The Heartland Trail Runner spans 2017–2022 with 13 recorded NHTSA recalls and a 3.5/5 ForCar reliability score. The years to approach with caution are 2019, 2022, 2020 (most owner complaints); the cleanest are 2017, 2018, 2021. 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 Trail Runner is one of the most popular vehicles in its class, produced from 2017 to 2022 across multiple generations.
How to read a Heartland Trail Runner VIN — every digit explained
Every Heartland Trail Runner 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 Trail Runner.
- 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 Trail Runner, see the complete guide to reading a VIN.
How many recalls does the Heartland Trail Runner have?
The Heartland Trail Runner has 13 recorded NHTSA recalls across 2017–2022. Pick a year below to see its recalls — then verify open recalls against your specific VIN.
2022 Heartland Trail Runner recalls 3
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.
Electrical System
What's wrong. Heartland Recreational Vehicles, LLC (Heartland) is recalling certain 2022 Lithium, Prowler, and Trail Runner travel trailers, equipped with a 50-amp shore power inlet. The power inlet lug bolts may have been manufactured with excessively hard metal, preventing them from being tightened properly and resulting in a loose wiring connection.
Risk. Loose wiring can cause an electrical arc or short, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix. Dealers will inspect and replace the power inlet, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 27, 2022. Owners may contact Heartland customer service at 1-877-262-8032.
2021 Heartland Trail Runner recalls 2
Equipment:recreational Vehicle/trailer:lpg Systems
What's wrong. Heartland Recreational Vehicles, LLC. (Heartland) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Mallard, Shadow Cruiser, Sundance XLTTT, Wilderness, Prowler, Trail Runner, 2018-2019 Pioneer, Terry Classic, 2020-2021 Lithium, and 2021 North Trail trailers equipped with a Winntec model 6020 two-stage propane regulator. The regulator may fail, causing an increase in propane pressure.
Risk. Increased propane pressure can enlarge the flames in gas appliances, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix. Dealers will replace the regulator and test the propane system for leaks, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 3, 2021. Owners may contact Heartland customer service at 1-877-262-8032.
Equipment:appliance:oven/stove/cooktop
What's wrong. Heartland Recreational Vehicles, LLC (Heartland) is recalling certain 2021 Mallard, Wilderness, Trail Runner and 2020-2021 North Trail trailers. The LP gas lines may not have been tightened properly on the outside cooktops, which could result in a gas leak.
Risk. A gas leak can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix. Dealers will inspect and tighten the LP gas lines, and test the propane system for leaks, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 10, 2021. Owners may contact Heartland customer service at 1-877-262-8032.
2020 Heartland Trail Runner recalls 2
Equipment:recreational Vehicle/trailer:lpg Systems
What's wrong. Heartland Recreational Vehicles, LLC. (Heartland) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Mallard, Shadow Cruiser, Sundance XLTTT, Wilderness, Prowler, Trail Runner, 2018-2019 Pioneer, Terry Classic, 2020-2021 Lithium, and 2021 North Trail trailers equipped with a Winntec model 6020 two-stage propane regulator. The regulator may fail, causing an increase in propane pressure.
Risk. Increased propane pressure can enlarge the flames in gas appliances, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix. Dealers will replace the regulator and test the propane system for leaks, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 3, 2021. Owners may contact Heartland customer service at 1-877-262-8032.
Equipment:mechanical:carrier/rack
What's wrong. Heartland Recreational Vehicles, LLC (Heartland) is recalling certain 2020 Mallard, Prowler, Trail Runner, and Wilderness trailers equipped with a bumper-mounted spare tire carrier. The U-bolt that secures the spare tire may break, and cause the spare tire to detach during travel.
Risk. If both U-bolts break, the carrier and spare tire can detach from the unit, resulting in an increased risk of injury and increase the risk of a crash.
Fix. Heartland will notify owners, and dealers will replace the spare tire mounting U-bolts, free of charge. The recall began July 7, 2020. Owners may contact Heartland customer service at 1-877-262-8032.
2019 Heartland Trail Runner recalls 4
Suspension:rear:axle:non-powered Axle Assembly
What's wrong. Heartland Recreational Vehicles, LLC (Heartland) is recalling certain 2019 Heartland Mallard, Pioneer, Sundance XLT, Wilderness, North Trail, Prowler and Trail Runner travel trailers. The axles may be missing inner bearing races on the hubs, which can cause the bearing to burnout or cause the hub to overheat.
Risk. The missing bearing race may cause premature hub bearing failure, possibly resulting in a separation of the hub from the axle, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix. Heartland will notify owners, and dealers will replace the defective hubs with new hubs or replace the axles, free of charge. The recall began October 9, 2018. Owners may contact Heartland customer service at 1-877-262-8032. Heartland's number for this recall is 99.01.40.
