2022 Grand Design Momentum

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received twenty-three complaints alleging excessive frame flex on model year 2017-2023 Grand Design fifth wheel recreational trailers, models Momentum and Solitude. Twenty-two of the complaints allege that excessive frame flex resulted in a cargo or entry door opening while in transit, some with objects lost on roadways, while six complaints also state that slideouts extended out partially. ODI has been in contact with both Grand Design and Lippert, the frame manufacturer. Grand Design believes that some frame flex, generally considered to be vertical movement in the upper deck area of the fifth wheel, is normal. However, Grand Design has developed a technical service bulletin (TSB), to evaluate concerns of excessive frame flex, defined as vertical movement greater than 3/8 inch. Per Grand Design, the frame flex is only occurring in the upper deck area of the fifth wheel and is resulting in cosmetic defects such as moving sidewalls, damage to cabinets, binding doors, etc. However, Lippert believes that the effects of frame flex may also extend back to the front axle of the trailer.While Lippert provides frames for multiple trailer manufacturers, the majority of complaints are for these Grand Design products. Cargo and entry doors that open and slideouts that extend while in transit increase the risk of injury or a crash. ODI is opening this Preliminary Evaluation (PE) to evaluate the severity of the potential problem and to determine whether an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety exists. To review the ODI reports cited in the Opening Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

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.

NHTSA ID

11752065

Incident

Feb 1, 2022

The contact owns a 2022 Grand Design Recreational Trailer. The contact stated that while the trailer was parked, an inspection of the trailer revealed that the front passenger-side door was inoperable and failed to properly open and close. The contact also noticed sawdust present in the bedroom area of the trailer. Additionally, the generator compartment was inoperable and failed to lock properly. The contact received a recall notification from the manufacturer related to the trailer. The trailer was taken to the dealer; however, the trailer was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer informed the contact that the trailer needed to be inspected, and photographs of the failure were sent to a specialist for further evaluation. The contact later stated that the dealer advised that the inspection had been canceled after the photographs were submitted. The trailer was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200.

NHTSA ID

11737122

Incident

May 11, 2026

Mileage

200 mi

Lag bolts that connect the frame to the wall are coming out/ or were never put in place. Wall is separating from the frame and can see to the outside from the inside. If we had not seen this these bolts could have come all the way out causing the wall the separate while driving. Unknown at this time if there is any frame damage. Grand Design 2022 Momentum 381m

NHTSA ID

11705270

Incident

Dec 11, 2025

The contact owns a 2026 GMC Sierra 3500 used to haul a 2022 Grand Design Momentum RV. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH, the interior bedroom cabinets shifted and were rubbing against the wall. On another occasion while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact pulled over and noticed that the 8-inch gap between the RV and the bed of the vehicle was no longer there and the RV was sitting on the bed of the vehicle. The contact stated that on another occasion, while parked, the contact became aware that the running lights were inoperable. The contact stated that on another occasion he observed that the bedroom baseboards were separating from the wall and there was a crack running along the side of the wall. The contact inspected the outside of the RV and noticed that the driver’s side wall was bulging and had a diagonal crack. The RV was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed that there was frame damage due to poor design. The RV was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID

11704492

Incident

Apr 18, 2024

Mileage

70 mi

NHTSA – Complaint filed 7/24/25 ODI #11675985 1.Pin box movement within the upper deck, sagging geometry. 2.Entry door opens during travel despite safety bar being engaged. 3.Entry door is difficult to close and does not stay secured even when locked while stationary. 4.Passenger-side main slide partially opens during travel. 5.Passenger-side main slide is separating from the camper; frame is damaged, floor plywood is exposed and deteriorating. 6.Suspension wet bolts cracked on all six tires due to excessive wear from frame flex; all replaced. 7.Exterior garage door (near front cap) bows outward, opens during travel, and is difficult to secure even after Grand Design’s previous replacement. 8.Master bedroom dresser is detaching from the wall; sides are collapsing. 9.Washer/dryer doors no longer align; they remain open during travel due to changed dimensions. 10.Multiple interior wall cracks. 11.Master bedroom floor is sagging and produces loud noises underfoot. 12.Nails protruding through walls throughout the camper. 13.Ceiling and wall trim detaching throughout the unit. 14.Loft near the main slide is separating from the wall.

NHTSA ID

11676479

Incident

Jul 25, 2023

The contact owns a 2022 Grand Design Momentum RV. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the camper was bouncing up and down. Due to the failure, the furniture detached from the wall. In addition, the bedroom floor fractured and pieces of the floor were separated. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and the contact was advised to take the camper to a dealer in North Carolina, a six-hour drive away. The dealer determined that the failure was the result of nine lag bolts that were missing from the camper frame. The contact was informed that the failure was due to a manufacturer defect. The camper was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The contact stated that the pin box shifted downward, and the main slide on the passenger's side fractured and shifted down towards the ground and the furniture detached away from the wall. The main bedroom floor was fractured and sagging. The contact stated that while the RV was hitched and traveling, the main door unlatched and opened. Additionally, the garage door was bowed due to the failure of the frame. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The contact was advised to take the camper back to the dealer. The contact requested the manufacturer to buy the camper back, however the request was denied.

NHTSA ID

11675985

Incident

Jul 25, 2023

The issue with the frame having issues causing a safety concern and interior damages. When the frame over flexes it will stress other components, walls, trim, and cabinets.

NHTSA ID

11667274

Incident

Jun 14, 2025

DUE TO EXTREME FRAME FLEX, THE WELDS IN THE FRONT OF MY COACH BROKE AWAY FROM THE METAL. MY UNDERSTANDING IS THAT THE ONLY THING HOLDING MY 44' TOY HAULER ON MY TRUCK WAS THE INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SKIN OF THE COACH. I WAS HORRIFIED TO FIND THAT I WAS DRIVING MY COACH UNDER THESE DANGEROUS CONDITIONS CAUSING EXTREME RISK TO MY FAMILY AND THOSE ON THE ROAD. TO BE CLEAR, THIS FAILURE ONLY SHOWED ITSELF WITH ONLY MINOR SYMPTOMS TO AN UNTRAINED EYE. AFTER READING ALL THE COMMENTS ONLINE, I REALIZED THIS NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED FOR EVERYONE CONCERNED

NHTSA ID

11663662

Incident

May 5, 2025

Grand Design is addressing concerns of excessive frame flex or wall securement in the front upper deck area of a limited number of fifth-wheel units. This condition could potentially occur over time due to a combination of manufacturing variations, an overload condition, or hitch modifications. Wall securement or excessive frame flex does not compromise vehicle safety or structural integrity of the coach as verified by third-party experts. This service campaign covers 2020-2023 Grand Design Solitude and Momentum fifth wheel products that are 18,000lbs GVWR and over.

TSB 24-001 Issued in March on March 7th. Concern: Complaint of upper deck flex which results in cosmetic damages to the interior and excessive flex at the pin box. Remedy : The procedure outlined in attached summary to assess damages if any and direct customers to the next steps.