VehicleVerdict

2008 Heartland Bighorn problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just one complaint on file for the 2008 Heartland Bighorn — 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.

1

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2008 compare to other Bighorn years?

Bighorn NHTSA complaints by model year, 2008 highlighted10 complaints2005: 2 complaints2006: 1 complaints2007: 7 complaints2008: 1 complaints2013: 10 complaints2014: 1 complaints2015: 2 complaints2016: 1 complaints2017: 0 complaints2018: 1 complaints2021: 1 complaints2022: 0 complaints2023: 3 complaints2024: 0 complaints2026: 0 complaints
Bighorn NHTSA complaints by model year, 2008 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Bighorn years to avoid →

What are the most common 2008 Heartland Bighorn problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System1100%

Does the 2008 Heartland Bighorn have recalls?

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

08V380000OtherAugust 1, 2008 · 6,002 units

Defect

HEARTLAND RV IS RECALLING 6,002 MY 2005-2008 BIG COUNTRY, LANDMARK, BIG HORN, CYCLONE, RAZOR, SUNDANCE, AND TRAIL RUNNER FIFTH WHEEL AND TRAVEL TRAILERS EQUIPPED WITH A TWO-DOOR REFRIGERATOR MANUFACTURED BY THE DOMETIC CORPORATION. THE REFRIGERATOR MAY HAVE A DEFECT IN THE BOILER TUBE. PRESSURIZED COOLANT SOLUTION COULD BE RELEASED INTO AN AREA WHERE AN IGNITION SOURCE (GAS FLAME) IS PRESENT.

Consequence

IF THIS SOLUTION IS EXPOSED TO AN IGNITION SOURCE UNDER CERTAIN SPECIFIC CIRCUMSTANCES, IT CAN RESULT IN A VEHICLE FIRE.

Remedy

HEARTLAND RV IS WORKING WITH DOMETIC TO REPAIR THESE REFRIGERATORS (PLEASE SEE 08E032). DOMETIC WILL REPAIR THESE REFRIGERATORS BY INSTALLING A SECONDARY BURN HOUSING, A THERMAL FUSE, AND A MELT FUSE FREE OF CHARGE. DOMETIC HAS RETAINED STERICYCLE INC. TO MANAGE THIS CAMPAIGN. STERICYCLE WILL ASSIST THE OWNER IN LOCATING DEALERSHIPS OR SERVICE CENTERS AND WILL PROVIDE ASSISTANCE WITH SCHEDULING OF APPOINTMENTS. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOMETIC/STERICYCLE AT 1-888-446-5157 OR HEARTLAND RV AT 1-574-262-8030.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“I PURCHASED A NEW 2008 HEARTLAND BIGHORN FIFTH WHEEL 9/2/08. AFTER 3 WEEKS, 4 ELECTRICAL PROBLEM AROSE SIMULTANEOUSLY IN ONE WEEKS TIME. DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WILL ONLY CONTINUE TO REPAIR AND NOT REPLACE. THIS TRAILER IS OUR HOME AND VERY UNSAFE. AFTER WAKING TO A SMOKE FILLED TRAILER, THE FIRE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · September 27, 2008 · fire

2008 Heartland Bighorn — common questions

Is the 2008 Heartland Bighorn reliable?

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

Does the 2008 Heartland Bighorn have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2008 Heartland Bighorn. 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.