Equipment:other:labels
What's wrong. Heartland Recreational Vehicles, LLC (Heartland) is recalling certain 2019 Prowler and Trail Runner recreational trailers. The Federal Certification Label may contain incorrect tire size, load range and tire pressure information. As such, these trailers fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
Risk. Tires with an incorrect pressure may affect handling or may fail, increasing the risk of crash.
Fix. Heartland has notified owners and provided replacement certification labels, free of charge. The recall began February 14, 2019. Owners may contact Heartland customer service at 1-877-262-8032. Heartland's number for this recall is 99.01.45.
Tires
What's wrong. Heartland Recreational Vehicles, LLC (Heartland) is recalling certain 2019 Prowler and Trail Runner recreational trailers. The trailers were equipped with Load Range D tires instead of Load Range E tires.
Risk. Tires with an insufficient Load Range may fail, increasing the risk of crash.
Fix. Heartland has notified owners, and dealers will replace the tires with ones of the correct load range, free of charge. The recall began February 14, 2019. Owners may contact Heartland customer service at 1-877-262-8032. Heartland's number for this recall is 99.01.46.
Equipment:recreational Vehicle/trailer:lpg Systems
What's wrong. Heartland Recreational Vehicles, LLC. (Heartland) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Mallard, Shadow Cruiser, Sundance XLTTT, Wilderness, Prowler, Trail Runner, 2018-2019 Pioneer, Terry Classic, 2020-2021 Lithium, and 2021 North Trail trailers equipped with a Winntec model 6020 two-stage propane regulator. The regulator may fail, causing an increase in propane pressure.
Risk. Increased propane pressure can enlarge the flames in gas appliances, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix. Dealers will replace the regulator and test the propane system for leaks, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 3, 2021. Owners may contact Heartland customer service at 1-877-262-8032.
2018 Heartland Trail Runner recalls 2
Equipment:recreational Vehicle/trailer:lpg Systems
What's wrong. Heartland Recreational Vehicles, LLC. (Heartland) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Mallard, Shadow Cruiser, Sundance XLTTT, Wilderness, Prowler, Trail Runner, 2018-2019 Pioneer, Terry Classic, 2020-2021 Lithium, and 2021 North Trail trailers equipped with a Winntec model 6020 two-stage propane regulator. The regulator may fail, causing an increase in propane pressure.
Risk. Increased propane pressure can enlarge the flames in gas appliances, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix. Dealers will replace the regulator and test the propane system for leaks, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 3, 2021. Owners may contact Heartland customer service at 1-877-262-8032.
Service Brakes, Electric
What's wrong. Heartland Recreational Vehicles, LLC (Heartland) is recalling certain 2018 Prowler and Trail Runner recreational trailers. The wires for the electric brakes may get caught in the spring hangers during axle movement, possibly resulting in the wires being severed.
Risk. A severed brake wire would reduce braking capability, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix. Heartland has notified owners, and dealers will clamp the wires out of the area of the spring hanger and shackle, free of charge. The recall began on November 14, 2017. Owners may contact Heartland customer service at 1-877-262-8032. Heartland's number for this recall is 99.01.36.
Best and worst years for the Heartland Trail Runner
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint volume across 6 tracked years, the worst years are 2019, 2022, 2020 and the best (fewest complaints) are 2017, 2018, 2021.
ForCar aggregate — our own analysis of complaint volume, not published by NHTSA.
| Year | Owner complaints | Top issue | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 Trail Runner | — | Best | |
| 2018 Trail Runner | — | Best | |
| 2019 Trail Runner | Structure | Avoid | |
| 2020 Trail Runner | Equipment | Avoid | |
| 2021 Trail Runner | — | Best | |
| 2022 Trail Runner | Electrical System | Avoid |
What are the most common Heartland Trail Runner problems?
The most-reported Heartland Trail Runner problems are Equipment (2 reports), Structure (2 reports) and Suspension (1 reports) — out of 7 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:
Electrical System 2 Read
In January 2023 the 26th breaker panel sparked and started smoking no breakers flipped and at 3am my roommate who works nights started pulling anything that could produce power or consume it. After almost two weeks of fighting manufacturer we were sent a converter and a licensed technician installed it and power was restored. May 21st 2023 there was a loud pop and the entire system started flickering off and on and an electrical smell of burning wires started producing and i immediately went to evacuate the children and disconnected anything that could be consuming power. Flickering and clicking went on for a couple hours before it ceased and no power was returned to the unit.
