2008 Keystone Sprinter problems: recalls, complaints and what to check
NHTSA has 2 recalls and 4 owner complaints on file for the 2008 Keystone Sprinter. Here is what they are, what a technician checks for each kind of fault, and how to look one over before you buy it.
Doors, windows, steps and lights: 1 recall, 1 complaint
Recall 08V371000 (31/07/2008): EXTERIOR LIGHTING
KEYSTONE IS RECALLING 2,990 MY 2008 EVEREST, MY 2008-2009 HORNET, LAREDO, SPRINTER AND OUTBACK LOFT FIFTH WHEEL AND TRAVEL TRAILERS FOR FAILING TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108 "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THE INTERMEDIATE SIDE MARKER LIGHTS ARE MISSING.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL THE MISSING SIDE MARKER LIGHTS FREE OR CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 12, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KEYSTONE AT 1-866-425-4369.
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.
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.
Structure, roof and leaks: 2 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
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
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
07/17/2009, TIRES: CONSUMER HAS A 2008 KEYSTONE SPRINTER COPPER CANYON FIFTH WHEEL CAMPER WITH DURO TIRES THAT WERE SPLITTING. *NJ THE CONSUMER STATED 2 MORE TIRES WERE FOUND CRACKED AND SPLIT IN MULTIPLE PLACES. *JB
05/26/2011, STRUCTURE: DRIVERS SIDE DOOR GETS STUCK IN THE "WIDE OPEN" POSITION. WILL NOT CLOSE. HAD TO DRIVE THIS VEHICLE TO A GARAGE WITH DOOR IN THIS POSITION. THE DOOR HINGE/BRACKET HAD TO BE CUT INTO. THIS IS THE SECOND SPRINTER TO DO THIS. THE FIRST WAS A 2007.
05/26/2011, SEAT BELTS,STRUCTURE: SEAT BELT LATCH CABLES ARE BROKEN. THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT LATCH IS ATTACHED TO THE FLOOR WITH THREE CABLES. TWO ARE SNAPPED INTO LEAVING ONLY ONE TO CONSTRAIN DRIVER. IF THE DRIVER WRECKS THE ONE CABLE WON'T BE ENOUGH TO KEEP SOMEONE FROM BEING INJURED AS I'M SURE THE OTHER CABLE WILL SNAP UPON A HEAVY COLLISION. THIS VAN ISN'T EVEN TWO YEARS OLD.
04/29/2019, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: THE BREAK-AWAY SWITCH ON OUR CAMPER HAD BEEN DISCONNECTED WHILE IN A CAMPGROUND FOR A COUPLE OF HOURS & CAUSED THE SWITCH TO MELT & THE INSULATION TO BURN OFF OF THE WIRES, ALONG WITH OTHER WIRES GOING INTO THE JUNTION BOX. THERE WAS GREAT POTENTIAL FOR A FIRE. THE SWITCH & WIRING IS UNDER-SIZED FOR THE APPLICATION & WILL NOT CARRY THE AMPERAGE THAT THE BRAKES DRAW. IT APPEARS THAT THE WIRES TO THE SWITCH WHICH ARE
Looking at a 2008 Keystone Sprinter?
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.