2016 Keystone Cougar problems: recalls, complaints and what to check
NHTSA has 2 recalls and 5 owner complaints on file for the 2016 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.
Axles, brakes, suspension and hitch: 1 recall, 4 complaints
Recall 15V207000 (07/04/2015): SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY
Keystone RV Company (Keystone) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Keystone Sprinter, Springdale, Bullet, Cougar, Hideout, and Passport trailers and 2015-2016 Dutchmen Aspen, Coleman, Denali, Razorback, Rubicon, and Voltage trailers. For a full list of the specific models and floor plans affected, see RCLRPT-15V207-4161.PDF under Associated Documents. In the affected trailers, the studs that are used to attach the wheels to the axle hubs may break.
Fix: Keystone will notify owners, and dealers will replace the wheel hubs, free of charge. The recall began on June 29, 2015. Owners may contact Keystone customer service at 1-866-425-4369. Keystone's number for this recall is 15-230.
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
Other: 1 recall, 3 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.
LP gas and gas appliances: 1 complaint
What a tech checks: Regulator, lines and fittings, then the appliances: furnace, water heater, range. A proper pressure-drop leak test is the first thing a tech does on an LP complaint. Before you buy: Smell for gas with the tank open; have a shop do the leak test.
LP and furnace lessons · Furnace guide · Furnace 3D lab · Water heater 3D lab
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
10/31/2016, SUSPENSION: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 KEYSTONE COUGAR RECREATIONAL VEHICLE. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, ALL FOUR TIRES STRUCK AGAINST THE FLOOR OF THE RV. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE VEHICLE NEEDED HEAVIER SPRINGS AND AXLES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS INVALID. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 650. UPDATED 01/06/17*LJ UPDATED 6/2
09/14/2016, SUSPENSION,WHEELS: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 KEYSTONE COUGAR. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 63 MPH, THE REAR DRIVER SIDE WHEEL FRACTURED WITHOUT WARNING. DUE TO THE FAILURE, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE FLATTENED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND HAD TO BE DRIVEN LESS THAN 20 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE REPAIR SHOP FOR INSPECTION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VIN AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE UNKNOWN.
08/11/2015, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES: I PURCHASED A NEW TRAVEL TRAILER MANUFACTURED BY KEYSTONE IN MAY OF 2015. I TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALER AFTER MY FIRST TRIP WHEN I REALIZED THE BRAKES BARELY FUNCTIONED. AFTER 4 MONTHS OF TRYING TO GET THE MANUFACTURE TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE BRAKES DID NOT WORK FROM THE FACTORY KEYSTONE STATED THAT THEY FELT THE BRAKES FUNCTIONED PROPERLY. THE DEALER, RCD SALES AGREED WITH ME THAT THE BRAKES DID NOT WORK AND THEY HAD A SEC
06/26/2017, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE: 2016 KEYSTONE COUGAR RV. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO THREADED ROD THAT CLAMPS DOWN THE PROPANE TANKS BECAME UNSCREWED FROM TRAILER TONGUE WITH GAS REGULATOR STILL ATTACHED. *SMD UPDATED 06/26/2017*JS UPDATED 08/09/17*LJ *CN
03/20/2024, EQUIPMENT,UNKNOWN OR OTHER: The domestic refrigerator on this 2016 KEYSTONE RV caught on fire while traveling.
Looking at a 2016 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.