2013 Heartland Sundance XLT problems: recalls, complaints and what to check
NHTSA has 1 recall and 2 owner complaints on file for the 2013 Heartland Sundance XLT. 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: 1 recall, 1 complaint
Recall 13V181000 (07/05/2013): EQUIPMENT
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.
Fix: 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.
Tires: 1 complaint
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
07/16/2015, EQUIPMENT: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 HEARTLAND SUNDANCE XLT. WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH,THE AWNING MOTOR FAILED CAUSING THE AWNING TO UNFOLD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE CAUSED SEVERE DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED, BUT NO REMEDY WAS OFFERED. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V181000 (EQUIPMENT). THE RV WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
06/20/2014, TIRES: I WAS DRIVING SOUTH ON I-95 IN SOUTH CAROLINA WHEN THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE ON MY 2013 SUNDANCE 5TH WHEEL CAME APART AND TORE UP THE PANEL ABOVE THE TIRE . I WAS ABLE TO CHANGE THE TIRE AND MAKE IT TO SAVANNA, GA. AND BOUGHT TWO NEW TIRES. I WAS GOING ABOUT 65MPH AND DID NOT HIT ANYTHING ON THE ROAD. THE TIRE IS APOWER KING TOW MAX STR ST235-80R16, DOT 33-12. *TR
Looking at a 2013 Heartland Sundance XLT?
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.