2012 Keystone Cougar Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Source: NHTSA · Updated Nov 26, 2018 · 5 owner complaints analyzed

Compared with other Cougar years
Not enough data 12th of 28 for complaints
NHTSA crash rating
Not rated

Owners have filed 5 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012 Keystone Cougar. That ranks 12th out of 28 Cougar model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is structure (3 complaints, 60%), typically at around 1,200 miles. There are 2 safety recalls covering this model year.

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

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Most common 2012 Keystone Cougar problems

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

Structure3 · ~1,200 mi
Suspension2 · ~750 mi
Electrical System1 · ~200 mi
Service Brakes1 · ~200 mi
Tires1
Wheels1 · ~200 mi
Problem areaComplaintsShareMedian milesOwners mention mostTypical repair cost
Structure360%1,200——
Suspension240%750——
Electrical System120%200——
Service Brakes120%200——
Tires120%———
Wheels120%200——

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

Complaints by year received

Peak: 2012, with 1 complaints
2012: 1201212013: 1201312014: 1201412017: 1201712018: 120181

n = 5 complaints · Source: NHTSA

2012 Keystone Cougar recalls (2)

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; tires:temporary/emergency spare tire; structure:body:bumpersJul 26, 2012 · NHTSA campaign 12V355000 · 1,012 vehicles

Problem: Keystone RV Company (Keystone) is recalling certain model year 2010-2012 Cougar 26SAB and 29RES recreational vehicles manufactured from October 5, 2009, through October 24, 2011. The rear bumper, which holds the spare tire assembly, may experience metal fatigue causing the spare tire to separate from the vehicle.

Risk: Over time, the bumper may fail and/or separate from the vehicle, increasing the risk of personal injury and property damage.

Fix: Keystone will notify owners, and dealers will install a reinforcement kit free of charge. The safety recall began on September 28, 2012. 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.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KEYSTONE COUGAR RV. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SPARE TIRE WAS BOLTED TO THE REAR BUMPER AND WAS TOO HEAVY, WHICH CAUSED THE BUMPER TO DETACH FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ANTHEM RV AND BOATS (44019 N BLACK CANYON HWY, NEW RIVER, AZ 85087, [redacted]) WHO…

Structure · received Nov 26, 2018 · NHTSA complaint 11154028

Back bumper welds breaking with a spare wheel mounted there.

Structure · received Aug 14, 2017 · NHTSA complaint 11015114

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 keystone cougar. The contact stated that while driving approximately 20 mph, the rear driver's side corner panel detached from the vehicle. The contact noticed that the rear driver side axle was severely damaged. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The…

Structure · received Jun 30, 2014 · NHTSA complaint 10607193

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 keystone cougar fifth wheel. The contact stated while driving various speeds the front driver's side leaf spring fractured. The vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer where one leaf spring out the four was replaced. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure…

Suspension · received Jul 8, 2013 · NHTSA complaint 10523629

The electric brake wiring that connects the coach body to the front axle was rubbing on the inside sidewall of the lf tire of the trailer. It has rubbed a polished groove in the sidewall of the tire. The wiring connecting the rear axle to the coach was rubbing on the interior surface of the lr…

Service Brakes · received Sep 7, 2012 · NHTSA complaint 10474175

Other Keystone Cougar years

← 2011 Cougar · 2013 Cougar →

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 2012 Keystone Cougar?

Owners most often report structure, suspension, electrical system problems. The top one, structure, accounts for 3 complaints.

Was there a recall on the 2012 Keystone Cougar?

Yes, 2 safety recalls. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.

Was the 2012 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 2012 has too little data to compare. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.