Have the hot springs no fault 5000 trumpet 220 heater. It works, but I've seen bad reviews even a recall on a later straight pipe one. Shall I replace it out of hand because its a wire fryer or energy hog, or if it aint broke dont fix it?

There was no recall on the No-fault 5000. (There is no No-Fault 5000, maybe you're thinking No-Fault 5500?) No recall on the 6000 either, but there was a service bulletin (free) to install a fiberglass kit on the ends of the 6000.

The 5500 and 6000 are different heaters. Don't replace it for this reason. Even on the 6000, call Hot Springs, they'll send you the free kit. The kit can't install on the 5500, different design, not mention there was never this issue on the 5500.

The heaters are expensive, and this bulletin was released about ten years ago. If it fails, replace it. If it doesn't, don't.