The Heartland Bighorn spans 2010–2022 with 7 recorded NHTSA recalls and a 4.0/5 ForCar reliability score. The years to approach with caution are 2013, 2015, 2021 (most owner complaints); the cleanest are 2010, 2011, 2012. It delivers competitive fuel economy and NHTSA-rated safety.
How we score: NHTSA crash-test safety (40%), recall frequency across all years (25%) and the share of owner complaints involving a crash, fire or injury (35%). Based on NHTSA & EPA data — not user reviews.
Overview
The Heartland Bighorn is one of the most popular vehicles in its class, produced from 2010 to 2022 across multiple generations.
How to read a Heartland Bighorn VIN — every digit explained
Every Heartland Bighorn carries a unique 17-character VIN stamped at the factory. Each position is a code — together they spell out where, when and how your car was built. Here's exactly what every digit 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 this Bighorn.
- Serial (12–17) — the unique sequential production number.
- —5SF
Digits 4–17 — the engine code (8th), model-year letter (10th) and plant — follow the universal SAE standard, identical on every car. For the full year-code table (2001–2026), country codes and where the VIN is stamped on your Bighorn, see the complete guide to reading a VIN.
How many recalls does the Heartland Bighorn have?
The Heartland Bighorn has 7 recorded NHTSA recalls across 2010–2022. Pick a year below to see its recalls — then verify open recalls against your specific VIN.
2022 Heartland Bighorn recalls 2
Equipment:recreational Vehicle/trailer
What's wrong. Heartland Recreational Vehicles, LLC (Heartland) is recalling certain 2022 Cyclone, Elk Ridge, Fuel, Milestone, North Trail, 2022-2023 Big Horn Traveler, Gravity, Lithium, Mallard, Pioneer, Prowler, Road Warrior, Sundance, Torque, and Trail Runner travel trailers. The electric retractable awning has a welded seam on the fabric that may separate, potentially allowing the awning to drop beyond normal operation.
Risk. An awning that drops or extends beyond normal operation can increase the risk of injury.
Fix. Dealers will inspect and repair, or replace the awning, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed by September 8, 2022. Owners may contact Heartland customer service at 1-877-262-8032.
Equipment:recreational Vehicle/trailer:lpg Systems:lines And Fittings
What's wrong. Heartland Recreational Vehicles, LLC (Heartland) is recalling certain 2022 Cyclone, Gravity, Sundance, Big Country, Big Horn, Big Horn Traveler, Elkridge, Fuel, North Trail, Landmark, Lithium, Milestone, Torque, Trail Runner, Pioneer, Prowler, and Road Warrior travel trailers. The quick disconnect fittings in the LP gas system may be cracked, causing a gas leak.
Risk. A gas leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix. Dealers will inspect and replace the quick disconnect fittings, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 29, 2022. Owners may contact Heartland customer service at 1-877-262-8032. Heartland's number for this recall is 99.01.67.
2016 Heartland Bighorn recalls 1
Equipment:recreational Vehicle/trailer
What's wrong. Heartland Recreational Vehicles, LLC (Heartland) is recalling certain model year 2016 Big Country, Bighorn, Cyclone, Edge, Elkridge, North Trail, Prowler, Road Warrior, Sundance XLT, Torque, Wilderness and 2015-2016 Landmark 365 fifth wheel and travel trailers. In the affected vehicles, the bolts that attach the expanding room to the sliding mechanism chain may fail allowing the room to extend unintentionally while the vehicle is in motion.
Risk. If the room extends while vehicle is in motion, there is an increased risk of a crash.
Fix. Heartland will notify owners, and dealers will replace the defective bolts, free of charge. The recall began April 16, 2015. Owners may contact Heartland customer service at 1-877-262-8032. Heartland's number for this recall is 99-01-21.
2015 Heartland Bighorn recalls 1
Equipment:recreational Vehicle/trailer
What's wrong. Heartland Recreational Vehicles, LLC (Heartland) is recalling certain model year 2015 Bighorn, Cyclone, Edge, Elkridge, Landmark 365, Road Warrior, and Torque fifth wheel and travel trailers. In the affected vehicles, a rivet for the quad entry steps may shear and fail, causing the steps to give when being used.
