VehicleVerdict

2016 Heartland Wilderness problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 2 complaints on file for the 2016 Heartland Wilderness — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

2

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

2

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2016 compare to other Wilderness years?

Wilderness NHTSA complaints by model year, 2016 highlighted2 complaints2012: 0 complaints2013: 0 complaints2014: 2 complaints2016: 2 complaints2017: 1 complaints2018: 0 complaints2019: 2 complaints2020: 0 complaints2021: 0 complaints
Wilderness NHTSA complaints by model year, 2016 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Wilderness years to avoid →

What are the most common 2016 Heartland Wilderness problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System150%
Lighting150%

Does the 2016 Heartland Wilderness have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

16V566000LightingAugust 1, 2016 · 4,585 units

Defect

Heartland Recreational Vehicles, LLC (Heartland) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Wilderness and Mallard travel trailers, 2015-2017 Elkridge fifth wheel travel trailers, and 2017 Sundance and Torque travel trailers. The affected vehicles have an LED light on the front cap of the camper that may short circuit and overheat.

Consequence

If the light overheats there would be an increased risk of a fire.

Remedy

Heartland will notify owners, and dealers will replace the light with one that has built-in voltage protection. The recall began on September 1, 2016. Owners may contact Heartland customer service at 1-877-262-8032.

15V199000OtherApril 3, 2015 · 252 units

Defect

Heartland Recreational Vehicles, LLC (Heartland) is recalling certain model year 2016 Big Country, Bighorn, Cyclone, Edge, Elkridge, North Trail, Prowler, Road Warrior, Sundance XLT, Torque, Wilderness and 2015-2016 Landmark 365 fifth wheel and travel trailers. In the affected vehicles, the bolts that attach the expanding room to the sliding mechanism chain may fail allowing the room to extend unintentionally while the vehicle is in motion.

Consequence

If the room extends while vehicle is in motion, there is an increased risk of a crash.

Remedy

Heartland will notify owners, and dealers will replace the defective bolts, free of charge. The recall began April 16, 2015. Owners may contact Heartland customer service at 1-877-262-8032. Heartland's number for this recall is 99-01-21.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 HEARTLAND WILDERNESS. WHILE THE RV WAS PARKED AND THE CONTACT WAS ASLEEP IN THE CAMPER, THE RV CAUGHT ON FIRE. A FIRE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. THE RV WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V566000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, EXTERIOR…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · June 26, 2016 · fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 HEARTLAND WILDERNESS. WHILE THE RV WAS PARKED AND THE CONTACT WAS ASLEEP IN THE CAMPER, THE RV CAUGHT ON FIRE. A FIRE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. THE RV WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V566000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, EXTERIOR…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · June 26, 2016 · fire

2016 Heartland Wilderness — common questions

Is the 2016 Heartland Wilderness reliable?

The record is thin — 2 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 2016 Heartland Wilderness have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2016 Heartland Wilderness. 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.