Recall 16V318 affects 172 2016-2017 Heartland Fair Field, Lakeview, and Resort trailers with undersized safety chains. Repair is free at any franchised Heartland dealer.
Heartland is recalling 172 2016-2017 Fair Field, Lakeview, and Resort trailers because the main trailer connection can fail. If that happens, the trailer's weight can break the safety chains and let the trailer separate from the tow vehicle, increasing crash risk; Heartland dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The safety chains on 2016-2017 Heartland Fair Field, Lakeview, and Resort trailers are mounted to the A-frame at the front of the trailer. They are the backup connection between the trailer and the tow vehicle if the primary hitch connection comes loose. For that backup to work as designed, the chain rating needs to match the trailer's gross vehicle weight rating, or GVWR, which is the maximum loaded weight rating for the trailer.
On these trailers, the safety chains installed on the A-frame are rated at 11,700 pounds instead of a rating equal to or greater than the trailer's GVWR. Heartland's replacement chains are rated at 16,200 pounds, which meets or exceeds that rating. The problem is the chain specification, not a part that wears out from normal use.
There is no warning sign before failure. Owners are not expected to hear, smell, or feel a change from the safety chains before they are needed in a hitch separation event.
Who's affected?
Covers the Fair Field, Lakeview, and Resort lines across the 2016 and 2017 model years, all tied to the body or structural component.
| 2017 Heartland Fair Field | body or structural component |
|---|---|
| 2016 Heartland Lakeview | body or structural component |
| 2016 Heartland Fair Field | body or structural component |
| 2017 Heartland Lakeview | body or structural component |
| 2017 Heartland Resort | body or structural component |
| 2016 Heartland Resort | body or structural component |
| Units affected | 172 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific trailer is included.
What's the safety risk?
If the main trailer connection fails, the trailer's weight can break the safety chains. The trailer can then separate from the vehicle and increase crash risk. Before towing, check the connection and chains, and schedule the recall repair soon. Repair is free at any franchised Heartland dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2016-2017 Heartland Fair Field, Lakeview, or Resort trailer is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Heartland dealer to schedule the free safety-chain replacement that helps keep the trailer connected if the main trailer connection fails.
- Bring the recall notice if Heartland mailed one. If not, reference recall number 16V318 when you call.
- Inspect the hitch connection and safety chains before towing, and stop towing if the connection is loose or the chains are damaged.
- Call Heartland customer service at 1-877-262-8032 if you need help finding a dealer.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Heartland technician replaces the chains covered by the recall. The replacement parts and labor are free under the recall, and the repair is available now. Heartland has a general reimbursement plan on file, so eligible out-of-pocket chain repairs paid before the recall notice can be reviewed under that standard plan. Bring repair invoices, receipts, and payment records to the service desk when you ask about reimbursement.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| May 18, 2016 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| May 18, 2016 | Dealer notification began |
| May 18, 2016 | Dealer notification ended |
| June 2, 2016 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 16V318?
Recall 16V318 covers 172 2016-2017 Heartland Fair Field, Lakeview, and Resort trailers with safety chains that can break if the main trailer connection fails. If the chains break, the trailer can separate from the tow vehicle and increase crash risk. Heartland dealers replace the chains for free.
What should I do if my 2016-2017 Heartland Fair Field, Lakeview, or Resort is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific trailer is included in recall 16V318. If it is, contact a franchised Heartland dealer to schedule the safety-chain replacement. Reference recall number 16V318 when you call. The dealer repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Heartland dealers will replace the affected safety chains free of charge. You can also call Heartland customer service at 1-877-262-8032 for help with dealer scheduling.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is trailer separation. In recall 16V318, if the main trailer connection fails, the trailer's weight can break the safety chains. That can allow the trailer to separate from the tow vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
What if I bought my Heartland trailer used?
The free repair still applies. Federal recall law follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific 2016-2017 Heartland Fair Field, Lakeview, or Resort trailer is included, then call a franchised Heartland dealer with recall number 16V318.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/16V318000 |
|---|---|
| Heartland customer service | 1-877-262-8032 |
| NHTSA recall # | 16V318 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 16V318000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 31, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →