2016 Keystone Carbon problems: recalls, complaints and what to check
NHTSA has 2 recalls and 5 owner complaints on file for the 2016 Keystone Carbon. 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: 2 recalls
Recall 16V825000 (15/11/2016): EQUIPMENT
Keystone RV Company (Keystone) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Keystone Carbon, Fuzion, Impact, Raptor, and Dutchmen Voltage toy hauler fifth wheels equipped with aluminum black ladders manufactured by Christianson Industries. The affected ladders have retractable hinges, each with a welded 'top hat' that can separate from the hinge.
Fix: Keystone will notify owners, and dealers will install a hinge brace over the back of the existing hinges, free of charge. The recall began on November 29, 2016. Owners may contact Keystone customer service at 1-866-425-4369. Keystone's number for this recall is 16-267.
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: 3 complaints
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
Doors, windows, steps and lights: 2 complaints
What a tech checks: Mostly adjustments and wear: steps that stop halfway on a bad switch, doors out of alignment after a slide shifted, exterior lights with a corroded ground. Before you buy: Every door, lock, window and light.
What owners reported to NHTSA
11/07/2017, STRUCTURE: BRACE, ARTICULATING STEPS - FRACTURE. THE ARTICULATING STEPS TO THE MAIN CABIN ARE UNSUPPORTED DUE TO A FRACTURE IN THE REARMOST WELD OF THE BRACE IN WHICH THE STEP ASSEMBLY RESTS ON IN THE FULLY ARTICULATED/OPEN STATE. ENTRY AND EGRESS BY AN OCCUPANT IS CHARACTERIZED BY A SUDDEN DROP DURING ENTRY/EXIT. LOADING THE BRACE CAUSES THE BRACE TO DISENGAGE FROM ITS MATING SURFACE DUE TO THE BROKEN WELD; THE STEP ASSEMBLY
04/04/2017, SEATS: CARBON 387: REAR ELECTRIC BED WITH INTEGRATED COUCH HAS MANUALLY ARTICULATING AND LOCKING SUPPORT LEGS ATTACHED. SUPPORT LEG LOCKS LOOSEN AND DO NOT STAY ENGAGED AFTER USE. UNEXPECTED FAILURE TO STAY IN THE STOWED POSITION CREATES A HIGH RISK FOR INJURY DURING LOADING AND UNLOADING OF THE GARAGE AREA.
04/04/2017, STRUCTURE: CARBON 387: ARTICULATING ROOF ACCESS LADDER FASTENERS (MULTIPLE) LOOSEN AND BACK OUT OF THE SIDE WALL DURING ROAD MOTION/ USE. LADDER BRACKETS BEGIN TO SEPARATE FROM SIDE WALL CREATING AN UNSAFE CLIMBING CONDITION.
04/04/2017, STRUCTURE: ALUMINUM FRAMEWORK CONSTRUCTING THE MAIN LIVING AREA SLIDE-OUT PROTRUDES INTO THE TIRE AREA AND CONTACTS THE REAR TIRE DURING JOUNCE CONDITIONS. [PICTURE SHOWN IS FRAMEWORK PULLED AWAY FROM BODY SIDE - AS SHOWN BY MOLDING MISMATCH]
04/04/2017, SEATS: CARBON 387: REAR ELECTRIC BED WITH INTEGRATED COUCH WAS REPLACED DUE TO DEFECTS IN OUTER SEATING MATERIAL. SAFETY RELEASE LATCHES (1 EACH SIDE OF BACK REST) THAT WERE PRESENT IN THE ORIGINAL DESIGN TO PREVENT UNINTENDED PINCH AND/OR INJURY FROM COUCH SEAT BACK ARTICULATION ARE COMMUNICATED BY DEALER TO BE DISCONTINUED BY THE MANUFACTURER. ARTICULATING SEAT BACK MOVES FROM A HORIZONTAL TO A VERTICAL POSITION ON LINKAG
Looking at a 2016 Keystone Carbon?
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.