Recall 21V380 covers 1,990 2017-2021 Keystone Cougar trailers with under-supported frame rails. Repair is free at any franchised Keystone dealer.
Keystone is recalling 1,990 2017-2021 Cougar trailers because the frame rails lack enough cross support and can buckle under side-load stress. A buckled frame rail can increase crash risk, and Keystone dealers will add the needed support free of charge.
Does this recall apply to your specific vehicle?
The official, free per-VIN recall check is run by NHTSA. Enter your VIN and we'll forward you directly — and add you to a free watchlist so you hear about new recalls for your vehicle.
Check my VIN at NHTSARecallNotify doesn't check your VIN — NHTSA's official tool does. We use your email only to alert you to new recalls.
Watch this vehicle for recalls
Add it to your free watchlist and we will alert you as new federal recalls are posted for your year, make and model. New-recall alerts are rolling out now.
You are on the watchlist.
We will email you as new federal recalls are posted for your vehicle.
What's wrong?
The frame on a 2017-2021 Keystone Cougar 368MBI trailer is the steel structure that carries the trailer body, axles, suspension, and cargo load. The spring hangers are brackets attached to that frame, and they hold the leaf spring suspension in place above the axles. When the trailer turns, backs into a site, or moves over uneven pavement, the frame and hangers are supposed to spread those forces through the structure.
On affected Cougar trailers, the frame rails do not have enough cross support above the axle area. That leaves the rails less able to handle side-load stress. Cracks can form over the spring hangers, or the frame rail can buckle or fail at the hanger area.
Owners have a visible warning sign to look for. An inspection around the spring hangers can show cracks in the frame or buckling near the hanger mounting points.
Who's affected?
Covers Cougar frame and front suspension components across the 2017-2021 model years.
| 2017 Keystone Cougar | body or structural component |
|---|---|
| 2017 Keystone Cougar | front suspension |
| 2019 Keystone Cougar | body or structural component |
| 2019 Keystone Cougar | front suspension |
| 2020 Keystone Cougar | body or structural component |
| 2020 Keystone Cougar | front suspension |
| 2021 Keystone Cougar | body or structural component |
| 2021 Keystone Cougar | front suspension |
| 2018 Keystone Cougar | body or structural component |
| 2018 Keystone Cougar | front suspension |
| Units affected | 1,990 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
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 buckled frame rail increases the risk of a crash. Cracks or buckling near the spring hangers are the warning signs to look for during inspection. Until the dealer repair is complete, avoid towing the trailer if the frame or spring hanger area shows damage. Repair is free at any franchised Keystone dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2017-2021 Keystone Cougar is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Keystone dealer to schedule the free cross-brace and outrigger repair that adds support to the frame rails.
- Bring the recall notice if you have it. If not, reference recall number 21V380 when you call.
- Avoid towing the trailer under heavy side-load stress until the repair is complete.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Keystone technician adds cross braces between each spring hanger and installs an outrigger between the tires on the off-door side of the trailer. The recall repair is free at a Keystone dealer now, with parts and labor covered. If you already paid for frame support repairs tied to this condition, Keystone's standard reimbursement plan covers documented expenses. Bring repair paperwork and proof of payment to the service desk, or contact Keystone customer service to start the claim.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| May 24, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| July 15, 2021 | Dealer notification began |
| July 15, 2021 | Dealer notification ended |
| July 15, 2021 | Owner notification mailed |
| July 15, 2021 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V380?
Recall 21V380 covers 1,990 2017-2021 Keystone Cougar 368MBI trailers with frame rails that lack enough cross support and can buckle under side-load stress. Keystone dealers will add cross braces and an outrigger free of charge.
What should I do if my 2017-2021 Keystone Cougar is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific trailer is included in recall 21V380. If it is, contact a franchised Keystone dealer to schedule the frame support repair. Reference recall number 21V380 and Keystone recall number 21-411 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Keystone dealers will add the required cross braces and off-door-side outrigger free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The risk is a buckled frame rail that increases crash risk. The added cross braces and outrigger are meant to give the frame more support around the spring hangers and the off-door side between the tires.
What if I bought my Keystone Cougar used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the trailer, not the original owner. Check your VIN to confirm inclusion, then call a franchised Keystone dealer or Keystone customer service at 1-866-425-4369 with recall number 21V380.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V380000 |
|---|---|
| Keystone customer service | 1-866-425-4369 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V380 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V380000 |
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 →