Recall 10V461 affects 48 2011 Heartland Cyclone, Landmark, Big Horn, Road Warrior, and Big Country trailers for spindle-weld cracks. Repair is free.
Heartland is recalling 48 2011 Cyclone, Landmark, Big Horn, Road Warrior, and Big Country fifth wheel trailers equipped with Dexter axles because cracks can form in the spindle weld. If a crack spreads, the spindle can detach from the axle tube, separate the wheel end from the trailer, create a road hazard, and reduce driver control; the dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The axle assembly under a 2011 Heartland Cyclone, Landmark, Big Horn, Road Warrior, or Big Country fifth wheel trailer carries the trailer's weight and keeps the wheels aligned as the trailer rolls. The spindle is the wheel-end shaft where the hub and bearings ride. Its weld is part of what holds that wheel-end hardware in the correct position under load.
On trailers included in this recall, the problem is a crack in the spindle weld on certain Dexter axles. That weld is supposed to stay solid while the trailer is loaded, turning, and moving over road impacts. If the crack opens farther, the wheel-end area loses strength at a point that carries weight and road force.
The recall information does not list a noise, warning light, vibration, or other owner-visible symptom before the weld problem shows up. There is no warning sign before failure.
Who's affected?
The scope is split across five Heartland RV trailer lines, all tied to the drive axle.
| 2011 Heartland Cyclone | drive axle |
|---|---|
| 2011 Heartland Landmark | drive axle |
| 2011 Heartland Big Horn | drive axle |
| 2011 Heartland Road Warrior | drive axle |
| 2011 Heartland Big Country | drive axle |
| Units affected | 48 |
A matching 2011 Heartland model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific trailer is included.
What's the safety risk?
Cracks in the axle spindle can spread until the spindle detaches from the axle tube. If the wheel end separates, it creates a road hazard for other vehicles and can compromise driver control, increasing crash risk. Schedule the axle serial number inspection soon. Repair will be free at any franchised Heartland dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2011 Heartland Cyclone, Landmark, Big Horn, Road Warrior, or Big Country is included in this recall.
- Call Heartland warranty service at 1-877-262-8032 to confirm the axle inspection path for your trailer.
- Schedule the Dexter axle serial-number inspection and free axle replacement if the axle falls within the recalled range.
- Bring the recall notice if Heartland mailed one. If not, reference recall number 10V461 when you call.
- Avoid towing the trailer until Heartland or the dealer confirms the axle spindle welds have been inspected and the repair path is complete.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer or authorized service location, a Heartland technician works with Dexter Axle to inspect the axle serial number. If the axle is inside the affected serial number range, the axle is replaced. The final dealer repair will be free once available, with parts and labor covered under the recall. Ask the service desk to document the serial number inspection and confirm whether axle replacement is required before the trailer is returned.
Timeline
| October 8, 2010 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| October 20, 2010 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 10V461?
Recall 10V461 covers 48 2011 Heartland Cyclone, Landmark, Big Horn, Road Warrior, and Big Country fifth-wheel trailers equipped with Dexter axles. Cracks in the spindle weld can lead to wheel-end separation from the axle tube. Heartland will inspect the axle serial number and replace affected axles for free.
What should I do if my 2011 Heartland Cyclone, Landmark, Big Horn, Road Warrior, or Big Country is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific trailer is included in recall 10V461. If it is, contact Heartland warranty service at 1-877-262-8032 and ask for the Dexter axle serial-number inspection. If the axle falls within the recalled range, the axle replacement is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Heartland's remedy says the axle replacement will be performed free of charge. The dealer or service path will inspect the Dexter axle serial number before replacing the axle.
What is the safety risk?
The risk is wheel-end separation from the axle tube. If the spindle weld cracks and the wheel end separates, it creates a road hazard for other vehicles and compromises driver control of the trailer, which increases crash risk. Confirm your VIN before towing or scheduling repair work.
What if I bought my Heartland trailer used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the trailer, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific 2011 Heartland trailer is included, then give the dealer or Heartland warranty service recall number 10V461 when you ask about the axle inspection.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/10V461000 |
|---|---|
| Heartland customer service | 1-877-262-8032 |
| NHTSA recall # | 10V461 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 10V461000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Defect / Noncompliance Notice (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 3, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →