Model year record

2003 Keystone Outback recalls & problems

The 2003 Keystone Outback has 2 safety recalls and 3 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is structure (2 complaints).

Recalls2safety recalls

Complaints3filed by owners

Crashes · fires0 · 1reported in complaints

Injuries · deaths0 · 0reported in complaints

Safety recalls

EquipmentNov 22, 2017

Equipment

Recall 17V7550001,205,997 vehicles

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

EquipmentNov 12, 2003

Recreational vehicle/trailer

Recall 03V4630003,641 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: ON CERTAIN TRAVEL TRAILERS EQUIPPED WITH SAMSUNG MICROWAVE OVENS, THESE OVENS WERE PRODUCED WITH A DEFECTIVE PANEL. AN ELECTRICAL SHORT CAN OCCUR BETWEEN CIRCUIT PATTERNS ON THE MEMBRANE PANEL, ESPECIALLY OVERLAPPED BY A "JUMPER" OR JUMP WIRE. THIS MAY CAUSE THE OVEN TO ACTIVATE WITHOUT PRESSING ANY KEY PADS.
Risk: AN ELECTRICAL SHORT CAN OCCUR CAUSING THE OVEN TO ACTIVATE WITHOUT PRESSING ANY KEY PADS. THIS COULD RESULT IN EXCESSIVE HEAT, SMOKE, OR POSSIBLY A FIRE.
Fix: SAMSUNG WILL NOTIFY CUSTOMERS AND REPAIR THE PANEL FREE OF CHARGE. IN THE MEANTIME, CONSUMERS SHOULD UNPLUG THEIR MICROWAVE, IF POSSIBLE. IF THE CONSUMER IS UNABLE TO UNPLUG THE MICROWAVE, THEY SHOULD LEAVE THE DOOR AJAR UNTIL THE PANEL IS REPLACED. CONSUMERS SHOULD NEVER USE THE MICROWAVE OVEN FOR STORAGE OR LEAVE ANY TOWELS, PAPER, CLOTH OR OTHER PRODUCTS IN THE MICROWAVE AFTER USE. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT SAMSUNG AT 800-932-3837 OR KEYSTONE AT 574-535-2100.

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

What owners report

Problem area	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Injuries	Typical mileage*
StructureFrame and members	2	0	0	0	—
EquipmentRecreational vehicle/trailer	1	0	1	0	—

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Equipment › Recreational vehicle/trailerFire
WE WERE THE OWNERS OF A 2003 OUTBACK BY LITEWAY (KEYSTONE) UNTIL FEB. 2010 AT WHICH TIME IT CAUGHT FIRE AND BURNED COMPLETELY. IT WAS SITTING IN OUR DRIVEWAY AND LUCKILY A NEIGHBOR WOKE UP AND REPORTED IN ON FIRE. THE FIRE MARSHAL DETERMINED IT STARTED BEHIND THE REFRIGERATOR. WHILE LOOKING ON LINE YESTERDAY, I CAME ACROSS SEVERAL BLOGS DISCUSSING A RECALL ON THE SAME REFRIGERATOR WE HAD IN OURS. IT IS MADE BY DOMETIC AND APPARENTLY THEY'RE HANDLING THE SITUATION VERY POORLY.THIS PROBLEM IS EFFECTING AN IMMENSE AMOUNT OF TRAILERS. WE, LIKE HUNDREDS OR THOUSANDS OF OTHERS, NEVER RECEIVED A NOTICE OF RECALL THAT WOULD ALERT US TO THE POTENTIAL DANGERS! I'VE READ SEVERAL OTHER COMPLAINTS…
Feb 2, 2010
Structure
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 KEYSTONE OUTBACK LITE FIFTH WHEEL. WHILE DRIVING LESS THAN 70 MPH, THE RIGHT SIDING ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE PEELED OFF. THERE WAS FIBERGLASS DEBRIS. NO REPAIRS HAVE BEEN MADE. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND ADVISED THE CONTACT TO HIRE AN ATTORNEY. UPDATED 11/17/08 *CN THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THE RV HAD EXTENSIVE WATER DAMAGED ON THE FRONT A RIGHT AND LEFT SIDE. UPDATED 11/24/08.*JB
Oct 24, 2008
Structure › Frame and members
THE TRAILERS REAR BUMPER IS SEPARATING FROM THE FRAME. THE CAUSE OF BUMPER SEPARATION IS UNDETERMINED. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *PH
Oct 26, 2003 · 2,500 miles

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.

NHTSA defect investigations

WHEEL SEPARATIONSClosedLed to recall 05V309000
ON JUNE 20, 2005, KEYSTONE RV NOTIFIED ODI OF KEYSTONE'S INTENTION TO CONDUCT SAFETY CAMPAIGN 05V-309 TO ADDRESS 2,668 VEHICLES CONSISTING OF 1,677 MY 2004 MONTANA, 550 MY 2004 EVEREST, AND 441 MY 2005 EVEREST VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH ALUMINUM WHEELS.THIS CAMPAIGN PROPOSES TO REMOVE THE WHEELS, INSPECT THE WHEEL ENDS FOR INDICATIONS OF PRIOR LOOSENING AND/OR OTHER DAMAGE, REMOVE PAINT AND OTHER CONTAMINANTS FROM THE WHEEL MOUNTING INTERFACE, AND EDUCATE THE OWNER ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF CHECKING THE TORQUE OF THE WHEEL MOUNTING NUTS AS PRESCRIBED IN KEYSTONE'S OWNER'S MANUAL.ON SEPTEMBER 20, 2005 KEYSTONE DISTRIBUTED WHEEL END SERVICING INFORMATION IN DVD FORMAT TO 114,618 OWNERS OF NON-CAMPAIGNED VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN MAY 1, 2003 AND SEPT 1, 2005. ALTHOUGH KEYSTONE HAS INDICATED THAT THEY HAVE IMPROVED THE QUALITY AND CONSISTENCY OF THE WHEEL NUT INSTALLATION AND TORQUING, ODI IS…
EA04032 · opened Nov 23, 2004 · closed Dec 30, 2005
WHEEL SEPARATIONSClosed
WHEEL SEPARATIONS AT THOR INDUSRIES HAVE PREDOMINANTLY OCCURRED IN VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BY KEYSTONE RV.KEYSTONE RV HAS REPORTED 110 SEPARATIONS OF STEEL WHEELS OF 64,727(0.17%) AND 15 SEPARATIONS OF ALUMINUM WHEELS OF 6,984 PRODUCED (0.21%) IN RECREATIONAL VEHICLESMANUFACTURED SINCE MARCH 2003.OTHER DIVISIONS OF THOR INDUSTRIES, DUTCHMAN (4), THOR CALIFORNIA (0), THOR AMERICA (2), KOMFORT CORP (2), AND AIRSTREAM (14) HAVE REPORTED FEWER WHEEL SEPARATIONS OVER A BROADER TIME PERIOD (SINCE 2000) THAN KEYSTONE RV. SINCE A SIGNIFICANT MAJORITY (92%) OF THE WHEEL SEPARATIONS THAT HAVE OCCURRED IN THOR INDUSTRIES VEHICLES HAVE OCCURRED IN KEYSTONE RV VEHICLES, ODI WILL FOCUS INVESTIGATION ACTIVITY ON THESE PRODUCTS AND OPEN AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA) AT KEYSTONE RV TO INVESTIGATE THE CAUSE(S) FOR WHEEL SEPARATIONS.
PE04051 · opened Jul 22, 2004 · closed Nov 23, 2004