Risk. If the rivet shears causing the quad step to fail, the step user may fall, increasing the risk of personal injury.
Fix. Heartland has notified owners, and dealers will replace the defective rivets with bolts, free of charge. The recall began on April 13, 2015. Owners may contact Heartland customer service at 1-877-262-8032. Heartland's number for this recall is 99-01-20.
2014 Heartland Bighorn recalls 2
Equipment
What's wrong. Heartland Recreational Vehicles is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Big Country, Bighorn, Elk Ridge, Elk Ridge Express, Landmark, Prowler, Sundance, Sundance XLT, and Silverado fith wheel and travel trailers manufactured February 13, 2013, through April 16, 2013. If the awning installation sequence was not completely followed, the awning motor may unknowingly become damaged.
Risk. If motor damage has occurred, it is possible that the awning can unfurl unexpectedly, either while the trailer is at rest or while in transit, increasing the risk of personal injury or a vehicle crash.
Fix. Heartland will notify owners and Dometic staff will replace the affected motors with a design that is not subject to an out-of-sequence installation error. The recall began on May 20, 2013. A notification schedule has not yet been provided. Owners may contact Heartland Recreational Trailers at 1-888-262-5992 or Dometic at 1-888-447-0003 for more information. Owners are being instructed not to drive their vehicle until repairs can be performed. Heartland's recall campaign number is 99-01-11.
Equipment:recreational Vehicle/trailer
What's wrong. Heartland Recreational Vehicles, LLC (Heartland) is recalling certain model year 2013 Bighorn Silverado, 2014 Bighorn and 2013-2014 Cyclone, and Landmark fifth wheel trailers equipped with certain Frigidaire KG-series microwaves, models CFMV152CLB and CFMV154CLS, manufactured January 27, 2013, through April 10, 2013 in the serial number range KG30607951 through KG31600670. In the affected vehicles, the microwave may start on its own and begin heating when unattended.
Risk. If the microwave starts on its own and there are contents inside, a fire could result.
Fix. Heartland will notify owners and dealers will repair the membrane/keypad component, free of charge. The recall began in May 2014. Owners may contact Heartland at 1-877-262-8032. Heartland's number for this recall is 99-01-17. Note: Until the microwave has been repaired, owners should not store anything in the microwave while it is unattended.
2013 Heartland Bighorn recalls 1
Equipment
What's wrong. Heartland Recreational Vehicles is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Big Country, Bighorn, Elk Ridge, Elk Ridge Express, Landmark, Prowler, Sundance, Sundance XLT, and Silverado fith wheel and travel trailers manufactured February 13, 2013, through April 16, 2013. If the awning installation sequence was not completely followed, the awning motor may unknowingly become damaged.
Risk. If motor damage has occurred, it is possible that the awning can unfurl unexpectedly, either while the trailer is at rest or while in transit, increasing the risk of personal injury or a vehicle crash.
Fix. Heartland will notify owners and Dometic staff will replace the affected motors with a design that is not subject to an out-of-sequence installation error. The recall began on May 20, 2013. A notification schedule has not yet been provided. Owners may contact Heartland Recreational Trailers at 1-888-262-5992 or Dometic at 1-888-447-0003 for more information. Owners are being instructed not to drive their vehicle until repairs can be performed. Heartland's recall campaign number is 99-01-11.
Best and worst years for the Heartland Bighorn
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint volume across 9 tracked years, the worst years are 2013, 2015, 2021 and the best (fewest complaints) are 2010, 2011, 2012.
ForCar aggregate — our own analysis of complaint volume, not published by NHTSA.
| Year | Owner complaints | Top issue | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 Bighorn | — | Best | |
| 2011 Bighorn | — | Best | |
| 2012 Bighorn | — | Best | |
| 2013 Bighorn | Tires | Avoid | |
| 2014 Bighorn | Tires | Average | |
| 2015 Bighorn | Suspension | Avoid | |
| 2016 Bighorn | Suspension | Average | |
| 2021 Bighorn | Electrical System | Avoid | |
| 2022 Bighorn | — | Average |
What are the most common Heartland Bighorn problems?
