VehicleVerdict

2013 Heartland Elk Ridge problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 4 complaints on file for the 2013 Heartland Elk Ridge — 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.

4

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2013 compare to other Elk Ridge years?

Elk Ridge NHTSA complaints by model year, 2013 highlighted4 complaints2011: 2 complaints2013: 4 complaints2014: 0 complaints2019: 0 complaints
Elk Ridge NHTSA complaints by model year, 2013 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Elk Ridge years to avoid →

What are the most common 2013 Heartland Elk Ridge problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Tires & Wheels250%
Brakes125%
Suspension125%

Does the 2013 Heartland Elk Ridge 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.

“WHILE TOWING MY FIFTH WHEEL RV ON I40 APPROXIMATELY 30 MILES EAST OF SEVIERVILLE, TN. I HAD A BLOWOUT ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE ON MY FIFTH WHEEL. MY SPEED WAS AROUND 60 MPH AND THE TIRES HAD LESS THAN 1500 TOTAL MILES SINCE NEW. I IMMEDIATELY PULLED OFF TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD TO INSPECT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · April 20, 2016

“WHILE DRIVING ON HWY 101 THE REAR LEAF SPRINGS ON THE REAR AXLE SNAPPED. NOT A CLEAN BREAK BY A JAGGED ONE. THE REMAINING LEAF SPRINGS HELD. THE LEAF SPRINGS ACCORDING TO THE DEALER ARE RATED AT 3000 ON EACH SPRING. TOTAL 12000 LBS FOR A GVWR TRAILER OF 14600 LBS. I WOULD SAY THAT IS UNDER SPRUNG…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · September 26, 2014

“I HAVE A HEARTLAND TRAILER WHICH I PURCHASED NEW IN NOV OF 2012. ON OUR FIRST TRIP THE TIRE BLEW ON THE TRAILER. TRADED IT FOR THE SPARE AND THE WARRANTY COMPANY TREDIT REPLACED THE TIRE. TWO MONTHS LATER ANOTHER BLOWOUT WITH TWO OTHER TIRES. I REPLACED AL FOUR TIRE WITH A DIFFERENT BRAND. IN…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · December 26, 2013

2013 Heartland Elk Ridge — common questions

Is the 2013 Heartland Elk Ridge reliable?

The record is thin — 4 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 2013 Heartland Elk Ridge have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2013 Heartland Elk Ridge. 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.