Recall 16V423 affects 70 2016 Heartland 18' Carhauler trailers for rear visibility problems with clearance lights. Repair is free at any franchised Heartland dealer.
Heartland is recalling 70 2016 18' Carhauler dovetail trailers because the clearance lights are not visible from the rear, which fails the federal lighting standard. Without visible rear clearance lights, the trailer has an increased risk of a crash; Heartland dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The clearance lights on the 2016 Heartland 18' Carhauler are exterior marker lamps. Their job is to show the trailer's width and position so traffic behind the trailer can see its outline at night or in low light. For this recall, the issue is with the rearward visibility of those lamps, not the brakes, frame, or hitch.
On affected trailers, Heartland used the wrong type of lamp for this location. The lights were installed in a way that left them not visible from the rear, so the trailer did not meet the lighting visibility requirement in FMVSS 108. Heartland's repair changes the lighting setup to PC-rated beehive-style lamps, including lamps placed to make the trailer visible from the required angles.
There is no warning sign before failure. The lamps can still turn on, but the defect is that they are not visible from the rear as required.
Who's affected?
| 2016 Heartland 18' Carhauler | Exterior lighting |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 70 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
Not every 2016 Heartland 18' Carhauler trailer is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific trailer is included.
What's the safety risk?
Without visible clearance lights, the trailer is harder for other drivers to see, which increases crash risk. If your VIN is included, use extra caution and schedule the lamp installation soon. Repair is free at any franchised Heartland dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2016 Heartland 18' Carhauler is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Heartland dealer to schedule the free P2-rated clearance-lamp installation that makes the trailer lights visible from the rear.
- Bring the recall notice if Heartland mailed one. If not, reference recall number 16V423 when you call.
- Use extra caution when towing until the lamp repair is complete, especially in low light or traffic.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Heartland technician installs P2 rated beehive style clearance lamps on the front and rear sides of the trailer so the trailer has the required side marker visibility. The recall repair is free, and parts and labor are covered. The recall began on July 22, 2016, so affected owners can schedule the lamp installation through a Heartland dealer or Heartland customer service.
Timeline
| June 10, 2016 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| July 11, 2016 | Dealer notification began |
| July 22, 2016 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 16V423?
Recall 16V423 covers 70 2016 Heartland 18' Carhauler dovetail trailers with clearance lights that are not visible from the rear. That lighting issue fails FMVSS 108 and increases crash risk. Heartland dealers will install P2-rated beehive-style clearance lamps for free.
What should I do if my 2016 Heartland 18' Carhauler is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific trailer is included in recall 16V423. If it is, contact a franchised Heartland dealer to schedule the clearance-lamp installation. Reference recall number 16V423 when you call. The dealer repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Heartland dealers will install the P2-rated beehive-style clearance lamps free of charge. Heartland customer service is available at 1-573-471-6826.
Is it safe to use my trailer before the lights are fixed?
The safety concern is rear visibility. Without visible clearance lights, other drivers have less notice of the trailer's width, which increases crash risk. If your VIN is included, arrange the free lamp installation with a franchised Heartland dealer before using the trailer at night or in low visibility.
When did the Heartland 18' Carhauler recall repair begin?
The repair began on July 22, 2016. Heartland dealers install P2-rated beehive-style clearance lamps on the front and rear sides of the trailer free of charge. If you never received a notice, check your VIN and call a Heartland dealer with recall number 16V423.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/16V423000 |
|---|---|
| Heartland customer service | 1-573-471-6826 |
| NHTSA recall # | 16V423 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 16V423000 |
Source documents
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 →