The most-reported Heartland Bighorn problems are Tires (6 reports), Wheels (3 reports) and Steering (1 reports) — out of 11 owner complaints NHTSA holds for the model. Here's how they break down:
Most-reported components — tap a category to read what owners actually experienced:
Tires 6 Read
Saturday, 9/20/14, we drove approx 300 miles from fl on interstates 95 and 26, speed 65 mph or lower, towing our 2014 heartland bighorn 5th wheel trailer equipped with power king tow max st235/80r16 tires. Tire pressure (80 psi) and lug torque (120 ft/lb) checked before departure. Exited i-26 in lexington sc and had driven 2-3 miles, speeds 35 and under, on surface street when left rear tire blew, separating 2/3 of the tread circumference creating a 3 1/2 foot long 8 inch wide steel belted flail that destroyed the lower valance and wheel well on left main slide, throwing debris on adjacent traffic. Thankfully, due to low speed at time (20-25), there were no injuries, damage to other vehicles or loss of vehicle control. Trailer purchased new jan 2014 and had less than 1500 miles total use. Internet search revealed lots of similar stories and a full complaint log (50) since 6/2014 on nhtsa site. No faith in these tires; replaced two (all the local goodyear tire dealer had on a sunday) but will replace them all when available. Heartland and tbc, the tire maker (?) will hear as well. Serious safety hazard! *tr
2013 heartland 3610 re 5th wheel rv. Oem tires. Power king tow max st235/80r16 str tires. Checked tire pressures with tire gauge before trip. All at 80 psi cold. Installed tps sensors and checked monitor. Working. 6 miles into trip after pulling out from a red light at around 20 mph the rear left axle tire blew out throwing plastic trim pieces across the road. Top of thread blew apart. Replaced with spare tire. Went about 23 more mile and right after checking tire pressure monitor, for pressure and temp. Both ok. The right front axle tire blew out while driving 55 mph, throwing fender trim pieces across the road. Found right side rear axle tire with pieces of the tire belt strains starting to come threw thread part of the tire. Didn't blow out yet. Had all four tires replaced. Kept all tires. Now have replaced the spare. Both sides of camper wheel fender areas damage.
Traveling approximately 60 mph on route 78 west just outside of allentown pennsylvania, the left rear tire -power king towmax st 235/80 r 16 load range (e) on our heartland bighorn 3185 (2013) sustained a blowout causing severe damage to the left rear end of our 5th wheel trailer including but not limited to cosmetic damage (fenders etc) rear axl damage, brake damage, hydraulic lines, brake lines, undercarriage damage etc. Thankfully all passengers were unharmed and no other vehicles were involved with this incident. Further inspection of the tire suggests either tread separation or a side wall blowout that lead to the tread separation. The tread did not tear off of the tire allowing the separated tread to cause the extensive damage as previously stated. The trailer was not overloaded and had weight evenly distributed. Tires were meticulously kept, and pressure was at suggested 80 psi. *tr
Purchased my heartland bighorn 3670rl 5th wheel new in january 2013. The rv came standard with power king towmax str tires, st235/80r16 lr "e". My first blowout occurred in may 2014 with fewer than 2000 miles on the tires. Luckily no damage to the trailer. Sent the tire to the distributor who claimed that it was a road hazard issue and would not warranty the tire. I know i hadn't hit anything in the road to have caused the problem. Then two weeks ago we were returning from a trip to the texas hill country back to the houston area when the second blowout occurred. Because i was on a major freeway (i-10) i limped along to the next exit where i was able to change the tire. Again, no significant damage to the rv. After stopping for about 45 minutes the next blowout occurred. Again i had to limp off the freeway completely ruining the aluminum rim. Luckily i had carried two spares and was able to change it as well before heading into houston. I stopped at the first tire store i found and replaced all the towmax tires with carlise trailer tires and made it home. The last blowout completely separated the tread and broke several brake wires and slightly damaged the fiberglass fender cover on the rv. No major damage to the rv other than the aluminum rim. All of the towmax tires are dot 83b5 manufactured in (1012) and (1112). I've always been very careful to check the air pressure on all my tires before leaving or returning from the trip. I maintain 80 psi on all tires per the load rating on the tire. I also maintain a speed of 65 mph or less when pulling the rv. *js
