RecallRepo

2013 Palomino Columbus Recalls

Recalls on record Updated July 2026

The 2013 Palomino Columbus has 2 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting an estimated 10,630 vehicles. Recall repairs are always free at any authorized dealer. Owners have filed 18 complaints with NHTSA, most often about the service brakes. Last updated July 5, 2026.

Recall campaigns

EQUIPMENT 16V828000 2016-11-15 1,104 affected
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;…

Consequence

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.

EQUIPMENT 13V203000 2013-05-17 9,526 affected
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,…

Consequence

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…

Complaints by component

SERVICE BRAKES
13
SUSPENSION
3
1fires
SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC
1
STRUCTURE:BODY
1
Total complaints18

What owners report

Verbatim reports filed with NHTSA, lightly edited for readability and with personal information removed.

“The 5th wheel trailer we purchased came with supplied 6000 pnd lippert axles. The axles are too small for the weight carried on this trailer. 7000 or 8000 pound axles should be standard. In 2013 this is what they used. In subsequent years, they used heavier axles. We are educated to this and are…”

SUSPENSION · reported 2016-11-26

“Tl* the contact owns a 2013 forest river columbus. The contact stated that the floor in the kitchen of the rv had become very soft. The recreational vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 80.”

STRUCTURE:BODY · reported 2016-05-01

“The travel trailer is unable to stop due to faulty seals leaking and getting grease on the brake hardware. I am aware of the problem with these seals due to other trailers identified with this problem. I have contacted the manufacture of the axel assembly lci (lippert) and was told that since my…”

SERVICE BRAKES · reported 2015-04-15

“Brakes were not stopping 5th wheel travel trailer. Pulled off brake hub and found grease on brake shoes from faulty grease seals. I am in contact with lippert components at this time, it doesn't sound like they want to help. *tr”

SERVICE BRAKES · reported 2015-04-03

“All axle seals leaking on 2013 columbus 320 rs...6000# axles. Approximately 6000 miles on unit that was purchased in march of 2014....this is being reported in november 2014. Grease leaked through axle seals into hub assembly, contaminating braking mechanism causing reduced to no brakes on 14,000#…”

SUSPENSION · reported 2014-11-19

“All axle seals leaking on 2013 columbus 320 rs...6000# axles. Approximately 6000 miles on unit that was purchased in march of 2014....this is being reported in november 2014. Grease leaked through axle seals into hub assembly, contaminating braking mechanism causing reduced to no brakes on 14,000#…”

SERVICE BRAKES · reported 2014-11-19

“Wheel seals failed allowing bearing grease to spread around all brake surfaces. All 4 brakes were effected. All effected parts are being replaced by the dealer. *tr”

SERVICE BRAKES · reported 2014-11-13

“I received a letter from lippert inc. Indicating that there were issues with brake components installed on my columbus 320rs fifth wheel that could lead to a failure to stop the trailer. I took it into berryland campers and had them inspected. The lippert seals used on the wheel assemblies had…”

SERVICE BRAKES · reported 2014-10-21

Defect investigations

Investigation PE14008 Opened 2014-03-20 · closed 2014-10-07

Brake Surface Grease Contamination

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation based on 8 Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQ) alleging grease contamination on the trailer brake shoes or drums.This condition could potentially increase the towing vehicle's stopping distance and therefore increase the risk of a crash.During the…

Investigation PE14008 Opened 2014-03-20 · closed 2014-10-07

Brake Surface Grease Contamination

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation based on 8 Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQ) alleging grease contamination on the trailer brake shoes or drums.This condition could potentially increase the towing vehicle's stopping distance and therefore increase the risk of a crash.During the…

Investigation PE14008 Opened 2014-03-20 · closed 2014-10-07

Brake Surface Grease Contamination

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation based on 8 Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQ) alleging grease contamination on the trailer brake shoes or drums.This condition could potentially increase the towing vehicle's stopping distance and therefore increase the risk of a crash.During the…

Investigation PE14008 Opened 2014-03-20 · closed 2014-10-07

Brake Surface Grease Contamination

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation based on 8 Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQ) alleging grease contamination on the trailer brake shoes or drums.This condition could potentially increase the towing vehicle's stopping distance and therefore increase the risk of a crash.During the…

Sources & methodology

Recall, complaint, and investigation records from official NHTSA datasets (FLAT_RCL, FLAT_CMPL, FLAT_INV), synced weekly. Counts reflect NHTSA records for the 2013 Palomino Columbus as of July 5, 2026. Complaint narratives are consumer-submitted and unverified. This page contains ads and affiliate links. Full methodology.