2003 Keystone Cougar recalls and problems

The 2003 Keystone Cougar has 2 safety recalls and 6 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Keystone dealer.

Recalls
2
Complaints
6
Crashes / fires
0 / 0
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2003 Keystone Cougar vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2003 Keystone Cougar recalls

Recall 17V-755: Equipment

Reported Nov 22, 2017 · 1,205,997 vehicles affected · Keystone RV Company

Problem: 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

Risk: In the event of a fire, if the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury.

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 07V-134: Equipment

Reported Mar 22, 2007 · 122,162 vehicles affected · KEYSTONE RV COMPANY

Problem: Certain fifth wheel and travel trailers equipped with a two-door refrigerator, manufactured by the dometic corporation, may have a defect in certain tubing in the refrigerator which could allow pressurized flammable coolant solution to be released into an area where an ignition source (Gas flame) is present.

Risk: This could result in a fire.

Fix: Keystone rv will be working with dometic in order to repair these refrigerators (Please see 06e076). Dometic will repair these refrigerators by installing a secondary burner housing and thermal fuses free of charge. Dometic has retained stericycle inc. To manage this campaign. Stericycle will assist you in locating dealerships or service centers and will provide assistance with scheduling of appointments. Owners may contact dometic/stericycle at 1-888-446-5157 or keystone rv at 574-535-2100.

2003 Keystone Cougar problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Equipment3
Tires2
Structure1
Suspension1
Equipment Adaptive/Mobility1

Most reported parts

  • Equipment › Recreational Vehicle/Trailer — 2
  • Structure › Body › Bumpers — 1
  • Tires › Sidewall — 1
  • Suspension › Multiple Axle — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 10,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2003 Keystone Cougar complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Equipment Adaptive/Mobility · reported Jun 21, 2012
The contact owns 2003 keystone cougar rv. The contact stated that there was a bird's nest in the pin box of the vehicle and the head of the pin box was split in half. The vehicle was taken to a local repair facility where they advised that the frame work of the pin box would need replacing. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and advised that they would further investigate the issue. The failure and the current mileage was not available.
Tires · at 10,000 miles · reported Nov 18, 2008
Going from california to las vegas on interstate 15 about ten miles from the nevada state line when I heard a whole lot of thumping from my cougar fifth wheel trailer. I had just traversed a very rough section of road with concrete barriers and no shoulders along the highway. I pulled over onto the precariously narrow shoulder as soon as it seemed safe. It really wasn't safe. I saw that my front tire on the right side was shredded but that the rear tire was still holding the front tire just off its rim. I found a better shoulder. I got some rv roadside assistance. The big repair truck pulled…
Equipment · reported Jun 18, 2008
The contact owns a 2003 keystone cougar rv. The vehicle has a dometic refrigerator, model rm2652. The contact smelled a strong ammonia odor coming from the unit and the refrigerator was not operating properly. The refrigerator was taken to an authorized dealer and they stated that the heat tube was fractured with a slight leak. The refrigerator has not been repaired. The contact was displeased to know that dometic would not replace the defective cooling unit. The part number was unknown. Updated 07/29/08
Suspension · reported Sep 18, 2007
My wife and I purchased a new 2003 cougar 5th wheel manufactured by keystone. Two months past the 1-year manufacturer warranty, we experienced two tire blowouts on the passenger side. Since the warranty had expired on the tires, we replaced them all with new 10-ply tires. After less than 1,000 miles, we experienced another blowout on the same side resulting in extensive damage to the trailer siding. In august 2007 before taking a trip, I noticed that one of the new 10-ply tires had a bubble in the side wall. I replaced the tire. On the way home, after traveling less than 500 miles, we…
Structure · reported Oct 20, 2006
Dt*: the contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the bumper metal was observed to be torn on both sides. The manufacturer was notified and advised the contact to take the trailer to the service dealer for inspection. Updated 11/30/06.

Other Keystone Cougar years

Compare all Keystone Cougar years · All Keystone models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2003 Keystone Cougar have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2003 Keystone Cougar: 17V-755 (equipment), 07V-134 (equipment). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2003 Keystone Cougar?

Owners report equipment problems most often (3 reports), followed by tires (2). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 10,000 miles.

Are Keystone recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Keystone dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.