We purchased our 5th wheel nov 4, 2012 - experienced our first tire bubble 12/10/2013; second tire bubble 12/19/2013. We had been advised by several bighorn owners that they replaced their "china" tires prior to hitting the road, but casual inspection on my part indicated that the power king tires installed were sufficient for the application - i was incorrect. There are numerous posts online that these tire mfg misrepresent their tire's adequacy. The tire dealer that replaced my tires ( they are a dealer and install power king on smaller rigs ) confirm that these tires are overstating their ability to carry the rated load. Fortunately our bubbles appeared on the exterior walls- we discovered both prior to departures. Apparently other owners have not been so lucky and have suffered major damage to their rigs. *tr
On highway returning from camping trip about 400 miles one way trip. Tires overheated very badly-felt soft-and smelled like rubber burning. Checking different sources on-line revealed that tomax tires on heartland rvs are a know problem. My good friend has a 2012 that three of the four tires came apart on the road and caused major damage to his rv. He had to buy 4 new tires while sitting beside i-95. I asked heartland to check mine. They sent me to tire kingdom (who sells the tire) of course they said because nothing had happened yet they could do nothing. I am very concerned. It has to fail on the highway and put me and family in serious danger before anything can be done. As i have said the forums on both heartland and other rv sites have numerous examples of this tire failing in a dramatic fashion. I am submitting this to go on record that when these tires go it was recorded and a known issue. I just got back from another trip of about 500 miles and the tires again got very hot. I was not even close to my gross weight and i never went over 65 mph. *tr
Suspension 3 Read
The right rear leaf spring hanger started to crack. If the spring hanger would have broken off the tires could have came together creating a potential hazard. Lippert Components is the manufacture of this suspension system. Lippert marketed this system called Correct Track and installed it across several brands of RV. I did a little research and found multiple failures. I notified Lippert of the failure and they open a case for me. I had a welder complete all repairs and Lippert has agreed to reimburse me for that cost.
Rear axle brackets broke off of frame casing rear axle to move and blow tire on the freeway. Luckily there wasn't an accident . I have contacted dexter axles and lippert and also heartland and they all say it's not there problem
Bought this camper in january of 2013 from camping world of calera alabama on way to florida .went on then back to wisconsin. Came to florida again and now on way home an hour in to trip the tire begins to fail! Looks like inner cords failing. Fortunately my son was following and warned me of what he could see happening.called sales people but were left hanging, can't believe these tires don't last more than 4000 miles and no one takes responsibility, someone could get killed . *tr
Wheels 3 Read
Traveling approximately 60 mph on route 78 west just outside of allentown pennsylvania, the left rear tire -power king towmax st 235/80 r 16 load range (e) on our heartland bighorn 3185 (2013) sustained a blowout causing severe damage to the left rear end of our 5th wheel trailer including but not limited to cosmetic damage (fenders etc) rear axl damage, brake damage, hydraulic lines, brake lines, undercarriage damage etc. Thankfully all passengers were unharmed and no other vehicles were involved with this incident. Further inspection of the tire suggests either tread separation or a side wall blowout that lead to the tread separation. The tread did not tear off of the tire allowing the separated tread to cause the extensive damage as previously stated. The trailer was not overloaded and had weight evenly distributed. Tires were meticulously kept, and pressure was at suggested 80 psi. *tr
Bought this camper in january of 2013 from camping world of calera alabama on way to florida .went on then back to wisconsin. Came to florida again and now on way home an hour in to trip the tire begins to fail! Looks like inner cords failing. Fortunately my son was following and warned me of what he could see happening.called sales people but were left hanging, can't believe these tires don't last more than 4000 miles and no one takes responsibility, someone could get killed . *tr
