EquipmentRecall 13V-181 · Heartland vehicles

Heartland Recreational Vehicles, LLC recall 13V-181 covers 890 Heartland vehicles for a equipment problem, reported to NHTSA on May 7, 2013.

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Vehicles repairedNo manufacturer report yet
Vehicles affected8909 models
ReportedMay 7, 2013Owners notified May 20, 2013
Complaints since2Same system, after the recall

Source: NHTSA recall 13V181000 and manufacturer quarterly reports. Started by an NHTSA defect investigation.

What's wrong

The problem

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.

The 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.

What to do

The 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.

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Recall repairs are free. Confirm whether this recall is open on your vehicle by entering its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Background

The investigation behind this recall

  1. Awning May Unfurl UnexpectedlyEQ13004 · closed Nov 19, 2013
    NHTSA