VehicleVerdict

2013 Heartland Bighorn problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 10 complaints on file for the 2013 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.

10

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2013 compare to other Bighorn years?

Bighorn NHTSA complaints by model year, 2013 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, 2013 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Bighorn years to avoid →

What are the most common 2013 Heartland Bighorn problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Tires & Wheels880%
Steering110%
Suspension110%

Does the 2013 Heartland Bighorn have recalls?

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

13V181000OtherMay 7, 2013 · 890 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · May 1, 2014

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · October 24, 2014

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · May 1, 2014

2013 Heartland Bighorn — common questions

Is the 2013 Heartland Bighorn reliable?

The record is thin — 10 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2013 Bighorn problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are tires & wheels (8 complaints), suspension (1 complaints), steering (1 complaints).

Does the 2013 Heartland Bighorn have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2013 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.