Heartland's lineup has 83 recorded NHTSA recalls across 5 models (2010–2022) and averages 3.9/5 for reliability on ForCar. Check any Heartland's open recalls, owner complaints, MPG and NHTSA safety below — or decode its VIN for the exact build. Free, by model and year.
Each model's ForCar Reliability Score is built from NHTSA crash-test safety (40%), recall frequency (25%) and complaint severity (35%) — not user reviews. Brand score = average of rated models.
Heartland — VIN decoder & full model lineup
Heartland Manufacturing, based in Coon Rapids, Minnesota, is renowned for producing rugged, all-terrain trucks and SUVs designed for serious outdoor enthusiasts. These vehicles are particularly popular with hunters, fishermen, and those who frequently venture off the beaten path, prioritizing durability and capability. At ForCar.org, we can help you uncover the full story of your Heartland by decoding any VIN – accessing comprehensive vehicle specs, recall history, and detailed information about your truck.
Buying or selling? See current used-market prices and how different models hold value over time.
All Heartland models 5
Every Heartland model we track, grouped by body type. Click any model for its VIN decoder, recalls, MPG, safety and ForCar Reliability Score — broken down by year.
Heartland RVs & campers 5
Heartland recalls
Across the Heartland lineup, ForCar tracks 83 recorded NHTSA recalls — each tied to a specific model and year. There's no single "Heartland recall" number; open a model for its exact campaigns, affected parts and the free dealer fix.
| # | Heartland model | Recalls | ForCar Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Heartland Cyclone | 4.0 /5 | |
| 02 | Heartland Elkridge | 3.5 /5 | |
| 03 | Heartland Trail Runner | 3.5 /5 | |
| 04 | Heartland North Country | 4.5 /5 | |
| 05 | Heartland Bighorn | 4.0 /5 |
Most-recalled system across Heartland: Equipment:other:labels. Source: NHTSA recall campaigns — open any model for full details by year.
Is Heartland reliable?
Across rated models, Heartland averages a 3.9/5 ForCar Reliability Score, with 3 models rated 4★ or higher. Each model is scored from NHTSA crash-test safety, recall frequency and the share of owner complaints involving a crash, fire or injury — not user reviews.
Heartland competes in the mid-market towable RV segment alongside Thor sister brands (Jayco, Keystone, Crossroads) and against Forest River sub-brands (Cherokee, Wildwood, Sandpiper). The Bighorn and Landmark fifth-wheels target mid-premium pricing competing with Keystone Montana and Forest River Cardinal. Heartland's positioning emphasizes value-for-money and standard floorplans rather than premium materials or unique design, suiting first-time and budget-conscious RV buyers.
Heartland models by owner-complaint volume (NHTSA):
| # | Heartland model | Owner complaints | ForCar Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Heartland Cyclone | 4.0 /5 | |
| 02 | Heartland Bighorn | 4.0 /5 | |
| 03 | Heartland Trail Runner | 3.5 /5 | |
| 04 | Heartland Elkridge | 3.5 /5 | |
| 05 | Heartland North Country | 4.5 /5 |
Higher complaint counts often track higher sales volume, not necessarily worse reliability — open a model for its complaints by year and best/worst-year analysis.
Most fuel-efficient Heartland models
Fuel-economy rankings for Heartland are being compiled — check the most fuel-efficient cars meanwhile.
Safest Heartland models
NHTSA safety rankings for Heartland are being compiled — see the safest cars overall meanwhile.
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Get a Heartland window sticker by VIN
Recreate any Heartland's original Monroney label — MSRP, factory options, EPA MPG and safety — free from the VIN.
Heartland window stickers →How to read a Heartland VIN
Every Heartland built since 1981 carries a unique 17-character VIN (Vehicle Identification Number). It encodes where and when the vehicle was made, its engine and body — here's what each part means:
- WMI (1–3) — country & manufacturer. Tells you it's a Heartland and the country it was built in (real Heartland codes below).
- VDS (4–8) — model, body style, engine, trim & restraints. The 8th digit is the engine code.
- Check digit (9) — a math check that proves the VIN is genuine.
- Model year (10) — the year it was built (e.g. R = 2024, S = 2025).
- Plant (11) — which factory assembled it.
- Serial (12–17) — the unique sequential production number.
- —5SF
The remaining digits — engine (8th), model-year letter (10th) and plant — follow the universal SAE standard. For the full year-code table, country codes and where the VIN is stamped, see the complete guide to reading a VIN.
About Heartland
Brian Brady founded Heartland Recreational Vehicles in 2003 after his tenure at Damon Corporation, with initial focus on fifth-wheel RVs. The company grew to 21 sub-brands and over $250 million in annual revenue within seven years. Thor Industries acquired Heartland in October 2010 for $230 million, with Brady continuing as president for several years post-acquisition before retirement. Heartland's rapid growth from 2003-2010 is often cited as a case study in mid-market RV market entry.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2003 |
| Headquarters | Elkhart, USA |
| Parent company | Thor Industries |
| Slogan | "Heartland: A Family Built RV" |
| Models tracked | 5 (2010–2022) |
Heartland — frequently asked
How do I decode a Heartland VIN for free?
Enter the 17-character VIN in the decoder at the top of this page. You'll get the exact year, trim, engine and plant, then can check that vehicle's recalls, MPG and safety — free, no signup.
How many Heartland models are there?
ForCar tracks 5 Heartland models spanning 2010–2022. See the full list above, ordered by how often each is searched.
Where is Heartland made?
Heartland is headquartered in Elkhart, USA, founded in 2003. Individual models are assembled at plants worldwide — the VIN's 11th character identifies the exact factory.
How do I check Heartland recalls?
Recalls are tracked per model and year. Open any Heartland model above to see its NHTSA recall campaigns, affected parts and the free dealer fix.
Which Heartland is most reliable?
Reliability varies by model and year. Each model page shows its ForCar Reliability Score (from NHTSA safety, recalls and complaint severity) so you can compare directly.
What's the Heartland warranty?
New Heartland vehicles come with a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic (bumper-to-bumper) warranty and a 5 years / 60,000 miles powertrain warranty. Coverage can vary by model year and market — confirm with a Heartland dealer.