RoadVitals

2003 Keystone Outback

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.
3
Latest May 23, 2010
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.
2
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.
1

Overview

Our database contains 3 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2003 Keystone Outback, most frequently naming the body & structure and other / unspecified categories. 2 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 2 NHTSA investigations name it.

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 & structure266.7%
  • Other / unspecified133.3%

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
03V463000

EQUIPMENT:RECREATIONAL VEHICLE/TRAILER

Nov 12, 2003
3,641 units potentially affected
The defect: ON CERTAIN TRAVEL TRAILERS EQUIPPED WITH SAMSUNG MICROWAVE OVENS, THESE OVENS WERE PRODUCED WITH A DEFECTIVE PANEL. AN ELECTRICAL SHORT CAN OCCUR BETWEEN CIRCUIT PATTERNS ON THE MEMBRANE PANEL, ESPECIALLY OVERLAPPED BY A "JUMPER" OR JUMP WIRE. THIS MAY CAUSE THE OVEN TO ACTIVATE WITHOUT PRESSING ANY KEY PADS.
The risk: AN ELECTRICAL SHORT CAN OCCUR CAUSING THE OVEN TO ACTIVATE WITHOUT PRESSING ANY KEY PADS. THIS COULD RESULT IN EXCESSIVE HEAT, SMOKE, OR POSSIBLY A FIRE.
The remedy: SAMSUNG WILL NOTIFY CUSTOMERS AND REPAIR THE PANEL FREE OF CHARGE. IN THE MEANTIME, CONSUMERS SHOULD UNPLUG THEIR MICROWAVE, IF POSSIBLE. IF THE CONSUMER IS UNABLE TO UNPLUG THE MICROWAVE, THEY SHOULD LEAVE THE DOOR AJAR UNTIL THE PANEL IS REPLACED. CONSUMERS SHOULD NEVER USE THE MICROWAVE OVEN FOR STORAGE OR LEAVE ANY TOWELS, PAPER, CLOTH OR OTHER PRODUCTS IN THE MICROWAVE AFTER USE. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT SAMSUNG AT 800-932-3837 OR KEYSTONE AT 574-535-2100.
KEYSTONE RV COMPANYView on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.

EA04032ClosedEngineering Analysis

WHEEL SEPARATIONS

Opened Nov 23, 2004
Closed Dec 30, 2005

ON JUNE 20, 2005, KEYSTONE RV NOTIFIED ODI OF KEYSTONE'S INTENTION TO CONDUCT SAFETY CAMPAIGN 05V-309 TO ADDRESS 2,668 VEHICLES CONSISTING OF 1,677 MY 2004 MONTANA, 550 MY 2004 EVEREST, AND 441 MY 2005 EVEREST VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH ALUMINUM WHEELS.THIS CAMPAIGN PROPOSES TO REMOVE THE WHEELS, INSPECT THE WHEEL ENDS FOR INDICATIONS OF PRIOR LOOSENING AND/OR OTHER DAMAGE, REMOVE PAINT AND OTHER CONTAMINANTS FROM THE WHEEL MOUNTING INTERFACE, AND EDUCATE THE OWNER ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF CHECKING THE TORQUE OF THE WHEEL MOUNTING NUTS AS PRESCRIBED IN KEYSTONE'S OWNER'S MANUAL.ON SEPTEMBER 20, 2005 KEYSTONE DISTRIBUTED WHEEL END SERVICING INFORMATION IN DVD FORMAT TO 114,618 OWNERS OF NON-CAMPAIGNED VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN MAY 1, 2003 AND SEPT 1, 2005. ALTHOUGH KEYSTONE HAS INDICATED THAT THEY HAVE IMPROVED THE QUALITY AND CONSISTENCY OF THE WHEEL NUT INSTALLATION AND TORQUING, ODI IS CONCERNED THAT THE NEED FOR FREQUENT RETORQUE MAY BE INDICATIVE THAT OTHER CURRENTLY-UNADDRESSED FACTORS MAY BE INVOLVED.ODI WILL CLOSE THIS INVESTIGATION BUT CONTINUE TO CLOSELY MONITOR THE WHEEL SEPARATION ISSUE AT KEYSTONE RV.

WHEELS:HUBLed to recall 05V309000
PE04051ClosedPreliminary Evaluation

WHEEL SEPARATIONS

Opened Jul 22, 2004
Closed Nov 23, 2004

WHEEL SEPARATIONS AT THOR INDUSRIES HAVE PREDOMINANTLY OCCURRED IN VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BY KEYSTONE RV.KEYSTONE RV HAS REPORTED 110 SEPARATIONS OF STEEL WHEELS OF 64,727(0.17%) AND 15 SEPARATIONS OF ALUMINUM WHEELS OF 6,984 PRODUCED (0.21%) IN RECREATIONAL VEHICLESMANUFACTURED SINCE MARCH 2003.OTHER DIVISIONS OF THOR INDUSTRIES, DUTCHMAN (4), THOR CALIFORNIA (0), THOR AMERICA (2), KOMFORT CORP (2), AND AIRSTREAM (14) HAVE REPORTED FEWER WHEEL SEPARATIONS OVER A BROADER TIME PERIOD (SINCE 2000) THAN KEYSTONE RV. SINCE A SIGNIFICANT MAJORITY (92%) OF THE WHEEL SEPARATIONS THAT HAVE OCCURRED IN THOR INDUSTRIES VEHICLES HAVE OCCURRED IN KEYSTONE RV VEHICLES, ODI WILL FOCUS INVESTIGATION ACTIVITY ON THESE PRODUCTS AND OPEN AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA) AT KEYSTONE RV TO INVESTIGATE THE CAUSE(S) FOR WHEEL SEPARATIONS.

WHEELS

Recent owner complaints

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

Other / unspecified
Filed May 23, 2010
Fire reported

WE WERE THE OWNERS OF A 2003 OUTBACK BY LITEWAY (KEYSTONE) UNTIL FEB. 2010 AT WHICH TIME IT CAUGHT FIRE AND BURNED COMPLETELY. IT WAS SITTING IN OUR DRIVEWAY AND LUCKILY A NEIGHBOR WOKE UP AND REPORTED IN ON FIRE. THE FIRE MARSHAL DETERMINED IT STARTED BEHIND THE REFRIGERATOR. WHILE LOOKING ON LINE YESTERDAY, I CAME ACROSS SEVERAL BLOGS DISCUSSING A RECALL ON THE SAME REFRIGERATOR WE HAD IN OURS. IT IS MADE BY DOMETIC AND APPARENTLY THEY'RE HANDLING THE SITUATION VERY POORLY.THIS PROBLEM IS EFFECTING AN IMMENSE AMOUNT OF TRAILERS. WE, LIKE HUNDREDS OR THOUSANDS OF OTHERS, NEVER RECEIVED A NOTICE OF RECALL THAT WOULD ALERT US TO THE POTENTIAL DANGERS! I'VE READ SEVERAL OTHER COMPLAINTS REGARDING THE "BANDAID" FIX DOMETIC WAS OFFERING AND READ THAT EVEN AFTER THE "FIX", THEIR TRAILERS CAUGHT FIRE. WHAT CAN WE DO? OUR INS. ONLY COVERED A PORTION OF THE REMAINING BALANCE THAT WE OWE AND WE ARE STILL MAKING PAYMENTS ON SOMETHING THAT DOESN'T EXIST! HELP..... *TR

NHTSA ID
10331883
Incident
Feb 2, 2010
Body & structure
Filed Oct 30, 2008

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 KEYSTONE OUTBACK LITE FIFTH WHEEL. WHILE DRIVING LESS THAN 70 MPH, THE RIGHT SIDING ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE PEELED OFF. THERE WAS FIBERGLASS DEBRIS. NO REPAIRS HAVE BEEN MADE. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND ADVISED THE CONTACT TO HIRE AN ATTORNEY. UPDATED 11/17/08 *CN THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THE RV HAD EXTENSIVE WATER DAMAGED ON THE FRONT A RIGHT AND LEFT SIDE. UPDATED 11/24/08.*JB

NHTSA ID
10247226
Incident
Oct 24, 2008
Body & structure
Filed Nov 20, 2003

THE TRAILERS REAR BUMPER IS SEPARATING FROM THE FRAME. THE CAUSE OF BUMPER SEPARATION IS UNDETERMINED. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *PH

NHTSA ID
10048377
Incident
Oct 26, 2003
Mileage
2,500 mi

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Keystone Outback by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2026000—
2025010—
2024010—
2023100—
2022230—
2021120—
2020010—
2019120—
2018010—
2017430—
2016230—
2015020—
2014220—
2013230—
2012010—
2011440—
2010230—
2009110—
2008010—
2007830—
2006320—
2005520—
2004321—
2003Viewing322—
2002210—

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.