VehicleVerdict

2018 Keystone Cougar problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 7 complaints on file for the 2018 Keystone Cougar — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 4 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

7

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2018 compare to other Cougar years?

Cougar NHTSA complaints by model year, 2018 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, 2018 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Cougar years to avoid →

What are the most common 2018 Keystone Cougar problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Body & Structure229%
Brakes114%
Electrical System114%
Other114%
Suspension114%
Tires & Wheels114%

Does the 2018 Keystone Cougar have recalls?

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

21V380000Body & StructureMay 24, 2021 · 1,990 units

Defect

Keystone RV Company (Keystone) is recalling certain 2017-2021 Keystone Cougar 368MBI trailers. The frame rails do not have enough cross support, which could cause them to buckle under certain side-load stress conditions.

Consequence

A buckled frame rail can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will add cross braces between each spring hanger and an outrigger between the tires on the off-door side of the vehicle, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 15, 2021. Owners may contact Keystone customer service at 1-866-425-4369. Keystone's number for this recall is 21-411.

18V383000OtherJune 7, 2018 · 5,151 units

Defect

Keystone RV Company (Keystone) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Keystone Cougar recreational trailers equipped with an outdoor propane grill. The outdoor propane grill is installed in a wooden assembly that may not have enough clearance from the heated area.

Consequence

If the wooden assembly is exposed to high temperatures, there would be an increased risk of a fire.

Remedy

Keystone will notify owners, and dealers will replace the wooden assembly with a metal assembly, free of charge. The recall began on July 26, 2018. Owners may contact Keystone customer service at 1-866-425-4369. Keystone's number for this recall is 18-322.

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.

17V673000OtherOctober 25, 2017 · 1,890 units

Defect

Keystone RV Company (Keystone) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Keystone Cougar western edition recreational trailers. The stabilizer jacks may not have been properly welded to the chassis frame, possibly resulting in the jacks detaching from the trailer during transit.

Consequence

If the stabilizer jacks separate during transit, they could be a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Keystone will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the mounting of the four stabilizer jacks and install appropriate fasteners, free of charge. The recall began on December 5, 2017. Owners may contact Keystone customer service at 1-866-425-4369. Keystone's number for this recall is 17-306.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“The contact owns a 2018 Keystone Cougar Trailer. The contact stated that the spring hangers fractured without warning. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 21V380000 (Suspension, Structure) however, the part to do the recall was unavailable. The vehicle was taken to the local…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · July 26, 2021

“WE HAVE TWO ISSUES WITH THE FIFTH WHEEL CAMPER IN QUESTION. WE ONLY FELT IT NECCESARY TO CONTACT THE NHTSA BECAUSE THE MANUFACTURER REFUSED TO REMEDY THE OBVIOUS PROBLEM WHEN WE WERE AT AN AUTHORIZED SERVICE CENTER AND ASKED THEM TO IN THE INTEREST OF OUR SAFETY AND THAT OF OTHER MOTORISTS. THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · September 4, 2017

“WE HAVE TWO ISSUES WITH THE FIFTH WHEEL CAMPER IN QUESTION. WE ONLY FELT IT NECCESARY TO CONTACT THE NHTSA BECAUSE THE MANUFACTURER REFUSED TO REMEDY THE OBVIOUS PROBLEM WHEN WE WERE AT AN AUTHORIZED SERVICE CENTER AND ASKED THEM TO IN THE INTEREST OF OUR SAFETY AND THAT OF OTHER MOTORISTS. THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · September 4, 2017

“WE HAVE TWO ISSUES WITH THE FIFTH WHEEL CAMPER IN QUESTION. WE ONLY FELT IT NECCESARY TO CONTACT THE NHTSA BECAUSE THE MANUFACTURER REFUSED TO REMEDY THE OBVIOUS PROBLEM WHEN WE WERE AT AN AUTHORIZED SERVICE CENTER AND ASKED THEM TO IN THE INTEREST OF OUR SAFETY AND THAT OF OTHER MOTORISTS. THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · September 4, 2017

“MY 2018 KEYSTONE COUGAR HAS HAD A ELECTRICAL SHORT IN THE BEDROOM SLIDE. WHAT HAS BEEN OF REAL CONCERN IS THAT THE WIRES GOING THROUGH THE TRAILER INTO THE SLIDE WAS INCORRECTLY INSTALLED AT THE FACTORY. THE PLASTIC PROTECTIVE GROMMET BETWEEN THE WIRES GOING FROM THE TRAILER TO THE SLIDE WAS LEFT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · May 6, 2019

2018 Keystone Cougar — common questions

Is the 2018 Keystone Cougar reliable?

The record is thin — 7 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 4 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 2018 Keystone Cougar have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 2018 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.