2005 Keystone Cougar problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 7 complaints on file for the 2005 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 2005 compare to other Cougar years?

Cougar NHTSA complaints by model year, 2005 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Cougar years to avoid →

What are the most common 2005 Keystone Cougar problems?

Component	Complaints	Share	vs prior year
Tires & Wheels	4	57%	▼ down
Electrical System	1	14%	— flat
Other	1	14%	▼ down
Suspension	1	14%	— flat

Does the 2005 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.

05V424000Tires & WheelsSeptember 23, 2005 · 834 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN TRAVEL TRAILERS AND FIFTH WHEEL RECREATIONAL VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH TREDIT 16" CHROME WHEELS, THE RIMS MAY HAVE POOR WELD QUALITY AND INSUFFICIENT PRESS FIT BETWEEN THE WHEEL RIM AND DISC.

Consequence

THE CENTER OF THE WHEEL COULD SEPARATE FROM THE RIM. THE WHEEL MAY WOBBLE AND CAUSE A VIBRATION OR THE MOUNTED TIRE COULD LOSE AIR CAUSING THE TIRE TO GO FLAT, RESULTING IN A LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

KEYSTONE IS WORKING WITH TREDIT TIRE TO NOTIFY OWNERS AND HAVE THE WHEELS REPLACED. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 15, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KEYSTONE AT 866-425-4369.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 KEYSTONE COUGAR. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR THERMO KING TIRE BLEW OUT AND DAMAGED THE PASSENGER SIDE QUARTER PANEL OF THE VEHICLE. THE SPARE TIRE WAS PLACED ON THE VEHICLE, HOWEVER, AFTER DRIVING 500 MILES, THE SPARE BLEW OUT AS WELL. THE ORIGINAL AND…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · June 16, 2007

“WE RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE ON THE REFRIGERATOR IN OUR KEYSTONE COUGAR TRAVEL TRAILER. THE RECALL ONLY BANDAIDS THE PROBLEM. IT DOES NOT FIX THE PROBLEM AND THAT IS RIDICULOUS. I BOUGHT MY CAMPER BRAND NEW AND HAVE HAD IT FOR 2 YEARS. NOW I HAD TO PAY $400.00 IN LABOR BECAUSE MY COOLANT LEAKED…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · October 8, 2007

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 KEYSTONE COUGAR TRAILER. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WHEN HE NOTICED THAT BOTH REAR AXLE SHACKLES REAR CENTER HAD FRACTURED. THE SPRINGS HAD EXCESSIVE CORROSION. THE VEHICLE WAS IN THE PROCESS OF BEING REPAIRED FOR THE MALFUNCTION. HE HAD A CONCERN OF THE POTENTIAL SAFETY…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · October 23, 2009

“ON NOVEMBER 25, 2007 I WAS CLOSING UP MY KEYSTONE COURGAR TRAVEL TRAILER AFTER HAVING USED IT FOR 4 DAYS. AFTER I SLID IN THE TWO SIDEOUTS ON THE TRAILER I BEGAN TO SMELL RUBBER BURNING AND I BEGAN SEARCHING TO SEE WHAT WAS HAPPENING. I FOUND FLAMES INSIDE AND OUTSIDE THE TRAILER AT THE AFT END OF…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · November 25, 2007 · fire

2005 Keystone Cougar — common questions

Is the 2005 Keystone Cougar reliable?

The record is thin — 7 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 3 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 2005 Keystone Cougar have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2005 Keystone Cougar. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2005 Keystone Cougar under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

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 2005 compare to other Cougar years?

What are the most common 2005 Keystone Cougar problems?

Does the 2005 Keystone Cougar have recalls?

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

2005 Keystone Cougar — common questions

Is the 2005 Keystone Cougar reliable?

Does the 2005 Keystone Cougar have recalls?

Is the 2005 Keystone Cougar under NHTSA investigation?

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