Recall 17V564 covers 134 2018 Heartland Sundance XLT Tt recreational trailers with backwards-installed axles. Repair is free at any franchised Heartland dealer.
Heartland is recalling 134 2018 Sundance XLT Tt recreational trailers because the axles were installed backwards. The reversed axle installation affects brake function and can increase crash risk, so Heartland dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
Does this recall apply to your specific vehicle?
The official, free per-VIN recall check is run by NHTSA. Enter your VIN and we'll forward you directly — and add you to a free watchlist so you hear about new recalls for your vehicle.
Check my VIN at NHTSARecallNotify doesn't check your VIN — NHTSA's official tool does. We use your email only to alert you to new recalls.
Watch this vehicle for recalls
Add it to your free watchlist and we will alert you as new federal recalls are posted for your year, make and model. New-recall alerts are rolling out now.
You are on the watchlist.
We will email you as new federal recalls are posted for your vehicle.
What's wrong?
The rear axle on a 2018 Heartland Sundance XLT Tt recreational trailer carries the wheel hubs and positions the brake hardware at each wheel. It also keeps the brake assembly facing the correct direction for normal forward travel. When the axle is oriented correctly, the trailer brakes apply in a predictable way when the tow vehicle sends braking force to the trailer.
On affected trailers, the axles were installed backwards. That puts the axle and brake assembly in the wrong orientation for how the trailer moves down the road. The result is reduced braking ability, or a temporary brake lockup, because the brakes are working from the wrong installed position instead of the forward position intended by Heartland and the axle supplier.
The warning sign to watch for is brake squeal or chatter. If you hear either sound while braking, treat it as a sign that the trailer brakes need dealer inspection before further use.
Who's affected?
| 2018 Heartland Sundance XLT Tt | rear suspension |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 134 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
Not every 2018 Heartland Sundance XLT Tt trailer is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific trailer is included.
What's the safety risk?
Improper brake function can increase the risk of a crash. Brake squeal or chatter is a warning sign, so slow down, avoid towing if braking feels abnormal, and arrange service soon. Repair is free at any franchised Heartland dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2018 Heartland Sundance XLT Tt is included in this recall.
- Contact your nearest franchised Heartland dealer to schedule the free axle-installation correction that fixes the backward-installed axles and improper brake function.
- Bring the recall notice if Heartland mailed one. If not, reference recall number 17V564 and Heartland recall 99.01.35 when you call.
- Tow cautiously until the repair is complete. Leave extra stopping distance and stop using the trailer if braking feels abnormal.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Heartland technician corrects the axle installation so the trailer axles are oriented as intended and the brake hardware can work properly. The recall repair, including parts and labor, is free. If you already paid a shop to correct this axle installation before the recall repair, Heartland says it will reimburse labor or parts costs incurred. Bring repair invoices, parts receipts, and payment records to the service desk, or contact Heartland customer service before your appointment so the reimbursement claim starts with the right paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| September 13, 2017 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| September 18, 2017 | Dealer notification began |
| September 18, 2017 | Dealer notification ended |
| September 20, 2017 | Owner notification mailed |
| October 12, 2017 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 17V564?
Recall 17V564 covers 134 2018 Heartland Sundance XLT Tt recreational trailers with axles installed backward. The defect can reduce braking ability or cause the brakes to lock up briefly, and improper brake function can increase crash risk. Heartland dealers will correct the axle installation for free.
What should I do if my 2018 Heartland Sundance XLT Tt is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific trailer is included in recall 17V564. If it is, contact a franchised Heartland dealer to schedule the axle installation correction. Reference Heartland recall number 99.01.35 when you call. The repair 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 dealers will correct the axle installation free of charge. Parts and labor are covered at a franchised Heartland dealer.
Is it safe to tow my Heartland Sundance XLT Tt before the repair?
Confirm your VIN before towing the trailer again. This recall involves improper brake function, which can increase crash risk. If your VIN is included, ask a Heartland dealer what they recommend before moving the trailer and how to arrange the free axle correction.
What if I bought this trailer used?
The free recall repair still applies. Federal recall law follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your 2018 Heartland Sundance XLT Tt is included, then call a franchised Heartland dealer and reference recall 17V564.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/17V564000 |
|---|---|
| Heartland customer service | 1-574-206-7920 |
| NHTSA recall # | 17V564 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 17V564000 |
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)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 25, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →