Recall 16V819 covers 2,045 2015-2016 Heartland Road Warrior, Cyclone, and Torque trailers for separating ladder hinges. Free repair at any franchised Heartland dealer.
Heartland is recalling 2,045 2015-2016 Road Warrior, Cyclone, and Torque trailers because the retractable hinges on the aluminum black ladder can separate at a welded "top hat" connection. If the ladder is in use when a hinge separates, it can fall from the trailer and injure someone; Heartland dealers will complete the free repair.
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What's wrong?
The black aluminum ladder on affected 2015-2016 Heartland Road Warrior, Cyclone, and Torque trailers is mounted with retractable hinges. Those hinges let the ladder fold or move while still holding the ladder to the trailer body. Each hinge uses a welded top hat mounting bracket to keep the hinge fixed where it belongs.
On these trailers, that mounting bracket was not welded to the hinge properly. The bracket can separate from the hinge, which leaves the hinge without the support it needs to hold the ladder in position. The recall repair adds a hinge brace that secures the hinge and mounting bracket together.
The warning sign is the mounting bracket separating from the hinge. If you see the ladder hinge pulling away, moving abnormally, or no longer sitting flush against its bracket, treat it as the sign described in the recall and avoid using the ladder until it is inspected.
Who's affected?
Includes Road Warrior and Cyclone trailers from both model years, plus 2016 Torque trailers, all tied to the same equipment issue.
| 2016 Heartland Road Warrior | Equipment |
|---|---|
| 2016 Heartland Cyclone | Equipment |
| 2015 Heartland Road Warrior | Equipment |
| 2016 Heartland Torque | Equipment |
| 2015 Heartland Cyclone | Equipment |
| Units affected | 2,045 |
| 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 a ladder hinge separates while someone is using the ladder, the ladder can fall from the vehicle and increase injury risk. Watch for the mounting bracket pulling away from the hinge, and avoid using the ladder until the dealer repair is complete. Repair is free at any franchised Heartland dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2015-2016 Heartland Road Warrior, Cyclone, or Torque trailer is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Heartland dealer to schedule the free ladder hinge-brace installation that reinforces the retractable hinges.
- Keep people off the rear ladder until the hinge braces are installed, because the welded hinge caps can separate and let the ladder fall.
- Bring the recall notice if Heartland mailed one, or reference recall number 16V819 and Heartland recall 99-01-28 when you call.
- Call Heartland customer service at 1-877-262-8032 with questions about scheduling or dealer handling.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Heartland technician installs hinge braces over the back of the existing retractable ladder hinges. The brace reinforces the hinge area where the welded top hat can separate. Parts and labor are covered under the recall. Heartland has a general reimbursement plan on file for owners who already paid for the same hinge-brace repair. Keep repair invoices and payment proof, then contact Heartland customer service to ask how to submit documentation.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| November 14, 2016 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| November 18, 2016 | Dealer notification began |
| November 18, 2016 | Dealer notification ended |
| November 28, 2016 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| December 2, 2016 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 16V819?
Recall 16V819 covers 2,045 2015-2016 Heartland Road Warrior, Cyclone, and Torque trailers with aluminum black ladders whose welded hinge pieces can separate. If the hinge separates while someone is using the ladder, the ladder can fall from the trailer and increase injury risk.
What should I do if my 2015-2016 Heartland Road Warrior, Cyclone, or Torque is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific trailer is included in recall 16V819. If it is, contact a Heartland dealer and ask for the ladder hinge brace repair. Reference Heartland recall number 99-01-28 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Heartland dealers install hinge braces over the back of the existing ladder hinges free of charge.
Is it safe to use the trailer ladder before the recall repair?
Do not use the affected ladder until the repair is complete. The recalled hinges have welded pieces that can separate while the ladder is in use, which allows the ladder to fall from the trailer and increases injury risk.
When did Heartland start this recall repair?
Heartland began the recall repair on December 2, 2016. Owners with included trailers can contact a Heartland dealer for the free hinge brace installation, or call Heartland customer service at 1-877-262-8032 with recall number 99-01-28.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/16V819000 |
|---|---|
| Heartland customer service | 1-877-262-8032 |
| NHTSA recall # | 16V819 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 16V819000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (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 →