2008 Keystone Cougar problems: recalls, complaints and what to check
NHTSA has 3 recalls and 9 owner complaints on file for the 2008 Keystone Cougar, including 1 fire. 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, 5 complaints
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.
Recall 11V561000 (22/11/2011): EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
KEYSTONE IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2007-2009 COUGAR FIFTH WHEEL TRAILERS MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 12, 2006, THROUGH FEBRUARY 12, 2009, FOR INCORRECT INFORMATION ON THE FEDERAL IDENTIFICATION TAG AND TIRE AND LOADING INFORMATION LABEL. THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF PART 567, "CERTIFICATION." THE SUBJECT VEHICLES WERE MANUFACTURED WITH A LABEL THAT LISTS THE MAXIMUM TIRE PRESSURE OF 80PSI INSTEAD OF THE CORRECT MAXIMUM PRESSURE OF 65PSI.
Fix: KEYSTONE WILL MAIL TO CONSUMERS THE CORRECTED LABEL OR THE CUSTOMER WILL HAVE THE OPTION FOR DEALERS TO INSTALL THE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 19, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KEYSTONE CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-866-425-4369.
Tires: 1 recall, 5 complaints
Recall 10V063000 (25/02/2010): TIRES:TEMPORARY/EMERGENCY SPARE TIRE
KEYSTONE IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008-2010 COUGAR AND LAREDO TRAILERS AND FIFTH WHEEL VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES HAVE EXPERIENCED A LIMITED NUMBER OF FAILURES WITH ITS SPARE TIRE CARRIERS IN PARTICULAR, THE SPARE TIRE CARRIERS, WHEN COMBINED WITH A 16" SPARE TIRE AND WHEN INSTALLED ON THE BUMPER OF A SLIDE OUT BIKE/STORAGE RACK, MAY BREAK OR CRACK AFTER TIME CAUSING THE SPARE TIRE TO FALL OFF.
Fix: THE REMEDY IS TO REPLACE THE SPARE TIRE CARRIER WITH A NEW SPARE TIRE CARRIER FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ONMARCH 8, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KEYSTONE AT 1-866-425-4369.
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
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
Axles, brakes, suspension and hitch: 3 complaints
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
Doors, windows, steps and lights: 1 complaint
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
12/14/2010, TRAILER HITCHES: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KEYSTONE COUGAR FIFTH WHEEL RV TRAILER. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING A 2007 DODGE RAM 2500 AT 60 MPH WHILE TOWING THE TRAILER. THE CONTACT WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH AND BOTH THE VEHICLE AND THE TRAILER ROLLED OVER INTO A DITCH. BOTH VEHICLES WERE DESTROYED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DESIGN OF THE HITCH PIN BOX ALLOWED THE TRAILER TO BE DISCONNECTED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS UNAWARE IF T
09/26/2011, TIRES: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KEYSTONE COUGAR RV EQUIPPED WITH DURO TIRES, SIZE 225/75/D15. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WHEN HE NOTICED THAT ALL OF THE TIRES WERE DRY ROTTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO HAVE THE FAILURE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WAS NOTIFIED, BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,000.
08/31/2011, TIRES: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KEYSTONE COUGAR WITH DURO H7A-15ST TIRES, SIZE 225/75R15(N/A). THE CONTACT STATED FOUND FRACTURES IN THE SIDE WALL OF ALL FOUR TIRES AND CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER. THE MANUFACTURER REPLACED THE TIRES BUT THE CONTACT NOTICED FRACTURES ON THE REPLACEMENT TIRES AS WELL. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THAT THE REPLACEMENT TIRES WERE NOT UNDER WARRANTY SO THERE WAS NOTHING THEY CAN DO TO ASSIST. T
08/19/2008, SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC,EQUIPMENT: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KEYSTONE COUGAR. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE BRAKES FAILED. THE CONTACT EXAMINED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THE BRAKE WIRE WAS PINCHED BY THE DUMP VALVE SHAFTS. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE BRAKE WIRES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND SECURED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000.UPDATE 09/10/08 *CW THE CONSUMER STATED THE WIRES WERE LAYING LOOSE AND NOT SECURED IN THE AREA OF THE DUMP V
07/20/2009, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,STRUCTURE,TIRES: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KEYSTONE COUGAR FIFTH WHEEL. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE TWO PASSENGER SIDE TIRES BLEW OUT. THE CONTACT BELIEVES THAT THE WEIGHT OF THE FIFTH WHEEL CAUSED THE TIRES TO FAIL. HE STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER PUT CHEAP WHEELS ON THE VEHICLE IN ORDER TO SAVE MONEY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT APPLICABLE. UPDATED 08/31/09 *BF THE BRAKES ON THE RV WERE EXTREMELY LOUD EVERYTIME THEY WERE APPL
06/11/2012, STRUCTURE,TIRES: SPARE TIRE HOLDER ON EXTENDABLE BUMPER OF MY 5TH WHEEL TRAILER FAILED AT WELDS WITH A ST 235 80R 16 TIRE ON IT. CAUGHT IT AS I WAS ROTATING TIRES AND REMOVED TIRE FROM HOLDER. I REPAIRED IT BY WELDING A BRACE ON IT BUT IT FAILED AGAIN AT ANOTHER WELD. I REMOVED IT AND SCRAPPED IT, AND CARRY A SPARE IN BACK OF THE TRUCK. 6-10-12 I READ THE RECALL ON THE GOOD SAM WEBSITE AND REALIZED I HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. *TR U
Looking at a 2008 Keystone Cougar?
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.