2003 Keystone Outback Problems, Complaints & Recalls
- Compared with other Outback years
- Not enough data 5th of 24 for complaints
- Safety recalls
- 2 recalls: check your VIN
- NHTSA crash rating
- Not rated
Owners have filed 3 complaints with NHTSA about the 2003 Keystone Outback. That ranks 5th out of 24 Outback model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is structure (2 complaints, 67%), typically at around 2,500 miles. Complaints mention 1 fire. There are 2 safety recalls covering this model year. NHTSA has opened 2 defect investigations involving it.
- 3owner complaints
- 2safety recalls
- 2NHTSA investigations
- 0complaints mentioning a crash
Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.
Most common 2003 Keystone Outback problems
Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.
| Problem area | Complaints | Share | Median miles | Owners mention most | Typical repair cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Structure | 2 | 67% | 2,500 | — | — |
| Equipment | 1 | 33% | — | — | — |
One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.
Complaints by year received
2003 Keystone Outback recalls (2)
Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.
Equipment
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:recreational vehicle/trailer
Problem: 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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
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.
NHTSA defect investigations
- Wheel separations (EA04032) — opened Nov 23, 2004, closed Dec 30, 2005, led to recall 05V309000.
- Wheel separations (PE04051) — opened Jul 22, 2004, closed Nov 23, 2004.
Recent owner reports
Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.
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…
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…
The trailers rear bumper is separating from the frame. The cause of bumper separation is undetermined. Please provide additional information. *ph
Other Keystone Outback years
← 2002 Outback · 2004 Outback →
| Year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 Outback | 0 | 1 |
| 2024 Outback | 0 | 1 |
| 2023 Outback | 1 | 0 |
| 2022 Outback | 2 | 3 |
| 2021 Outback | 1 | 2 |
| 2020 Outback | 0 | 1 |
| 2019 Outback | 2 | 2 |
| 2018 Outback | 0 | 1 |
| 2017 Outback | 4 | 3 |
| 2016 Outback | 2 | 3 |
| 2015 Outback | 0 | 2 |
| 2014 Outback | 2 | 2 |
| 2013 Outback | 2 | 3 |
| 2012 Outback | 0 | 1 |
| 2011 Outback | 4 | 4 |
| 2010 Outback | 2 | 3 |
| 2009 Outback | 1 | 1 |
| 2008 Outback | 0 | 1 |
| 2007 Outback | 8 | 3 |
| 2006 Outback | 3 | 2 |
| 2005 Outback | 5 | 2 |
| 2004 Outback | 3 | 2 |
| 2003 | 3 | 2 |
| 2002 Outback | 2 | 1 |
See all Keystone Outback problems by year, every Keystone model, or the VIN decoder.
Similar Keystone models
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Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Keystone Outback?
Owners most often report structure, equipment problems. The top one, structure, accounts for 2 complaints.
Was there a recall on the 2003 Keystone Outback?
Yes, 2 safety recalls. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.
Was the 2003 Keystone Outback a good year?
Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other Outback model years, the 2003 has too little data to compare. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.