2018 Keystone Alpine problems: recalls, complaints and what to check
NHTSA has 1 recall and 3 owner complaints on file for the 2018 Keystone Alpine. Here is what they are, what a technician checks for each kind of fault, and how to look one over before you buy it.
Other: 1 recall
Recall 17V755000 (22/11/2017): EQUIPMENT
Keystone RV Company (Keystone) is recalling various 2003-2018 Crossroads, Dutchmen, and Keystone recreational trailers equipped with Kidde Plastic-Handle or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers. A list of the affected trailer models is available at: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17V755-5127.pdf. These extinguishers may become clogged, preventing the extinguisher from discharging as expected or excessive force may be needed to activate the extinguisher. Additionally, in certain models, the nozzle may detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury and also render the product inoperable. For a full list of the affected fire extinguisher models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17E062-5427.pdf
Fix: Keystone will notify owners and instruct them to contact Kidde for a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began on January 15, 2018. Owners may contact Keystone customer service at 1-574-535-2100, or Kidde customer service toll-free at 1-855-262-3540, or online at www.kidde.com and click on "Product Safety Recall" for more information. Keystone's number for this recall is 17-307.
Structure, roof and leaks: 1 complaint
What a tech checks: Roof sealant, seams, window and slide seals, and the frame. Water intrusion shows up as delamination, soft floors and stained ceilings months after the leak started. Before you buy: Press the sidewalls and walk the floor; look at every seam and seal.
Roof, leaks and body lessons · Seals and leaks guide
Axles, brakes, suspension and hitch: 1 complaint
What a tech checks: Bearings, brake magnets, worn shackle bolts and bent axles. A trailer that wears tires on the inside edge or pulls to one side usually has an axle or suspension problem. Before you buy: Bolts tight, springs not flat, brakes apply with the breakaway pin pulled.
Chassis and towing lessons · Trailer guide
12 volt and 120 volt electrical: 1 complaint
What a tech checks: Voltage drop, grounds, the converter and the transfer switch. Melted shore-cord plugs and bad grounds cause most of the electrical complaints techs actually see. Before you buy: Battery at rest, converter output on shore power, GFCI test, every outlet.
12 V electrical lessons · 120 V and generator lessons · Wiring diagrams
What owners reported to NHTSA
11/21/2023, STRUCTURE: RV shows early sign of possible frame flex by developing a bulge on the front drivers side slideout area. Keystone was notified and denied warranty participation because unit was outside of the warranty period. Frame flex is a known safety issue on multiple RVs and keystone is aware of this. Keystone has repaired other units due to the safety concern of a crack in the frame jeopardizing the integrity of the RV whi
09/24/2018, SUSPENSION: SHAKLE BOLTS HOLDING THE SPRINGS AND AXELS TO THE FRAME ARE LOOSE AND OR STRIPPED CAUSING THE NUT TO FALL OFF THE SHAKLE BOLT AND THE BOLT EVENTUALLY WORKING ITS WAY OUT OF THE MOUNTING ALLOWING THE AXEL TO SHIFT UNDER THE TRAILER POSSIBLY CAUSING AN CATASTOPHIC ACCIDENT. I WAS INFORMED TO CHECK THE BOLTS FROM AN OWNER OF THE SAME YEAR AND MAKE CAMPER. FORTUNATELY, I FOUND ONE STRIPPED READY TO FALL OFF, AND 4 LOO
05/18/2018, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: THE POWER WIRE TO THE EMERGENCY BREAKAWAY SWITCH OF A 2018 KEYSTONE ALPINE 3400RS 5TH WHEEL TRAILER WAS WIRED DIRECTLY TO BATTERY POWER WITHOUT A FUSE OR CIRCUIT BREAKER TO PROTECT IT. DUE TO ANOTHER MANUFACTURING PROBLEM, THAT POWER WIRE WAS PINCHED BETWEEN THE PIN BOX (5TH WHEEL HITCH) AND THE FIBERGLASS FRONT CAP OF THE TRAILER. THE INSULATION ON THE WIRE CHAFED DURING TRAVEL DUE TO FLEXING AND EVENTUALLY SHORTED
Looking at a 2018 Keystone Alpine?
The Buyer's Check walks you through it on your phone: what to ask, the outside walk-around, water damage, every system on every power source, with the recalls above built in. You get a report that says what's a walk-away and what to negotiate on.
Checked against NHTSA 2026-10-23. Recall repairs are free at an authorized dealer. Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA and are not verified.