NHTSA Complaint #11710261 — 2017 KEYSTONE KEYSTONE

Subject: Catastrophic Suspension Failure Resulting in Total Loss of Trailer Braking Vehicle: 2017 Keystone Montana On January 5, 2026, while traveling at highway speeds, the rear driver and passenger-side leaf springs suffered a catastrophic "brittle fracture" failure. This resulted in the axle shifting 6+ inches, wedging into the chassis I-beam. The violence of the axle displacement severed the electrical brake wiring harnesses, causing a 100% loss of trailer braking. We were forced to perform an emergency stop of a 13,000lb+ load using only the tow vehicle’s brakes. Defect History & Pattern: This is the third suspension failure on this chassis. Previous repairs (documented) revealed factory-installed oversized hardware (screws) obstructing suspension travel. The failure mode matches the metallurgical defects described in NHTSA Recall 23V-822 (Hydrogen Embrittlement) and Safety Advisories 24-453 and 22-420. Safety Risk: The failure of the primary structural suspension led directly to the failure of the primary safety system (brakes). This defect renders the vehicle unroadworthy and constitutes an extreme risk of a "runaway trailer" event, multi-vehicle collision, and potential loss of life. The manufacturer (Keystone) has been on notice of these defects for 9 years but has failed to provide a permanent remedy, dismissing structural collapses as "normal wear and tear." There was absolutely no warning given prior to the incident taking place. When we first took the exit ramp for the I25 we heard a loud pop, then in our sideview mirrors began to see smoke coming from the side of the RV. Unable to immediately stop due to being on the top of the exit ramp with absolutely no extra space for other vehicles to safely get by, we continued down the ramp with just the use of our truck breaks until we reached a safe stopping point at the bottom of the ramp. I was in Medical Peril due to a PICC line for IV antibiotics treating a severe infection from a weak immune system