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2012 Keystone Cougar Problems, complaints & recalls

Owners have filed 5 complaints about the 2012 Keystone Cougar with NHTSA, most often about the body, doors & structure (3) and the suspension (2). It is covered by 2 recalls, the latest in November 2017 for the equipment. For comparison, the 2011 has 9 and the 2013 has 6.

NHTSA data checked

BFewer problems than a typical Cougar year, for its age

#239 most complained-about 2012 vehicle

Complaints
5
Recalls
2
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
0

Most common 2012 Keystone Cougar problems

Share of all 5 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.

2012 Keystone Cougar recalls 2

Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do

Equipment

17V7550001,205,997 vehicles affected

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

Structure: bumpers

12V3550001,012 vehicles affected

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

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5 complaints about the 2012 Keystone Cougar

Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners.

Body, doors & structureWheels & tires

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, (623) 465-7331) who stated that the vehicle could not be repaired. The dealer took several pictures and emailed them to the keystone manufacturer who offered limited assistance. The contact was informed that he would have to pay for most of the repairs. The contact searched online and found nhtsa campaign number: 12v355000 (structure, tires, equipment) for his vehicle. *Tt carfax cannot process this request. *Jb

Filed Incident Structure · TiresNHTSA 11154028
Body, doors & structure

Back bumper welds breaking with a spare wheel mounted there.

Filed Incident StructureNHTSA 11015114
SuspensionBody, doors & structure

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 manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 1,200.

Filed Incident Suspension · StructureNHTSA 10607193
Suspension

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. The approximate failure mileage was 300. Updated 7/31/13 *cn the consumer stated while towing the rv at highway speed, the left front leaf spring broke and caused the axle to break as well. Updated 08/06/13

Filed Incident SuspensionNHTSA 10523629
Electrical systemWheels & tiresBrakes

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 wheel. I secured the wiring away from the tire and wheel and returned the fifth wheel to the dealer where I purchased it. Keystone rv's attitude surprises me, they claim that the wire couldn't have been rubbing on the...

Read the full complaint

tire and wheel, because the wire would have been instantly ripped off. I have pictures to prove the wiring job was inadequate and shoddy. This issue can't be an isolated incident. I feel that keystone needs to have it's dealers inspect all trailer brake wiring. If the wires had been torn loose or shorted out, my 9,000 pound fifth wheel would have become a giant weight pushing me down hills! This is a clear safety issue. Please let me know if you want my pictures forwarded to you. Thank you! *Tr updated 09/26/12*lj

Filed Incident Electrical system · Wheels · Service brakesNHTSA 10474175

Keystone Cougar: every year compared

YearComplaintsRecallsCrashesFiresTop problemGrade
20165201SuspensionB
20155300SuspensionC
20144400LightsC
20136201Body, doors & structureC
20125200Body, doors & structureB
20119700Wheels & tiresD
201010410Body, doors & structureD
20094300Body, doors & structureB
20089311Wheels & tiresD
All Cougar years

2012 Keystone Cougar vs rivals

More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.

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Questions about the 2012 Keystone Cougar

Does the 2012 Keystone Cougar have any recalls?

Yes - NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2012 Keystone Cougar: equipment (November 2017); bumpers (July 2012). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.

What are the most common problems with the 2012 Keystone Cougar?

By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the body, doors & structure (3), suspension (2), wheels & tires (2).

How many complaints has the 2012 Keystone Cougar had?

5 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on September 7, 2012 and the latest on November 26, 2018. Of these, 0 describe a crash and 0 a fire, and together they report 0 injuries and 0 deaths.

Is the 2012 Keystone Cougar a reliable vehicle?

Its Safety Index is 67 out of 100 (grade B: fewer problems than a typical Keystone Cougar year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.

Which Keystone Cougar years have the most complaints?
What should I do if my 2012 Keystone Cougar has a problem?

If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data

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