2013 Heartland Bighorn Silverado problems: recalls, complaints and what to check
NHTSA has 3 recalls and 3 owner complaints on file for the 2013 Heartland Bighorn Silverado. Here is what they are, what a technician checks for each kind of fault, and how to look one over before you buy it.
Other: 2 recalls, 1 complaint
Recall 14V128000 (18/03/2014): EQUIPMENT:RECREATIONAL VEHICLE/TRAILER
Heartland Recreational Vehicles, LLC (Heartland) is recalling certain model year 2013 Bighorn Silverado, 2014 Bighorn and 2013-2014 Cyclone, and Landmark fifth wheel trailers equipped with certain Frigidaire KG-series microwaves, models CFMV152CLB and CFMV154CLS, manufactured January 27, 2013, through April 10, 2013 in the serial number range KG30607951 through KG31600670. In the affected vehicles, the microwave may start on its own and begin heating when unattended.
Fix: Heartland will notify owners and dealers will repair the membrane/keypad component, free of charge. The recall began in May 2014. Owners may contact Heartland at 1-877-262-8032. Heartland's number for this recall is 99-01-17. Note: Until the microwave has been repaired, owners should not store anything in the microwave while it is unattended.
Recall 12V417000 (28/08/2012): EQUIPMENT
Heartland RV (Heartland) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Elkridge and model year 2012-2013 Bighorn Silverado fifth wheel vehicles. Certain vehicles manufactured with liquid propane (LP) generators may have the LP supply line connected incorrectly to the generator.
Fix: Heartland will notify owners and dealers will inspect and correct the LP supply line fitting as necessary, free of charge. The safety recall began on September 10, 2012. Owners may contact Heartland at 1-888-262-5992.
LP gas and gas appliances: 1 recall
Recall 12V470000 (25/09/2012): EQUIPMENT:RECREATIONAL VEHICLE/TRAILER:LPG SYSTEMS:LINES AND FITTINGS
Heartland Recreational Vehicles, LLC, (Heartland) is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Bighorn Silverado Fifth Wheel Travel trailers, manufactured from February 28, 2012, through August 28, 2012. The liquid propane (LP) hose and wire hanger that is mounted under the slide out can come in contact with the tire, causing damage to the LP hose and wiring.
Fix: Heartland will notify owners, and dealers will repair the affected vehicles free of charge. The recall began on October 5, 2012. Owners may contact Heartland Recreational Vehicles at 1-888-262-5992.
What a tech checks: Regulator, lines and fittings, then the appliances: furnace, water heater, range. A proper pressure-drop leak test is the first thing a tech does on an LP complaint. Before you buy: Smell for gas with the tank open; have a shop do the leak test.
LP and furnace lessons · Furnace guide · Furnace 3D lab · Water heater 3D lab
Tires: 2 complaints
What a tech checks: Age, load range and pressure. RV tires age out before they wear out, and an underrated tire on a heavy trailer is a blowout waiting to happen. Before you buy: Read the DOT date and the load range on the sidewall.
Chassis, towing and tires lessons · Trailer guide
What owners reported to NHTSA
10/03/2012, TIRES: HEARTLAND TRAILER BOUGHT JULY, 2012. LESS THAN 4000 MILES LATER ON SEPT. 29, RIGHT REAR POWER KING 235/85/R16 EXPLODED WITH COMPLETE TREAD SEPARATION AND CAUSING SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE TO THE TRAILER.THE TIRES WERE NEW AND PROPERLY INFLATED. SHOULDN'T THESE TIRES BE RECALLED BEFORE SOMEONE IS KILLED? *TR
06/04/2016, TIRES: WE HAD A TIRE EXPLODE ON OUR FIFTH WHEEL TRAILER AND WERE ONLY GOING 25MPH. ALL TIRES ARE CHECKED FOR DAMAGE PRIOR TO EVERY TRIP AND MAX AIR PRESSURE ADJUSTED IF NEEDED. THE EXPLODING TIRE DAMAGED THE SIDE OF OUR TRAILER AND RIPPED OUT WIRING TO A SLIDE OUT. UPON REVIEW OF THE INTERNET AND RELATED TIRE ISSUES IT APPEARS THERE HAVE BEEN A HISTORY OF THESE FAILURES.
04/03/2013, EQUIPMENT: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 HEARTLAND BIGHORN TRAILER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WATER HEATHER TANK EXPLODED AND FLOODED THE KITCHEN AREA, DAMAGING THE FURNACE IN THE PROCESS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BUT DENIED ASSISTANCE WITH THE REPAIR. THE TRAILER WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE TRAILER ALSO DID NOT GENERATE MILEAGE.
Looking at a 2013 Heartland Bighorn Silverado?
The Buyer's Check walks you through it on your phone: what to ask, the outside walk-around, water damage, every system on every power source, with the recalls above built in. You get a report that says what's a walk-away and what to negotiate on.
Checked against NHTSA 2026-10-23. Recall repairs are free at an authorized dealer. Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA and are not verified.