RoadVitals

2017 Heartland Wilderness

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
2
Latest Aug 24, 2026
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
2
Latest Aug 1, 2016
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
2

Overview

Our database contains 2 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2017 Heartland Wilderness, most frequently naming the electrical and exterior lighting categories. 2 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Electrical266.7%
  • Exterior lighting133.3%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

2 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
16V566000

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING; EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Aug 1, 2016
4,585 units potentially affected
The defect: Heartland Recreational Vehicles, LLC (Heartland) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Wilderness and Mallard travel trailers, 2015-2017 Elkridge fifth wheel travel trailers, and 2017 Sundance and Torque travel trailers. The affected vehicles have an LED light on the front cap of the camper that may short circuit and overheat.
The risk: If the light overheats there would be an increased risk of a fire.
The remedy: Heartland will notify owners, and dealers will replace the light with one that has built-in voltage protection. The recall began on September 1, 2016. Owners may contact Heartland customer service at 1-877-262-8032.
Heartland Recreational Vehicles, LLCView on NHTSA.gov
16V332000

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

May 20, 2016
618 units potentially affected
The defect: Heartland Recreational Vehicles (Heartland) is recalling certain model year 2017 trailers manufactured February 29, 2016, to May 5, 2016. The certification labels have incorrect tire pressure information, failing to comply with the requirements of 49 CFR Part 567, "Certification."
The risk: Improper inflation can cause the trailer tires to become overloaded, resulting in poor handling and increased risk of a crash.
The remedy: Heartland will notify owners, and dealers will replace the certification label, free of charge. The recall began on June 16, 2016. Owners may contact Heartland customer service at 1-877-262-8032. Heartland's number for this recall is 99-01-25.
Heartland Recreational Vehicles, LLCView on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

ElectricalExterior lighting
Filed Aug 24, 2026
Fire reported

The contact owns a 2017 Heartland Wilderness RV. The contact stated that the exterior LED lights caught on fire after being left on for an extended period. Neighbors alerted the owner, who discovered flames coming from the passenger’s side light assembly. The driver’s side assembly was melted. The owner disconnected the battery, and a bystander extinguished the fire with water. There was no injury sustained. The Fire Department was not notified of the issue. The contact stated that pictures of the damage were taken, and the damaged assembly was removed. The manufacturer was unreachable. The contact discovered an open recall, NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V566000 (Exterior Lighting and Electrical System); but was not notified of the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID
11759225
Incident
Aug 21, 2026
Electrical
Filed Aug 12, 2016
Fire reported

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 HEARTLAND WILDERNESS CAMPER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE OUTDOOR SECURITY LIGHT CAUGHT FIRE AND CAUSED STRUCTURAL DAMAGE TO THE CAMPER. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS NOTIFIED AND NO INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED. A FIRE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120.

NHTSA ID
10895376
Incident
Aug 12, 2016
Mileage
120 mi

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Heartland Wilderness by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2021020—
2020020—
2019120—
2018010—
2017Viewing220—
2016120—
2014110—
2013010—
2012010—

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.