Converter overheated or failed to work as intended resulting in smoke leading up to an electrical fire. Component was in a small space with no adequate air flow and breaker’s remained in place not flipping as they should have to stop power from flowing. There were no warning signs as we were all asleep and husband happened to get up to go check on the kids when he found the breaker panel smoking. This could have killed us and has resulted in no power and losing food, shelter and warmth during a major freeze.
Equipment 2 Read
2020 heartland recreational trailer. Consumer writes in regards to nhtsa safety recall 21v-428. The consumer stated the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time completing the recall repair.
The contact owns a 2019 Heartland Trail Runner. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V428000 (Equipment) however, the part to do the recall repair was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Structure 2 Read
The contact owns a 2019 Heartland Sundance. The contact stated that when inspecting the vehicle, the furnace was not anchored securely. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer who confirmed that the furnace and toilet had been incorrectly installed by the manufacturer. The areas had to be anchored and sealed correctly. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was unknown.
The roof on the vehicle started to peel off the roof. It is like a thick fabric cover that began to tear off the top. We had to stop and tape it with gorilla tape. I belong to a terry classic group on facebook after posting what happened, i learned that this has happened to over 100 units that heartland s aware of the issue. I purchased the vehicle on 04/30/2019 took possession on may 04, 2019. The rv has been at the dealers since june 4th. Heartland is not responding to the request for warranty authorization to put a new roof on.
Exterior Lighting 1 Read
In January 2023 the 26th breaker panel sparked and started smoking no breakers flipped and at 3am my roommate who works nights started pulling anything that could produce power or consume it. After almost two weeks of fighting manufacturer we were sent a converter and a licensed technician installed it and power was restored. May 21st 2023 there was a loud pop and the entire system started flickering off and on and an electrical smell of burning wires started producing and i immediately went to evacuate the children and disconnected anything that could be consuming power. Flickering and clicking went on for a couple hours before it ceased and no power was returned to the unit.
Suspension 1 Read
One of the spring shackles has ripped away from the frame. In fact, the frame tore, the weld is intact. I am attempting to include photos. Thank you for your kind attention to this matter.*dt*jb
Source: NHTSA owner complaints, all model years. Bar = share of total complaints. Full reports searchable on NHTSA.gov.
Heartland Trail Runner specifications & dimensions
The 2022 Heartland Trail Runner. Full dimensions below — engine, horsepower and trim decode from your VIN. For the original factory build — MSRP, trim and standard equipment — rebuild the Heartland Trail Runner window sticker.
| Specs cache warming… |
Source: NHTSA vPIC / Transport Canada vehicle specifications. Metric values converted to imperial; generation ranges approximate.
Heartland Trail Runner cargo space, seating & interior room
How much the Trail Runner 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 Trail Runner 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 Trail Runner get?
MPG cache warming… reload in a moment.
What engines does the Heartland Trail Runner have? Power & range
Powertrain data warming… reload in a moment.
How much does a Heartland Trail Runner cost to own?
A Heartland Trail Runner 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 Trail Runner 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 Trail Runner 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 Trail Runner 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 Trail Runner safe?
NHTSA crash-test ratings aren't published for the Trail Runner yet — see the top-rated safest cars instead.
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How many miles does a Heartland Trail Runner last?
A well-maintained Heartland Trail Runner 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 3.5/5.
Check your Heartland Trail Runner’s VIN — history, recalls & specs
Title records, open recalls, build details and paint code — straight from the VIN. Free.
Check this Trail Runner’s VIN free →All Heartland Trail Runner model years
A year-by-year snapshot of the Heartland Trail Runner — recalls, best EPA fuel economy and NHTSA safety. Tap a year for full details.
| Year | Recalls | Best MPG | Safety |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 Trail Runner | 3 recalls | — | — |
| 2021 Trail Runner | 2 recalls | — | — |
| 2020 Trail Runner | 2 recalls | — | — |
| 2019 Trail Runner | 4 recalls | — | — |
| 2018 Trail Runner | 2 recalls | — | — |
| 2017 Trail Runner | 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 Trail Runner?
By owner-complaint volume, 2019, 2022, 2020 drew the most reports. 2017, 2018, 2021 have the cleanest records.
How many recalls does the Trail Runner have?
13 recorded NHTSA recalls across 2017–2022. Always check open recalls by your VIN.
How many miles does a Trail Runner last?
A well-maintained Trail Runner typically reaches 200,000–300,000 miles with regular maintenance.
Is the Trail Runner reliable?
Our ForCar Reliability Score for the Trail Runner is 3.5/5, based on NHTSA safety, recall history and complaint severity.
What's the Heartland Trail Runner 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 Trail Runner made?
The assembly plant is encoded in the VIN — the 11th character. Decode your Trail Runner'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 Trail Runner 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.