHTSA lists 2 for the 2013 Forest River Cardinal. Matched by make, model, and model year. Many recalls affect only specific VIN ranges — confirm with your dealer using your full VIN.

How do I know if a recall applies to my 2013 Forest River Cardinal?

Recalls are matched by make, model and model year, but many cover only certain VIN ranges. Confirm with your manufacturer or dealer using your full VIN, or use the official Transport Canada or NHTSA lookup.

Are recall repairs free?

Yes. In both Canada and the United States the manufacturer must fix a recalled defect at no charge, through a franchised dealer.

RECALLS — MAKE · MODEL · YEAR

2013 Forest River Cardinal recalls

5 safety recall campaigns have been filed for the 2013 Forest River Cardinal with Transport Canada and the U.S. NHTSA. Here is what both agencies say.

Canadian recalls: 03
U.S. recalls: 02
Total campaigns: 05

Transport Canada recalls

Accessories#2015227May 27, 2015
98 units affected
On certain fifth wheel and travel trailers, the HSM Quad Steps rivets that hold the steps together could loosen and fail. If the rivets were to fail, the steps could collapse which could cause a person to fall, resulting in injury. Correction: Dealers will inspect and replace the rivets with stronger bolts.
Accessories#2014314July 29, 2014
153 units affected
On certain travel trailers equipped with Frigidaire KG series microwaves, a defect in the microwave oven keypad could cause the oven to activate without pressing any keys. This could result in excessive heat, smoke or possibly a fire. Correction: Dealers will replace affected keypads. In the interim, consumers should unplug their microwave ovens, if possible. If the consumer is unable to unplug the microwave, they should leave the door ajar until the microwave is replaced.
Other#2013147May 2, 2013
9,526 units affected
On certain fifth wheels, travel trailers and motorhomes, the electrical motor for the awning could become damaged, allowing the awning to unfurl unexpectedly. As a result, the awning could strike another vehicle, a stationary object, or a bystander, causing property damage and/or personal injury. Correction: Dealers will replace the awning motor.

Canadian data updated August 24, 2026

U.S. NHTSA recalls

EQUIPMENT:RECREATIONAL VEHICLE/TRAILER#14V449000July 23, 2014
Forest River Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Georgetown, Sunseeker, Forester, Cross Country, Pathfinder, Cardinal, Blue Ridge, Cedar Creek, and Brookstone recreational vehicles manufactured March 11, 2013, through April 26, 2013 and equipped with certain Frigidaire Convection Microwave models CFMV152CLB and CFMV154CLS. The microwave may start on it's own and begin heating when unattended.
Risk: If the microwave starts on its own and there are contents inside, a fire could result.
Remedy: Forest River will notify owners, and dealers will repair the membrane/keypad component, free of charge. The recall began in February 2015. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-800-353-7383.
EQUIPMENT#13V203000May 17, 2013
Forest River is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Forest River models Blue Ridge, Cardinal, Cherokee, Columbus, EVO, Georgetown, Flagstaff, Forester, Lexington, Puma, Rockwood, Sabre, Salem, Sandpiper, Sandstorm, Sierra, Stealth, Sunseeker, Wildcat, Wildwood, Work and Play and XLR; Coachmen models Brookstone, Catalina, Chaparral, Concord, Encounter, Freedom Express, Freelander, Leprechaun, Mirada, Pursuit, and Sportcoach; Prime Time models Avenger, Crusader, Lacrosse, Saniber, and Tracer; Palomino model Maverick Truck Camper; Cargo Mate model Eliminator and Shasta models Revere, Phoenix recreational vehicles manufactured from February 13, 2013, through April 18, 2013. Due to a design change in the power awning motor assembly, the motor assembly screws may unknowingly shear.
Risk: If the motor assembly screws shear, it is possible that the awning can unfurl unexpectedly, either while the vehicle is at rest or while in transit, increasing the risk of personal injury or a vehicle crash.
Remedy: Forest River will notify owners and Dometic staff will replace the affected motors with motors of a different design. The safety recall began on July 29, 2013. Owners may contact Forest River at 1-574-389-4600 or Dometic at 1-888-447-0003 for more information. Owners are being instructed not to drive their vehicle until repairs can be performed.

Does this recall apply to my vehicle?

Matched by make, model, and model year. Many recalls affect only specific VIN ranges — confirm with your dealer using your full VIN.

What to do

Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer in both countries. To confirm a recall applies to your specific vehicle, or to book the work, contact your manufacturer or dealer with your full VIN, or use the official channel:

NHTSA recall lookup (search by VIN) — U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Defects and recalls database — Transport Canada

Check a 2013 Forest River Cardinal VIN

A VIN decode confirms your vehicle's exact model year, trim and assembly plant, then runs this same recall check against it.

Data sources and coverage limits →