2014 Palomino Columbus recalls and problems

The 2014 Palomino Columbus has 2 safety recalls and 18 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Palomino dealer.

Recalls
2
Complaints
18
Crashes / fires
1 / 0
Injuries / deaths
1 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2014 Palomino Columbus vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2014 Palomino Columbus recalls

Recall 16V-828: Equipment

Reported Nov 15, 2016 · 1,104 vehicles affected · Forest River, Inc.

Problem: 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.

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.

Recall 13V-203: Equipment

Reported May 17, 2013 · 9,526 vehicles affected · Forest River, Inc.

Problem: 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.

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.

2014 Palomino Columbus problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Service Brakes15
Wheels5
Structure2
Tires1

Most reported parts

  • Tires › Temporary/Emergency Spare Tire — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 2,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2014 Palomino Columbus complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Structure · reported Jan 13, 2020
I own a 2014 palamino columbus 5th wheel camper. There is a small crack in the front corner of the bedroom slide out. The columbus facebook page is full of complaints about this particular problem. Forest river has fixed some units under warranty and they admit that there is a structural problem with the frames of the campers. Lippert is the manufacturer of the frame and it has poor weld and poor structural supports. There are literally thousand of these units out there that need fixing. I haven't heard of any breaking in half traveling down the road but, one would think if the structure got…
Structure · reported Jan 5, 2018
The contact stated that while towing a 2014 palomino columbus on a 2012 ram 2500. The vehicle was being towed at unknown speeds, the spare tire carrier detached from the recreational vehicle without warning. The local dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was unknown.
Service Brakes · reported Dec 18, 2015
On july 10, 2014 my wife and I bought a columbus 340 rk fifth wheel made by forest river. Upon delivery august 14th 2014 we noticed immediate defects and called rv wholesalers to notify of the issues. Since we had a tripped planned with the 5th wheel to drive through the rocky mountains my wife and I stated we would take it in for repairs after the trip. During our trip I noticed that the brakes felt like they were not working properly and notified the dealership of the issue. We agreed on a repair shop where I delivered the 5th wheel (Sept 14, 2014) and gave a list of defects to the repair…
Wheels · reported Apr 1, 2015
The studs snap off and the wheel and tire are no longer secured to the hub. The wheel may separate from the trailer causing it to be a projectile on the highway increasing the risk of a crash.
Service Brakes · at 6,700 miles · reported Dec 2, 2014
Brakes were suspect, weak, inconsistent action. Took to dealer for repack and inspect brakes. Discovered all 4 seals failed and all four brake assemblies were covered in grease. Dealer contacted manufacture of brake assembly, lippert components, inc., and they replaced brakes under warranty.

Other Palomino Columbus years

Compare all Palomino Columbus years · All Palomino models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2014 Palomino Columbus have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2014 Palomino Columbus: 16V-828 (equipment), 13V-203 (equipment). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2014 Palomino Columbus?

Owners report service brakes problems most often (15 reports), followed by wheels (5). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 2,000 miles.

Are Palomino recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Palomino dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.