2017 Keystone Cougar problems: recalls, complaints and what to check
NHTSA has 7 recalls and 3 owner complaints on file for the 2017 Keystone Cougar. 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: 5 recalls
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 16V822000 (14/11/2016): EQUIPMENT
Keystone RV Company (Keystone) is recalling certain model year 2017 Cougar fifth wheel trailers, models 246RLSWE, 268RLSWE, 279RKSWE, 281RDIWE, 283RETWE and 284RDBWE, manufactured August 2, 2016, to October 28, 2016. During installation, the propane gas cross tube manifold that connects the propane cylinders may have contacted the fasteners for the floor decking.
Fix: Keystone has notified owners, and dealers will replace the manifold, free of charge. The recall began on November 15, 2016. Owners may contact Keystone customer service at 1-866-425-4369. Keystone's number for this recall is 16-269.
Recall 16V609000 (22/08/2016): EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
Keystone RV Company (Keystone) is recalling certain model year 2017 Cougar recreational trailers, models CG28SGS17, CG28RDB17, CG28RKS17, CG29RES17, CG29RLI17 and CG28DBI17, manufactured July 15, 2016, to August 3, 2016. The affected trailers have a Federal Identification Tag and Tire and Loading Information Label with incorrect information. Additionally, tires with the wrong load range may have been installed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of 49 CFR Part 567, "Certification."
Fix: Keystone has notified owners, and dealers will replace the tires and/or Federal Identification Tag if it is incorrect, free of charge. The recall began on September 9, 2016. Owners may contact Keystone customer service at 1-866-425-4369. Keystone's number for this recall is 16-262.
Recall 17V147000 (07/03/2017): EQUIPMENT:RECREATIONAL VEHICLE/TRAILER
Keystone RV Company (Keystone) is recalling certain 2017 Cougar and Laredo recreational trailers. The affected vehicles may have been incorrectly equipped with two carbon monoxide detectors instead of one smoke detector and one carbon monoxide detector.
Fix: Keystone will notify owners and dealers will inspect the trailers and install a smoke detector, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began on March 14, 2017. Owners may contact Keystone customer service at 1-866-425-4369. Keystone's number for the recall is 17-279.
Recall 17V673000 (25/10/2017): EQUIPMENT:RECREATIONAL VEHICLE/TRAILER
Keystone RV Company (Keystone) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Keystone Cougar western edition recreational trailers. The stabilizer jacks may not have been properly welded to the chassis frame, possibly resulting in the jacks detaching from the trailer during transit.
Fix: Keystone will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the mounting of the four stabilizer jacks and install appropriate fasteners, free of charge. The recall began on December 5, 2017. Owners may contact Keystone customer service at 1-866-425-4369. Keystone's number for this recall is 17-306.
Structure, roof and leaks: 1 recall, 2 complaints
Recall 21V380000 (24/05/2021): STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
Keystone RV Company (Keystone) is recalling certain 2017-2021 Keystone Cougar 368MBI trailers. The frame rails do not have enough cross support, which could cause them to buckle under certain side-load stress conditions.
Fix: Dealers will add cross braces between each spring hanger and an outrigger between the tires on the off-door side of the vehicle, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 15, 2021. Owners may contact Keystone customer service at 1-866-425-4369. Keystone's number for this recall is 21-411.
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
12 volt and 120 volt electrical: 1 recall, 1 complaint
Recall 17V206000 (27/03/2017): ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS
Keystone RV Company (Keystone) is recalling certain 2017 Cougar recreational trailers, models 326RDS, 327RKL, 333MKS, 336BHS and 359MBI. These vehicles were built with a manual-resetting 12 volt circuit breaker, which cannot be used in close proximity to the liquid propane storage.
Fix: Keystone will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the trailers and replace the breaker with one that automatically resets, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on March 29, 2017. Owners may contact Keystone customer service at 1-866-425-4369. Keystone's number for this recall is 17-282.
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
12/28/2017, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: BATTERIES ARE NOT STORED PROPERLY NO BATTERY BOXES OR IMPROPER STRAP DOWNS
09/18/2025, STRUCTURE: The contact owns a 2017 Keystone Cougar Trailer. The contact stated that the slide island was leaning and the flooring in the middle of the RV was unstable. The RV was taken to the local service center, which discovered that three cross members had separated from the frame of the RV and caused severe damage to the frame. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The contact was advised that the RV frame was un
02/13/2018, STRUCTURE: I JUST BOUGHT A NEW 5TH WHEEL COUGAR TRAVEL TRAILER LAST MAY. THE WHOLE BOTTOM FRAME IS BENDING AND DEGRADING BECAUSE I SUSPECT IT WAS MADE WITH CHEAP CHINESE STEEL. THE MANUFACTURER REFUSES TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ISSUE AND IS BLAMING IT ON HITTING THE CURB WHICH IS PHYSICALLY IMPOSSIBLE. OTHER PEOPLE ON-LINE COMPLAIN OF SIMILAR FRAME FAILURE. THE RV INDUSTRY IS NOT PROPERLY REGULATED AND A CATASTROPHIC FA
Looking at a 2017 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.