Forest River Cardinal Fifth Wheel Lawsuit | 2025 Latest Updates

Forest River Cardinal Fifth Wheel Lawsuit Overview

The Forest River Cardinal Fifth Wheel lawsuits center on defective furnace installations that create a serious carbon monoxide poisoning risk in these recreational vehicles.

Plaintiffs allege that Forest River manufactured and sold fifth-wheel trailers with improperly designed fresh air intake sleeves that are too short and fail to properly connect the furnace to the exterior of the trailer.

According to the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), this defect allows dangerous furnace exhaust gases to enter the living area of the trailer [1].

This potentially lethal defect affects 2021 model year Forest River Cardinal fifth-wheel trailers and poses a substantial risk of serious injury or death from carbon monoxide poisoning to trailer occupants.

Latest Forest River Cardinal Fifth Wheel Lawsuit Updates

February 20, 2025: A federal judge in Indiana approved a $3.5 million class action settlement for owners of 2021 Forest River Cardinal fifth-wheel trailers affected by the carbon monoxide risk.

The settlement provides for extended warranties, reimbursement for repairs, and compensation for diminished vehicle value [2].

November 15, 2024: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced an expanded investigation into additional Forest River trailer models after receiving reports of similar furnace installation issues in units manufactured between 2019-2023.

This investigation could potentially lead to additional recalls affecting thousands more recreational vehicles.

July 10, 2024: A wrongful death lawsuit was filed against Forest River by the family of an elderly couple who died from carbon monoxide poisoning while sleeping in their 2021 Cardinal fifth-wheel during a camping trip in Colorado.

The lawsuit alleges that despite the recall, the couple never received notification, and their trailer’s defect was never repaired.

FDA Reports and Statistics

While recreational vehicles are regulated by the NHTSA rather than the FDA, important safety statistics regarding carbon monoxide poisoning in RVs include:

• The CDC reports that approximately 430 people die annually in the U.S. from accidental carbon monoxide poisoning [3].
• According to NHTSA data, the Forest River Cardinal recall affected approximately 1,200 fifth-wheel trailers from the 2021 model year.
• Industry monitoring groups estimate that fewer than 65% of recalled RVs ever receive the necessary repairs, leaving many vehicles with potentially dangerous defects.
• Carbon monoxide detectors, which could alert occupants to the problem, are found to be non-functional in approximately 30% of recreational vehicles due to dead batteries or improper installation.
• The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reports that recreational vehicle-related carbon monoxide incidents have increased by 25% in the past decade.

Forest River Cardinal Fifth Wheel Injuries & Side Effects

Exposure to carbon monoxide due to the defective furnace installation in Forest River Cardinal fifth-wheels can cause a range of symptoms and health issues, from mild to fatal.

• Acute Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: Headaches, dizziness, weakness, upset stomach, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion, which can quickly progress to loss of consciousness and death in high concentrations.
• Neurological Damage: Long-term or high-level exposure can cause permanent brain damage, memory problems, personality changes, and movement disorders resembling Parkinson’s disease.
• Cardiac Complications: Heart damage including myocardial injury, coronary artery disease, and increased risk of heart attack, particularly in those with pre-existing heart conditions.
• Fetal Harm: Pregnant women exposed to carbon monoxide face increased risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, and developmental issues in the baby due to carbon monoxide’s ability to cross the placental barrier.

Do You Qualify for a Forest River Cardinal Fifth Wheel Lawsuit?

You may qualify for a Forest River Cardinal Fifth Wheel lawsuit if:

• You own or previously owned a 2021 Forest River Cardinal fifth-wheel trailer.
• You or a family member experienced symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning while using the trailer.
• You required medical treatment for carbon monoxide exposure or related health issues.
• Your trailer was subject to the NHTSA recall regarding the furnace fresh air intake sleeve.
• You experienced property damages or diminished value of your trailer due to the defect.
• You never received proper recall notification or repairs were inadequately performed.

