Recall 21V178 covers 31 2021 Keystone Cougar trailers with an incorrectly wired inverter that energizes shore power. Repair is free at any franchised Keystone dealer.
Keystone is recalling 31 2021 Cougar trailers equipped with the Off the Grid (OTG) Solar package because incorrect inverter wiring can energize the shore power connection while the system is in use. That energized connection can shock someone and increase the risk of injury, and Keystone dealers will correct the wiring free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The inverter in a 2021 Keystone Cougar trailer with the Off the Grid Solar package supplies 120VAC power when the trailer is away from shore power. It is supposed to feed only the outlets labeled "Off The Grid Inverter Outlet" and keep the shore power connection from being energized from the trailer side.
On affected trailers, the inverter input wiring from the power center and the output wiring to the Off The Grid inverter circuit were reversed. That backwards wiring sends inverter power into the wrong circuits. When the inverter is on, power can reach interior circuits that should stay off and can energize the shore power connection.
The warning sign is circuit behavior. If the inverter is on and anything other than the outlets labeled "Off The Grid Inverter Outlet" has power, turn the inverter off until a Keystone service center inspects and repairs the trailer.
Who's affected?
| 2021 Keystone Cougar | electrical system |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 31 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 3 field incidents to date. |
Not every 2021 Keystone Cougar trailer is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific trailer is included.
What's the safety risk?
When the inverter is on, the shore power connection can stay energized and create an electrical shock risk. Turn the inverter off if power reaches circuits beyond the labeled inverter outlets, and avoid touching the shore power connection until service. Repair is free at any franchised Keystone dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2021 Keystone Cougar is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Keystone dealer to schedule the free inverter test and rewiring that keeps the shore power connection from being energized during inverter use.
- Bring the recall notice if Keystone mailed one. If not, reference recall number 21V178 when you call.
- Avoid using the inverter or shore power connection until the dealer completes the inspection and any needed rewiring.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Keystone technician tests the inverter function on the affected Cougar trailer. If the inverter wiring is wrong, the dealer rewires it so the shore power connection is not energized during inverter use. The recall repair is free, including parts and labor. Keystone has a manufacturer reimbursement plan on file for qualifying out-of-pocket repairs already paid before the recall notice. Bring repair invoices and payment records to the service desk so Keystone can review the claim under that plan.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| March 16, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| March 24, 2021 | Owner notification mailed |
| April 11, 2021 | Dealer notification began |
| April 11, 2021 | Dealer notification ended |
| April 11, 2021 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V178?
Recall 21V178 covers 31 2021 Keystone Cougar trailers equipped with the Off the Grid Solar package. The inverter wiring can energize the shore power connection when the inverter is in use, creating an electrical shock risk. Keystone dealers will test the inverter and rewire it for free if needed.
What should I do if my 2021 Keystone Cougar is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific trailer is included in recall 21V178. If it is, contact a franchised Keystone dealer and ask for the inverter test and wiring repair. Reference NHTSA campaign 21V178 or Keystone recall 21-403 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. Keystone dealers will test the inverter function and rewire it if necessary, free of charge, under recall 21V178.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is electrical shock. On affected trailers, the inverter can energize the shore power connection while in use, increasing the risk of injury. Avoid handling the shore power connection when the inverter is operating, and have a Keystone dealer complete the free inspection and repair.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V178000 |
|---|---|
| Keystone customer service | 1-866-425-4369 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V178 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V178000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 23, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →