VehicleVerdict

2002 Keystone Cougar problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 6 complaints on file for the 2002 Keystone Cougar — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

6

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2002 compare to other Cougar years?

Cougar NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 highlighted28 complaints1999: 0 complaints2000: 2 complaints2001: 4 complaints2002: 6 complaints2003: 8 complaints2004: 28 complaints2005: 7 complaints2006: 6 complaints2007: 11 complaints2008: 15 complaints2009: 6 complaints2010: 15 complaints2011: 12 complaints2012: 9 complaints2013: 7 complaints2014: 7 complaints2015: 7 complaints2016: 9 complaints2017: 3 complaints2018: 7 complaints2019: 16 complaints2020: 5 complaints2021: 3 complaints2022: 3 complaints2023: 1 complaints2024: 0 complaints2025: 0 complaints
Cougar NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Cougar years to avoid →

What are the most common 2002 Keystone Cougar problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Tires & Wheels233%
Engine117%
Other117%
Body & Structure117%
Suspension117%

Does the 2002 Keystone Cougar have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

07V134000OtherMarch 22, 2007 · 122,162 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

THIS COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“COUGAR 5TH WHEEL CAMPER CUSTOMER HAS HAD SEVERAL TIRE REPLACEMENTS AND BELIEVES THAT THEY SHOULD BE REIMBURSED FOR THE TIRES AND DAMAGE DONE TO CAMPER[REDACTED]CC THE CONSUMER BELIEVED THE TIRES FOR THE CAMPER WERE UNDER RATED WHICH WAS THE REASON HE CONTINUED TO EXPERIENCE TREAD SEPARATION AND…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · April 2, 2007

“DOMETIC RECALL 06E-076, MANUFACTURER STATES THEY ARE NOT GOING TO REPAIR THE DEFECT, THEY ARE ONLY GOING TO COVER IT UP SO WHEN IT DOES FAIL IT WON'T BURN MY TRAILER DOWN. THE RECALL NOTICE STATES THAT IT MUST BE SHUT DOWN AND NOT OPERATED UNTIL THE UNIT IS FIXED. I WANT MY UNIT FIXED NOT PATCHED .…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · April 15, 2007

“5TH WHEEL TRAILER. AFTER DROPPING SOMETHING ON THE GROUND CONSUMER NOTICED CRADLE THAT HOLDS THE FRONT AND REAR LEAF SPRINGS TOGETHER, BOLT IN THE FRAME WAS COMING OUT.*AK *YH”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · April 21, 2002

“A STRUCTURAL FAILURE OF THE FRAME - OUR 2002 KEYSTONE MONTANA 5TH WHEEL TRAILER MODEL 2955RL, VIN#[XXX] HAD MULTIPLE WELDS BREAK AND CRACK IN THE KINGPIN AREA AND UNDER THE BEDROOM OF THE TRAILER. THIS ALLOWED THE SIDEWALLS TO DROP AND THE KINGPIN TO OSCILLATE UP AND DOWN LIKE IT WAS ATTACHED TO A…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · January 21, 2006

2002 Keystone Cougar — common questions

Is the 2002 Keystone Cougar reliable?

The record is thin — 6 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 2002 Keystone Cougar have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2002 Keystone Cougar. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.