GRAND DESIGN Complaints

The contact owns a 2026 Grand Design Recreational Solitude RV. The contact stated that there was a leak coming from the underbelly of the RV. A mobile technician from the local dealer inspected the vehicle and determined that it was due to a manufacturing issue. The black seal installed by the manufacturer was positioned too high, creating a gap that allowed water intrusion. There was the presence of black and pink mold, standing water, and raw sewage inside the underbelly of the RV. The raw sewage remained in the vehicle for more than six weeks. The contact was concerned that airborne pathogens may have been present, creating a potential health and safety hazard. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case for the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

The contact owns a 2022 Grand Design Momentum RV. The contact stated that there was an excessive frame flex in the body of the RV. The contact stated that the walls were separating, and the doors were opening unintendedly while driving. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and the lag bolts were replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was unknown.

The contact owns a 2022 Grand Design Reflection RV. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the entire rear wall detached from the frame and shifted from side to side. Additionally, on a separate occasion, the outriggers were bent. The manufacturer was notified of the failures and referred the contact to Cruise America RV Rental, where the RV was repaired. The contact stated that while driving on several occasions, the entry door inadvertently opened due to excessive frame flexing. Additionally, the awning inadvertently extended while driving. The manufacturer was notified of the failures and referred the contact to the dealer for assistance. The RV was not repaired after the most recent failure. The failure mileage was approximately 1,200.

A crack was found in the frame above the left rear suspension spring hanger for the rear (2nd) axle on my 2024 Grand Design Influence 3803GK 5th wheel RV. This is an ongoing issue with Grand Design and other towable RV Manufacturers, investigation number PE24029. The crack was found and inspected at a manufacturers rally by Service Representatives from Grand Design and Lippert in March of 2026. Lippert sent a mobile technician to our home to perform repairs on 5/26/26. The repair was to grind out the crack and weld, then weld a piece of 1" x 2" steel tubing over the crack vertically between the top and bottom webs. They also welded 1" x 2" tubing for cross braces between the spring hangers (side-to-side) at all three spring hanger locations.

We own a 2021 Grand Design Momentum 393g toy hauler that has severe frame flex and bolts in slide have started backing out. We noticed this when driving and the extreme pushing/chucking when accelerating or braking and also the visible failure on the unit. We have contacted Gran Design, the manufacturer, for warranty repair and was able to go see the unit when they torn down to look at frame. The side walls were both broken and wall frame fell out when opened up. The unit is now at the manufacturer in Indiana for repair, my husband did not feel it was safe to tow so we requested manufacturer transport the unit. We were told by a Lippert Frame Tech the unit is not safe to use.

Timeline of Structural Failures June 11, 2026 — During tire replacement (approx. 6,000 towing miles), a crack at the driver-side front spring hanger was discovered and photographed. June 15, 2026 — A bent A-frame brace behind the battery tray was observed during travel, indicating front-frame deformation. July 2, 2026 — Coroplast underbelly separation occurred; many fasteners were loose or missing. Temporary duct-tape repairs were made while traveling. July 4, 2026 — Two of four battery-tray welds failed. Battery assembly was held only by one weld, the propane line, and anti-theft straps. Two batteries remained mounted. Photos documented the failure. Structural Issues Identified Cracked frame at spring hanger Bent A-frame brace Missing underbelly fasteners Coroplast separation Failed battery-tray welds Evidence of frame movement affecting suspension and front-frame components Safety Concerns Battery Retention Risk Possible battery detachment at highway speeds Hazard to following vehicles and roadway safety Propane System Risk Battery tray partially supported by propane line Potential for leaks, fire, or explosion Overall Structural Integrity Rapid progression of failures suggests a systemic structural issue, not isolated defects Summary Trailer has ~6,000 towing miles. Multiple failures occurred between June 11 and July 4, 2026. Issues were found during routine inspections and travel, not caused by collision or misuse. Conditions warrant a comprehensive engineering review of the frame and related structural components.

I am reporting a serious, progressive structural defect involving excessive frame flex and structural failure on a 2021 Grand Design Momentum 395MS fifth-wheel RV. This complaint directly aligns with the ongoing NHTSA investigation PE24-0209. The unit exhibits clear and worsening structural integrity failure, including: Slideouts and doors open during transport. Upper deck walls moving under load Lag bolts missing or backing out and pushing through flooring At least one critical structural bolt missing from factory installation Floor deformation and slope changes in the upper deck Slide-out malfunction due to frame distortion Loud popping and snapping noises while towing consistent with frame flex or structural separation These conditions reflect loss of structural integrity under normal use and represent a serious safety hazard, including risk of catastrophic failure while towing. On June 24, 2026, Lippert (frame/component supplier) assigned Case #6876203 and scheduled a mobile service inspection. This Grand Design Momentum 395ms is not safe to tow. It is a danger on the roads and they need to be recalled at the least for inspections of the frame for damage.

Front of 5th wheel movement caused by excessive frame failure, inspection shows 1/2" out of compliance. Lag screws around interior upper deck backed out and have to be tightened regularly, soft spot in floor between bathroom and upper deck bedroom. Additional body screws needed in garage area to hold skin in place. Front jacks angled.

I'm submitting this report on our RV because we are discovering we very likely have an issue with the frame which is causing over flexing when it is being towed. This has caused damage inside the RV where the trim and cabinetry are damaging the walls due to more movement than should be occurring. We have notified the manufacturer, Grand Design, for guidance as we've read this could be caused by broken welds in the frame. They requested we send them photos which we have but are still waiting for information back from them. At this point we are concerned that the RV may not be safe to use until we can discuss in more detail the issues we are having and how they can't be fixed if possible. We are aware this is a known issue with this particular model RV. We were told about a TSB that suggested we check to see if the bolts were loose in the front of the unit where the wall and frame meet. We did this and they were loose so we had them replaced with the suggested larger size bolts listed in the TSB. After this was done we monitored the walls to see if we were still getting movement on the walls based on marks we made after the bolt were replaced and unfortunately we still did. Our understanding is the whole front panel of the RV has to be removed so the welds can be inspected and determined if any are broken or compromised and then determine if they can be repaired. Before doing this we want Grand Design to send us information on what to look for. Unfortunately our RV is over the 5 year extended frame warranty they provided so we don't think they will cover the costs although I think there should be compensation if it is determined the frame they used in manufacturing this RV was not strong enough to handle the weight.

The contact owns a 2016 Grand Design Solitude Camper. The contact stated while while the camper was traveling, the side door independently unlatched and opened. In addition the contact stated while the camper was parked , the contact noticed that the midddle slider was detached about 10 inches. The camper was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact stated in the past the camper was taken to the dealer, however the failure was not duplicated. The contact was informed that the slider needed to be reset. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure.