2008 Keystone Cougar problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 15 complaints on file for the 2008 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 2008 compare to other Cougar years?

Cougar NHTSA complaints by model year, 2008 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Cougar years to avoid →

What are the most common 2008 Keystone Cougar problems?

Component	Complaints	Share	vs prior year
Tires & Wheels	5	33%	— flat
Body & Structure	3	20%	▲ up
Brakes	2	13%	new
Other	1	7%	▼ down
Electrical System	1	7%	— flat
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)	1	7%	new
Trailer Hitch	1	7%	new
Visibility & Wipers	1	7%	new

Does the 2008 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.

11V561000OtherNovember 22, 2011 · 805 units

Defect

KEYSTONE IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2007-2009 COUGAR FIFTH WHEEL TRAILERS MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 12, 2006, THROUGH FEBRUARY 12, 2009, FOR INCORRECT INFORMATION ON THE FEDERAL IDENTIFICATION TAG AND TIRE AND LOADING INFORMATION LABEL. THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF PART 567, "CERTIFICATION." THE SUBJECT VEHICLES WERE MANUFACTURED WITH A LABEL THAT LISTS THE MAXIMUM TIRE PRESSURE OF 80PSI INSTEAD OF THE CORRECT MAXIMUM PRESSURE OF 65PSI.

Consequence

OVERINFLATING TIRES INCREASES THE RISK OF TIRE FAILURE AND PROPERTY DAMAGE.

Remedy

KEYSTONE WILL MAIL TO CONSUMERS THE CORRECTED LABEL OR THE CUSTOMER WILL HAVE THE OPTION FOR DEALERS TO INSTALL THE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 19, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KEYSTONE CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-866-425-4369.

10V063000Tires & WheelsFebruary 25, 2010 · 2,893 units

Defect

KEYSTONE IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008-2010 COUGAR AND LAREDO TRAILERS AND FIFTH WHEEL VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES HAVE EXPERIENCED A LIMITED NUMBER OF FAILURES WITH ITS SPARE TIRE CARRIERS IN PARTICULAR, THE SPARE TIRE CARRIERS, WHEN COMBINED WITH A 16" SPARE TIRE AND WHEN INSTALLED ON THE BUMPER OF A SLIDE OUT BIKE/STORAGE RACK, MAY BREAK OR CRACK AFTER TIME CAUSING THE SPARE TIRE TO FALL OFF.

Consequence

IF THE TIRE CARRIER FAILS CAUSING THE TIRE TO COME LOOSE, THERE IS AN INCREASED RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY AND PROPERTY DAMAGE.

Remedy

THE REMEDY IS TO REPLACE THE SPARE TIRE CARRIER WITH A NEW SPARE TIRE CARRIER FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ONMARCH 8, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KEYSTONE AT 1-866-425-4369.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KEYSTONE COUGAR RV EQUIPPED WITH DURO TIRES, SIZE 225/75/D15. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WHEN HE NOTICED THAT ALL OF THE TIRES WERE DRY ROTTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO HAVE THE FAILURE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WAS NOTIFIED, BUT…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · August 15, 2011

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 (NA) KEYSTONE COUGAR RECREATIONAL TRAILER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CAMPER HEATING SYSTEM IN THE REAR OF THE CAMPER WAS SO HOT THAT BLISTERS FORMED ON THE BOTTOM OF HER FEET. SHE STATED THAT HEAT DOES NOT TRAVEL TO THE FRONT OF THE CAMPER. THE CAMPER LEAKS BECAUSE THE…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · November 3, 2008 · fire

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KEYSTONE COUGAR FIFTH WHEEL. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE TWO PASSENGER SIDE TIRES BLEW OUT. THE CONTACT BELIEVES THAT THE WEIGHT OF THE FIFTH WHEEL CAUSED THE TIRES TO FAIL. HE STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER PUT CHEAP WHEELS ON THE VEHICLE IN ORDER TO SAVE MONEY. THE FAILURE…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · July 17, 2009

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KEYSTONE COUGAR FIFTH WHEEL RV TRAILER. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING A 2007 DODGE RAM 2500 AT 60 MPH WHILE TOWING THE TRAILER. THE CONTACT WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH AND BOTH THE VEHICLE AND THE TRAILER ROLLED OVER INTO A DITCH. BOTH VEHICLES WERE DESTROYED. THE CONTACT STATED…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Trailer Hitch · July 31, 2010 · crash

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KEYSTONE COUGAR. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE BRAKES FAILED. THE CONTACT EXAMINED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THE BRAKE WIRE WAS PINCHED BY THE DUMP VALVE SHAFTS. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE BRAKE WIRES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND SECURED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · July 30, 2008

2008 Keystone Cougar — common questions

Is the 2008 Keystone Cougar reliable?

The record is thin — 15 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 2008 Cougar problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are tires & wheels (5 complaints), body & structure (3 complaints), brakes (2 complaints).

Does the 2008 Keystone Cougar have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2008 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 2008 compare to other Cougar years?

What are the most common 2008 Keystone Cougar problems?

Does the 2008 Keystone Cougar have recalls?

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

2008 Keystone Cougar — common questions

Is the 2008 Keystone Cougar reliable?

What are the most common 2008 Cougar problems?

Does the 2008 Keystone Cougar have recalls?

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