Recall 11V002 affects 1,086 2010-2011 Keystone Laredo, Cougar, and Outback travel trailers for malformed hitch couplers. Repair is free at any franchised Keystone dealer.
Keystone is recalling 1,086 2010-2011 Laredo, Cougar, and Outback travel trailers because some Lippert hitch couplers lack the indentation on the forward edge. Without that indentation, the trailer can separate from the hitch ball while towing, raising the risk of property damage or a crash; the Keystone dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The hitch coupler on 2010-2011 Keystone Laredo, Cougar, and Outback travel trailers is the metal socket at the front of the trailer tongue. It fits over the tow vehicle's hitch ball and helps hold the trailer connected while it is being towed.
On affected trailers, the Lippert Component hitch coupler was built without the required indentation on its forward edge. That indentation is part of the coupler shape that helps it seat and lock as designed. Without it, the coupler does not have the intended contact shape at the front edge, so the hitch connection needs inspection and recall repair.
There is no warning sign before failure. The coupler can look normal from the outside, so owners should not rely on noise, movement, or a visible crack to know whether the trailer is included.
Who's affected?
Covers Laredo, Cougar, and Outback trailer lines across the 2010 and 2011 model years, all tied to the trailer-hitch component.
| 2011 Keystone Laredo | Trailer hitches |
|---|---|
| 2010 Keystone Cougar | Trailer hitches |
| 2011 Keystone Cougar | Trailer hitches |
| 2010 Keystone Outback | Trailer hitches |
| 2010 Keystone Laredo | Trailer hitches |
| 2011 Keystone Outback | Trailer hitches |
| Units affected | 1,086 |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific trailer is included.
What's the safety risk?
A hitch coupler without the required indent can let the trailer separate from the hitch ball while towing, which increases the risk of property damage or a vehicle crash. Inspect the coupler stamping before towing and contact a Keystone dealer if it is not formed correctly. Repair will be free at any franchised Keystone dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2010-2011 Keystone Laredo, Cougar, or Outback travel trailer is included in this recall.
- Call Keystone customer service at 1-866-425-4369 to confirm the inspection and free repair path.
- Inspect the hitch coupler stamping for the forward-edge indent before towing the trailer.
- Reference recall number 11V002 when you call or when you arrange service.
- Avoid towing the trailer until Keystone confirms the coupler is formed correctly or replaces it free of charge.
What happens at the repair
Keystone's remedy asks the owner to inspect the hitch coupler stamping first. If the coupler is not formed correctly, Keystone arranges a free replacement. At the dealer, a Keystone technician checks the coupler on the affected travel trailer and replaces the hitch coupler if the stamping shows it was formed without the required forward-edge indentation. Parts and labor are covered under the recall once the replacement is arranged through Keystone Customer Service at 1-866-425-4369. The safety recall began on January 24, 2011.
Timeline
| January 4, 2011 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| January 24, 2011 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 11V002?
Recall 11V002 covers 1,086 2010-2011 Keystone Laredo, Cougar, and Outback travel trailers equipped with Lippert Component hitch couplers that lack the required indentation on the forward edge. Keystone asks owners to inspect the coupler stamping and will replace an incorrectly formed coupler for free.
What should I do if my 2010-2011 Keystone Laredo, Cougar, or Outback is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific travel trailer is included in recall 11V002. If it is, inspect the hitch coupler for the correct stamping, then contact Keystone customer service at 1-866-425-4369 to arrange free replacement if the coupler is not formed correctly.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. Keystone will arrange replacement of an incorrectly formed hitch coupler free of charge for included 2010-2011 Laredo, Cougar, and Outback travel trailers.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is trailer separation from the hitch ball while towing. Keystone says a coupler without the required indentation increases the risk of property damage or a crash. If your VIN is included and the coupler stamping is wrong, arrange the free replacement before towing.
What if I bought this Keystone trailer used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the VIN, not the original owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific Laredo, Cougar, or Outback is included, then reference recall 11V002 when you contact Keystone customer service.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/11V002000 |
|---|---|
| Keystone customer service | 1-866-425-4369 |
| NHTSA recall # | 11V002 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 11V002000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Defect / Noncompliance Notice (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 3, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →