Recall 17V689 affects 1,085 2018 Heartland Trail Runner and Prowler trailers for severed electric brake wires. Free repair at any franchised Heartland dealer.
Heartland is recalling 1,085 2018 Trail Runner and Prowler recreational trailers because electric brake wires can get caught in the spring hangers during axle movement and be severed. A severed brake wire reduces braking capability and raises crash risk; Heartland dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The electric brake wiring on 2018 Heartland Trail Runner and Prowler recreational trailers carries the signal that activates the trailer brakes when the tow vehicle brakes. Those wires need a clear route near the axle so the suspension can move without pulling, pinching, or cutting them.
On affected trailers, the brake activation wiring was installed too close to the center spring hanger, the bracket area where the suspension spring mounts to the trailer frame. As the axle moves during towing, the wiring can get caught in the spring hanger travel area. If the wire is cut, the trailer brake signal is interrupted and the trailer loses braking force from that circuit.
The driver can notice reduced braking from the trailer. That is the warning sign that the trailer brakes are not responding as expected.
Who's affected?
Covers the Trail Runner and Prowler travel trailer lines, both tied to the brake system.
| 2018 Heartland Trail Runner | brake system |
|---|---|
| 2018 Heartland Prowler | brake system |
| Units affected | 1,085 |
| 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?
A severed brake wire reduces braking from the trailer, which lowers braking capability and increases the risk of a crash. If you notice weaker trailer braking, slow down, avoid towing until a dealer inspects it, and schedule the recall repair soon. Repair is free at any franchised Heartland dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2018 Heartland Trail Runner or Prowler is included in this recall.
- Contact your nearest franchised Heartland dealer to schedule the free brake-wire clamping repair that keeps the electric brake wires away from the spring hanger and shackle.
- Bring the recall notice if Heartland has mailed one. If not, reference recall number 17V689 when you call.
- Tow cautiously until the repair is complete. Leave extra stopping distance because a severed brake wire reduces braking capability.
- Call Heartland customer service at 1-877-262-8032 with questions about the repair.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Heartland technician moves the electric brake wires away from the spring hanger and shackle area, then clamps them in place so axle movement does not pull them into that hardware. The recall repair is available, and the clamping work is free under the recall. Parts and labor are covered. Ask the service desk to confirm the wiring is secured on the affected axle area before the trailer is returned to you.
Timeline
| November 1, 2017 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| November 13, 2017 | Dealer notification began |
| November 13, 2017 | Dealer notification ended |
| November 14, 2017 | Owner notification mailed |
| December 18, 2017 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 17V689?
Recall 17V689 covers 1,085 2018 Heartland Trail Runner and Prowler recreational trailers with electric brake wires that can get caught in the spring hangers during axle movement and become severed. Heartland dealers will clamp the wires away from the spring hanger and shackle for free.
What should I do if my 2018 Heartland Trail Runner or Prowler is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific trailer is included in recall 17V689. If it is, contact a franchised Heartland dealer to schedule the brake-wire clamp repair. Reference recall number 17V689 and Heartland recall number 99.01.36 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to fix the defect at no cost, and Heartland's remedy says dealers will clamp the brake wires away from the spring hanger and shackle free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is reduced braking capability. If an electric brake wire is severed, the trailer loses part of its braking support, increasing crash risk. The repair moves and clamps the wires out of the spring hanger and shackle area.
What if I bought my Heartland trailer used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recalls follow the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your 2018 Heartland Trail Runner or Prowler is included, then call a franchised Heartland dealer with recall number 17V689.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/17V689000 |
|---|---|
| Heartland customer service | 1-877-262-8032 |
| NHTSA recall # | 17V689 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 17V689000 |
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 →