Recall 12V355 affects 1,012 2010-2012 Keystone Cougar RVs because rear bumper fatigue can release the spare tire. Repair is free at a franchised Keystone dealer.
Keystone is recalling 1,012 2010-2012 Cougar recreational vehicles because the rear bumper that holds the spare tire assembly can suffer metal fatigue and fail. If the bumper separates from the vehicle, it raises the risk of personal injury and property damage, and the Keystone dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The rear bumper on the 2010-2012 Keystone Cougar is more than a trim piece. It carries the spare tire assembly at the back of the recreational vehicle. That bumper has to hold the tire's weight while the trailer moves, turns, and absorbs road vibration.
On affected Cougars, the bumper can develop metal fatigue in the structure that supports the spare tire. Metal fatigue means the metal weakens after repeated stress, even when the part looks normal from a distance. As the fatigue progresses, the bumper no longer holds the spare tire assembly securely. The spare tire assembly can separate from the vehicle.
There is no warning sign before failure. Do not rely on a noise, dash light, or handling change to tell you the bumper is weakening. The problem is in the rear bumper and spare tire support, so a dealer needs to confirm whether your VIN is included and apply the recall repair.
Who's affected?
All three model years are tied to the same component set: equipment, temporary spare tire, and body bumpers.
| 2010 Keystone Cougar | Equipment |
|---|---|
| 2010 Keystone Cougar | tire |
| 2010 Keystone Cougar | body structure |
| 2012 Keystone Cougar | Equipment |
| 2012 Keystone Cougar | tire |
| 2012 Keystone Cougar | body structure |
| 2011 Keystone Cougar | Equipment |
| 2011 Keystone Cougar | tire |
| 2011 Keystone Cougar | body structure |
| Units affected | 1,012 |
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 bumper that fails or separates from the vehicle creates personal injury and property damage risk. There is no listed warning sign before this issue develops, so avoid delaying service if the bumper looks loose, damaged, or out of place. Repair will be free at any franchised Keystone dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2010-2012 Keystone Cougar is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Keystone dealer to schedule the free rear-bumper reinforcement kit that secures the spare tire assembly.
- Bring the recall notice if Keystone mailed one, and reference recall number 12V355 when you call.
- Avoid carrying the spare tire on the rear bumper until the reinforcement kit is installed if the bumper shows fatigue, looseness, or damage.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Keystone technician installs a reinforcement kit for the rear bumper area that carries the spare tire assembly. The kit reinforces the bumper structure so the spare tire carrier stays attached to the recreational vehicle. The listed dealer repair is free, with parts and labor covered under recall 12V355. Keystone's source remedy says the safety recall began on September 28, 2012. Ask the service desk to confirm that this repair is open for your VIN before arranging the appointment.
Timeline
| July 26, 2012 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| September 28, 2012 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 12V355?
Recall 12V355 covers 1,012 2010-2012 Keystone Cougar recreational vehicles with rear bumpers that hold the spare tire assembly. Metal fatigue can cause the bumper or spare tire assembly to separate from the vehicle, increasing the risk of personal injury and property damage.
What should I do if my 2010-2012 Keystone Cougar is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Cougar is included in recall 12V355. If it is, contact a Keystone dealer and ask for the rear bumper reinforcement kit. Reference recall number 12V355 when you call. The dealer repair is free.
Is the Keystone Cougar recall repair free?
Yes. Keystone dealers install the rear bumper reinforcement kit free of charge under this recall. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the covered safety defect at no cost, regardless of where you bought the recreational vehicle.
What is the safety risk on recall 12V355?
The safety risk is rear bumper failure or separation from the vehicle. Because the bumper holds the spare tire assembly, failure can let that assembly separate while the vehicle is in use, increasing the risk of personal injury and property damage.
What if I bought my Keystone Cougar used?
The free repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the VIN, not the first owner. If you never received Keystone's notice, check your VIN, then call a Keystone dealer with recall number 12V355 and ask for the rear bumper reinforcement kit.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/12V355000 |
|---|---|
| Keystone customer service | 1-866-425-4369 |
| NHTSA recall # | 12V355 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 12V355000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (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 2, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →