RoadVitals

2012 Keystone Cougar

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
5
Latest Nov 26, 2018
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
2
Latest Nov 22, 2017
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
0

Overview

Our database contains 5 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2012 Keystone Cougar, most frequently naming the body & structure, suspension and brakes categories. 2 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Body & structure333.3%
  • Suspension222.2%
  • Brakes111.1%
  • Electrical111.1%
  • Other / unspecified111.1%
  • Tires & wheels111.1%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

2 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
17V755000

EQUIPMENT

Nov 22, 2017
1,205,997 units potentially affected
The defect: 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
The risk: In the event of a fire, if the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury.
The remedy: 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.
Keystone RV CompanyManufacturer number 17-307View on NHTSA.gov
12V355000

EQUIPMENT; STRUCTURE:BODY:BUMPERS; TIRES:TEMPORARY/EMERGENCY SPARE TIRE

Jul 26, 2012
1,012 units potentially affected
The defect: Keystone RV Company (Keystone) is recalling certain model year 2010-2012 Cougar 26SAB and 29RES recreational vehicles manufactured from October 5, 2009, through October 24, 2011. The rear bumper, which holds the spare tire assembly, may experience metal fatigue causing the spare tire to separate from the vehicle.
The risk: Over time, the bumper may fail and/or separate from the vehicle, increasing the risk of personal injury and property damage.
The remedy: Keystone will notify owners, and dealers will install a reinforcement kit free of charge. The safety recall began on September 28, 2012. Owners may contact Keystone at 1-866-425-4369.
KEYSTONE RV COMPANYManufacturer number 12-178View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

Body & structureTires & wheels
Filed Nov 26, 2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KEYSTONE COUGAR RV. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SPARE TIRE WAS BOLTED TO THE REAR BUMPER AND WAS TOO HEAVY, WHICH CAUSED THE BUMPER TO DETACH FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ANTHEM RV AND BOATS (44019 N BLACK CANYON HWY, NEW RIVER, AZ 85087, (623) 465-7331) WHO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE REPAIRED. THE DEALER TOOK SEVERAL PICTURES AND EMAILED THEM TO THE KEYSTONE MANUFACTURER WHO OFFERED LIMITED ASSISTANCE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT HE WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR MOST OF THE REPAIRS. THE CONTACT SEARCHED ONLINE AND FOUND NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V355000 (STRUCTURE, TIRES, EQUIPMENT) FOR HIS VEHICLE. *TT CARFAX CANNOT PROCESS THIS REQUEST. *JB

NHTSA ID
11154028
Incident
Oct 12, 2018
Body & structure
Filed Aug 14, 2017

BACK BUMPER WELDS BREAKING WITH A SPARE WHEEL MOUNTED THERE.

NHTSA ID
11015114
Incident
Aug 10, 2017
Body & structureSuspension
Filed Jun 30, 2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KEYSTONE COUGAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE CORNER PANEL DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE REAR DRIVER SIDE AXLE WAS SEVERELY DAMAGED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,200.

NHTSA ID
10607193
Incident
Jun 20, 2014
Mileage
1,200 mi
Suspension
Filed Jul 8, 2013

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KEYSTONE COUGAR FIFTH WHEEL. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE LEAF SPRING FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE ONE LEAF SPRING OUT THE FOUR WAS REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 300. UPDATED 7/31/13 *CN THE CONSUMER STATED WHILE TOWING THE RV AT HIGHWAY SPEED, THE LEFT FRONT LEAF SPRING BROKE AND CAUSED THE AXLE TO BREAK AS WELL. UPDATED 08/06/13

NHTSA ID
10523629
Incident
Jul 1, 2013
Mileage
300 mi
BrakesElectricalOther / unspecified
Filed Sep 7, 2012

THE ELECTRIC BRAKE WIRING THAT CONNECTS THE COACH BODY TO THE FRONT AXLE WAS RUBBING ON THE INSIDE SIDEWALL OF THE LF TIRE OF THE TRAILER. IT HAS RUBBED A POLISHED GROOVE IN THE SIDEWALL OF THE TIRE. THE WIRING CONNECTING THE REAR AXLE TO THE COACH WAS RUBBING ON THE INTERIOR SURFACE OF THE LR WHEEL. I SECURED THE WIRING AWAY FROM THE TIRE AND WHEEL AND RETURNED THE FIFTH WHEEL TO THE DEALER WHERE I PURCHASED IT. KEYSTONE RV'S ATTITUDE SURPRISES ME, THEY CLAIM THAT THE WIRE COULDN'T HAVE BEEN RUBBING ON THE TIRE AND WHEEL, BECAUSE THE WIRE WOULD HAVE BEEN INSTANTLY RIPPED OFF. I HAVE PICTURES TO PROVE THE WIRING JOB WAS INADEQUATE AND SHODDY. THIS ISSUE CAN'T BE AN ISOLATED INCIDENT. I FEEL THAT KEYSTONE NEEDS TO HAVE IT'S DEALERS INSPECT ALL TRAILER BRAKE WIRING. IF THE WIRES HAD BEEN TORN LOOSE OR SHORTED OUT, MY 9,000 POUND FIFTH WHEEL WOULD HAVE BECOME A GIANT WEIGHT PUSHING ME DOWN HILLS! THIS IS A CLEAR SAFETY ISSUE. PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF YOU WANT MY PICTURES FORWARDED TO YOU. THANK YOU! *TR UPDATED 09/26/12*LJ

NHTSA ID
10474175
Incident
Sep 1, 2012
Mileage
200 mi

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Keystone Cougar by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2026000—
2025010—
2024010—
2023110—
2022360—
2021470—
2020380—
2019980—
2018440—
2017370—
2016520—
2015530—
2014440—
2013620—
2012Viewing520—
2011970—
20101040—
2009430—
2008930—
2007960—
2006641—
2005731—
20042630—
2003620—
2002610—
2001310—
2000120—
1999010—

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.