VehicleVerdict

2003 Keystone Outback problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 3 complaints on file for the 2003 Keystone Outback — 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.

3

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

2

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2003 compare to other Outback years?

Outback NHTSA complaints by model year, 2003 highlighted12 complaints2002: 2 complaints2003: 3 complaints2004: 4 complaints2005: 6 complaints2006: 3 complaints2007: 12 complaints2008: 0 complaints2009: 1 complaints2010: 2 complaints2011: 6 complaints2012: 0 complaints2013: 2 complaints2014: 3 complaints2015: 0 complaints2016: 2 complaints2017: 5 complaints2018: 0 complaints2019: 1 complaints2020: 0 complaints2021: 2 complaints2022: 3 complaints2023: 1 complaints2024: 0 complaints2025: 0 complaints
Outback NHTSA complaints by model year, 2003 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Outback years to avoid →

What are the most common 2003 Keystone Outback problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Body & Structure267%
Other133%

Does the 2003 Keystone Outback 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.

03V463000OtherNovember 12, 2003 · 3,641 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN TRAVEL TRAILERS EQUIPPED WITH SAMSUNG MICROWAVE OVENS, THESE OVENS WERE PRODUCED WITH A DEFECTIVE PANEL. AN ELECTRICAL SHORT CAN OCCUR BETWEEN CIRCUIT PATTERNS ON THE MEMBRANE PANEL, ESPECIALLY OVERLAPPED BY A "JUMPER" OR JUMP WIRE. THIS MAY CAUSE THE OVEN TO ACTIVATE WITHOUT PRESSING ANY KEY PADS.

Consequence

AN ELECTRICAL SHORT CAN OCCUR CAUSING THE OVEN TO ACTIVATE WITHOUT PRESSING ANY KEY PADS. THIS COULD RESULT IN EXCESSIVE HEAT, SMOKE, OR POSSIBLY A FIRE.

Remedy

SAMSUNG WILL NOTIFY CUSTOMERS AND REPAIR THE PANEL FREE OF CHARGE. IN THE MEANTIME, CONSUMERS SHOULD UNPLUG THEIR MICROWAVE, IF POSSIBLE. IF THE CONSUMER IS UNABLE TO UNPLUG THE MICROWAVE, THEY SHOULD LEAVE THE DOOR AJAR UNTIL THE PANEL IS REPLACED. CONSUMERS SHOULD NEVER USE THE MICROWAVE OVEN FOR STORAGE OR LEAVE ANY TOWELS, PAPER, CLOTH OR OTHER PRODUCTS IN THE MICROWAVE AFTER USE. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT SAMSUNG AT 800-932-3837 OR KEYSTONE AT 574-535-2100.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 KEYSTONE OUTBACK LITE FIFTH WHEEL. WHILE DRIVING LESS THAN 70 MPH, THE RIGHT SIDING ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE PEELED OFF. THERE WAS FIBERGLASS DEBRIS. NO REPAIRS HAVE BEEN MADE. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND ADVISED THE CONTACT TO HIRE AN…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · October 24, 2008

“WE WERE THE OWNERS OF A 2003 OUTBACK BY LITEWAY (KEYSTONE) UNTIL FEB. 2010 AT WHICH TIME IT CAUGHT FIRE AND BURNED COMPLETELY. IT WAS SITTING IN OUR DRIVEWAY AND LUCKILY A NEIGHBOR WOKE UP AND REPORTED IN ON FIRE. THE FIRE MARSHAL DETERMINED IT STARTED BEHIND THE REFRIGERATOR. WHILE LOOKING ON LINE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · February 2, 2010 · fire

2003 Keystone Outback — common questions

Is the 2003 Keystone Outback reliable?

The record is thin — 3 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 Outback have recalls?

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

Is the 2003 Keystone Outback under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 2 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

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.