2008 Keystone Cougar Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Source: NHTSA · Updated Nov 29, 2017 · 9 owner complaints analyzed

Compared with other Cougar years
Not enough data 3rd of 28 for complaints
NHTSA crash rating
Not rated

Owners have filed 9 complaints with NHTSA about the 2008 Keystone Cougar. That ranks 3rd out of 28 Cougar model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is tires (5 complaints, 56%), typically at around 5,000 miles. Complaints mention 1 crash, 1 fire, 1 injury. There are 3 safety recalls covering this model year.

Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.

Compare with another car

Most common 2008 Keystone Cougar problems

Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.

Tires5 · ~5,000 mi
Equipment3 · ~7,250 mi
Structure3 · ~6,500 mi
Service Brakes, Electric1 · ~10,000 mi
Service Brakes, Hydraulic1 · ~5,000 mi
Trailer Hitches1 · ~4,999 mi
Visibility1 · ~4,500 mi
Problem areaComplaintsShareMedian milesOwners mention mostTypical repair cost
Tires556%5,000——
Equipment333%7,250——
Structure333%6,500——
Service Brakes, Electric111%10,000——
Service Brakes, Hydraulic111%5,000——
Trailer Hitches111%4,999——
Visibility111%4,500——

One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.

Complaints by year received

Peak: 2009, with 3 complaints
2008: 1200812009: 3200932010: 1201012011: 3201132012: 120121

n = 9 complaints · Source: NHTSA

2008 Keystone Cougar recalls (3)

Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.

EquipmentNov 22, 2017 · NHTSA campaign 17V755000 · 1,205,997 vehicles

Problem: 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

Risk: In the event of a fire, if the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury.

Fix: 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.

Equipment:other:labelsNov 22, 2011 · NHTSA campaign 11V561000 · 805 vehicles

Problem: 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.

Risk: Overinflating tires increases the risk of tire failure and property damage.

Fix: 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.

Tires:temporary/emergency spare tireFeb 25, 2010 · NHTSA campaign 10V063000 · 2,893 vehicles

Problem: 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.

Risk: If the tire carrier fails causing the tire to come loose, there is an increased risk of personal injury and property damage.

Fix: 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.

To see whether a specific car still has an open recall, enter its VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup. You can also decode a VIN here.

Recent owner reports

Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.

Spare tire holder on extendable bumper of my 5th wheel trailer failed at welds with a st 235 80r 16 tire on it. Caught it as i was rotating tires and removed tire from holder. I repaired it by welding a brace on it but it failed again at another weld. I removed it and scrapped it, and carry a spare…

Structure · received Jun 11, 2012 · NHTSA complaint 10461212

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…

Tires · received Sep 26, 2011 · NHTSA complaint 10427249

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 keystone cougar with duro h7a-15st tires, size 225/75r15(n/a). The contact stated found fractures in the side wall of all four tires and contacted the manufacturer. The manufacturer replaced the tires but the contact noticed fractures on the replacement tires as well…

Tires · received Aug 31, 2011 · NHTSA complaint 10422818

I own a 2008 cougar 5th wheel rv made by keystone rv in indiana. After a trip to texas and only putting on 5000 miles i noticed that the tires were splitting in the treads. I never thought about checking tire quality when i bought this tire but it turns out that keystone occasionally slips on cheap…

Tires · received Jan 13, 2011 · NHTSA complaint 10376520

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…

Trailer Hitches · received Dec 14, 2010 · NHTSA complaint 10370563

Other Keystone Cougar years

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See all Keystone Cougar problems by year, every Keystone model, or the VIN decoder.

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Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2008 Keystone Cougar?

Owners most often report tires, equipment, structure problems. The top one, tires, accounts for 5 complaints.

Was there a recall on the 2008 Keystone Cougar?

Yes, 3 safety recalls. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.

Was the 2008 Keystone Cougar a good year?

Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other Cougar model years, the 2008 has too little data to compare. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.