VehicleVerdict

2012 Heartland Big Country problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 3 complaints on file for the 2012 Heartland Big Country — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

3

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2012 compare to other Big Country years?

Big Country NHTSA complaints by model year, 2012 highlighted7 complaints2007: 0 complaints2008: 0 complaints2009: 1 complaints2010: 0 complaints2011: 3 complaints2012: 3 complaints2013: 7 complaints2014: 1 complaints2015: 3 complaints2016: 1 complaints2022: 0 complaints2023: 0 complaints2024: 0 complaints
Big Country NHTSA complaints by model year, 2012 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Big Country years to avoid →

What are the most common 2012 Heartland Big Country problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Tires & Wheels267%
Body & Structure133%

Does the 2012 Heartland Big Country have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

15V482000OtherJuly 30, 2015 · 1,680 units

Defect

Heartland Recreational Vehicles, LLC (Heartland) is recalling certain trailers of various models and model years. Click on "All Products Associated With This Recall" for a complete list. The tire certification labels applied to the vehicles may contain inaccurate tire sizing and/or inflation information. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of 49 CFR Part 567, "Certification."

Consequence

An owner or operator could rely on the inaccurate information in inflating the tires which could cause under or over inflation which, in turn, could lead to a tire failure or crash.

Remedy

Heartland will notify owners, and dealers will send a replacement label with the correct information, free of charge. The recall began on September 29, 2015. Owners may contact Heartland customer service at 1-574-266-3988.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“DRIVING HOME FROM TEXAS IN OUR 2008 DODGE RAM 3500 PULLING A 2012 HEARTLAND BIG COUNTRY 3690SLR THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE TIRE ON THE 5TH WHEEL BLEW OFF. WE DOING ABOUT 60-65 MPH ON I81 IN PA. THERE WAS NO WARNING AT ALL IT JUST BLEW OFF THE RIM. THE TIRE WAS A POWER KING TOWMAX 235 80R 16. IT DID…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · April 23, 2014

“I PURCHASED A BRAND NEW FIFTH WHEEL IN 2012 TO AVOID ISSUES WITH USED EQUIPMENT, AROUND APRIL 2013 I NOTICED AN ISSUE WITH THE MOLDING IN THE FRONT OF THE TRAILER SEPARATING WHEN THE LOAD OF THE TRAILER WAS LOWERED ON THE PIN BOX WITH THE LANDING GEAR UP. AFTER TAKING PICTURES OF THIS AND…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · April 2, 2013

2012 Heartland Big Country — common questions

Is the 2012 Heartland Big Country reliable?

The record is thin — 3 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 2012 Heartland Big Country have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2012 Heartland Big Country. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.