2003 Keystone Cougar problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 8 complaints on file for the 2003 Keystone Cougar — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

NHTSA complaints

Recalls

Investigations

Crash-involved

Fires reported

Injuries

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2003 compare to other Cougar years?

Cougar NHTSA complaints by model year, 2003 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Cougar years to avoid →

What are the most common 2003 Keystone Cougar problems?

Component	Complaints	Share	vs prior year
Other	4	50%	▲ up
Tires & Wheels	2	25%	— flat
Body & Structure	1	13%	— flat
Suspension	1	13%	— flat

Does the 2003 Keystone Cougar have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

17V755000OtherNovember 22, 2017 · 1,205,997 units

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

Consequence

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

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.

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.

“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. *AK UPDATED 11/30/06. *JB ”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · October 10, 2006

“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…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · October 31, 2008

“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…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · August 18, 2007

“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. *AK UPDATED 11/30/06. *JB ”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · October 10, 2006

2003 Keystone Cougar — common questions

Is the 2003 Keystone Cougar reliable?

The record is thin — 8 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 2003 Keystone Cougar have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2003 Keystone Cougar. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

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

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.

How does 2003 compare to other Cougar years?

What are the most common 2003 Keystone Cougar problems?

Does the 2003 Keystone Cougar have recalls?

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

2003 Keystone Cougar — common questions

Is the 2003 Keystone Cougar reliable?

Does the 2003 Keystone Cougar have recalls?

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