2004 Keystone Cougar problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 28 complaints on file for the 2004 Keystone Cougar — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 3 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 2004 compare to other Cougar years?

Cougar NHTSA complaints by model year, 2004 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Cougar years to avoid →

What are the most common 2004 Keystone Cougar problems?

Component	Complaints	Share	vs prior year
Tires & Wheels	20	71%	▲ up
Other	5	18%	— flat
Electrical System	1	4%	new
Body & Structure	1	4%	— flat
Suspension	1	4%	— flat

Does the 2004 Keystone Cougar have recalls?

3 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.

08V325000OtherJuly 17, 2008 · 161,250 units

Defect

KEYSTONE IS RECALLING 161,250 MY 2004-2007 FIFTH WHEEL AND TRAVEL TRAILERS EQUIPPED WITH A TWO-DOOR REFRIGERATOR MANUFACTURED BY THE DOMETIC CORPORATION. THE REFRIGERATOR MAY HAVE A DEFECT IN THE BOILER TUBE. PRESSURIZED COOLANT SOLUTION COULD BE RELEASED INTO AN AREA WHERE AN IGNITION SOURCE (GAS FLAME) IS PRESENT.

Consequence

IF THIS SOLUTION IS EXPOSED TO AN IGNITION SOURCE UNDER CERTAIN SPECIFIC CIRCUMSTANCES, IT CAN RESULT IN A VEHICLE FIRE.

Remedy

KEYSTONE IS WORKING WITH DOMETIC TO REPAIR THESE REFRIGERATORS (PLEASE SEE 08E032). DOMETIC WILL REPAIR THESE REFRIGERATORS BY INSTALLING A SECONDARY BURN HOUSING, A THERMAL FUSE, AND A MELT FUSE FREE OF CHARGE. DOMETIC HAS RETAINED STERICYCLE INC. TO MANAGE THIS CAMPAIGN. STERICYCLE WILL ASSIST THE OWNER 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 AT 1-866-425-4369.

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.

“WHILE TRAVELING W/B ON ROUTE 50 IN ANNAPOLIS, MARYLAND, WE EXPERIENCED A BLOWN PASSENGER SIDE TIRE ON OUR 2004 KEYSTONE COUGAR TRAVEL TRAILER. THIS BLOWN TIRE, CAUSED THE TRAILER TO FALL ON ITS SIDE, COME BACK UP AND JACK KNIFE INTO OUR SUBURBAN, CAUSING A TOTAL LOSS TO THE COUGAR AND OVER…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · July 4, 2005 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 KEYSTONE COUGAR FIFTH WHEEL EQUIPPED WITH A DOMETIC REFRIGERATOR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REFRIGERATOR CAUGHT FIRE. THE FIRE EXTINGUISHED INDEPENDENTLY. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. A TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE REFRIGERATOR NEEDED TO…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · March 19, 2016 · fire

“FAULTY SHACKLES AND 2 BENT AXLES ON 2004 KEYSTONE COUGAR FIFTH WHEEL CAUSED TIRES EXCESSIVE WEAR TO CORE. ONE TIRE BLEW OUT. LESS THAN 7000 LONG DISTANCE MILES ON CAMPER. WEIGHT WAS 2000 LBS UNDER LIMIT OF 10,000 LBS. KEYSTONE CLAIMS NO RECALL AND NO RESPONSIBILITY, WITH NO EXPLANATION AS TO WHY…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · April 21, 2008

“WE PURCHASED OUR 2004 KEYSTONE COUGAR TRAVEL TRAILER IN FEB 2005 FROM THE ORIGINAL OWNER WHO HAD ONLY USED IT ON A 200 MILE TRIP ONCE AS HIS WIFE HAD TAKEN ILL AND HE COULDN'T USE IT ANY LONGER. IN APR/MAY OF 2006 WE WENT ON A CROSS COUNTRY TRIP. WE HAD A BLOWOUT THE 1ST DAY OUT ON I-75 NEAR THE…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · July 31, 2007

“WHILE OPERATION OF THE LIPPERT SLIDEOUT IN OUR '04 KEYSTONE 285EFS FIFTH WHEEL, THE SLIDE STOPPED. UPON INVESTIGATION (FOLLOWING WIRES, CHECKING FUSE, CONTACTS, ETC.) I FOUND BURNT OUT AND MELTED WIRE NUTS DIRECTLY BEHIND THE FUSE PANEL LYING IN SAWDUST. THE WIRES ARE 10 GAUGE (30 AMP). ONE…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · January 6, 2007

2004 Keystone Cougar — common questions

Is the 2004 Keystone Cougar reliable?

The record is thin — 28 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 3 recalls should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2004 Cougar problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are tires & wheels (20 complaints), other (5 complaints), body & structure (1 complaints).

Does the 2004 Keystone Cougar have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2004 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 2004 compare to other Cougar years?

What are the most common 2004 Keystone Cougar problems?

Does the 2004 Keystone Cougar have recalls?

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

2004 Keystone Cougar — common questions

Is the 2004 Keystone Cougar reliable?

What are the most common 2004 Cougar problems?

Does the 2004 Keystone Cougar have recalls?

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