We purchased our 5th wheel nov 4, 2012 - experienced our first tire bubble 12/10/2013; second tire bubble 12/19/2013. We had been advised by several bighorn owners that they replaced their "china" tires prior to hitting the road, but casual inspection on my part indicated that the power king tires installed were sufficient for the application - i was incorrect. There are numerous posts online that these tire mfg misrepresent their tire's adequacy. The tire dealer that replaced my tires ( they are a dealer and install power king on smaller rigs ) confirm that these tires are overstating their ability to carry the rated load. Fortunately our bubbles appeared on the exterior walls- we discovered both prior to departures. Apparently other owners have not been so lucky and have suffered major damage to their rigs. *tr
Electrical System 1 Read
-The 30 AMP MPPT solar controller located in the front storage compartment of a Heartland 5th wheel suddenly caught fire filling the RV with acrid smoke and scorching other critical components. The propane tanks are on both sides of the solar controller. The smoke sensors did not alarm and 3 people were in the RV at the time of the incident. -The fire could have burned (seriously or fatally) the occupants, caused smoke inhalation injuries/death, caused the propane tanks to explode, injured other campers, as well as damaged other property. -The problem has been reported to the manufacturer on July 13, 2021; however, it has not been acknowledged as reproduced or confirmed. -We have attempted to arrange for an inspection; however, the manufacturer has not been able to locate a dealer or servicing agent to do so. To date................NO INSPECTION OR SCHEDULED INSPECTION!!! We are still in contact with Heartland. So far, we are told August or September? Really> -There were no warning alarms, lamps, lights or signals.
Structure 1 Read
Tl* the contact owns a 2015 heartland bighorn. While parked, the front passenger side slide out failed to retract back into the vehicle. After several attempts, the slide out was manually retracted. While driving approximately 45 mph, the passenger noticed that the front passenger side slide out protruded approximately six inches outward. After several attempts, the slide out retracted and secured. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the slide out bolts fractured and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred with the rear driver side slide out. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 900.
Steering 1 Read
Traveling approximately 60 mph on route 78 west just outside of allentown pennsylvania, the left rear tire -power king towmax st 235/80 r 16 load range (e) on our heartland bighorn 3185 (2013) sustained a blowout causing severe damage to the left rear end of our 5th wheel trailer including but not limited to cosmetic damage (fenders etc) rear axl damage, brake damage, hydraulic lines, brake lines, undercarriage damage etc. Thankfully all passengers were unharmed and no other vehicles were involved with this incident. Further inspection of the tire suggests either tread separation or a side wall blowout that lead to the tread separation. The tread did not tear off of the tire allowing the separated tread to cause the extensive damage as previously stated. The trailer was not overloaded and had weight evenly distributed. Tires were meticulously kept, and pressure was at suggested 80 psi. *tr
Source: NHTSA owner complaints, all model years. Bar = share of total complaints. Full reports searchable on NHTSA.gov.
Heartland Bighorn specifications & dimensions
The 2022 Heartland Bighorn. Full dimensions below — engine, horsepower and trim decode from your VIN. For the original factory build — MSRP, trim and standard equipment — rebuild the Heartland Bighorn window sticker.
| Specs cache warming… |
Source: NHTSA vPIC / Transport Canada vehicle specifications. Metric values converted to imperial; generation ranges approximate.
Heartland Bighorn cargo space, seating & interior room
How much the Bighorn holds — passengers and cargo. Seating, cargo and interior dimensions vary by trim and seat configuration — decode your VIN for the exact build.
Exact seating capacity, third-row availability, legroom and headroom decode from your VIN or vary by trim — the original factory equipment & options list shows what each trim included.
Passenger & cargo volume from EPA fueleconomy.gov (largest configuration). Seats, legroom and headroom from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.
Heartland Bighorn tire size, oil type & owner specs
The fitment owners look up most — tires, wheels, oil and batteries. Exact wheel and tire sizes decode from your VIN or the driver's door-jamb placard; the universal items are listed below.
