VehicleVerdict

2017 Heartland Wilderness problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just one complaint on file for the 2017 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.

1

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2017 compare to other Wilderness years?

Wilderness NHTSA complaints by model year, 2017 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, 2017 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Wilderness years to avoid →

What are the most common 2017 Heartland Wilderness problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System1100%

Does the 2017 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.

16V332000OtherMay 20, 2016 · 618 units

Defect

Heartland Recreational Vehicles (Heartland) is recalling certain model year 2017 trailers manufactured February 29, 2016, to May 5, 2016. The certification labels have incorrect tire pressure information, failing to comply with the requirements of 49 CFR Part 567, "Certification."

Consequence

Improper inflation can cause the trailer tires to become overloaded, resulting in poor handling and increased risk of a crash.

Remedy

Heartland will notify owners, and dealers will replace the certification label, free of charge. The recall began on June 16, 2016. Owners may contact Heartland customer service at 1-877-262-8032. Heartland's number for this recall is 99-01-25.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 HEARTLAND WILDERNESS CAMPER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE OUTDOOR SECURITY LIGHT CAUGHT FIRE AND CAUSED STRUCTURAL DAMAGE TO THE CAMPER. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS NOTIFIED AND NO INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED. A FIRE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · August 12, 2016 · fire

2017 Heartland Wilderness — common questions

Is the 2017 Heartland Wilderness reliable?

The record is thin — 1 NHTSA complaint — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 2017 Heartland Wilderness have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2017 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.