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NHTSA Safety Recalls

2013 Palomino Columbus Recalls

The 2013 Palomino Columbus has 2 NHTSA safety recalls on file. Recall repairs are always free, whatever the RV's age or mileage.

A recall covers a range of VINs, not every Palomino Columbus built. Check your own 17-character VIN before assuming yours is affected.

Recalls
2

NHTSA campaigns

Owner complaints
16

filed with NHTSA

Crashes reported
0

1 fires

NHTSA crash test
Not rated

2 recalls on the 2013 Palomino Columbus

The defect
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.
The risk
If the hinges separate from the ladder while in use, the ladder may fall from the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix
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.
The defect
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.
The 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.
The fix
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.

What owners report about the 2013 Palomino Columbus

Owners have filed 16 complaints about the 2013 Palomino Columbus with NHTSA and 1 a fire.

Most complained about

  • Service Brakes14
  • Suspension3
  • Structure1
  • Electric1

Complaints are owner reports, not verified defects, and a popular model collects more of them than a rare one. They show what to ask about, not what is certain to fail.

Checking your own RV

A recall applies to a range of VINs, not to every 2013 Palomino Columbus built. To confirm whether yours is affected, find the 17-character VIN, on a plate near the entry door, inside a cabinet, or on the trailer tongue for a towable, and enter it in NHTSA's official lookup.

Repairs for safety recalls are free and never expire. A dealer cannot charge you, and cannot refuse on the grounds that the RV is old or out of warranty. If one does, call the NHTSA hotline on 1-888-327-4236.

Palomino Columbus by model year