Exact tire, wheel, oil grade, capacity and battery group are added per trim and model year — decode your VIN above for the factory fitment. Universal items shown as-is.
What MPG does the Heartland Bighorn get?
MPG cache warming… reload in a moment.
What engines does the Heartland Bighorn have? Power & range
Powertrain data warming… reload in a moment.
How much does a Heartland Bighorn cost to own?
A Heartland Bighorn depreciates at about an average rate. A typical example keeps roughly 46% of its value after five years — losing about 54% to depreciation. Check what a used Bighorn is worth today or browse current used-market prices before you buy or sell. Fuel, maintenance and insurance add to the total cost to own.
| Age | Value retained | Est. resale value | Lost to depreciation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 80% | $24,000 | −$6,000 |
| Year 2 | 70% | $21,000 | −$9,000 |
| Year 3 | 61% | $18,300 | −$11,700 |
| Year 4 | 53% | $15,900 | −$14,100 |
| Year 5 | 46% | $13,800 | −$16,200 |
What goes into the five-year cost to own:
- Depreciation — the biggest cost: this Bighorn loses about 54% of its value over five years. See the full depreciation curve by age.
- Fuel — based on EPA economy at roughly 15,000 miles a year.
- Maintenance & repairs — routine service, tires and wear items as the Bighorn ages.
- Insurance — varies by driver, state and trim; get a quote for your exact figure.
Resale & depreciation are ForCar estimates from typical segment value-retention curves — not a live market quote. Fuel from EPA fueleconomy.gov at ~15k mi/yr.
Is the Heartland Bighorn safe?
NHTSA crash-test ratings aren't published for the Bighorn yet — see the top-rated safest cars instead.
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How many miles does a Heartland Bighorn last?
A well-maintained Heartland Bighorn typically lasts 250,000–300,000+ miles. It's exceptionally durable — with routine maintenance many owners report 250k+ on the original powertrain. Its ForCar Reliability Score is 4.0/5.
Check your Heartland Bighorn’s VIN — history, recalls & specs
Title records, open recalls, build details and paint code — straight from the VIN. Free.
Check this Bighorn’s VIN free →All Heartland Bighorn model years
A year-by-year snapshot of the Heartland Bighorn — recalls, best EPA fuel economy and NHTSA safety. Tap a year for full details.
| Year | Recalls | Best MPG | Safety |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 Bighorn | 2 recalls | — | — |
| 2021 Bighorn | 0 | — | — |
| 2016 Bighorn | 1 recall | — | — |
| 2015 Bighorn | 1 recall | — | — |
| 2014 Bighorn | 2 recalls | — | — |
| 2013 Bighorn | 1 recall | — | — |
| 2012 Bighorn | 0 | — | — |
| 2011 Bighorn | 0 | — | — |
| 2010 Bighorn | 0 | — | — |
Recalls = NHTSA campaigns that year · MPG = best EPA combined · Safety = NHTSA overall stars (tested years).
Frequently asked questions
What are the worst years for the Bighorn?
By owner-complaint volume, 2013, 2015, 2021 drew the most reports. 2010, 2011, 2012 have the cleanest records.
How many recalls does the Bighorn have?
7 recorded NHTSA recalls across 2010–2022. Always check open recalls by your VIN.
How many miles does a Bighorn last?
A well-maintained Bighorn typically reaches 200,000–300,000 miles with regular maintenance.
Is the Bighorn reliable?
Our ForCar Reliability Score for the Bighorn is 4.0/5, based on NHTSA safety, recall history and complaint severity.
What's the Heartland Bighorn warranty?
New Heartland models carry 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.
Where is the Heartland Bighorn made?
The assembly plant is encoded in the VIN — the 11th character. Decode your Bighorn's VIN above to see exactly where it was built; Heartland may build it at more than one plant depending on the year.
How much ground clearance does the Bighorn have?
Ground clearance varies by trim and drivetrain — AWD/4WD versions often sit higher. Decode your VIN or check the specific trim for the exact figure.