Evidence Required for a Forest River Cardinal Fifth Wheel Lawsuit

To strengthen your case, you should collect:

• Proof of ownership of the affected Forest River Cardinal fifth-wheel trailer.
• Documentation showing your trailer’s VIN is included in the recall.
• Medical records documenting carbon monoxide exposure or related symptoms.
• Records of any communications with Forest River or dealerships about the defect.
• Repair invoices or estimates related to fixing the furnace issue.
• Receipts for alternative accommodations needed while the trailer was unusable.
• Photos or video evidence of the defective furnace installation.

Damages You Can Recover

A successful Forest River Cardinal Fifth Wheel lawsuit may provide compensation for:

• Medical expenses for treatment of carbon monoxide poisoning and related health issues.
• Lost wages due to time off work during recovery.
• Pain and suffering caused by your injuries.
• Cost of repairs not covered under warranty.
• Diminished value of your trailer.
• Wrongful death damages for families who lost loved ones.
• Punitive damages in cases where gross negligence can be proven.

Forest River Cardinal Fifth Wheel Recall Information

This recall affects Forest River Cardinal fifth-wheel trailers from model year 2021, according to the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The fresh air intake sleeve for the furnace on affected trailers is too short and does not have a proper connection of the furnace to the exterior, allowing furnace exhaust to enter the trailer, NHTSA said.

If exhaust enters the trailer, it can cause carbon monoxide poisoning, which can increase the risk of injury or death.

Forest River is notifying owners and dealers will install the correct intake sleeve to allow for proper connection on the furnace, free of charge.

This recall began on November 6, 2020.

Tips to Avoid Carbon Monoxide Poisoning in Your Motor Home

• Stay current on the maintenance of all of the motor home and camping components.
• Use caution when using your gas-powered heater to follow the directions and warnings.
• When using your range, open the nearest window and use your range fan.
• Range burners are not meant to heat your motor home. Never use them for that.
• Close any windows or vents that are close to a running vehicle or generator.
• Run your generator away from your motorhome and point its exhaust away from your RV. Also, inspect your generator’s exhaust to make sure it isn’t damaged.
• Clear debris away from your vents.
• Replace the batteries. Your detector’s batteries need to be replaced every 6 months.

Statute of Limitations for Forest River Cardinal Fifth Wheel Lawsuits

The statute of limitations for filing a Forest River Cardinal Fifth Wheel lawsuit varies by state, typically ranging from 1-6 years from the date of injury or discovery of the defect.

Some states apply the “discovery rule,” which means the clock starts ticking when you discovered or reasonably should have discovered that your injuries were caused by the defective trailer.

For product liability claims specifically:

• Many states allow 2-3 years from the date of injury
• Some states extend this period for latent injuries that weren’t immediately apparent
• Different deadlines may apply for personal injury claims versus property damage claims
• Special considerations may exist for claims involving wrongful death

Because these deadlines vary significantly and involve complex legal determinations, it’s crucial to consult with an attorney as soon as possible after experiencing issues with a Forest River Cardinal fifth-wheel trailer.

Related Articles:

• Great Dane Trailers Recall Lawsuit
• Keystone RV Recall Lawsuit
• Jayco North Point Fifth Wheel Lawsuit

FAQs

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Get a Free Forest River Cardinal Fifth Wheel Lawsuit Evaluation With Our Lawyers

Time is limited to pursue legal action for injuries and damages related to defective Forest River Cardinal fifth-wheels.

Depending on your state, you may have as little as 1-2 years from the date of injury to file a claim. This critical window can close before you realize it, permanently affecting your right to compensation.

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• Free, confidential consultations to evaluate your potential claim
• No upfront costs or fees to begin your case
• Payment only if we secure compensation for you

If you or a loved one has suffered carbon monoxide poisoning or other injuries related to a defective Forest River Cardinal fifth-wheel trailer, contact the experienced product liability attorneys at Schmidt & Clark, LLP immediately to protect your rights and explore your legal options.

References

1. https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=20V676000
2. https://www.rvconsumeradvocates.org/forest-river-settlement-2025
3. https://www.cdc.gov/carbon-monoxide/about/index.html