2009 Keystone Challenger problems: recalls, complaints and what to check
NHTSA has 4 recalls and 2 owner complaints on file for the 2009 Keystone Challenger. Here is what they are, what a technician checks for each kind of fault, and how to look one over before you buy it.
12 volt and 120 volt electrical: 3 recalls
Recall 15V561000 (04/09/2015): ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Keystone RV Company (Keystone) is recalling certain model year 2008-2009 Big Sky, Challenger, Everest, Fuzion, Montana, and Raptor travel trailers and fifth wheels equipped with an IOTA ITS-50R transfer switch. These transfer switches, used in vehicles wired to be powered by a generator, may fail when exposed to elevated electrical loads and used in higher ambient temperatures.
Fix: Keystone will notify owners, and dealers will replace the IOTA ITS-50R transfer switch with a different brand transfer switch, free of charge. The recall began on October 8, 2015. Owners may contact Keystone customer service by calling 1-866-425-4369. Keystone's number for this recall is 15-234.
Recall 11V577000 (08/12/2011): ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
KEYSTONE HAS REVISED THEIR REMEDY PROCESS AND IS AGAIN RECALLING CERTAIN 2009-2011 VEHICLES WITH THE GENERATOR READY OPTION, OR WITH STANDARD GENERATOR. SEE THE LIST ABOVE FOR THE AFFECTED MODELS. SOME IOTA ITS-50R TRANSFER SWITCHES ARE EXPERIENCING FAILURES WHEN EXPOSED TO HIGH ELECTRICAL LOADS. THE FAILURE IS CAUSING CONNECTIONS AND WIRING IN THE TRANSFER SWITCH TO DEGRADE AND OVER HEAT.
Fix: KEYSTONE WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TRANSFER SWITCH, FREE OF CHARGE. THE REMEDY FOR THE PREVIOUS RECALL (10V-594) WAS TO INSPECT AND TIGHTEN THE SWITCH CONNECTIONS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 24, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KEYSTONE CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-866-425-4369.
Recall 10V594000 (23/11/2010): ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
KEYSTONE IS RECALLING CERTAIN FIFTH WHEEL TRAILERS WITH A GENERATOR READY OPTION. IF THE TRANSFER SWITCH IS NOT INSTALLED TO THE PROPER SPECIFICATIONS, THE ELEVATED ELECTRICAL LOADS ASSOCIATED WITH THE RECREATIONAL VEHICLE USE IN HIGHER AMBIENT TEMPERATURES MAY CAUSE OVERHEATING OF THE LUGS AND DEGRADING OF THE ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE TRANSFER SWITCH IF NECESSARY FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY WAS SUPERCEDED BY CAMPAIGN 11V-577. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KEYSTONE CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-866-425-4369.
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
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.
Motorhome chassis: 1 complaint
What a tech checks: The chassis (Ford, Freightliner, Mercedes, Ram) is serviced by the chassis maker's dealer, not the RV shop. RV techs handle the house, not the drivetrain. Before you buy: Chassis recalls are fixed free at the chassis maker's dealer.
Tires: 1 complaint
What a tech checks: Age, load range and pressure. RV tires age out before they wear out, and an underrated tire on a heavy trailer is a blowout waiting to happen. Before you buy: Read the DOT date and the load range on the sidewall.
Chassis, towing and tires lessons · Trailer guide
What owners reported to NHTSA
06/04/2012, ENGINE: CAR LOST POWER WHEN CHANGE FROM THE RIGHT TO LEFT LANE. THERE WERE NO WARNING , THE CAR JUST LOST POWER . THIS HAPPEN WHEN THE LIGHT WAS TURNING RED. IT TOOK ME 2 ATTEMPTS TO GET THE CAR TO STARTED.
05/27/2011, TIRES: I HAVE A 2009 KEYSTONE CHALLENGER 5TH WHEEL THAT CAME WITH GOODYEAR MARATHON ST235/80/16 TIRES. TRAVELING ALONG THE OKLAHOMA TURNPIKE THE RIGHT FRONT TIRES EXPLODED WITHOUT WARNING. THE TIRE PRESSURE HAD BEEN CHECKED THAT MORNING AND THE TIRES HAD BEEN VISUALLY INSPECTED WITHIN 30 MINUTES OF THE FAILURE. GOODYEAR STATES THERE IS NO PROBLEM WITH THEIR TIRES AND REFUSED REPLACEMENT. HOWEVER, YOU HAVE 79 SIMILAR COM
Looking at a 2009 Keystone Challenger?
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.